Leaders

Women leaders in real estate are reshaping India’s property sector with innovation and sustainability. As demand grows in tier II and III cities, they drive urban development and quality spaces. Breaking barriers, women leaders are bringing fresh perspectives to investment and planning, creating a more inclusive industry. One such trailblazer is Nandni Garg, the Founder of Rajdarbar Ventures, who plays a crucial role in driving innovation and business growth. With a strong academic background from Delhi University and Columbia Business School, Nandni has a diverse career spanning real estate, healthcare, and other industries. Her hands-on experience in founding and leading successful ventures, particularly in the real estate and healthcare sectors, equips her with a unique perspective on market trends. Through her leadership at Rajdarbar Ventures, Nandni continues to influence the evolution of India's real estate market, focusing on creating sustainable growth and enhancing the quality of spaces for a better tomorrow. In a close interview with us, Nandni shared with us her professional journey and the future of the real estate industry.

What inspired you to create Rajdarbar Ventures? Could you share the core idea behind the company and its primary areas of expertise?

I serve as the CEO and key decision-maker for Rajdarbar Ventures, a family business I’ve helped shape by branding the company, defining its vision, and strategising its operations. Rajdarbar Ventures is a full-service real estate development company handling everything from land acquisition and planning to development, sales, and reinvestment. Our projects range from standalone residential or retail developments to large-scale townships, strongly focusing on enhancing daily life through thoughtful spatial planning. Whether it’s luxury, premium, or affordable housing, our philosophy centres on 'affordable luxury’, ensuring high-quality, utility-driven spaces tailored to the needs of our customers. We embrace the best technologies available globally and continuously explore new advancements in construction and planning. By refining these innovations, we create state-of-the-art projects designed to enhance the lives of our customers.

As the founder of Rajdarbar Ventures, what are the primary roles and responsibilities you take on? What key areas do you focus on to drive the brand's growth?

The idea of venturing into real estate stemmed from seeing well-planned projects abroad and wondering why similar developments couldn’t exist in India. During family travels, my father would often point out the organized gated communities, proper backyards, and advanced commercial hubs in places like the U.S., Singapore, or Europe, which inspired him to create Vrindavan Tech Village, the first IT Special Economic Zone in India, spanning 10 million square feet and becoming a trailblazer in Asia. This project proved that bringing something innovative and world-class was not only possible but also desirable. Building on that foundation, I’ve focused on bringing global standards to North India, whether in townships, retail, or industrial spaces. We have adopted the best available technologies from around the world and continuously seek new construction innovations and spatial planning advancements. We then refine and enhance these technologies to create state-of-the-art projects that are thoughtfully designed to improve the lives of our customers.

What do you consider to be the biggest challenges you face as a young entrepreneur in the Indian real estate sector? How do you work to overcome these obstacles?

One of the key challenges I face as a young entrepreneur in real estate is the bias against youth. In this industry, which is often dominated by older generations, younger professionals are sometimes seen as inexperienced or too experimental. This perception can make it challenging to gain trust, especially when striking deals or presenting ideas. Older stakeholders often prefer sticking to traditional methods, which can create resistance to change. Another hurdle is the inherent gender bias, as real estate is heavily male-dominated. Many question a woman’s ability to lead, underestimating my knowledge due to my gender, which can lead to being overlooked or subtly sabotaged. Younger professionals are also judged by age rather than experience, leading to scepticism about our capabilities. These challenges motivate me to prove my expertise, build credibility through consistent results, and navigate biases to drive progress in the industry.

Highlight the most significant milestones you have accomplished in your professional journey. What has been your guiding principle for success over the years?

In my second year with the company, I successfully closed India's largest real estate deal at the time, marking a significant milestone in my career. Since then, I have worked relentlessly to mobilize assets, transforming the company's real estate division from a struggling sector into a core part of our business, which I now lead. My success mantra is staying true to my values and the vision I had when I entered this industry. Staying focused on your ambitions and remembering why you started is key. In real estate, I prioritize responsible spatial planning, ensuring well-designed spaces that enhance people’s lives, thereby impacting mental health, relationships, and productivity. Our USP is offering quality spaces at competitive prices, with a focus on utility and well-being.

How do you envision the future of India’s real estate market? Are there any particular trends in the industry that you anticipate emerging?

The Indian real estate market is thriving, especially in tier II and tier III cities, driven by improved road infrastructure. People are opting to stay in their hometowns and commute to larger cities, strengthening local markets and boosting demand for residential, commercial, and retail spaces. India's growing outsourcing talent continues to drive demand for office spaces, despite concerns about remote work. While investor-led price corrections may occur, a major recession like 2008 is unlikely. Micro markets are set to grow, with residential demand fueling retail and commercial growth.

Nandni Garg, Founder, Rajdarbar Ventures

Nandni Garg specialises in consumer tech, real estate development, health tech innovation, and alternative investments. She has experience in corporate strategy, project management, and legal roles across industries like pharma­ceuticals, real estate, and fintech. Nandni also interned as a consultant at the fintech startup Stratyfy.