Kanika Tekriwal isn’t just flying high she’s changing the entire flight path of India’s private aviation industry. At the age of 22, she was diagnosed with cancer, a life-changing moment that could have grounded anyone’s dreams. But instead of slowing down, she returned stronger and more determined than ever. Today, she runs one of the most dynamic aviation startups in the country. As the founder and CEO of JetSetGo, Kanika has earned her title of “The Sky Queen,” a title she truly deserves. Born into a business family in Bhopal, Kanika was introduced to entrepreneurship early on. But instead of following traditional paths, she had a vision of her own. After studying in the UK, she chose to channel her passion for aviation into something meaningful.
From Bhopal to the Skies
But life had other plans. At just 22, Kanika was diagnosed with cancer. Most people would have given up on their dreams but she didn’t. Instead, she hit reset in the best possible way. That journey made her fearless, and out of it came JetSetGo in 2012, a company built to transform how India experiences private flying.
JetSetGo: Making Private Aviation Clickable
JetSetGo, often called the “Uber of the skies,” makes booking private jets and helicopters as simple as calling a cab. Before it launched, private aviation in India was tangled in middlemen, endless calls, and zero transparency. Kanika Tekriwal changed all that, bringing tech, convenience, and clarity to the skies.
JetSetGo made private flying easy, digital, and hassle-free. Since it started, the company has flown over 100,000 passengers and completed more than 6,000 flights. From business trips to regional travel and medical emergencies, JetSetGo is making air travel quicker and smarter for everyone.
Recognition That Matches the Hustle
Her journey has earned her recognition across the world. She’s been featured in BBC’s 100 Women, Forbes 30 Under 30, and honoured as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum. She also received the National Entrepreneurship Award from the Government of India a well-earned tribute to the heights she’s reached, both on the ground and in the skies.
Kanika’s true achievement goes beyond awards, she proved what’s possible. By stepping into a male-led industry and building a problem-solving brand, she showed the world what real entrepreneurship looks like.
More Than a CEO
Kanika is much more than a business leader, she’s a marathon runner, a painter, and someone who lives life on her own terms. Her story is not just about building a company; it’s about courage, creativity, and refusing to be limited by anything.
At The Startup Facts, stories like Kanika’s are exactly why we do what we do. She didn’t just launch an aviation startup, she changed the way India flies. And in the process, she proved one thing loud and clear: even the sky isn’t the limit.
