OYO Rooms: Reshaping Hospitality with Technology and Diversity for a Global Comeback in 2024

Business Model

OYO Rooms, founded by Ritesh Agarwal in 2013, operates on a unique and scalable business model that has disrupted the traditional hotel industry. It partners with hotel owners to standardize rooms and offer them under the OYO brand, promising consistent quality and amenities to guests. The company earns revenue by taking a percentage of the room’s booking fee. Over time, OYO has diversified its offerings to include vacation homes, co-living spaces, and even co-working spaces under different brand names, aiming to cater to a broader range of customer needs.

Valuation

As of the latest available information, SoftBank, the largest investor in OYO Rooms, has adjusted the internal valuation of the company to $2.7 billion. This adjustment comes as OYO was preparing for its public offering, marking a significant change from its previous valuation of about $10 billion in 2019

Competitors

OYO Rooms faces competition from a variety of players in the hotel and hospitality industry. Major competitors include traditional hotel chains, other hotel aggregators like Booking.com and Airbnb, and new entrants focusing on niche markets such as luxury or budget accommodations. The competitive landscape requires OYO to continually innovate and differentiate its offerings to maintain and grow its market share.

Investors

OYO has attracted significant investment from major global investors, including SoftBank, Sequoia Capital, Lightspeed Venture Partners, and Airbnb. These investments have enabled OYO to expand rapidly across geographies and invest in technology to improve operations and customer experience. The backing by reputable investors also provides OYO with the credibility and resources needed for further growth and expansion.

Founders

Ritesh Agarwal, the founder and CEO of OYO Rooms, is a young entrepreneur who has been recognized globally for his innovative approach to the hospitality industry. Under his leadership, OYO has grown from a single hotel in Gurgaon, India, to a global brand with a presence in numerous countries. Agarwal’s vision for OYO extends beyond just hotel aggregation to building a full-stack technology-driven hospitality company.

Recent Developments

In recent years, OYO Rooms has focused on consolidating its operations and improving profitability. This has involved strategic exits from unprofitable markets, enhancing technology platforms for better customer and partner experiences, and diversifying into related verticals like holiday homes and workspaces. The company has also been working on sustainability initiatives, recognizing the growing importance of environmental responsibility in the hospitality industry.

In February 2024, OYO Rooms has made significant strides, particularly in its corporate client segment and technology innovations. The company added approximately 2800 new corporate clients in the first half of 2023, marking a 20% revenue growth from business accounts. This growth can be attributed to OYO’s focus on partnerships and collaborations, which have enabled the company to design innovative solutions that simplify the booking process, enhance cost savings, and ensure a seamless travel experience for corporate guests. OYO’s platform offers unique inventory, quality accommodation, competitive pricing, ease of use, personalization, and reliable customer support, making it a preferred choice for many businesses​​.

Additionally, OYO has been focusing on enhancing its service experience and revenue. The company created two new global leadership roles for Service Experience and Revenue, aiming to leverage top technology and talent to further contribute to OYO’s growth. Innovations such as the revamping of their flagship patron-facing app, CO-OYO, have empowered patrons and their staff with tools to boost revenues. The app now features flexible cancellation and modification of bookings, a ‘Pay at Hotel’ option, and ‘Nearby Stays’ to provide consumers with flexibility and convenience​​.

The company has also highlighted its commitment to innovation and technology. OYO’s advancements include the use of artificial intelligence, business analytics, cloud technologies, data science, and machine learning, among others. These innovations are central to OYO’s operations, helping to create the perfect space in every place and ensuring a seamless experience for guests and patrons alike