The entrepreneurial landscape of India is set for a fresh perspective as Shark Tank India Season 5 welcomes aviation magnate Kanika Tekriwal to its esteemed panel of investors. In an exclusive conversation, the newest Shark opened up about her profoundly humbling experience on the show, the evolving confidence of Indian pitchers, and the early days when even her own family questioned her ambitious vision. Her story is a powerful testament to how self-belief and relentless grit can defy all odds.
A Humbling Dive into the Tank
Reflecting on her initial stint as a Shark, Kanika described the experience as both fun and eye-opening. "I wasn't expecting what I have witnessed," she admitted. The diversity and depth of talent pitching their ideas left a deep impression on her. She encountered entrepreneurs from cities and towns she had never heard of, young individuals armed with sophisticated knowledge and terminology that showcased a new, dynamic India. "We feel like we're running a business. So I think for me, it's been a very humbling experience. I'm going back so inspired," she shared, adding that the journey made her feel remarkably small in the best possible way.
The Unshakeable Power of Grit
For Kanika, the single most important trait she looks for in an entrepreneur is grit. She emphasized that building a business is a rollercoaster that demands a steely resolve. Recounting her own struggles, she revealed the initial skepticism she faced. "My own father used to say, 'Time waste kar rahi hai, shaadi nahi karni'. My uncle asked me, 'do you know how many zeroes are there in 1 crore?'" she recalled. This lack of immediate familial support only fueled her determination. She draws a parallel with the pitchers on the show who, despite lacking financial backing or exposure from government schools, exhibit an unshakeable self-confidence. "It takes a lot to just believe in yourself and keep going each day," she asserted.
Her advice to young founders is clear: entrepreneurship has become cool and acceptable, leading to a surge in quality ideas, particularly in fields like AI. This shift, she believes, is positioning India to become the next global superpower.
Building an Empire with Just Rs 5600
Kanika's journey is a masterclass in bootstrapping and profitability. Entering the male-dominated aviation industry at just 21 years old, she faced closed doors at every turn when seeking funding. "The best thing that happened to me in life was that I didn't raise money," she declared. This forced her to build a profitable business from the ground up. In a stunning revelation, she stated, "I've only invested Rs 5600 till date. And we operate India's largest fleet of private jets." Her core message is powerful: raising capital is not the ultimate benchmark of success. Sometimes, being denied funding teaches invaluable lessons in hustle and survival, building an entrepreneur no one can defeat.
Her first day on the Shark Tank set was intimidating, sitting beside what she calls "human computers." Accustomed to lengthy due diligence processes, the fast-paced, 40-minute pitch format pushed her to rely heavily on gut, instinct, and her unwavering focus on profitability—a principle she has adhered to for nearly 11 years in her own venture.
Kanika Tekriwal's entry into Shark Tank India 5 is more than just an addition to the panel; it's the introduction of a self-made icon whose journey from doubt to dominance embodies the resilient spirit of India's new generation of entrepreneurs.
