Kanika Tekriwal: The ‘Sky Queen’ of Private Aviation Who Beat Cancer and Took Her Seat on Shark Tank India

When we think about the startup world, we immediately jump to eCommerce, technology, and fintech. But Kanika, a young woman from Bhopal, jumped into a space that is meant for billionaires, giant corporations, or government organisations, the aviation industry. She proved that with innovation and courage, you can redefine the skies. 

Her company, JetSetGo Aviation Services, also known as the ‘Uber of private jets,’ has changed the way Indians are now looking at and accessing private air travel. What people once considered bougie, and for the uber-rich, Kanika has made it easily accessible and transparent for all.

So, let’s take a jump into Kanika’s life to understand the achievements and challenges she has seen to see her dreams take off. 

Kanika Tekriwal - Biography

Kanika Tekriwal - Early Life and Education

Kanika comes from a traditional Marwari family in Bhopal, influenced by her father’s financial interests. Her family valued education, with hopes for her future success. Kanika completed her schooling at The Lawrence School, Lovedale (1996–2005). She later pursued:

• Diploma in Art & Fashion Technology: Somani Institute of Art & Fashion Technology (2005–2007)
• B.A. in Economics: Mumbai University (2006–2009)
• MBA in Finance: Coventry University (2010–2011)

Sadly, she was diagnosed with stage-2 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma at the tender age of 22 years. But instead of it being the end of her dreams, she recognised the brevity of her life and the significance of fulfilling her dream of being a fashion designer.

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Kanika Tekriwal - JetSetGo, Setting up a Dream

Kanika launched the company, named JetSetGo Aviation Services, in 2014, along with her dream to organize the otherwise unorganized private aviation services and make private aviation as easy as ordering an app cab.

JetSetGo is a digital-first platform that allows users to book a private jet. With a completely transparent pricing policy and ease of convenience, the brand not only offers a jet to rent but also offers an unparalleled traveling experience to the users as well. The best part is that these jets are available for everyone: business executives, celebrities, and families celebrating a destination wedding. JetSetGo caters to everyone. 

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JetSetGo is a Game-changer in the Aviation Industry

JetSetGo is not a brand looking to offer convenience, but is elevating luxury aviation into an inclusive and customer-centric environment. It offers:

1. Tech-Enabled Transformation: JetSetGo functions just like Uber or Airbnb, but for private aircraft. They make sure that there’s real-time availability, convenience, and affordability.
2. Increased Accessibility of Private Aviation: JetSetGo's innovation lies in its mission to expand access to private aviation through features like fractional ownership, so that individuals, families, and businesses, who previously considered private jets out of reach, can now participate.
3. Personal Luxury Services: JetSetGo is offering tailored services on flights, such as catering and transportation services.
4. Highly Focused and Light on Assets: JetSetGo is not a traditional system; it does not own any jets but helps manage them. Jet owners can list their planes on the app and then manage the bookings, logistics, and maintenance. This minimizes the capital expenditure while maximizing service. 

Kanika Tekriwal - Philosophy and Vision

Kanika’s vision is simple but powerful: bringing order to a traditional and chaotic industry. With JetSetGo, aviation hoped to:

1. Make private jets easily accessible to everyone
2. Remove any unnecessary middlemen
3. Focus more on customer satisfaction
4. Utilize technology to help optimize aviation travel

Challenges Faced by JetSetGo

Just like other startup journeys, Kanika faced multiple challenges along the way. One of the biggest challenges she faced was getting private jet owners to trust her new company. Customers were hesitant to try such an exclusive service online, especially with the number of fake companies and cybercrimes happening every day.

Another major challenge Kanika faced was the high operational costs, which meant that every step of every flight had to be managed properly and exclusively. But thanks to her sheer determination and passion, Kanika was able to overcome these and build trust not only in jet owners but flyers as well. 

Kanika Tekriwal - Shark Tank India Journey

In 2026, Kanika Tekriwal diversified her entrepreneurial experiences by being appointed as a judge on Shark Tank India Season 5, marking her as one of the youngest ‘Sharks’ to feature on the programme. Kanika added her perspective from the aviation & mobility industry to share her entrepreneurial achievements of developing JetSetGo from just INR 5,600 to a net worth of approximately INR 420 crore. Though Kanika initially felt “unprepared” to judge on this Hindi-speaking reality show, she soon found her footing to share her entrepreneurial experiences and insights to make investments by overcoming her struggles to make her mark as a woman entrepreneur in such a male-dominated industry.

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Kanika Tekriwal - Awards & Recognitions

Kanika has received recognition both on a national and global level, becoming a symbol of power for women across the world.

1. She is listed in the Forbes Asia 30 Under 30
2. One of BBC’s 100 Most Influential Women
3. CNBC Young Business Leader
4. ET Startup Awards Finalist
5. Women Transforming India by the UN
6. Young Global Leader awards by the World Economic Forum
7. National Entrepreneurship Award by the Government of India
8. The title of ‘The Sky Queen’ by Entrepreneur 

Kanika Tekriwal - Redefining Aviation 

Kanika is called the ‘Sky Queen,’ but she is not content with this status. She is constantly pushing the brand by implementing the latest tech innovation. With concerns about carbon emissions, the brand is now investing in Carbon offset programs, efficient route planning, and exploring sustainable fuel partnerships. For Kanika, the love for the skies does not mean just providing luxury to customers, but also being responsible towards the planet as well.

Under her leadership, she is showing that women can not only combine empathy and ambition but also break the glass ceiling, one jet at a time. 

FAQs

Who is Kanika Tekriwal?

Kanika Tekriwal is an Indian entrepreneur and the founder of JetSetGo. She is known as the “Sky Queen” for changing India’s private aviation industry.

What is JetSetGo, and why is it different?

JetSetGo is a digital platform that lets people book private jets easily. It is different because it uses technology, transparent pricing, and does not own jets—it manages them.

What major challenge did Kanika Tekriwal overcome in her life?

At the age of 22, Kanika was diagnosed with stage-2 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Instead of giving up, she followed her dreams and built a successful aviation company.

What was Kanika Tekriwal’s role in Shark Tank India Season 5?

Kanika joined Shark Tank India Season 5 as one of the youngest Sharks. She shared her startup journey and invested in new businesses.