Archive · 2 Jan 2026
Ritesh Agarwal Reflects on Investor Doubts
Ritesh Agarwal, the CEO of OYO Rooms and Prism, talked about his journey in a recent interview.
He shared how he started his business at 18 and faced doubts from investors because of his young age.
They even asked his parents if he should go to college, fearing it might affect their investment.
Ritesh also talked about how his father taught him to stay humble and grounded.
He believes that learning is important but shouldn't be limited to just going to university.
He thinks universities need to change to be more effective.
Ritesh is also a shark on Shark Tank India, where he invests in new businesses.
He said he looks for entrepreneurs who have big dreams and are very resourceful.
He plans to evaluate businesses more carefully in the new season of the show.
Ritesh Agarwal, CEO of OYO Rooms and Prism, shared his journey and investor doubts in a recent interview.
Investors questioned his college plans when he was 17, fearing it might affect their investment.
His father's emphasis on humility and staying grounded deeply influenced him.
Ritesh believes in the importance of learning but not limited to formal university education.
He plans to evaluate businesses more deeply in the upcoming season of Shark Tank India.
- Who
- Ritesh Agarwal, CEO of OYO Rooms and Prism
- What
- Reflections on his journey, investor doubts, and Shark Tank India approach
- When
- Interview conducted in 2026, with references to past events
- Where
- India, with specific mention of Gurugram for the first hotel
- Why
- To share his experiences, the importance of education, and his approach to investing in Shark Tank India
- Name
- Ritesh Agarwal
- Company
- OYO Rooms and Prism
- Show
- Shark Tank India
- Season
- 5
- Start Date
- January 5, 2026
- Hotels Served
- 17,000+
- Homes Served
- 150,000+
- First Hotel
- Gurugram, June 2013