Kanika Gupta Shori
Co-Founder & COO
Also, the company’s mobile app for brokers named Square Connect helps small brokers access exclusively sourced deals and inventory from grade-A developers, an opportunity to earn higher commission slabs from developers with the power of demand aggregation, and increased productivity with marketing support. They have launched new products in mortgages and property management space that helps us vertically integrate through the entire value chain. “Considering the size and dynamics of the Indian real estate industry, we believe significant opportunity exists where technology can disrupt the prevailing market structures and create new leaders in each category,” speaks Kanika Gupta Shori, Co-Founder & COO, Square Yards.
The genesis of Square Yards dates back to 2013 when the journey was commenced by just three employees at an office in Hong Kong. Within a short span of 4 years, the company managed to carve a niche for itself as one of the largest real estate transaction platforms in India and also the largest integrated mortgage marketplace in the country. As cornerstones of success, the company boasts of a well-versed, enthusiastic team and a unique business model. Throwing light on, Kanika informs, “We have introduced the concept of Principal Partners. Today, we have a team of Principal Partners, with each one acting as mini-CEO of their own vertical.”
She further says, “Also, we have managed to maintain a fine balance between profitability and growth by being flexible and dynamic with our business model. With our capability across 10 countries, and significant and innovative use of technology, we are positioning ourselves to lead efforts on global real estate investments.”
A Great Place to Work For
A small team, flat hierarchies, irregular work timings, multi-tasking and a vibrant work culture are some of the things that define modern day start-ups. Square Yards is no exception. They hire individuals who have high levels of integrity, are self-driven, have a positive body language and are empathetic towards work and also well equipped with strong industry knowledge to understand and assist customers properly. The bars are set high for employees & no stone is left unturned in providing them the best possible training & resources to help them realize their true potential. “We have a very rewarding policy structure in place as well. We understand the importance of learning and development programs and make sure all our employees upgrade themselves from time to time to fulfill the ever-evolving needs of the job,” she avers.
Not only this, Square Yardstries to maintain a very exciting work culture and they staunchly believe that a change ready culture is the best DNA a company can ever build. Resultantly, a lot of time and positive energy is invested in employee training, employee growth opportunities, fun activities, amongst others. Unlike traditional real estate organizations, most of their office spaces are very colorful, vibrant & have a casual setup which is inspired by google as they believe a positive & fun office environment provides the background for inspiring creativity & steering employees in the right direction. With ample opportunities for their employees to grow, they follow a very enriching Reward & Recognition policy that is not just based on giving lucrative monetary benefits but also larger roles & profiles to the employees based on performance & contribution. Moreover, through their International Job Placements (IJP) program, every month dozens of Square Yards employees are given international opportunities, based on their performance.
Perfecting Square Yards as a Brand
As a brand, Square Yards has been growing at a scorching pace. Kanika informs how within a short span of time they have morphed into a strong team of over 2,000 dedicated employees and have closed over 11,000 deals across real estate and mortgages, registering a spike of 116 percent
A small team, flat hierarchies, irregular work timings, multi-tasking and a vibrant work culture are some of the things that define modern day start-ups. Square Yards is no exception. They hire individuals who have high levels of integrity, are self-driven, have a positive body language and are empathetic towards work and also well equipped with strong industry knowledge to understand and assist customers properly. The bars are set high for employees & no stone is left unturned in providing them the best possible training & resources to help them realize their true potential. “We have a very rewarding policy structure in place as well. We understand the importance of learning and development programs and make sure all our employees upgrade themselves from time to time to fulfill the ever-evolving needs of the job,” she avers.
Currently Marking Their Presence In 32 Indian Markets And 10 International Countries, Square Yards Further Plans To Open Offices In Bahrain And Kuwait By The First Quarter Of 2018
Not only this, Square Yardstries to maintain a very exciting work culture and they staunchly believe that a change ready culture is the best DNA a company can ever build. Resultantly, a lot of time and positive energy is invested in employee training, employee growth opportunities, fun activities, amongst others. Unlike traditional real estate organizations, most of their office spaces are very colorful, vibrant & have a casual setup which is inspired by google as they believe a positive & fun office environment provides the background for inspiring creativity & steering employees in the right direction. With ample opportunities for their employees to grow, they follow a very enriching Reward & Recognition policy that is not just based on giving lucrative monetary benefits but also larger roles & profiles to the employees based on performance & contribution. Moreover, through their International Job Placements (IJP) program, every month dozens of Square Yards employees are given international opportunities, based on their performance.
Perfecting Square Yards as a Brand
As a brand, Square Yards has been growing at a scorching pace. Kanika informs how within a short span of time they have morphed into a strong team of over 2,000 dedicated employees and have closed over 11,000 deals across real estate and mortgages, registering a spike of 116 percent
over last year with a GTV of $950 million by December. She further says, “Over the next four to five years, we are striving to capture 20 percent share in primary residential sales in major Indian cities. A significant component of growth strategy would be driven through Square Connect, wherein we plan to add 200,000 brokers in next 3-5 years. Likewise, we will continue to expand our NRI presence in which we have monopoly.”
Currently marking their presence in 32 Indian markets 10 international countries, the company further plans to open offices in Bahrain and Kuwait by the first quarter of 2018.
Panel 1:
Key Management
TanujShori, Founder & CEO
Prior to Square Yards, Tanuj has had more than 8 years of experience in Capital Markets (Equities) with stints in Standard Chartered Bank, Lehman Brothers and Nomura. He covered a host of sectors including banking, infrastructure, commodities and luxury consumer. He was the top ranked Asia analyst before he rose to become one of the youngest Executive Directors in Nomura. Apart from professional pursuits, Tanuj is an avid traveller, having been to all 7 continents, 50+ countries and is also an adventure sports enthusiast, having shark dived in Pacific Ocean and sky dived over rugged mountain terrains.
Kanika Gupta Shori: Co-Founder & COO
Her entrepreneurial journey, especially as a woman in a male-dominated industry has been recognized via accolades as “Young Achiever of the year 2014” by Franchise India; "Women Super Achiever in Real Estate 2015-16" by Realty Fact Magazine; “Woman Icon of the year 2017” from BERG Singapore to name a few.Kanika is educated at Wharton Business School &holds a degree in Bachelor in Arts (Economics) from Delhi University. Kanika has dabbled in fields of investment and entertainment before starting Square Yards. Kanika is a certified Scuba Diver by Padi; a trained dancer &an adventure sports enthusiast who loves travelling and backpacking.
Panel 2:
Employee Speak:
PriyaKochhar, Senior Portfolio Manager, International Property Management, Square Yards
“ When I had started out I never thought I'd achieve such massive numbers and create records. A lot of credit goes to the senior management who showed tremendous faith in me from day one and showed me the way. I am forever indebted to them for the guidance.”
Currently marking their presence in 32 Indian markets 10 international countries, the company further plans to open offices in Bahrain and Kuwait by the first quarter of 2018.
Panel 1:
Key Management
TanujShori, Founder & CEO
Prior to Square Yards, Tanuj has had more than 8 years of experience in Capital Markets (Equities) with stints in Standard Chartered Bank, Lehman Brothers and Nomura. He covered a host of sectors including banking, infrastructure, commodities and luxury consumer. He was the top ranked Asia analyst before he rose to become one of the youngest Executive Directors in Nomura. Apart from professional pursuits, Tanuj is an avid traveller, having been to all 7 continents, 50+ countries and is also an adventure sports enthusiast, having shark dived in Pacific Ocean and sky dived over rugged mountain terrains.
Kanika Gupta Shori: Co-Founder & COO
Her entrepreneurial journey, especially as a woman in a male-dominated industry has been recognized via accolades as “Young Achiever of the year 2014” by Franchise India; "Women Super Achiever in Real Estate 2015-16" by Realty Fact Magazine; “Woman Icon of the year 2017” from BERG Singapore to name a few.Kanika is educated at Wharton Business School &holds a degree in Bachelor in Arts (Economics) from Delhi University. Kanika has dabbled in fields of investment and entertainment before starting Square Yards. Kanika is a certified Scuba Diver by Padi; a trained dancer &an adventure sports enthusiast who loves travelling and backpacking.
Panel 2:
Employee Speak:
PriyaKochhar, Senior Portfolio Manager, International Property Management, Square Yards
“ When I had started out I never thought I'd achieve such massive numbers and create records. A lot of credit goes to the senior management who showed tremendous faith in me from day one and showed me the way. I am forever indebted to them for the guidance.”
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