Archive · 24 Jul 2026
Kanika Tekriwal: Cancer Survivor Builds Rs 420 Crore Empire
Kanika Tekriwal is a remarkable woman who started her own private jet company, JetSetGo, with just Rs 5,600.
She faced many challenges, including being diagnosed with cancer at a young age and dealing with societal expectations that women should marry and follow traditional roles.
Despite these obstacles, Kanika was determined to succeed and built her company into a Rs 420 crore empire.
She is now a successful entrepreneur and a role model for women everywhere.
Kanika Tekriwal founded JetSetGo with an initial investment of Rs 5,600.
She was diagnosed with Stage 2 Hodgkin's Lymphoma at the age of 22.
Tekriwal defied societal expectations and built her company into a Rs 420 crore empire.
JetSetGo is India's largest fleet of private jets and helicopters.
She was named among the richest self-made women in India in 2021 and appeared on Shark Tank India Season 5.
- Who
- Kanika Tekriwal, founder and CEO of JetSetGo
- What
- Built a Rs 420 crore empire from a Rs 5,600 investment
- When
- Founded JetSetGo in 2014
- Where
- India, with operations in Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, New York, and Dubai
- Why
- To pursue her entrepreneurial dreams and defy societal expectations
Traditional Marwari Family Expectations
Kanika's Entrepreneurial Ambitions
Career vs. Marriage
Traditional Marwari Family Expectations
Her family wanted her to marry into a wealthy family and follow traditional expectations.
Kanika's Entrepreneurial Ambitions
Kanika decided to start her own business and pursue her entrepreneurial dreams despite family expectations.
Gender Roles
Traditional Marwari Family Expectations
Society often undermines women's ambitions, suggesting roles like baking cupcakes instead of running a business.
Kanika's Entrepreneurial Ambitions
Kanika defied societal norms and built a successful aviation business, becoming a role model for women entrepreneurs.
- Full Name
- Kanika Tekriwal
- Age at Cancer Diagnosis
- 22
- Cancer Type
- Stage 2 Hodgkin's Lymphoma
- Company Founded
- JetSetGo
- Initial Investment
- Rs 5,600
- Company Valuation
- Rs 420 Crore
- Forbes 30 Under 30
- 2016 and 2017
- Shark Tank India
- Season 5
- Marriage
- P. Sarath Chandra Reddy
- Son's Birth
- May 28, 2026