Ritesh Agarwal's Biography

Ritesh Agarwal is a renowned Indian entrepreneur best known as the founder and CEO of OYO Rooms, one of the world’s largest hotel chains. Born on November 16, 1993, in Odisha, India, Ritesh exhibited a passion for business from a young age. He dropped out of college to pursue his startup dreams and became one of the youngest recipients of the prestigious Thiel Fellowship in 2013. This opportunity provided him with both funding and mentorship, which played a vital role in the rapid growth of OYO. Under his leadership, OYO expanded from a small budget hotel aggregator in India to a global hospitality giant, operating in dozens of countries. Ritesh is recognized for revolutionizing the budget accommodation sector with innovative technology and a unique business model. Despite facing legal and regulatory challenges, he has remained at the forefront of India's startup ecosystem. Named in Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia and honored with multiple entrepreneurial awards, Ritesh continues to inspire young founders worldwide. His current net worth is estimated at $750 million, and he is known for his relentless drive, vision for affordable hospitality, and commitment to business innovation.