“In a world full of ceilings, she built doors—and walked through every one of them.”
This line perfectly embodies Kanika Gupta Shori—a purpose-driven entrepreneur proving that success lies not in fitting into moulds but breaking them. As Co-Founder and COO of Square Yards, Kanika didn’t just launch a company; she reshaped the prop-tech landscape, transforming a humble bootstrap startup into a global powerhouse operating in 10 countries. With over 6,000 employees, 2,000+ developer partnerships, and 150,000+ Channel Partners, she has redefined real estate by fusing technology with finance. A Wharton School alumna, CFA Level 2 candidate, and Economics graduate from Delhi University, Kanika’s journey proves that success is built on bold vision and flawless execution—not stereotypes.
With 11+ years of rich experience in banking, entertainment, and entrepreneurship, she deeply understands customer management, strategy, business planning, and innovation. Outside of business, Kanika channels her passion into travel, adventure sports, dancing, scuba diving, and social causes, promoting women’s empowerment and child welfare.
As we spoke with some of the brightest minds for this edition, her bold and daring entrepreneurial stint captivated us. Intrigued by her unique strategies and fearless leadership, we dive deeper into her story to uncover the lessons behind her remarkable journey.
Table of Contents
From Personal Challenges to Market Leadership
Kanika’s entrepreneurial journey began with a mission to make real estate more transparent and accessible. Her insight emerged from the couple’s struggle to navigate Indian property markets as NRIs, where a lack of reliable advisory services complicated transactions. With their personal savings on the line, the duo launched Square Yards, aiming to streamline the entire property-buying process. Early scepticism from developers posed a significant hurdle, but Kanika’s vision prevailed. The company shifted operations to India, establishing a robust on-ground presence with local offices and sales teams across key cities.
“The only way to beat scepticism is to keep moving forward. The work we do must always speak louder than doubts.”
Motherhood and Business: Turning Obstacles into Strength
Kanika launched Square Yards just six months after the birth of her second child, balancing new motherhood with entrepreneurship. She candidly admits that many around her questioned how she could manage both. “I realised that my children shouldn’t be an excuse—they should be my reason to push harder,” she recalls. Rather than hindering her, motherhood became a source of strength. With Tanuj managing business development, Kanika took charge of HR, operations, and processes, creating a company culture focused on performance and accountability.
Her ability to build a resilient workforce was key to Square Yards’ success. She introduced a structure where business units operated under a profit-and-loss model, fostering accountability and incentivizing high performance. This approach not only empowered employees but also allowed the company to scale quickly, even in a competitive market.
Creating Impact Beyond the Boardroom
Kanika’s leadership extends far beyond business metrics. A passionate advocate for women entrepreneurs, she actively encourages women to pursue their dreams without fear.
“Success is built step-by-step. The trick is to stay connected to your dream, even if it’s just through small steps every day,”
In addition to running Square Yards, she engages in social initiatives supporting refugees and underprivileged children, exemplifying her commitment to creating a positive impact beyond the corporate world.
Square Yards: A Proptech Powerhouse with Global Ambitions
Today, Square Yards is a leader not only in real estate but also in financial services through its fintech arm, Square Capital. The platform simplifies home loans and other financial products, integrating them into the property-buying experience. The company’s recent 52% year-over-year growth reflects its ability to innovate and respond to market demands. With a presence in markets like Dubai, Singapore, and Canada, Kanika has her sights set on achieving 20% market share in key verticals, aiming to make Square Yards the largest integrated property solutions platform.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs
Kanika’s story exemplifies how resilience and purpose can shape entrepreneurial success. Her belief that challenges are just opportunities in disguise resonates with many aspiring business leaders. By balancing work with personal life and social responsibility, she proves that entrepreneurship is not only about financial success but also about making a meaningful impact.
As we explored her strategies and spoke to entrepreneurs across industries, it was clear that Kanika’s journey stood out—not just for her achievements but for the boldness with which she pursued her vision. “Entrepreneurship isn’t just about creating businesses—it’s about creating futures,” she says. Her story serves as a beacon of inspiration for those looking to carve their own paths, proving that with the right mindset, even the toughest challenges can be overcome.
