Saumya Singh Rathore, Co-Founder, WinZO games

Online gaming requires use of cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and computer vision to create more immersive and engaging gaming experiences. The need to develop low latency apps, irrespective of the kind of device used by the consumer, makes it extremely complex. In India, the representation of women in these fields is low. Studies have shown that only 28% of STEM graduates in India are women, and only 14% of the STEM workforce is female. However, the number of women participating in the digital industry is increasing. As the number of female gamers in India is increasing, there is an opportunity for more and more women to take on leadership roles in the industry.

As one of the few women leaders in the industry, I’ve had to win many battles around gender stereotypes. Like any other problem, my strategy to solve this one is to gather all my resources - an enabling co-founder, meritocratic team that doesn’t remember your gender, and a cap-table that believes in capabilities and business model and can see the company beyond your gender. On difficult days, I remember my growing up days as a kid from a typical Indian middle class family. With all hurdles and limited resources in a competitive environment, you had no option but to excel. At times the only option is to get through with a lot of hard work and all your supporters and believers by your side helping unlock real potential.