In a remarkable story of resilience and ambition, Kanika Tekriwal, the newest and youngest judge on Shark Tank India 5, has captured the nation's attention. Her journey is not just about business acumen but an incredible personal battle, having founded her aviation startup, JetSetGo, while undergoing treatment for cancer at the age of 22. Today, her initial investment of Rs 5,600 has blossomed into a company valued at a staggering Rs 420 crores, earning her a spot as India's youngest self-made woman entrepreneur on the Hurun Rich List.
The Unprepared Shark: Kanika's Rocky Start in the Tank
In an exclusive recount of her first day on the popular business reality show, Kanika admits she felt completely out of her depth. "I didn't know what I signed up for. I came very unprepared," she revealed. Accustomed to conversing in English, she found the primarily Hindi-speaking environment of the Tank a challenge, needing precious moments to translate conversations in her head. "By then the offers were gone, and the pitch was about to end," she said, calling her first pitch "the worst pitch ever."
She humorously noted the speed of fellow Sharks like Vineeta Singh and Anupam Mittal, calling them "human computers" who processed numbers faster than she could write them. However, this initial stumble became a learning curve. "I learnt on the tank as we went ahead," she stated, emphasizing that her instinct-driven approach, though unconventional, is her strength—a trait that also defined her entrepreneurial path.
A Misfit's Journey: Defying Odds to Create JetSetGo
Kanika's entrepreneurial spirit ignited early. At 21, she stepped into the niche market of private aviation, an industry many dismissed as having no substantial market size. She faced relentless skepticism, from investors questioning her vision to being asked about her future marriage plans. "I have been a bit of a misfit all my life," she shared. "I like to go down the path not taken." This defiance led to the birth of JetSetGo in 2014, India's first transparent marketplace for private jets and helicopter charters, often dubbed the 'Uber for skies.'
Her fascination with aviation began at age 4, with dreams of becoming a pilot. Despite family reservations, she persisted. The real test, however, came at 22 when she was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma. Instead of breaking her, the battle with cancer forged her resolve. "Cancer inspired JetSetGo's manifestation," she explained. Her brush with mortality cemented her belief that life must be used "for dreaming bigger and achieving more." She spent eight months of treatment meticulously planning her business vision.
Soaring Success: The JetSetGo Empire Today
From facing closed doors to building an aviation empire, Kanika's story is a testament to grit. Today, JetSetGo stands as a formidable player in private aviation. The company's achievements are monumental:
- Handled over 100,000 passengers.
- Operated more than 6,000 flights.
- Manages one of India's largest private fleets with nine private jets and two helicopters.
With a personal net worth exceeding Rs 420 crores, Kanika has shattered glass ceilings in a male-dominated industry. Her investment philosophy, both in business and now on Shark Tank, remains rooted in instinct and a belief in the entrepreneur rather than just following trends.
As Shark Tank India 5 streams on Sony TV and Sony LIV, viewers will witness not just a shrewd investor but a pioneer who built her dreams against all odds, proving that the sky is truly not the limit.
