More than a dozen Austin-based entrepreneurs landed on the 2026 edition of Inc. Magazine’s 2026 Female Founders 500 list. The roundup highlights women leading companies and nonprofits across the US, and this year, 14 of those businesses call the Capital City home.
Innovators
Cheryl Sew Hoy, Tiny Health | Biotech & Pharmaceuticals
- This company performs at-home microbiome testing for both adults and children.
Pranitha Patil, Function Health | Healthcare & Medical
- Rooted in an ethos of giving people the tools to live for 100 years, Function guides people through hundreds of lab tests to arm them with knowledge about their bodies.
Sarah Mayes, Alafair Biosciences, Inc. | Healthcare & Medical
- Products from this company help surgeons reduce scarring and speed recovery through soft-tissue innovation.
Trailblazers
Jacqueline Samira, Howdy.com | Human Resources
- This platform helps companies of all sizes scale by matching talent to their brand.
Katie Fang, SchooLinks | Software
- A higher education readiness program, SchooLinks helps students understand their career path options and evaluates their goals.
Whitney Wolfe Herd, Bumble | Software
- No longer just a dating program where women make the first move, Bumble also helps people connect with new friends and even network.
Change makers
Kirsten Maitland, Rebel Cheese | Food & beverage
- A plant-based cheese maker cut Mark Cuban’s fastest deal yet during a run on “Shark Tank,” and fellow Shark Kevin O’Leary said there is “no way” to tell the brand’s vegan brie from the real thing.
Power brokers
Kendra Scott, Kendra Scott | Consumer products
- The renowned jewelry brand needs no introduction in Austin and has continued to grow and launch new products for nearly 25 years.
Serenity Carr, Serenity Kids | Food & beverage
- This baby nutrition-focused brand has sold 35+ million pouches of its baby food, which is made with farm-fresh ingredients.
Mountain climbers
Hannah Hembree Bell, Hembree Bell Law Firm | Legal
- Recognized for utilizing AI to improve communication and case management, this family law firm offers free case evaluations.
Holly Elabed, Lab Alley | Business Products & Services
- A lab chemicals supplier, this local company is leading the charge on sustainability efforts by reevaluating packaging and planting 85,000+ trees.
Lindsey Ip, VIO2 | Consumer products
- With accolades from People, Goop, and Good Morning America, this brand’s mouth tape is meant to help consumers get a better night’s sleep and improve health.
Trendsetters
Luna Aziz, Legendairy Milk | Consumer products
- Pregnancy, postpartum, and women’s health are paramount with this brand, which ships supplements internationally.
Wellness warriors
Mari Llewellyn, Bloom Nutrition | Biotech & pharmaceuticals
- Protein, superfood powder, clean energy drinks, creatine — this brand does it all and makes sure it tastes great on top. Figi here — I put a scoop of Bloom’s greens powder in my smoothie each morning, so I’m thrilled to see a brand I love on the list.
While you’re here, check out some of our readers’ favorite local businesses.
