The Indian hospitality industry is booming, and one person who has made a significant mark is Ritesh Agarwal with his company, OYO. His journey began with a small venture, Oravel Stays, which evolved into OYO, now a multi-billion-dollar business. Agarwal was listed among the top 10 youngest Indian billionaires in the Hurun Rich List of 2024.
He gained even more popularity when he joined the panel of judges on Shark Tank India in 2023. He also got the tag of being the youngest shark on the show. His calm personality, strong advice, and investment skills as seen on the show have earned him the trust of the entrepreneurial community.
In this article, we’ll explore Ritesh Agarwal’s investment portfolio and his strategic investment approach.
Who is Ritesh Agarwal?
Ritesh Agarwal, born in 1993 in Odisha, India, is the Founder and Group CEO of OYO, a leading player in the hospitality industry. Growing up in a small town, Ritesh’s family ran a local shop, giving him early exposure to business. He attended St. John’s Senior Secondary School before moving to Delhi for his higher studies. However, he soon decided to drop out to pursue his entrepreneurial dreams.
In 2011, Ritesh founded Oravel Stays, which later became OYO Rooms in 2013. His idea was to provide affordable and reliable accommodation for travellers, disrupting the budget hospitality sector in India. Ritesh’s unique approach led him to be selected for the Thiel Fellowship in 2013, a program that supports young entrepreneurs. He was the first Asian resident to be accepted to the Thiel Fellowship.
Apart from leading OYO, Ritesh gained great recognition as a judge on Shark Tank India. In 2023, he became the youngest “Shark” on the show, where his practical advice and investment skills have made him a respected figure among budding entrepreneurs.
Today, Ritesh Agarwal’s OYO Rooms operates globally, and he continues to play a key role in shaping India’s startup ecosystem. With his sharp business skills and investment acumen, Ritesh is undoubtedly one of the most influential young entrepreneurs in India.
shifa ali
List of Ritesh Agarwal Investments
Here is a comprehensive list of all the Ritesh Agarwal invested companies as sourced from Tracxn (as of February 2025):
| Ritesh Agarwal Invested Companies | Founded Year | Headquarters | Sector & Sub-sector |
|---|---|---|---|
| JoySpoon | 2020 | Gujarat | Consumer > Food & Beverage > Mukhwas and Mouth Fresheners |
| Bambinos | 2020 | Karnataka | EdTech > K-12 EdTech |
| BorderPlus | 2025 | Maharashtra | Enterprise Applications > HRTech |
| Shyle | 2016 | Rajasthan | Consumer > Fashion Tech |
| Aquapeya | 2017 | Maharashtra | Food and Agriculture > Food & Beverage Products |
| Speed Kitchen | 2020 | Delhi | Food and Agriculture Tech > Food Tech |
| Tripole Gears | 2017 | Uttar Pradesh | Consumer > Fashion Tech |
| Culture Circle | 2023 | Haryana | Consumer > Fashion Tech |
| Centricity | 2022 | Delhi | FinTech > Investment Tech |
| First Bud Organics | 2017 | Uttarakhand | Food and Agriculture > Food & Beverage Products |
| Sama | 2015 | Karnataka | Enterprise Applications > Legal Tech |
| Allter | 2019 | Delhi | Retail > Mom & Baby Care |
| Coratia | 2021 | Odisha | Environment Tech > Water and Wastewater Management Tech |
| XMachines | 2017 | Telangana | High Tech > Industrial Robotics |
| WhySoBlue | 2015 | Maharashtra | Consumer Goods > Apparel Brands |
| Katidhan | 2017 | Karnataka | Business Services > Robotics Services |
| iDreamCareer | 2012 | Delhi | EdTech > K-12 EdTech |
| Dharaksha Ecosolutions | 2020 | Haryana | Environment Tech > Solid Waste Management Tech |
| WiseLife | 2020 | Haryana | HealthTech > Fitness & Wellness Tech |
| Nasher Miles | 2016 | Maharashtra | Consumer > Fashion Tech |
| Toffee Coffee Roasters | 2019 | Maharashtra | Food and Agriculture > Food & Beverage Products |
| Gud Gum | 2022 | Karnataka | Food and Agriculture Tech > Online Grocery |
| Yes Madam | 2016 | Uttar Pradesh | Retail > Beauty Tech |
| Jewelbox | 2022 | West Bengal | Consumer > Fashion Tech |
| HoneyTwigs | 2015 | Delhi | Food and Agriculture > Food & Beverage Products |
| Eva Scalp Cooling | 2020 | Maharashtra | Life Sciences > Oncology |
| Dil Foods | 2022 | Karnataka | Food and Agriculture Tech > Food Tech |
| FroGo | 2022 | Haryana | Food and Agriculture Tech > Online Grocery |
| Emversity | 2023 | Karnataka | Education > Higher Education Institutions |
| Pepper Content | 2017 | Delaware | Enterprise Applications > MarketingTech |
| Josh Talks | 2015 | Haryana | EdTech > Continued Learning |
| Hood | 2021 | Haryana | Consumer > Social Platforms |
| Dukaan | 2019 | Karnataka | Retail > E-Commerce Enablers |
| Nektar AI | 2020 | Singapore | Enterprise Applications > Sales Force Automation |
| Unacademy | 2015 | Karnataka | EdTech > Test Preparation Tech |
| Easy Eat | 2019 | Singapore | Food and Agriculture Tech > Food Tech |
| Zingbus | 2019 | Haryana | Consumer > Online Travel |
| RepUp | 2012 | Haryana | Enterprise Applications > MarketingTech |
| OYO | 2012 | Haryana | Consumer > Online Travel |
Ritesh Agarwal is not just building his own company, but he is also supporting other entrepreneurs by believing in and investing in them. Throughout his journey, he has invested in various businesses across education, travel, food, SaaS, and more.
As one of the youngest sharks, he knows what it takes to scale a brand. He believes the right support can turn small ideas into big successes. Agarwal’s diverse investment portfolio is clear proof of his commitment to emerging businesses across different sectors.
Damini Bhandary
FAQs
What companies has Ritesh Agarwal invested in?
Some of the key companies Ritesh Agarwal has invested in include Nasher Miles, Toffee Coffee Roasters, First Bud Organics, Speed Kitchen, Culture Circle, iDream Career, Josh Talks, Yes Madam, and more.
Is Ritesh Agarwal a judge on Shark Tank India?
Yes, Ritesh Agarwal joined the Shark Tank India judges panel in Season 3 and is also part of Season 4. He is the youngest shark to join the panel and has made various investments in companies featured on the show.
Did Ritesh Agarwal invest in JoySpoon on Shark Tank India?
Yes, Ritesh Agarwal made a bold investment in JoySpoon on Shark Tank India Season 4. The founders initially asked for INR 40 lakh for 1.5% equity but agreed to a deal with Agarwal for INR 40 lakh in exchange for 2% equity.