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	{{Biography		{{Biography
	\| person_name = Ritesh Agarwal		\| person_name = Ritesh Agarwal
	\| portrait_image = ~~Ritesh_Agarwal~~.jpg		\| portrait_image = 74646352.jpg
	\| image_caption = Indian entrepreneur and founder of OYO		\| image_caption = Indian entrepreneur and founder of OYO
	\| title_or_role = Entrepreneur and Business Executive		\| title_or_role = Entrepreneur and Business Executive

Sub-Admin: Created page with "{{Biography | person_name = Ritesh Agarwal | portrait_image = Ritesh_Agarwal.jpg | image_caption = Indian entrepreneur and founder of OYO | title_or_role = Entrepreneur and Business Executive | birth_date = 16 November 1993 | birth_place = Bissam Cuttack, Odisha, India | nationality = Indian | education = University of London International Programme | alma_mater = University of London International Programme | occupation = Entrepreneur, Business Executive, Investor | ins..."

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Created page with "{{Biography | person_name = Ritesh Agarwal | portrait_image = Ritesh_Agarwal.jpg | image_caption = Indian entrepreneur and founder of OYO | title_or_role = Entrepreneur and Business Executive | birth_date = 16 November 1993 | birth_place = Bissam Cuttack, Odisha, India | nationality = Indian | education = University of London International Programme | alma_mater = University of London International Programme | occupation = Entrepreneur, Business Executive, Investor | ins..."

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{{Biography
| person_name = Ritesh Agarwal
| portrait_image = Ritesh_Agarwal.jpg
| image_caption = Indian entrepreneur and founder of OYO
| title_or_role = Entrepreneur and Business Executive
| birth_date = 16 November 1993
| birth_place = Bissam Cuttack, Odisha, India
| nationality = Indian
| education = University of London International Programme
| alma_mater = University of London International Programme
| occupation = Entrepreneur, Business Executive, Investor
| institution = OYO
| notable_for = Founding OYO; building a technology-driven hospitality company
| years_active = 2012–present
| awards = Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia (2016); Thiel Fellowship
| website = https://www.oyorooms.com/
}}

'''Ritesh Agarwal''' is an Indian entrepreneur best known as the founder and chief executive of '''[[OYO]]''', a hospitality technology company that operates and franchises hotels, homes, and other accommodation properties.

Agarwal founded the business after identifying a lack of consistency and predictability in India's budget accommodation market. His initial venture, Oravel Stays, subsequently developed into OYO. The company used technology, standardized operating practices, and partnerships with property owners to build a branded accommodation network. <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/anuraghunathan/2016/08/01/a-clean-well-lighted-place/ |title=Ritesh Agarwal Creates India's Largest Branded Network Of Budget Hotels With Oyo |publisher=Forbes |date=1 August 2016 |access-date=9 September 2026}}</ref>

== Early life and education ==

Agarwal was born in Odisha, India. During his school years, he developed an interest in entrepreneurship and technology. He also experimented with selling SIM cards and began writing computer programs while still in school. <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/anuraghunathan/2016/08/01/a-clean-well-lighted-place/ |title=Ritesh Agarwal Creates India's Largest Branded Network Of Budget Hotels With Oyo |publisher=Forbes |date=1 August 2016 |access-date=9 September 2026}}</ref>

He later moved to Kota, Rajasthan, for coaching related to the Indian Institute of Technology entrance examinations. During this period, he frequently traveled to Delhi and became interested in the challenges faced by travelers looking for affordable accommodation.

Agarwal subsequently enrolled in a University of London programme in Delhi but left his studies to focus on entrepreneurship. His decision to pursue a startup was supported by his selection for the '''Thiel Fellowship''', which provides funding and mentorship to young entrepreneurs. <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/anuraghunathan/2016/08/01/a-clean-well-lighted-place/ |title=Ritesh Agarwal Creates India's Largest Branded Network Of Budget Hotels With Oyo |publisher=Forbes |date=1 August 2016 |access-date=9 September 2026}}</ref>

== Early entrepreneurial work ==

Before OYO, Agarwal founded '''Oravel Stays''', a company focused on providing affordable accommodation. The original concept was influenced by online accommodation marketplaces, but Agarwal subsequently moved toward a model based on standardizing hotel services and operating practices.

The company eventually evolved into OYO. The objective was to make budget accommodation more predictable by establishing standards for participating properties and providing technology and operational support. <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/saritharai/2015/08/06/why-a-21-year-old-is-building-oyo-an-uber-and-not-an-airbnb-for-hotels-in-india/ |title=Why A 21-Year-Old Is Building OYO As An Uber (And Not An Airbnb) For Hotels In India |publisher=Forbes |date=6 August 2015 |access-date=9 September 2026}}</ref>

== Founding OYO ==

Agarwal founded OYO in the early 2010s as a technology-enabled hospitality business. The company worked with independent hotel owners and property operators to bring accommodation properties under a common brand and operating framework.

OYO's model combined online booking with standardized services and property-management support. The company also developed software for managing inventory, bookings, guest check-ins, and operational information.

In its early years, OYO concentrated on India's budget and midscale accommodation market. The company subsequently expanded into other countries and broadened its operations to include hotels, homes, and other forms of hospitality. <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/anuraghunathan/2018/12/17/indias-oyo-hotels-expands-across-china-and-indonesia-while-facing-backlash-at-home/ |title=India's Oyo Hotels Expands Across China And Indonesia While Facing Backlash At Home |publisher=Forbes |date=17 December 2018 |access-date=9 September 2026}}</ref>

== Business model ==

OYO's early business model focused on addressing inconsistency in independently operated budget hotels. Participating properties could receive support related to branding, technology, standardized supplies, quality procedures, and customer service.

The company used its booking platform to connect customers with participating properties. Property owners could use OYO's technology and operational systems to manage reservations and other aspects of their businesses.

The model allowed OYO to expand its accommodation network without owning every property directly. Instead, the company worked through arrangements with property owners and operators. <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/anuraghunathan/2016/08/01/a-clean-well-lighted-place/ |title=Ritesh Agarwal Creates India's Largest Branded Network Of Budget Hotels With Oyo |publisher=Forbes |date=1 August 2016 |access-date=9 September 2026}}</ref>

== International expansion ==

Under Agarwal's leadership, OYO expanded beyond India into international markets. The company entered markets including China, Indonesia, Malaysia, the United Kingdom, Japan, and the United States.

By the late 2010s, OYO had developed a substantial international presence and had become one of the prominent technology-enabled hospitality companies originating in India. <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/anuraghunathan/2018/12/17/indias-oyo-hotels-expands-across-china-and-indonesia-while-facing-backlash-at-home/ |title=India's Oyo Hotels Expands Across China And Indonesia While Facing Backlash At Home |publisher=Forbes |date=17 December 2018 |access-date=9 September 2026}}</ref>

The company's international expansion included both direct operations and partnerships with property owners. Its growth strategy made OYO a significant participant in the global budget accommodation sector.

== Recognition ==

Agarwal was included in the '''Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia''' list in 2016 in the consumer technology category. <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.forbes.com/pictures/56cbaa4ee4b062f6b59a425c/ritesh-agarwal/ |title=2016 30 Under 30 Asia: Consumer Tech — Ritesh Agarwal |publisher=Forbes |date=22 February 2016 |access-date=9 September 2026}}</ref>

His selection for the Thiel Fellowship also provided early support for his entrepreneurial career. The fellowship enabled him to focus on developing OYO rather than continuing his university studies. <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/anuraghunathan/2016/08/01/a-clean-well-lighted-place/ |title=Ritesh Agarwal Creates India's Largest Branded Network Of Budget Hotels With Oyo |publisher=Forbes |date=1 August 2016 |access-date=9 September 2026}}</ref>

== Later development of OYO ==

OYO's business evolved substantially after its initial expansion in budget hotels. The company broadened its portfolio and geographic presence while adapting its business model to changing conditions in the hospitality industry.

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected the global travel and hospitality sectors, including OYO. The company subsequently focused on restructuring its operations and improving the economics of its hospitality business. Later developments also included expansion through hospitality brands and businesses in different markets. <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/jefffromm/2025/11/17/can-motel-6-reset-value-lodging--a-19-year-old-founders-story/ |title=Can Motel 6 Reset Value Lodging & A 19 Year Old Founders' Story |publisher=Forbes |date=17 November 2025 |access-date=9 September 2026}}</ref>

== Entrepreneurial profile ==

Agarwal's career is associated with technology-enabled hospitality, entrepreneurship, and the development of platforms connecting consumers with accommodation providers.

His work at OYO combined software, standardized hospitality practices, property partnerships, and online distribution. The company's development has made him a notable figure in India's startup ecosystem and in the technology-driven hospitality industry.

== See also ==

* [[OYO]]
* [[Hospitality industry]]
* [[Hotel]]
* [[Technology company]]
* [[Thiel Fellowship]]
* [[Entrepreneurship]]
* [[Ritesh Agarwal]]

== References ==

{{Reflist}}

== External links ==

* [https://www.oyorooms.com/ OYO official website]
* [https://www.forbes.com/pictures/56cbaa4ee4b062f6b59a425c/ritesh-agarwal/ Forbes — Ritesh Agarwal]
* [https://www.forbes.com/sites/anuraghunathan/2016/08/01/a-clean-well-lighted-place/ Forbes — Ritesh Agarwal and OYO]

[[Category:Indian entrepreneurs]]
[[Category:Indian businesspeople]]
[[Category:Indian technology entrepreneurs]]
[[Category:Hospitality entrepreneurs]]
[[Category:OYO people]]
[[Category:Thiel Fellows]]

Ritesh Agarwal - Revision history

Sub-Admin at 08:47, 9 September 2026