Ritesh Agarwal: The College Dropout Who Built a Hospitality Empire

Early Life and Education

Born in a small town in Odisha, India, in 1993, Ritesh Agarwal was never a typical student. From a young age, he showed more interest in books and computers than schoolwork. At 13, he began selling SIM cards just to earn some pocket money.

Driven by curiosity and ambition, he moved to Kota—not for IIT coaching like most students—but to access the internet and chase his dreams. He later enrolled in a college in Delhi but dropped out shortly after. His hunger to build something meaningful was stronger than any classroom lesson.

The Start of His Entrepreneurial Journey

In 2012, Ritesh launched Oravel Stays, a platform similar to Airbnb for budget stays in India. But he soon realized that India didn’t just need a booking app—it needed affordable, standardized hotels.

That’s when OYO (On Your Own) was born. Ritesh rebranded the business and started partnering with small hotels, transforming them into quality-assured, tech-enabled budget rooms. He was just 19.

In 2013, he became the first Indian to be selected for the prestigious Thiel Fellowship—a $100,000 grant for entrepreneurs under 20. Ritesh didn’t just dream big—he built big.

Struggles and Setbacks

OYO’s journey wasn’t all smooth. Rapid expansion brought operational challenges. The company was criticized for payment delays, conflicts with hotel partners, and customer service issues. Ritesh faced pressure from investors and media scrutiny. COVID-19 brought the travel industry to a standstill, and OYO lost 70% of its revenue overnight.But giving up was never an option. Ritesh downsized, pivoted strategy, and focused on technology and core markets. His resilience turned the crisis into a comeback.

Rise to Global Recognition

By his mid-20s, Ritesh had become one of India’s youngest billionaires. OYO expanded to over 80 countries, including the U.S., China, and Europe. His story became a symbol of India’s startup revolution.While other young adults were figuring out careers, Ritesh was building one of the world’s largest hotel chains—without owning a single hotel.

Current Impact and Global Influence

Today, OYO is one of the most recognized hospitality brands globally. Ritesh Agarwal is celebrated as one of India’s top entrepreneurs. His approach—combining tech, customer experience, and aggressive scaling—has changed how millions travel.He’s also focused on empowering small hotel owners and digitizing India’s unorganized hospitality sector. From budget travelers to business executives, OYO has become a trusted name.

Conclusion: Why Ritesh Agarwal Still Matters

Ritesh Agarwal’s story isn’t just about business—it’s about vision, hustle, and never giving up. From a small town boy with a SIM card to the CEO of a multi-billion dollar company, he proves that age is just a number, and courage is the real currency.In a world full of dreamers, Ritesh is a doer. And his journey is far from over.