Kanika Gupta Shori on Women Leadership and Technology Transforming Indian Real Estate

____________________________________________________________________________

“ Interestingly, in our home interiors vertical, 80 per cent of the workforce comprises women. Their creativity and intuition make them a natural fit for this space.”

____________________________________________________________________________

Kanika Gupta Shori, the Co-Founder and COO of Square Yards, highlighted the evolving dynamics of the Indian real estate sector, shedding light on the role of technology and women leadership in redefining the industry. In an interview with Construction World, she shared insights from her decade-long journey in a traditionally male-dominated space and the challenges and opportunities of driving transformation in the real estate market.

Shori elaborated on how real estate was historically perceived as a fragmented and unorganised sector, marked by inefficiencies and a lack of transparency. She noted that the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) helped bring accountability to the sector. However, she emphasised that technology has played an even more significant role in reshaping the industry by addressing gaps and enabling seamless customer experiences. She stated how Square Yards was one of the early adopters of technology, integrating tools such as PropVR and AI-driven platforms to streamline property transactions, making them more efficient and accessible for buyers and investors.

Shori discussed the growing influence of women as property buyers, pointing out that their market share has steadily increased. She cited data highlighting how financial independence, reduced stamp duty rates, and women-centric property schemes have made real estate an appealing investment option for female buyers. She added that women are no longer just influencing decisions but are now shaping market trends with demands for functional designs, spacious layouts, and ready-to-move homes.

She also highlighted the importance of inclusivity within the workforce. She said, “At Square Yards, we consciously promote gender diversity. We give equal opportunities to men and women during recruitment and offer flexible work arrangements, childcare support and a five-day workweek to help women balance work and family responsibilities. Interestingly, in our vertical home interiors, 80 percent of the workforce is comprised of women. Their creativity and intuition make them a natural fit for this space.”

When addressing biases in leadership, Shori acknowledged that the underrepresentation of women in senior roles within the real estate industry remains a significant challenge. She mentioned how women often have to contend with preconceived notions about their abilities in leadership positions, compounded by the lack of female role models in top roles. Shori urged the industry and investors to recognise the unique obstacles women entrepreneurs face and focus on performance metrics and measurable indicators rather than subjective biases.

A Journey of Leadership and Empowerment

She also reflected on her personal journey at Square Yards, highlighting the complementary roles she shares with her co-founder and husband, Tanuj Shori. While she oversees the day-to-day operations of the company as COO, he handles funding discussions and investor relations as CEO. She remarked that their clearly defined responsibilities and ability to balance each other’s strengths have been critical to the company’s success.

Looking ahead, Shori believes that women’s leadership will continue to drive significant change in real estate, both in terms of decision-making and professional contributions. She encouraged investors to invest more in women-led businesses, pointing out the profitability and sustainability of such ventures. She emphasised the importance of celebrating successful female entrepreneurs and increasing their visibility as role models to inspire the next generation of women leaders in the industry.

Kanika Gupta Shori highlighted how technology has been instrumental in transforming the fragmented real estate sector, addressing inefficiencies and enhancing transparency. Square Yards has led this evolution with innovations like PropVR, enabling virtual property exploration, and AI-driven platforms that simplify complex processes for buyers and investors. 

These tools have made real estate transactions more accessible and efficient, particularly for non-resident Indians (NRIs), a significant customer base for the company. Recognising the challenges NRIs face, such as regulatory complexities and limited asset management support, Square Yards created an ecosystem that mirrors global standards, offering solutions that address these pain points. 

Shori stated, "by combining advanced technology with a customer-centric approach, Square Yards has become a trusted partner for NRIs investing in India, bridging the gap between buyers and opportunities in the market.”

She concluded by saying, “For Square Yards, our focus will remain on leveraging technology to enhance every aspect of the real estate experience. From simplifying the search process to offering one-click solutions for loans, we aim to make transactions as smooth as possible. Integrating technology in areas like property registration and transparent pricing will be key for the industry. As data becomes more accessible and processes more efficient, the Indian real estate market is poised for significant growth.” 

Clearly, the future of real estate and Square Yards lies in innovation, inclusivity, and transparency. By embracing these principles, the industry can create a more dynamic, diverse, and forward-thinking ecosystem that benefits everyone involved.