Ritesh Agarwal Biography
Ritesh Agarwal is an Indian entrepreneur and the founder and CEO of OYO Rooms, one of the world’s largest hotel chains. Born on November 16, 1993, in Bissamcuttack, Odisha, Ritesh showed an early interest in technology and business. He dropped out of college to pursue his entrepreneurial dreams and launched OYO Rooms in 2013. Under his leadership, OYO rapidly expanded across India and into international markets, transforming budget accommodation with a standardized experience. Ritesh’s innovative approach and determination have earned him numerous accolades, including a spot on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list, making him a prominent figure in the global startup ecosystem.
General Information About Famous Businesman Ritesh Agarwal
Full Name Ritesh Agarwal Nickname Ritesh Profession Entrepreneur, CEO Date of Birth November 16, 1993 Current Age 31 years, 0 months, 5 days Wife Geetansha Sood Nationality Indian
Ritesh Agarwal Personal Journey
Year Age Event Details 2012 18 Started business career with Oravel Stays A budget accommodation portal. 2012 18 Received grant Received a grant of Rs 30 lakh for Oravel Stays. 2013 19 Launched OYO Rooms Transformed Oravel Stays into OYO Rooms, focusing on standardized budget accommodation.
Ritesh Agarwal Education
Level of Education Institution Details Secondary Education St. John’s Senior Secondary School Graduated from St. John’s Senior Secondary School in Odisha. Higher Education (Briefly) College in Delhi Moved to Delhi for college but dropped out soon after to focus on his entrepreneurial ventures. Fellowship Thiel Fellowship Became the first Indian to be selected for the Thiel Fellowship in 2013.
Ritesh Agarwal Favorite
Category Favourite Food Biryani Actor/Actress Shah Rukh Khan Musicians A. R. Rahman Song “Kun Faya Kun” from Rockstar Book “The Lean Startup” by Eric Ries Hobbies Traveling, Reading Films 3 Idiots Colour Blue Perfume Not publicly disclosed Director Rajkumar Hirani Holiday Destinations Paris, New York Likes Innovation, Technology, Startups
Ritesh Agarwal Relationship Journey
Affair Not Known Marriage Geetansha Sood
Ritesh Agarwal Career Journey
Year Event Details 2011 Started “Oravel Stays” Founded Oravel Stays, an Airbnb equivalent. 2012 Joined Venture Nursery accelerator program OYO went through the accelerator program Venture Nursery in 2012. 2013 Awarded Thiel Fellowship Won the Thiel Fellowship in 2013, receiving a grant of $100,000. 2013 Company rebranded as “OYO Rooms” Launched as OYO Rooms in May 2013. 2018 Raised $1 billion in funding Company raised $1 billion by September 2018. 2019 Increased stake in OYO Purchased $2 billion in shares, tripling his stake in July 2019. 2023 Featured in Shark Tank India Became the youngest Shark to be featured in Shark Tank India in 2023.
Ritesh Agarwal Career Statistics
Age Net Worth OYO Revenue Recognition 27 $1.1 billion ₹132 billion Recognized as the second youngest self-made billionaire in the world. (as of 2020) (as of 2020) Featured in Forbes “30 Under 30” list of global achievers.
Ritesh Agarwal Income
Year Net Worth OYO Valuation Achievement 2020 ₹8,000 crore ₹74,000 crore First Indian resident to win the Thiel Fellowship
