Making her debut on BT's Most Powerful Women in Business list this year, 29-year-old entrepreneur and singer, Ananya Birla, shared her insights about her journey. In an interview with Krishna Gopalan, Executive Editor at Business Today, she emphasised on her commitment to be an independent force and highlighted the challenges she faced in a male-dominated industry.
Ananya Birla, at the age of 17, founded Svatantra Microfin, driven by the vision of empowering women financially and democratising access to finance. The venture aimed at creating substantial value for stakeholders.
Acknowledging her privileged background as the eldest child of Kumar Mangalam Birla and Neerja Birla, Ananya Birla was motivated by the stark contrast she observed, where a girl across the road struggled for survival due to limited means. She said, "I embarked on the journey to demonstrate my capability in accomplishing things independently and affirm my worthiness of the opportunities afforded to me.”
Svatantra Microfin's impact is quantifiable, reaching over 5 million clients across 100,000 villages, with disbursements exceeding Rs 21,500 crore since its inception. The FY18-23 period reflects a remarkable CAGR of 67 per cent.
In a significant move, Ananya Birla joined the boards of Aditya Birla Management Corporation, Grasim Industries, and Aditya Birla Fashion & Retail. The recent acquisition of Chaitanya India Fin Credit positions Svatantra as the second-largest NBFC MFI in India.
Beyond the financial sector, Ananya Birla has diverse interests in creative fields as well. Her accomplishments extend to the music industry, where her single 'Meant to Be' achieved platinum status in India, defying initial skepticism about the market for English music.
Ananya Birla's involvement in design led to the creation of Ikai Asai, an artisanal home décor and tableware brand. This venture showcases her commitment to diverse creative pursuits beyond the realm of finance.
Amidst her ventures, Aditya Birla founded the Ananya Birla Foundation during the pandemic, aiming to foster compassion, equality, and inclusivity. The foundation's programs span mental health, equality, education, financial inclusion, climate change, and humanitarian relief efforts.
With roles in key boards, including Aditya Birla Management Corporation and Grasim Industries, Ananya Birla has solidified her presence and influence in corporate leadership, contributing to strategic decision-making.
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