ITV

Tag: Ritesh Agarwal

  • OYO’s Ritesh Agarwal awards Rs 10 lakh grants in ‘7-Day Startup Challenge’

    OYO’s Ritesh Agarwal awards Rs 10 lakh grants in ‘7-Day Startup Challenge’

    Mumbai: OYO, founder and group CEO, Ritesh Agarwal teamed up with global influencer Nuseir Yassin’s platform NAS.io and online learning portal BackToBackSWE to launch the ‘7-Day Startup Challenge’. This program guided early-stage startups through critical steps of business development, with Agarwal awarding five startups an equity-free grant of Rs 10 lakh each.  

    The challenge attracted nearly 3,000 participants from across India, the US, Canada, and the UAE. Hosted on NAS.io, the program was structured around seven daily themes covering essential business aspects, such as goal setting, market research, product roadmap, and branding.  

    The five winners were Bharat Anubhav, an Odisha-based platform for certified tourist guides; Ekogalaxy, a climate education initiative; Harmony Sourcing, a platform connecting global buyers with Indian factories; Farmkrate, an agricultural solutions startup from Andhra Pradesh; and Aura, a mental wellbeing initiative from Bengaluru.  

    Agarwal expressed his excitement, stating, “Over the years, several people have helped me in my entrepreneurial journey. I feel it is only fitting that  I return the favour to the next generation of entrepreneurs by sharing my experience. NAS.io, with its large network of aspiring startups founders, and BackToBackSWE, which offers comprehensive mentorship programs, were ideal partners for such an initiative. This program will hopefully not only equip them with essential business skills but also foster a spirit of innovation and community. India is in the throes of a startup revolution, with young founders solving real-world problems. With the right support, startups can power the next wave of economic growth,” said Agarwal.

    Aura’s co-founder, Roshan Paul remarked, “The simple, step-by-step approach made it easy to refine our idea, and the support we received from the community members was invaluable.  Competing with so many talented participants made this a rewarding experience.”

    Agarwal continues to mentor startups through his role as a judge on Shark Tank India, where he debuted earlier this year. In 2023, he also awarded Rs 5 lakh each to four startups from Ladakh in collaboration with the Naropa Fellowship.

  • Five start-up founders who leveraged tech to disrupt

    Five start-up founders who leveraged tech to disrupt

    Mumbai: Earlier this year, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) had highlighted in its report how Indian startups are likely to create 50 million new jobs and add $1 trillion to the economy by 2029-30 (FY30). The technological advancements witnessed in the last decade are proof of this projection, as they continue to help founders disrupt the industry with innovative solutions. From mobility to hospitality and even sectors such as media, gaming and entertainment, technological innovations have helped entrepreneurs claim new heights of success, from very early on.  

    Harnessing cutting-edge technologies, these young entrepreneurs have unlocked new benchmarks of success, building enterprises that deliver immense public value. We look at five such startup founders whose entrepreneurial passion has broken all barriers, and that too, early on in their lives.

    Ritesh Agarwal: Founded OYO Rooms in 2013 at the age of 19

    Ritesh’s extensive travel across India exposed a significant gap in the market—budget hotels that offered both affordability and quality service were hard to come by. This insight led to the creation of OYO in 2013. What began as a solution to a personal problem quickly evolved into one of the world’s largest hotel chains, now over 1.5 million rooms in more than 80 countries.

    By leveraging advanced technology, OYO has made booking affordable and quality accommodations effortless and accessible. Agarwal’s story is an inspiring example of turning a simple, idle observation into a global business. His other key achievements include being the youngest Shark on Shark Tank India Season 3 and getting featured in the Hurun Rich List with an estimated net worth of $1.1 billion, among others.

    Dilsher Malhi: Founded Zupee in 2018 at the age of 23

    Dilsher Malhi is the founder and CEO of Zupee, a skill-based gaming company, known for its flagship game Zupee Ludo. For Dilsher, the journey started in 2018, when after graduating with a B. Tech degree in Chemical Engineering from IIT Kanpur, he went on to pursue his passion with entrepreneurship and gaming. His technology-led innovation and gamification approach took him to create Zupee, which has become a leader in gaming innovation in the fiercely competitive online gaming industry. Dilsher and his team reinvented skill-based Ludo in an online avatar to empower users with learning and joy. In the process, Zupee did not only own a category, they actually established the category. Under his leadership, Zupee has 100 mn users associated with them. Featured on Forbes 30 under 30 Asia, 2021, the story of Dilsher goes on to prove that with passion and vision, everything is possible.

    Bhavish Aggarwal: Founded Ola in 2010 at the age of 25

    Bhavish Aggarwal is the co-founder and CEO of Ola, a ride-hailing platform. His journey began in 2010, when, after earning a B. Tech degree in Computer Science and Engineering from IIT Bombay, he decided to transform the transportation industry in India. Bhavish’s vision was to leverage technology to create a convenient and affordable solution to the country’s chaotic commuting challenges. What started as a small operation in Mumbai quickly expanded into a nationwide network, offering services in over 250 cities. Under his leadership, Ola has grown into a diversified mobility platform, branching into electric vehicles, food delivery, and financial services. Bhavish’s relentless pursuit of innovation has not only disrupted the traditional taxi industry but has also made Ola a household name across India

    Pavan Guntupalli (24), Aravind Sanka (25), and SR Rishikesh: Co-founded Rapido in 2015

    Within 9 years of its inception, Rapido undertook technology and business innovation to foray into all three verticals of ride hailing services, including Rapido Bike-taxis, Auto rickshaw, and cabs. Rigged with technology, the app connects commuters with bike taxis for an easy and pocket-friendly way of getting around cities quickly. Services are now available in more than 100 cities. Rapido is expanding its ride offerings in more cities, looking to further strengthen its position as a ride-hailing leader with its zero-commission model.

    Azhar Iqubal: Co-founded Inshorts in 2013 at the age of 22

    Azhar Iqubal is the Co-founder and CEO of Inshorts, a cutting-edge content discovery platform that has revolutionised how news is consumed in the digital age. At 22, Azhar recognised the need for a more efficient way to access information, especially in a world where attention spans are shrinking. Leveraging his technical expertise and an understanding of user behaviour, he co-founded Inshorts in 2013. The platform uses algorithms to curate and summarize news into 60-word snippets, delivering concise and relevant content to millions of users daily. Azhar’s tech-driven approach streamlined news consumption and also set a new standard in the media industry. Under his leadership, Inshorts has become a go-to source for quick, reliable news, proving that innovation in technology can fundamentally make a difference in how information is disseminated and consumed.

  • OYO launches company-serviced hotels with a new campaign

    OYO launches company-serviced hotels with a new campaign

    Mumbai: OYO has announced the launch of its newest campaign film ‘Kya Baat Kar Rahe Ho’, highlighting its extensive network of premium company-serviced hotels across the country. This initiative marks a significant enhancement in OYO’s service offering, introducing an elevated guest experience through innovative features like the quick check-in on the OYO app. To make finding and booking these premium properties easier, OYO has also introduced a new tag on its app, simplify finding and booking the hotel on the app.

    Partnering with the creative agency Moonshot, founded by Tanmay Bhat and Devaiah Bopanna OYO’s campaign aims to transform outdated perceptions and highlight the brand’s commitment to providing premium experiences for families, friends, solo adventures, and every kind of traveler. This advertisement was written by Tanmay Bhat, Devaiah Bopanna, Puneet Chadha and Deep Joshi from Moonshot. It is directed by Rahul Bharti with production handled by Sun City Studios.

    The film opens with a young couple, Sunita and Rishabh, sitting at the dinner table with Sunita’s parents and grandmother. When Sunita announces that they have booked an OYO for the weekend, her parents react with shock, humorously nodding to OYO’s past reputation as a “couples hotel.” As the story unfolds, Rishabh invites the entire family, increasing their surprise. The narrative then shifts to reveal the family standing in a luxurious OYO hotel lobby, where they are amazed by the premium services and elegant surroundings.

    The campaign creatively addresses and dispels outdated views of OYO, emphasizing its new focus on versatility. Whether it’s a family vacation, a weekend getaway with friends, a student studying for an exam, spending ‘me time’, or partying with friends – OYO now offers premium experiences for every type of traveler. Adding shock value through storytelling, the campaign reveals how the old OYO has transformed into a new, premium brand that caters to all.

    OYO founder and CEO Ritesh Agarwal stated, “We are excited to reintroduce our new company-serviced hotels. Our goal is to provide a premium, reliable, and enjoyable stay for every type of traveler, and this step highlights our commitment to transforming perceptions and exceeding expectations.”

    Moonshot co-founder Devaiah Bopanna added, “Working on this campaign was a fantastic experience. We wanted to capture the surprise and delight of discovering the new OYO, and I hope we’ve done just that. The new OYO has something for everyone, and I hope this film helps convey that message.”

    These company-serviced properties, run and operated by OYO, are designed to elevate the stay experience. From cozy retreats to luxurious getaways, each property offers premium experiences available at OYO properties, including spick & span linen, seamless check-in, prompt on-call service, delicious breakfasts, and dependable Wi-Fi, emphasizing the brand’s dedication to excellence and customer satisfaction.

  • OYO swings into cricket season with 6000 free stays and fun ad campaign

    OYO swings into cricket season with 6000 free stays and fun ad campaign

    Mumbai: Cricket season is upon us, and global travel technology company OYO is adding to the excitement with an exclusive offer for fans– 6,000 free stays across its premium properties like SUNDAY Hotels, Palette Hotels, and OYO Townhouses across India.

    OYO’s Free Stays League campaign invites cricket fans to participate in a daily prediction challenge. Participants who correctly predict the winner of each match in the ongoing T20 tournament will be entered into a daily draw. Every day, 100 individuals will be rewarded with a free stay at a premium OYO property of their choice, along with Amazon vouchers worth up to Rs 5,000. Every correct prediction will get OYO Rupee worth Rs 100 that can be used towards their next booking with OYO. The participant with the most accurate predictions throughout the tournament will win the grand prize – an iPhone 15.

    As a part of this campaign, OYO has launched a new ad film which playfully addresses those who might try to leverage personal connections for a free stay. The lighthearted ad features characters boasting about their (fictitious) connections with OYO founder and CEO Ritesh Agarwal. In one scene, a character claims their father convinced Ritesh to join the popular TV show Shark Tank as a judge, while another hilariously fabricates a childhood friendship, saying they used to play cricket together as kids. The ad concludes by highlighting that only one’s cricket prediction skills, not their network, will unlock these incredible free stays during the T20 tournament.

    “Cricket holds a special place in the hearts of millions of Indians. As the nation celebrates another exciting cricket season, we wanted to offer a little treat to all the cricket enthusiasts out there and share the joy of the game. Our special offer not only adds excitement to the cricket matches but also underscores our commitment to providing unique experiences for our guests.” said OYO founder and group CEO Ritesh Agarwal.

    “Creating something special during one the world’s most watched cricket leagues can be a little tricky as all the brands out there want to capitalize on this and capture the audience’s attention. With Free Stays League, we knew we wanted to take it away from the typical cricket ad and make it about regular people. The insight that people never truly say that they got something for free, but rather brag about getting it in different ways, hit home for us. Following Shark Tank, there has been a huge buzz around Ritesh Agarwal’s name, and we knew we had to leverage this. We are thrilled that team OYO shared our vision and supported us throughout.” said Blank The Agency founder & CEO Nikhil Chaudhary.

    As OYO continues to redefine hospitality experiences in India, this cricket season offer reaffirms company’s dedication to creating memorable moments for its guests.

    To join the contest, download the OYO app, click on the Free Stays tab, and predict the winner of the cricket match.

  • Shark Tank India: iDreamCareer bags Rs 1.10 crore deal from Ritesh Agarwal & Aman Gupta

    Shark Tank India: iDreamCareer bags Rs 1.10 crore deal from Ritesh Agarwal & Aman Gupta

    Mumbai: Shark Tank India Season 3, which debuted on 22 January 2024, remains a riveting watch, showcasing a dynamic array of entrepreneurs and their compelling pitches.

    The latest episode of Shark Tank Season 3 witnessed iDreamCareer founder Ayush Bansal & co-founder Squadron Leader N Praveen Kumar bagged a deal of Rs 1.10 crore from Ritesh Agarwal & Aman Gupta. The founders introduced the sharks about the need for career guidance among students. With the vision to help more young students achieve their career goals, it is the first-ever career counselling platform that took the stage of Shark Tank India 3.

    iDreamCareer is India’s leading career counseling brand that offers comprehensive career & college guidance to students in schools & colleges. It has empowered one million plus students and has partnered with top corporates, private schools, and government institutions to make career guidance accessible for students, especially from disadvantaged backgrounds.

    During their pitch, the sharks were impressed by the social impact created by the company. However, Peyush Bansal (founder of Lenskart) was not convinced by the business model of the company and that the company should look at expanding one of the business models.

    Sharks Aman & Ritesh resonated strongly with the problem that iDreamCareer is solving; to give career & college guidance to young students.

    Later the company got a deal of Rs 1.10 Crore at 60 crore valuation from Aman Gupta (founder of boAt) & Ritesh Agarwal (founder of OYO). The deal comprised Rs 60 lakh equity and the rest of Rs 50 lakh as eight per cent interest debt for two years.

    iDreamCareer’s last funding round was in 2022 where it raised Rs 12.50 Crore from Menterra Social Impact Fund, Gray Matters Capital & Artha Impact.

  • Miss World goes beyond glamour: Shark Tank India integration supports beauty with a purpose!

    Miss World goes beyond glamour: Shark Tank India integration supports beauty with a purpose!

    Mumbai: The 71st edition of the Miss World Pageant, a celebration of beauty, intellect, and purpose, returns to India after 28 years. Embodying its core value, ‘Beauty with A Purpose’, the event has ignited global anticipation and excitement. As India takes centre stage as the host country, contestants from around the world come together, presenting a captivating fusion of cultures. With excitement mounting, the world eagerly anticipates the crowning of the next Miss World. Viewers in India can catch all the live action, from the glamorous ramp walks, the exciting performances to the final crowning ceremony, on 9 March, 7:30 pm onwards exclusively on Sony LIV.

    Adding an exciting dimension to this year’s pageant is the groundbreaking integration with Shark Tank India, a platform renowned for fostering entrepreneurship and innovation. For the first time ever, Miss World’s top four finalists will have the opportunity to pitch their Beauty with a Purpose Project on stage to our sharks – Emcure Pharmaceuticals Ltd executive director Namita Thapar, People Group founder & Shaadi.com CEO Anupam Mittal, and OYO Rooms founder & CEO Ritesh Agarwal. The sharks believe in the cause of ‘Beauty with A Purpose’, will bring their expertise and resources to support the endeavour that wins. This one-of-a-kind integration will allow the contestants to align beauty not only with aesthetics but also with meaningful impact and much-needed societal change.

    Miss World Organization chairman and CEO Julia Morley said, “The collaboration with Shark Tank India underscores our commitment to driving positive change. We are thrilled to witness the transformative power of beauty aligned with purpose.”

    Sony LIV and StudioNext business head Danish Khan stated, ” Streaming the 71st Miss World 2024 pageant live on Sony LIV underscores our commitment in bringing meaningful, premium content to our Indian audience. The special integration of Shark Tank India also perfectly aligns with this year’s theme of Miss World 2024.”

    The 71st Miss World 2024 streaming on 9 March at 7:30 pm exclusively on Sony LIV.

  • Shark Ritesh Agarwal and his mom bond over Shark Tank India

    Shark Ritesh Agarwal and his mom bond over Shark Tank India

    Mumbai: Prepare for a thrilling season of Shark Tank India, the transformative reality show that has empowered numerous entrepreneurs nationwide by offering them a valuable platform to showcase their ideas and be heard. This year, the inspirational journey unfolds with the introduction of six new sharks on the panel. Among them is the youngest shark in the history of Shark Tank India, OYO Rooms founder & CEO Ritesh Agarwal who proudly calls himself the ‘dolphin’ of the tank, adding a fresh perspective to the panel.

    Ritesh, an inspiration to budding entrepreneurs, shares his personal experience on how Shark Tank India is helping the masses understand what entrepreneurship is and how it’s a topic of discussion in every household. He said, “Back when I started, we didn’t have a platform like this, and people often couldn’t understand what we were doing. But now, everyone across the country wants to carve out their path, and it’s incredible to see folks from small towns with innovative ideas, fully supported by their families.

    Adding further, he said, “In our home, my mom was the first one who started watching Shark Tank India. Six years ago, my mom might not have understood my work, but today she comes to me and says, you know, a few years back, I overheard you talking about equity dilution, and now I actually know what it means.

    He stated, “We often sit down together to watch the show, and the interesting part is after it concludes, my mother is full of insights on which pitch should have secured funding and more. Engaging in such conversations with her is fun!”

    Tune in to witness Ritesh and other Sharks in action on Shark Tank India Season 3 starting 22 January on Sony LIV!

  • RodBez makes waves on Shark Tank India 3

    RodBez makes waves on Shark Tank India 3

    Mumbai: Content has the power to drive behavioral change, surpassing traditional instructional methods. In the past two seasons, the tank has seen pitches spanning various industries, from apps and stationery to beauty and beyond. An innovative pitch poised to enter the tank is Rodbez—a revolutionary platform offering one-way taxi, taxipool, and carpool services. Notably, the latest shark, OYO Rooms founder & CEO Ritesh Agarwal was captivated by this pitch. He expressed enthusiasm for the emergence of localized solutions that enhance life in tier 2 cities, stating, “Pehle badhe badhe sheheron mein chhoti chhoti baatein hoti thi. Ab chhote chhote sheheron mein badhe badhe business ban rahe hain!”

    Co-founded by Dilkhush Kumar and Siddharth Shankar Jha hailing from Bihar aims to address the challenges posed by unorganised taxi services in the state, setting the stage for a transformative commuting experience with their business Rodbez. The core mission of the business is to enhance the commuting experience for countless passengers in Bihar by offering a cost-effective solution that reduces expenses by up to 40 per cent and eliminates the need for both-side fares. What sets RodBez apart is not just its innovative approach but also the personal journey of Dilkhush Kumar, who shares his inspiring story of overcoming job rejections to drive positive change in Bihar.

    Ritesh Agarwal said, “India’s entrepreneurship scene has come of age and startups like RodBez are a sterling example of that shift. No idea is too ambitious, and no dream is too big. It doesn’t matter where you come from as long as you’re focused on where you’re headed. There are hundreds of hinterland businesses like RodBez that have pioneered frugal innovation and have the potential to build not only for India but the world.”

    The big question still lingers – with an ask of Rs 50 lakhs for five per cent equity, will the Sharks join this mission to usher in a new era of taxi services in Bihar?

    Don’t forget to watch this extraordinary pitch on Shark Tank India 3 on Sony LIV.
     

  • Inshorts co-founder & CEO Azhar Iqubal joins Shark Tank India 3

    Inshorts co-founder & CEO Azhar Iqubal joins Shark Tank India 3

    Mumbai: Building on the tremendous success of the past two seasons, Sony LIV is thrilled to announce the return of India’s beloved entrepreneurial reality show, Shark Tank India, for its highly anticipated third season. Adding to the roster of esteemed Sharks, after entrepreneurs like OYO Rooms founder and CEO Ritesh Agarwal and Zomato founder and CEO Deepinder Goyal is the remarkable Azhar Iqubal, co-founder and CEO of the groundbreaking news app, Inshorts.

    In addition to these new sharks, the panel will feature sharks from the previous seasons – Aman Gupta (co-founder and CMO of boAt), Amit Jain (CEO and co-founder of CarDekho Group, InsuranceDekho.com), Anupam Mittal (founder and CEO of Shaadi.com – People Group), Namita Thapar (executive director of Emcure Pharmaceuticals), Vineeta Singh (co-founder and CEO of SUGAR Cosmetics) and Peyush Bansal (founder and CEO of Lenskart.com).

    With the unparalleled expertise of these Sharks and the charismatic host Rahul Dua guiding the way, Shark Tank India 3 is poised to reach new heights. As budding entrepreneurs from across India prepare to dive into the Tank of dreams, once again, brace yourselves to witness the power of innovation, entrepreneurship, and unparalleled determination like never before.

    Stay tuned for more updates on Shark Tank India 3, streaming soon exclusively on Sony LIV.

  • Business Today’s G20 special issue: Exclusive interview with PM Modi

    Business Today’s G20 special issue: Exclusive interview with PM Modi

    Mumbai: Business Today’s G20 Special Issue is out! In this issue, find an exclusive interview with prime minister Narendra Modi who talks in detail about his hopes and vision for India’s G20 presidency, the areas in which he believes the country is making a difference, the impact of India’s G20 ecosystem, and more.  

    As the G20 president for the year, India has emerged as the driving force for a wide range of issues that need immediate attention from global leaders, who will converge in New Delhi to attend the G20 heads of state and government summit in September. At the summit, India will be looking to build a global consensus on a host of issues under the leadership of prime minister Modi. In that context, the prime minister said in the interview, “The G20 group is being looked at as a ray of hope by the world and the ground for this is being laid during India’s presidency of G20.” He goes on to add that India, by inviting the African Union to the G20 during its presidency, has laid the foundation for inclusivity. He also holds forth on the country’s digital public infrastructure, and that “Technology has helped India achieve targeted welfare delivery.”

    Apart from the prime minister’s interview, the special issue—centred on India’s G20 presidency—also has interviews with G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant and Harsh Vardhan Shringla, chief coordinator for India’s G20 presidency. Besides these, the issue includes stories on key takeaways for India Inc. from India’s G20 presidency; how the country is showcasing its digital prowess, such as its digital public infrastructure, to the world; and how India is aiming to foster a global start-up ecosystem, among others.  

    The issue also has columns by thought leaders such as K.V. Kamath, Janmejaya Sinha, Vinod Dham, Sangita Reddy, Ritesh Agarwal and Dilip Oommen on what the G20 presidency means and the road ahead.