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Inc., the leading media brand and playbook for the entrepreneurs and business leaders shaping the future, announced its eighth annual Female Founders list, honoring a group of 500 women whose innovations and ideas are leading their industries forward. These entrepreneurs expressed grit and drive to collectively attract approximately $9 billion in 2024 revenue and $10.6 billion in funding.

Each year, Inc. editors review thousands of applications highlighting female founders who are challenging the status quo and tackling some of the world’s biggest problems, and cull applicants through three rigorous rounds of judging, looking specifically at an entrepreneur’s bona fides in the past year. Criteria include quantifiable metrics such as revenue, sales, revenue growth, funding, and audience size. Inc. also looks for qualitative metrics including social media momentum and stories of impact. The founders cross all industries and bring with them unique stories of success from each stage of the entrepreneurial journey — from startup to going public, being acquired by big buyers, or spending decades at the helm of an organization.

“I am honored to be named to a list amongst so many women that I admire,” said Victoria Venturi, founder and CEO of Paper Epiphanies. “To receive this recognition after such a pivotal year in business for PiPH, feels like kismet. I am inspired every day to lead such a vibrant and disruptive company.”

In 2024, Venturi led Paper Epiphanies to record growth, becoming the first independent greeting card publisher to open in a major United States airport. The company experienced 230% YOY growth and created the first of its kind airport marketing and mail program known as the Mail High Club to encourage the sending of letters on board planes and from airports. Paper Epiphanies now dominates the independent greeting card trade and is challenging industry leaders for precious market share.

“Female founders know what struggle is, but they’re also experts of improvisation, adaptability and creativity. The women featured on this year’s list exemplify these qualities. Through times of uncertainty, their unwavering dedication and steadfast leadership are not only inspiring but vital to driving progress,” said Inc. executive editor Diana Ransom.

Inc. magazine’s Female Founders issue will be on newsstands March 18. To see the complete list of honorees, visit inc.com/female-founders.