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Ritesh Agarwal, the young CEO of hospitality giant OYO, boasts a net worth of a staggering 16,000 crores ($2.1 billion). But his path to becoming a hospitality titan is an unconventional one, marked by an early hustle, a stroke of entrepreneurial genius, and a willingness to forge his own path.

His story is one of true determination and creativity, showing the world that where you start doesn’t define where you can go. Born in a small town in Odisha, India, Ritesh’s beginnings were modest, with his family running a simple shop. Growing up, he was just like any other kid, going to Sacred Heart School in his hometown, but even then, Ritesh had dreams bigger than the small town he called home.

His journey to success began with a bold move to Kota, Rajasthan, a place known for its rigorous coaching classes for students aiming to crack the tough IIT-JEE, India’s premier engineering entrance exam. But destiny had different plans for Ritesh. He soon found himself in Delhi, enrolled in college, only to realize that his passion lay not within the college walls but in the world of startups and entrepreneurship.

Ritesh’s early days in Delhi weren’t easy. To make ends meet, he even sold SIM cards. This period of his life was crucial, teaching him resilience and the importance of self-reliance. He knew asking for financial help would mean going back to his hometown, something he wasn’t ready for. His determination led him to learn software development on his own, skills that would later help him in his entrepreneurial journey.

The turning point came in 2012 when Ritesh founded Oravel Stays, a concept aimed at making budget stays accessible to everyone. This idea caught the attention of Venture Nursery, an accelerator program that invested in his vision, providing him with the initial capital to kickstart his dream. But Ritesh’s ambitions were fueled further when he became the first Indian to win the Thiel Fellowship, a program that offers young entrepreneurs $100,000 to drop out of college and pursue their business ideas.

Using the fellowship grant, Ritesh launched OYO Rooms in 2013, a platform that would go on to revolutionise the budget accommodation space in India and beyond. OYO’s success wasn’t overnight; it was built on Ritesh’s belief in his idea, his relentless work ethic, and his ability to see opportunities where others saw obstacles.

From selling SIM cards to becoming the youngest self-made billionaire, Ritesh’s journey is a testament to the power of dreaming big and working hard. At just 29, his net worth soared to Rs. 16,000 crore, and OYO, the startup he founded, reached a valuation of Rs.74,000 crore. This incredible journey underscores that with persistence, creativity, and a willingness to learn, it’s possible to turn the most humble beginnings into global success stories.

Ritesh Agarwal’s life teaches us that success comes from not just having a vision, but from the courage to pursue it against all odds, making him a true inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs around the world.