**Shark Tank Season 5 Welcomes New Sharks, Featuring Kanika Tekriwal**
The fifth season of Shark Tank premiered on January 5, 2026, introducing an exciting lineup of 15 judges ready to invest in various businesses. This season showcases a diverse group of new sharks, including tech entrepreneurs, fintech leaders, and consumer brand innovators. Among them, Kanika Tekriwal, the founder and CEO of JetSetGo, stands out with her inspiring story of resilience and entrepreneurship.
**Who is Kanika Tekriwal?**
Kanika Tekriwal founded JetSetGo in 2014 at the young age of 21. Her journey is a testament to resilience, determination, and courage. In an interview, she shared her childhood dream of becoming a pilot, which was met with skepticism from her Marwari family. “My parents thought, ‘Driver banegi?’ and it was a no,” she recalled, emphasizing the challenges she faced on her path to success.
As she matured, Tekriwal conceived a groundbreaking idea: an Uber-like service for private jets. Her vision was straightforward—acquire private jets and rent them out. With just ₹5,600 invested, she launched JetSetGo, which has since grown into India’s largest fleet of private jets.
**Overcoming Adversity**
Tekriwal’s journey was fraught with challenges, including a battle with stage-2 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, a type of cancer affecting the lymphatic system. This diagnosis forced her to pause her entrepreneurial ambitions, turning her dream into a fight for survival. However, through treatment and sheer determination, she emerged stronger and more focused on her goals.
**Building a Business in a Male-Dominated Industry**
Establishing her business in a male-dominated industry was no easy feat. Tekriwal faced skepticism and doubt from potential investors. “At the time I started my business, nobody understood it. I was a girl, 21, in an industry dominated by men,” she stated. Despite the challenges, she persevered and, in 2014, co-founded JetSetGo with Sudheer Perla.
Today, JetSetGo has evolved beyond a charter flight service. The company now manages aircraft, guides ownership, offers exclusive membership programs, and is preparing for the future of aviation with electric and vertical take-off aircraft.
**Kanika Tekriwal’s Net Worth**
As of 2022, Kanika Tekriwal’s net worth was estimated at ₹420 crore, according to the Hurun India Rich List, making her one of the youngest self-made women in the country.
**Conclusion**
Kanika Tekriwal’s journey from aspiring pilot to successful entrepreneur is a remarkable story of resilience and innovation. Her leadership at JetSetGo not only transforms the private aviation industry but also serves as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs everywhere.
**FAQ**
**What inspired Kanika Tekriwal to start JetSetGo?**
Kanika Tekriwal was inspired to create JetSetGo after envisioning an Uber-like service for private jets, aiming to make private aviation more accessible.
