Kanika Tekriwal's journey from a life-altering cancer diagnosis to founding India's leading private aviation marketplace, JetSetGo, is a powerful testament to resilience and entrepreneurial spirit. Diagnosed with Stage 2 Hodgkin's Lymphoma in her early twenties, Tekriwal faced grim prognoses but refused to let the illness define her future. Instead, she channeled her renewed perspective into building a groundbreaking business.
Defying Medical Odds and Societal Expectations
Born into a Marwari family in Bhopal, Tekriwal pursued higher education at Coventry University in the UK. While her family anticipated a conventional path, she harbored ambitions of establishing her own venture. Her entrepreneurial drive was abruptly interrupted by her cancer diagnosis, a moment she recalls as profoundly changing her outlook on life.
Reflecting on her battle, Tekriwal shared on Shark Tank India, "I was 21 and 40 doctors told me that you will survive for four months or four days. I then met a doctor in Mumbai, and I told him, 'We will have a drink 40 years later, now, let's talk.'" This defiant spirit not only saw her through treatment but also solidified her belief that life is short and must be lived on one's own terms.
Launching JetSetGo: The 'Uber for Private Aviation'
In 2014, armed with an unwavering vision and a mere ₹5,600 personal investment, Kanika Tekriwal founded JetSetGo. This innovative platform functions as a technology-driven marketplace for private jets and helicopters, often likened to an "Uber for private aviation." Despite entering a capital-intensive industry dominated by established players, Tekriwal's strategic approach allowed her to build the business with remarkably minimal initial capital.
"A lot of people ask me how I did this without raising money. Till date, I have invested only ₹5,600, and we operate India's largest fleet of private jets," she stated, highlighting her unique bootstrapping success. Today, JetSetGo boasts a valuation of approximately ₹420 crore and manages one of India's largest fleets of private aircraft.
Navigating Challenges and Gaining Recognition
Tekriwal's path was not without hurdles. As a woman leading a business in the male-dominated private aviation sector, she frequently encountered skepticism and gender bias. "Initially, it took time for people to take me seriously for the business I am in, and I did receive remarks such as 'you should take up baking cupcakes'," she recounted in an interview. She also noted the double standard where her assertiveness was labeled arrogance, while a man exhibiting similar traits would be seen as passionate.
Despite these challenges, Tekriwal steadfastly scaled JetSetGo, expanding its operations to major cities including Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, New York, and Dubai. Her entrepreneurial acumen attracted notable investors like businessman Puneet Dalmia and former Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh. Her achievements have earned her significant recognition, including features in the Forbes 30 Under 30 list in both 2016 and 2017, and a prominent role as a judge on Shark Tank India Season 5, where she continues to inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs.