Cancer survivor turned aviation tycoon: Rs 400 Cr net worth, 10 private jets

At the age of 22, when people are starting to plan their life and give wings to their dreams, life took an unexpected turn for Kanika. Doctor informed her that she has stage-2 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and had just a few months to live.

Read on to know a living testament to resilience, determination, and the indomitable spirit that can turn adversity into triumph.

Early Life and Education

Born in 1990 into a conservative Marwari family, Kanika’s early life laid the foundation for her remarkable journey. Her educational trajectory began at the prestigious Lawrence School, Lovedale, followed by studies at Jawaharlal Nehru Senior Secondary School in Bhopal.

Eager to broaden her horizons, she pursued a degree in economics in Mumbai. Her quest for knowledge then led her to London, where she embarked on an MBA at Coventry University. These academic pursuits not only shaped her understanding of economics but also fuelled her ambition for entrepreneurial success. Little did she know, these formative years were preparing her for a future where she would overcome adversity, conquer health challenges, and emerge as a key figure in the aviation industry.

When Health becomes an Obstacle: Diagnosed with Cancer

In 2011, Kanika returned to Bhopal with unwavering certainty, ready to embark on her entrepreneurial journey. However, fate dealt a challenging hand when, at the age of 22, she was diagnosed with stage-2 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Kanika said in an interview, “the first doctor I met told me: ‘Kanika, you have very little time. I was 22 at that time and I said, ‘Really doc, I am going to come and see you here after 40 years, not for treatment, but to prove that I am alive and kicking.’ I then said goodbye to this doctor and found one who believed in hope, in his practice and most importantly, in me”. She learnt the importance of choosing the right people.

She said, “Cancer made me a strong person ready to face any challenge; and most importantly, to never give in. So, when we began work on JetSetGo and things didn’t go my way – I didn’t get upset, but just focused on what we could do next.” Undeterred by the setback, Kanika faced the trials of illness with resilience. Despite initial lack of parental support, her determination to pursue her dreams remained steadfast. Having triumphed over cancer, she emerged stronger, renewing her commitment to her aspirations and setting the stage for an extraordinary entrepreneurial path.

Overcoming Funding Hurdles:

“Initially considering personal savings for our startup, I soon realized the practicality of third-party funding.” With the invaluable support of my co-founder Sudheer, we aligned with YouWeCan ventures, adding significant value to our venture. Securing funding, though often challenging, proved smooth in our case. A 50-minute phone call solidified the synergies, aligning our vision with brand ambassador-Yuvraj Singh, making this collaboration a pivotal step in our entrepreneurial journey. In July 2015, cricket icon Yuvraj Singh stepped in to assist, contributing to JetSetGo’s initial round of funding. This endorsement not only injected crucial financial support but also brought attention to the aviation startup.

Fig. Yuvraj Singh and Puneet Dalmia

The second round of funding, received in December 2015, came from Puneet Dalmia, a prominent figure associated with JetSetGo as a flyer. Puneet Dalmia’s investment not only bolstered the company’s financial standing but also underscored the confidence and interest of industry insiders in JetSetGo’s vision. These strategic funding injections marked significant milestones in JetSetGo’s journey, enabling the company to soar to greater heights in the competitive aviation industry.

The beginning of a successful journey

JetSetGo, under the leadership of Kanika Tekriwal, underwent a remarkable transformation from a startup grappling with the challenges of supply and demand to becoming India’s premier aircraft management company. Faced with increasing charter demand that outstripped available supply, the visionary decision was made to acquire their own fleet of airplanes.

JetSetGo provides Indian air charter customers for the first time choice, transparency and flexibility to book a private jet online on both web and mobile platforms. For single leg trips, through our demand aggregation model we maximizethe chance for sale of empty travel legs to other customers enabling a Pay as You Fly business model instead of travelers having to pay for a return fare even when flying just one-way.For aircraft operators, JetSetGo provides a cloud based enterprise management tool which combine scheduling, advanced trip pricing and business intelligence capabilities with an in-built global market place for services and parts that will soon also have transactional capabilities.

Today, JetSetGo stands as India’s first and only marketplace for private jet and helicopter charters. Kanika’s brainchild has played a pivotal role in reshaping the charter plane sector in India. By seamlessly connecting clients with private aviation services, JetSetGo has not only addressed market gaps but has also set new standards of efficiency and accessibility in the Indian aviation landscape. The company’s journey exemplifies innovation and adaptability, marking it as a trailblazer in the country’s aviation industry.

Awards and Honours:

Kanika, has earned a constellation of prestigious awards and accolades, cementing her status as a pioneering entrepreneur. The Government of India honoured her with the National Entrepreneurship Award, recognizing her exceptional contributions to the business landscape. Additionally, the World Economic Forum acknowledged her as a Young Global Leader, showcasing her impact on a global scale.

Fig. The CEO, NITI Aayog, Shri Amitabh Kant presenting the ‘Women Transforming India Award 2017’ to Ms. Kanika Tekriwal

The Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India, extended its recognition to Kanika, further highlighting her influential role in the aviation sector. Entrepreneur magazine dubbed her “The Sky Queen,” a title befitting her remarkable achievements in the industry.

Forbes, recognized her outstanding accomplishments, named Kanika Tekriwal to the esteemed 30 Under 30 list. These accolades collectively celebrate her vision, leadership, and significant impact on the entrepreneurial and aviation spheres, solidifying Kanika ‘s place among the most distinguished leaders in India and beyond.

Skyward Expansion.

Under the dynamic leadership of Kanika, JetSetGo has not only managed an impressive clientele of 1,00,000 fliers but has orchestrated 6,000 flights, solidifying its position as a major player in the aviation industry. As of 2022, Kanika’s entrepreneurial prowess is reflected in an estimated net worth of Rs 420 crore.

Looking ahead, JetSetGo is set to embark on a new phase of growth, with plans to expand its services. The company is gearing up to introduce inter-city and intra-city air shuttle services, utilizing smaller jets to enhance accessibility and convenience for its discerning clientele. Kanika Tekriwal’s strategic vision continues to shape the future of private aviation in India, with JetSetGo poised for even greater heights.

Conclusion: Elevate Your Journey with JetSetGo

Kanika’s story teaches us something important—no matter how tough life gets we can choose to fight back. Even when faced with a ticking clock, she didn’t let despair win. Instead, she turned her struggle into a story of hope, showing us all that even in the hardest times, we can find the strength to cherish each moment.

Let her journey echo in our hearts—a poignant reminder that even in the face of life’s harshest truths, the human spirit has the power to compose a melody of hope, courage, and an indomitable will to cherish every fleeting moment.

So, get ready to soar to new heights and secure your charter now — where every flight is a chapter in your journey of a lifetime.

Source:

https://www.indianbureaucracy.com/niti-aayog-awarded-to-kanika-tekriwal-ceo-jetsetgo-with-women-transforming-india-2017/

https://www.dnaindia.com/business/report-meet-kanika-tekriwal-jetsetgo-ceo-whose-net-worth-is-over-rs-400-crore-owns-10-private-jets-hurun-rich-list-3023472

https://jetsetgo.in/about_us

https://yourstory.com/2014/06/jetsetgo

https://www.yosuccess.com/interviews/kanika-tekriwal-jetsetgo/