On Startup Day, OYO founder and CEO Ritesh Agarwal shared a powerful story of how Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision transformed India’s startup ecosystem. Recalling a detailed one-on-one discussion with the Prime Minister on tourism, Agarwal said Modi combines big-picture thinking with deep attention to execution - much like a true entrepreneur. Calling him a “Startup Prime Minister,” Agarwal credited initiatives like Startup India for creating an environment where innovation, unicorns and risk-taking can thrive. He also shared a personal moment, revealing how his own family once doubted his entrepreneurial path, until the Prime Minister publicly mentioned him - convincing even his mother that he was doing something right. From policy to personal inspiration, Agarwal says India’s startup revolution is being built at every level.
India’s youngest billionaires under 35 are redefining success through tech, fintech, AI, and sustainability — from Zepto’s speed to Perplexity’s brains, they are India’s next empire builders.
The company stated that it will replace the earlier proposal with a new, simplified bonus issue that will cover all shareholders equally, without any opt-in process.
Lightspeed has quietly evolved along with India's start-up story, armed with a $2.3 billion playbook. Now, it awaits the ultimate prize: a market-defining IPO.
In its fourth season, the show has introduced two new investors: Kunal Bahl of Snapdeal and Viraj Bahl of Veeba, alongside experienced investors like Aman Gupta, Co-Founder of boAt, and Ritesh Agarwal, Founder of OYO.
Stock markets are in turmoil, but the National Stock Exchange (NSE) is minting money for its investors. According to the 2024 Burgundy Private Hurun India 500 list, NSE’s valuation has skyrocketed 201% to reach ₹4.7 lakh crore in 2024, making it India’s most valuable unlisted company. NSE overtook Serum Institute of India to reach the top. In the list of listed companies, Reliance Industries remains on the top with TCS at #2. India’s top 500 companies are now valued at ₹324 lakh crore, surpassing even the country’s GDP. Start-ups like Zepto, Oyo, and Zerodha are booming despite broader market struggles.
Beyond transparency, he emphasized the importance of genuine engagement with stakeholders. “It is essential to try and have not just the letter but also spirit of the business conversations with your stakeholders. I think that has helped me a lot.”
“MUDRA Loans Boost: Encouraging farm stays and promoting entrepreneurship in every form — showcasing India’s rich culture!” Agarwal highlighted, pointing out the government’s focus on nurturing grassroots enterprises and rural tourism.
Himanshu Rajpurohit was unable to secure any deal on the show as his overconfidence irked the investors.
In a recent episode of Shark Tank India season 4, the entrepreneur-investor had a heated argument with his co-judge and OYO Rooms co-founder Ritesh Agarwal.
Policy change appears to be an attempt to balance community sentiments with operational imperatives; company could implement policy in other cities where volume of complaints from civil society is significant.





