Ritesh Agarwal, founder & CEO of OYO Rooms, turned a small-town dream into a global hospitality empire. Born in Rayagada, Odisha, he dared to think big when most were settling for the ordinary. Today, OYO is a household name across India and multiple countries.

Dropping Out to Build a Vision

At just 17, Ritesh moved to Delhi, dropped out of college, and identified a major problem — budget travelers couldn’t find clean, affordable, and reliable rooms. This led to the birth of Oravel Stays, which soon evolved into OYO Rooms, redefining the budget hotel industry.

Overcoming Challenges & Going Global

The journey wasn’t easy. Funding hurdles, skeptical hotel partners, and stiff competition tested him at every step. But Ritesh’s tech-driven approach, customer-first mindset, and relentless persistence helped OYO scale rapidly, now operating in multiple countries with diverse offerings like co-living and quick-stay solutions.

Inspiring a Generation of Entrepreneurs

Ritesh Agarwal is not just a businessman; he is a role model for young dreamers. His story proves that bold ideas, combined with grit and innovation, can disrupt even the toughest industries.

“Success always favors those who dare to begin when others choose to doubt

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