In a world where the skies are often metaphorically and literally dominated by men, one woman's childhood fascination with aircraft has soared into a multi-crore empire. Kanika Tekriwal, now a familiar face as a judge on Shark Tank India, is the founder of JetSetGo, India's first transparent marketplace for private aviation. Her story is a powerful testament to resilience, rewriting a dream that was initially grounded by orthodox views.
The Dream That Took A Different Flight Path
Kanika Tekriwal's net worth is estimated at a staggering over Rs 420 crore, earning her a spot among the youngest richest women on the Hurun Rich List. However, her journey began not in a boardroom, but with a simple childhood wonder. "My fascination with planes began at a very early age," she has shared, recalling being just four years old when she first saw a helicopter land.
Her initial aspiration was to become a pilot. But coming from a Marwari family, she faced immediate resistance. "My parents thought, 'Driver banegi?' and it was a no," Kanika revealed. This rejection, instead of crushing her spirit, fueled a new determination. "That inspired me to do something in aviation," she stated, setting her on a path to revolutionize the industry from a different angle.
Building JetSetGo Against All Odds
At the young age of 21, in 2014, Kanika Tekriwal founded JetSetGo with a radical vision: to create an 'Uber for the skies.' Her model was to buy private jets and rent them out, aiming to make private aviation more accessible and transparent. The initial capital was remarkably modest. She invested only Rs 5,600 to start what would become a giant in the sector.
The early days were fraught with challenges stemming from a "lethal combination" of being a young woman in a male-dominated industry. She faced constant skepticism and was often mistaken for cabin crew during airport visits. "People would ask me, 'Ma'am, are you in the cabin crew?'" she recalled, a testament to the stereotypes she had to break.
When she attempted to raise capital, doors were shut in her face as investors questioned the market size. "Only one person believed in me," she said. This forced her to bootstrap the company, a decision she now calls the best thing that happened to her.
Soaring Success and A Future-Ready Fleet
Today, JetSetGo's achievements speak volumes. The company has handled over 100,000 passengers and operated more than 6,000 flights. It manages one of India's largest fleets of private jets, with nine private planes and two helicopters under its management.
JetSetGo has evolved far beyond a simple charter service. The company now offers comprehensive aircraft management, ownership guidance, exclusive membership programs, and is actively preparing for the future of aviation. This includes exploring innovations like electric and vertical take-off aircraft.
Kanika Tekriwal's journey from a dream dismissed as 'driver banegi?' to building a Rs 420 crore empire is more than a business success story. It is a powerful narrative about defying gender norms, persevering through doubt, and having the conviction to create a new market where none seemed to exist. Her presence on Shark Tank India now allows her to inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs to chase their own unconventional flights of fancy.
