Ritesh Agarwal is a trailblazing entrepreneur who has reshaped the hospitality industry with his brainchild, OYO Rooms. Born on November 16, 1993, in Bissam Cuttack, Odisha, India, Agarwal’s journey reflects his bold and innovative spirit, making him one of the youngest billionaires in the world.

Agarwal hailed from a modest background in Odisha, where he spent much of his childhood in Rayagada, a small town in the state. His love for computers and technology emerged early, and by the time he was 13, he had already begun experimenting with coding and the internet.

Ritesh pursued his schooling at Sacred Heart School in Rayagada and later enrolled at St. John’s Senior Secondary School in Kota, Rajasthan. Later attended the Indian School of Business and Finance in New Delhi. However, he dropped out to pursue his entrepreneurial dreams.

In 2012, Agarwal joined the University of London International Programme, but his passion for business overtook academic ambitions. By 19, he dropped out to focus solely on creating innovative ventures.

At just 17 years old, Ritesh launched his first startup, Oravel Stays, a platform aimed at budget accommodation. This venture laid the groundwork for what would eventually become OYO Rooms.

In 2013, Ritesh rebranded Oravel Stays to OYO Rooms (On Your Own), focusing on standardizing budget hotels across India. The idea stemmed from his experiences traveling across the country and recognizing the need for quality yet affordable lodging options.

Ritesh’s innovative approach attracted significant attention. In 2013, he received a $100,000 grant from the prestigious Thiel Fellowship, which provided crucial funding to scale his business. By 2018, OYO had raised over $1 billion in funding from various investors, including SoftBank, Greenoaks Capital, and Sequoia Capital.

Under Ritesh’s leadership, OYO has grown exponentially:

• Global Presence: OYO operates in over 80 countries, including markets like China, the USA, and several Southeast Asian nations.
• Room Inventory: As of 2023, OYO boasts more than 43,000 hotels worldwide.
• Revenue Generation: The company reported revenues exceeding $951 million in 2019 alone.
• Employee Base: OYO employs over 17,000 people, with significant operations in India and South Asia.

Ritesh Agarwal holds a substantial equity stake in OYO. After various funding rounds and share purchases, his ownership is estimated to be around 30%, significantly contributing to his net worth.

Ritesh Agarwal has been a prominent figure on Shark Tank India, lending his expertise and capital to promising startups. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the deals he participated in during Season 3, offering insights into the diverse range of businesses that caught his attention. We’ll examine the investment amounts, valuations, and the unique qualities of each venture. It’s interesting to observe the types of businesses that resonate with such a successful entrepreneur.

WiseLife is a yoga and wellness brand focused on enhancing well-being through eco-friendly products. Founded in 2020, it offers a diverse range of hand-printed yoga mats and fitness essentials, all manufactured locally in India. Committed to sustainability, WiseLife emphasizes quality and innovation while promoting accessible yoga practices for a healthier lifestyle. The brand aims to democratize yoga and foster a supportive community.

• Episode: 29
• Investment: INR 1.2 Crores
• Valuation: INR 30 Crores
• Investors: Aman Gupta, Namita Thapar, Anupam Mittal, and Ritesh Agarwal

Yes Madam is a beauty and wellness startup that provides on-demand salon services for women. Founded by Richa Kar, the platform connects customers with professional beauticians who offer services like haircuts, facials, and makeup in the comfort of their homes. With a focus on convenience and quality, Yes Madam aims to empower women by making beauty services easily accessible and personalized.

• Episode: 19
• Investment: INR 1.5 Crores
• Valuation: INR 75 Crores
• Investors: Aman Gupta, Peyush Bansal, Ritesh Agarwal, and Vineeta Singh

Nasher Miles is a travel gear brand specializing in stylish and durable luggage. Known for its innovative designs, the brand offers a wide range of bags, including trolley bags and suitcases made from high-quality materials like polycarbonate and ballistic nylon. Nasher Miles aims to enhance the travel experience with functional features such as multi-directional spinner wheels and TSA-approved locks, ensuring both convenience and security for travelers.

• Episode: 15
• Investment: INR 3 Crores
• Valuation: INR 200 Crores
• Investors: Aman Gupta, Anupam Mittal, Namita Thapar, Vineeta Singh, and Ritesh Agarwal

Daakroom takes a different approach by reviving the traditional practice of letter writing. The platform connects letter enthusiasts and provides custom stationery and curated letter-writing experiences. Founded by Shivani Gupta, the brand focuses on delivering thoughtful, customized gifts that resonate with recipients. With an emphasis on quality and creativity, Daak Room aims to enhance the gifting experience by making it more personal and memorable. This offers a unique and personal form of communication in an increasingly digital world.

• Episode: 13
• Investment: INR 36 Lakhs
• Valuation: INR 6 Crores
• Investor: Ritesh Agarwal

Honey Twigs is an innovative startup that offers convenient, single-use honey packets designed for on-the-go consumption. Founded by Vivek Tiwari, the brand focuses on providing pure, natural honey in eco-friendly packaging. With its unique twist-and-squeeze design, Honey Twigs makes it easy to enjoy honey in beverages or as a sweetener, promoting healthy eating habits without the mess.

• Episode: 12
• Investment: INR 75 Lakhs
• Valuation: INR 25 Crores
• Investors: Anupam Mittal, Peyush Bansal, and Ritesh Agarwal

Eva Scalp Cooling System is an innovative medical device created by Stemtech Medical Devices to help cancer patients combat chemotherapy-induced hair loss. This patented system works by cooling the scalp during treatment, reducing blood flow to hair follicles and minimizing hair loss by approximately 50%. Each session lasts between 3 to 5 hours and costs between ₹1500 to ₹4000, providing a supportive tool for patients during their treatment journey.

• Episode: 11
• Investment: INR 30 Lakhs
• Valuation: INR 16.67 Crores
• Investors: Aman Gupta, Namita Thapar, and Ritesh Agarwal

Gud Gum is a unique startup that offers a range of natural, healthy chewing gums made from organic ingredients. Founded by Saurabh Gupta, the brand focuses on promoting oral health without artificial additives or sugar. Gud Gum’s products are not only delicious but also environmentally friendly, as they use biodegradable packaging, making it a conscious choice for health and sustainability enthusiasts alike.

• Episode: 11
• Investment: INR 80 Lakhs
• Valuation: INR 8 Crores
• Investors: Aman Gupta, Vineeta Singh, Anupam Mittal, and Ritesh Agarwal

Dil Foods is a vibrant food startup that specializes in creating authentic Indian snacks and ready-to-eat meals. Founded by Sanjay Singh, the brand focuses on using high-quality, natural ingredients to deliver traditional flavors with a modern twist. Dil Foods aims to provide convenient and delicious options for busy consumers, making it easier to enjoy homemade taste on the go.

• Episode: 5
• Investment: INR 2 Crores
• Valuation: INR 75 Crores
• Investors: Peyush Bansal, Vineeta Singh, Ritesh Agarwal, and Radhika Gupta

Blix Toys is an innovative Indian startup founded in 2016 that focuses on creating educational toys designed to inspire children’s interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). The brand aims to make learning engaging through hands-on experiences in robotics and coding. With a mission to revolutionize the toy industry, Blix Toys combines fun with valuable educational content, fostering creativity and critical thinking in young minds.

• Episode: 3
• Investment: INR 80 Lakhs
• Valuation: INR 20 Crores
• Investors: Aman Gupta and Ritesh Agarwal (50% each)

RodBez is an innovative mobility platform based in Bihar, India, specializing in one-way taxi, taxi pooling, and carpool services. Co-founded by Dilkhush Kumar and Siddharth Shankar Jha, RodBez aims to eliminate the burden of return fares for one-way journeys by connecting passengers with similar routes.

• Episode: 3
• Investment: INR 20 Lakhs in Equity and INR 30 Lakhs in Debt
• Valuation: INR 4 Crores
• Investors: Vineeta Singh and Ritesh Agarwal (50% each)

Ritesh Agarwal’s investments on Shark Tank India Season 3 display a diverse portfolio, spanning various industries, from senior care and beauty to food, travel, and even niche markets like letter writing and fishing. His participation in deals with other Sharks suggests a collaborative approach to investment. The investments range from relatively small amounts to more substantial contributions, indicating a willingness to support startups at different stages of development. It’s quite clear that he’s interested in a broad range of ventures, which is a smart approach for any investor. This diversification can help to mitigate risk and increase the chances of overall success. It also shows a real commitment to supporting the entrepreneurial ecosystem in India.