Ritesh Agarwal: Entrepreneurial Journey, Net Worth & Role In Shark Tank India

Ritesh Agarwal is a recognized figure in India’s startup ecosystem. He built a global hospitality brand at an age when most founders just start their career. As the founder and CEO of OYO Rooms, he introduced a technology-led approach to budget accommodation and scaled it across multiple countries.

Alongside entrepreneurship, he is also a prominent investor and a Shark on Shark Tank India, where his focus remains firmly on scalability, execution, and long-term business viability.

Quick Facts About Ritesh Agarwal

Early Life and Educational Background

Born in Bissam Cuttack, Odisha, Ritesh Agarwal grew up in a Marwari family with a strong exposure to business from an early age. His interest in entrepreneurship developed during his teenage years, especially while travelling extensively across India.

During these journeys, he observed the challenging nature of budget hotels and the lack of standardisation in affordable accommodation. This insight eventually led him to find a tech-driven hospitality solution. His programming and business fundamentals insights gave him the flexibility to experiment early and move fast.

Building a Global Hospitality Platform

Ritesh Agarwal launched Oravel Stays in 2011, which was later rebranded as OYO Rooms in 2013. What started as a domestic hospitality solution gradually expanded into international markets such as the US, UK, Southeast Asia, and Nordic regions.

Over the years, OYO has evolved its operating model and achieved its first-ever profitability milestone with a PAT of ₹229 crore in FY24.

Despite facing operational and market challenges over the years, OYO has strengthened its business fundamentals and is now preparing for its IPO. Check the latest updates on OYO’s IPO plans, marking a significant step toward its next phase of growth.

In a further step toward listing, it is reported that PRISM, the parent company of OYO, has filed its confidential DRHP with SEBI. Read more about OYO’s confidential DRHP to gain exclusive insights into its financials, business structure, and listing plans.

Net Worth and Personal Life

As of 2026, Ritesh Agarwal’s net worth is estimated at around ₹16,000 crore. His wealth is primarily derived from his equity stake in OYO Rooms, along with returns from early-stage investments and international expansion initiatives.

On the personal front, he married Geetansha Sood in March 2023, and the couple has a son named Aryan. He also actively engages in travel, founder mentorship, and global innovation forums.

Role in Shark Tank India

Beyond OYO, Ritesh Agarwal has built a growing reputation as an early-stage investor. During Shark Tank India Season 3, he participated in 26 investment deals, largely startups in technology, consumer brands, AI-driven solutions, and sustainability-focused businesses. Some of his notable investments include:

• Dil Foods (Virtual Restaurant Platform)
• Blix (STEM and Robotics Toys)
• JewelBox (Lab-Grown Diamond Jewellery)
• iDreamCareer (Career Guidance Platform)

Summary

From identifying a gap in budget hospitality to building OYO into a globally recognised brand, Ritesh Agarwal’s journey highlights strategic risk-taking, adaptability, and execution discipline. Through OYO and his role on Shark Tank India, he continues to influence how modern startups are built and scaled in India.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ritesh Agarwal’s net worth?

Ritesh Agarwal’s net worth is estimated at approximately ₹16,000 crore, largely driven by OYO Rooms and his investment portfolio.

What is Ritesh Agarwal’s age?

Ritesh Agarwal is 32 years old as of 2026 and was born on 16 November 1993.

What is Ritesh Agarwal’s educational background?

He completed his schooling at St. John’s Senior Secondary School and later dropped out of the Indian School of Business & Finance, Delhi, to pursue entrepreneurship.

Who is Ritesh Agarwal’s wife?

Ritesh Agarwal is married to Geetansha Sood. They got married in 2023.

What is Ritesh Agarwal’s role at OYO Rooms?

He is the founder and CEO of OYO Rooms, responsible for scaling the company into a global hospitality platform.

Author: Komal Bhatt

Komal Bhatt is a finance content writer at InvestKraft, specialising in research-based articles on financial products, markets, and investment opportunities, including unlisted shares. She holds a Master’s degree in Commerce from the University of Delhi, providing a strong academic foundation in finance and business.

With over three years of experience in digital content, she focuses on simplifying complex financial topics into clear, accurate, and reader-friendly information. Her background includes creating content related to finance certifications such as wealth management and NISM programs, strengthening her understanding of financial markets and investor education.