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Ritesh Agarwal

@riteshagar • 428,091 subscribers

Founder and Group CEO, PRISM

Shorts

A lot of people tell me I look serious on TV and don’t talk much. Truth is, I’m just busy listening and observing everything closely. I’m actually very curious… That’s how I learn and enjoy the process. Serious face, but I do love a good chuckle.

A lot of people tell me I look serious on TV and don’t talk much. Truth is, I’m just busy listening and observing everything closely. I’m actually very curious… That’s how I learn and enjoy the process. Serious face, but I do love a good chuckle.

15,891 views

Entrepreneurship is a luxury. When I dropped out of college and asked my parents for that one chance, I genuinely felt this might be the only opportunity I would ever get to do something meaningful. If I wasted it, I couldn’t blame anyone else. That mindset changes how you work. You stop treating it like an experiment. You treat it like responsibility. In India, we don’t just need more startups. We need founders who understand the privilege of building. If you get the chance, approach it like it’s once in a lifetime.

Entrepreneurship is a luxury. When I dropped out of college and asked my parents for that one chance, I genuinely felt this might be the only opportunity I would ever get to do something meaningful. If I wasted it, I couldn’t blame anyone else. That mindset changes how you work. You stop treating it like an experiment. You treat it like responsibility. In India, we don’t just need more startups. We need founders who understand the privilege of building. If you get the chance, approach it like it’s once in a lifetime.

11,866 views

For aspiring entrepreneurs out there who are scared of rejection - take pride in whatever you build. Don't fret about being rejected. All entrepreneurs get rejected at a point in their journey. The ones who take it in their stride succeed in the long run.

For aspiring entrepreneurs out there who are scared of rejection - take pride in whatever you build. Don't fret about being rejected. All entrepreneurs get rejected at a point in their journey. The ones who take it in their stride succeed in the long run.

37,792 views

When life throws punches, remember: Jaggu Dada never ducks, he dances! The hustle never stops, and neither should you. Stay sharp, stay humble, and keep moving forward like the warrior you are! Ft. Jackie Shroff

When life throws punches, remember: Jaggu Dada never ducks, he dances! The hustle never stops, and neither should you. Stay sharp, stay humble, and keep moving forward like the warrior you are! Ft. Jackie Shroff

13,320 views

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People often ask why our Prime Minister is the true Startup PM. For me, the answer goes back to January 2016. At the Startup India launch, Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji quipped, “Why didn’t a chaiwala think of starting a hotel chain?” That single line was not just a remark, it was a mindset shift. It told millions of young Indians that ideas matter more than background. Over the next decade, that belief was backed by action. Startup India simplified regulations, enabled access to capital, and created confidence across the ecosystem. Someone in the USA joined a startup. Someone in Asia invested. Someone else chose to guide founders as a board member. It did not matter whether it was ours or hundreds of others. Those hundreds became lakhs of startups and millions of jobs. Within this ecosystem, PRISM grew into a global hospitality network across 35 plus countries. For me, coming from a small town in Odisha with nothing but a big dream, this journey has truly come full circle. Now in 2026, I feel the same wonder and responsibility I felt in 2016. The Prime Minister’s ability to remember people and stories, like recalling Suchi from Limeroad years later, is a reminder of genuine engagement. As we mark 10 years of Startup India, this is not just PRISM’s success. It is India’s. And the journey has only just begun. MyGovIndia Startup India

People often ask why our Prime Minister is the true Startup PM. For me, the answer goes back to January 2016. At the Startup India launch, Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji quipped, “Why didn’t a chaiwala think of starting a hotel chain?” That single line was not just a remark, it was a mindset shift. It told millions of young Indians that ideas matter more than background. Over the next decade, that belief was backed by action. Startup India simplified regulations, enabled access to capital, and created confidence across the ecosystem. Someone in the USA joined a startup. Someone in Asia invested. Someone else chose to guide founders as a board member. It did not matter whether it was ours or hundreds of others. Those hundreds became lakhs of startups and millions of jobs. Within this ecosystem, PRISM grew into a global hospitality network across 35 plus countries. For me, coming from a small town in Odisha with nothing but a big dream, this journey has truly come full circle. Now in 2026, I feel the same wonder and responsibility I felt in 2016. The Prime Minister’s ability to remember people and stories, like recalling Suchi from Limeroad years later, is a reminder of genuine engagement. As we mark 10 years of Startup India, this is not just PRISM’s success. It is India’s. And the journey has only just begun. MyGovIndia Startup India

150,164 views • 6 months ago

Standing at Mahakumbh with Ary for the first time, I was overwhelmed by a flood of memories from my own first visit. I remember feeling so small, yet part of something so much bigger. Today, I stood beside him, hoping he finds his own answers, his own faith, and his own path. This isn’t just a tradition; it’s a legacy. A legacy of belief, hope, and the courage to dream. #mahakumbh

Standing at Mahakumbh with Ary for the first time, I was overwhelmed by a flood of memories from my own first visit. I remember feeling so small, yet part of something so much bigger. Today, I stood beside him, hoping he finds his own answers, his own faith, and his own path. This isn’t just a tradition; it’s a legacy. A legacy of belief, hope, and the courage to dream. #mahakumbh

305,401 views • 1 year ago

Namaste from Nice, France. You can sense it in my tone how exciting it is to see Indian innovation on a global stage. What has stood out to me at Bharat Innovates has been the range of Indian founders working across deep-tech, space-tech, defence, AI, and other areas that can shape the future. Many of these companies may look small today, but the problems they are solving can have a significant global impact. And the moment carries real weight, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Emmanuel Macron came together to launch this platform as part of the India-France Year of Innovation, with PM Narendra Modi in France around the G7. When two leaders stand on the same stage for young founders, it tells you something. Our countries have just elevated their ties to a special global strategic partnership, and markets tend to follow where leadership leads. For Indian startups, platforms like this create access to global partners, investors, and markets. More importantly, they show that India is not only consuming innovation, but exporting it. Make in India, but for the world.

Namaste from Nice, France. You can sense it in my tone how exciting it is to see Indian innovation on a global stage. What has stood out to me at Bharat Innovates has been the range of Indian founders working across deep-tech, space-tech, defence, AI, and other areas that can shape the future. Many of these companies may look small today, but the problems they are solving can have a significant global impact. And the moment carries real weight, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Emmanuel Macron came together to launch this platform as part of the India-France Year of Innovation, with PM Narendra Modi in France around the G7. When two leaders stand on the same stage for young founders, it tells you something. Our countries have just elevated their ties to a special global strategic partnership, and markets tend to follow where leadership leads. For Indian startups, platforms like this create access to global partners, investors, and markets. More importantly, they show that India is not only consuming innovation, but exporting it. Make in India, but for the world.

16,987 views • 1 month ago

Dreaming doesn't cost you anything - its free! It's the goals that require your investment and hard-work. So when you dream big, you have to work harder to make it a reality.

Dreaming doesn't cost you anything - its free! It's the goals that require your investment and hard-work. So when you dream big, you have to work harder to make it a reality.

217,285 views • 3 years ago

I have spoken to a lot of first-time property owners and almost all of them make the same mistake. They hand over the management too early. They think that is what smart owners do. But what they are actually doing is giving away control before they even understand what they are giving away. You cannot manage a manager if you do not know what good management looks like. Learn it first. Then delegate.

I have spoken to a lot of first-time property owners and almost all of them make the same mistake. They hand over the management too early. They think that is what smart owners do. But what they are actually doing is giving away control before they even understand what they are giving away. You cannot manage a manager if you do not know what good management looks like. Learn it first. Then delegate.

21,463 views • 2 months ago

What were you doing when you were 13? Jaiwardhan was already pitching on Shark Tank. An AI healthcare startup. Self-built. Self-driven. At an age when most of us were still figuring out what we liked - he was figuring out what he wanted to change in the world. We backed him through our founder fellowship. Not just with capital but with belief, access, and mentorship. Because I remember what that one push did for me. Jay’s journey is just beginning but the kind of beginning that tells you everything about where it’s headed. And I’m grateful to be a small part of it! Shark Tank India sonytv Sony LIV

What were you doing when you were 13? Jaiwardhan was already pitching on Shark Tank. An AI healthcare startup. Self-built. Self-driven. At an age when most of us were still figuring out what we liked - he was figuring out what he wanted to change in the world. We backed him through our founder fellowship. Not just with capital but with belief, access, and mentorship. Because I remember what that one push did for me. Jay’s journey is just beginning but the kind of beginning that tells you everything about where it’s headed. And I’m grateful to be a small part of it! Shark Tank India sonytv Sony LIV

37,488 views • 6 months ago

Had the opportunity to be among the Indian founders hosted by Elon Musk led by India Global Forum . Elon is by far doing the most to evolve human kind or as Peter Thiel says has us closest to getting flying cars. Some comments from Elon - A. India evokes the emotion of Ancient and 'Great' Civilization B. Opportunity of USA and India : Trending positive, but excited for so much more C. Still feels we are living in a simulation because cannot believe what has happened in last few months D. Pursuit of interplanetary living super critical to him ... I can go on but I will also share Some other interesting thoughts I took away - A. Only the second time ever that the chopsticks caught the booster catch, BTW, they gifted SpaceX chopsticks at the end. B. He is fascinated about Kumbh mela C. We were served a veg only dinner, one of the most incredible veg spread at SpaceX. As a vegetarian, loved up. D. How the ability to work with the government can justice to prevail is very close to his heart Activate to view larger image,

Had the opportunity to be among the Indian founders hosted by Elon Musk led by India Global Forum . Elon is by far doing the most to evolve human kind or as Peter Thiel says has us closest to getting flying cars. Some comments from Elon - A. India evokes the emotion of Ancient and 'Great' Civilization B. Opportunity of USA and India : Trending positive, but excited for so much more C. Still feels we are living in a simulation because cannot believe what has happened in last few months D. Pursuit of interplanetary living super critical to him ... I can go on but I will also share Some other interesting thoughts I took away - A. Only the second time ever that the chopsticks caught the booster catch, BTW, they gifted SpaceX chopsticks at the end. B. He is fascinated about Kumbh mela C. We were served a veg only dinner, one of the most incredible veg spread at SpaceX. As a vegetarian, loved up. D. How the ability to work with the government can justice to prevail is very close to his heart Activate to view larger image,

87,483 views • 1 year ago

Did we have you in the first half? 👀 OYO Tanmay Bhat

Did we have you in the first half? 👀 OYO Tanmay Bhat

107,988 views • 2 years ago

You spoke, and we listened. Following feedback from our shareholders, PRISM will soon introduce a new, simplified bonus structure that includes all shareholders, both equity and preference regardless of holding size. We will not proceed with the current resolution and will instead bring forward a fresh, unified proposal for shareholder approval. The revised structure, to be announced in the coming days, will ensure equal participation, full transparency, and automatic inclusion, no application required.

You spoke, and we listened. Following feedback from our shareholders, PRISM will soon introduce a new, simplified bonus structure that includes all shareholders, both equity and preference regardless of holding size. We will not proceed with the current resolution and will instead bring forward a fresh, unified proposal for shareholder approval. The revised structure, to be announced in the coming days, will ensure equal participation, full transparency, and automatic inclusion, no application required.

45,492 views • 8 months ago

I came for Seahawks PR vs New England Patriots , stayed for the Bad Bunny halftime fiesta. These NFL guys don’t just run, they launch. I’m over here comparing it to cricket like a confused math student. Then Bad Bunny shows up with Spanish hits, and the whole stadium dances. Next IPL season better come with reggaeton too!

I came for Seahawks PR vs New England Patriots , stayed for the Bad Bunny halftime fiesta. These NFL guys don’t just run, they launch. I’m over here comparing it to cricket like a confused math student. Then Bad Bunny shows up with Spanish hits, and the whole stadium dances. Next IPL season better come with reggaeton too!

25,796 views • 5 months ago

Your first $1M in sales usually does not begin with some grand masterplan. It starts with doing the unglamorous work, finding people who actually want what you are building, getting those first customers in manually, and listening closely enough to keep making the product better. Fix what they point out. Repeat. Most of the real progress comes from doing simple things consistently enough that the product improves and demand starts becoming natural instead of manufactured.

Your first $1M in sales usually does not begin with some grand masterplan. It starts with doing the unglamorous work, finding people who actually want what you are building, getting those first customers in manually, and listening closely enough to keep making the product better. Fix what they point out. Repeat. Most of the real progress comes from doing simple things consistently enough that the product improves and demand starts becoming natural instead of manufactured.

12,193 views • 3 months ago

I've restarted more times than I can count. But what I have learned is those "wrong turns" weren't mistakes. They were just part of finding the right path. When you're building something from scratch, there's no perfect route. You learn by doing, by failing, by adjusting on the go. The entrepreneur who wins isn't the one who never gets lost. So if you're feeling off-track right now, you're not failing. You're just recalculating.

I've restarted more times than I can count. But what I have learned is those "wrong turns" weren't mistakes. They were just part of finding the right path. When you're building something from scratch, there's no perfect route. You learn by doing, by failing, by adjusting on the go. The entrepreneur who wins isn't the one who never gets lost. So if you're feeling off-track right now, you're not failing. You're just recalculating.

21,823 views • 7 months ago

From brewing coffee to brewing culture ☕️ Excited to back Every Morning Cartel, Gen-Z isn’t just drinking coffee, they’re building communities. Shark Tank India sonytv Sony LIV

From brewing coffee to brewing culture ☕️ Excited to back Every Morning Cartel, Gen-Z isn’t just drinking coffee, they’re building communities. Shark Tank India sonytv Sony LIV

17,101 views • 6 months ago

Most businesses fall into two buckets: painkillers and caffeine fixes. Painkillers solve a real, painful problem. People are already searching for them. Caffeine fixes create an extra choice. They depend on persuasion, branding, and marketing. Neither is wrong. But one is pulled by demand, the other has to constantly push. So ask yourself honestly: which one are you building?

Most businesses fall into two buckets: painkillers and caffeine fixes. Painkillers solve a real, painful problem. People are already searching for them. Caffeine fixes create an extra choice. They depend on persuasion, branding, and marketing. Neither is wrong. But one is pulled by demand, the other has to constantly push. So ask yourself honestly: which one are you building?

10,608 views • 3 months ago

Recently visited Bhubaneswar to speak at the Nua Odisha Global Summit on growth and employment in the state. I got a chance to make a pitstop at the beautiful Lingaraj Temple for a darshan. They say any chaar dhaam yatra is incomplete without a darshan here. I was amazed to see the progress made in Bhubaneswar. The city is emerging as a hub of innovation and technology. I am sure that in the coming years the city will become home to many technology companies and businesses in the state. Jai Jagannath 🙏🏼

Recently visited Bhubaneswar to speak at the Nua Odisha Global Summit on growth and employment in the state. I got a chance to make a pitstop at the beautiful Lingaraj Temple for a darshan. They say any chaar dhaam yatra is incomplete without a darshan here. I was amazed to see the progress made in Bhubaneswar. The city is emerging as a hub of innovation and technology. I am sure that in the coming years the city will become home to many technology companies and businesses in the state. Jai Jagannath 🙏🏼

50,721 views • 2 years ago

We asked… you delivered! Over 6,000 brilliant ideas came through, and after careful consideration, one name shone above the rest: PRISM PRISM isn’t just a name—it’s the evolution of everything we stand for. From the trusted stays that OYO helped introduce, to a spectrum of experiences and spaces built for the future. It’s a community of Lightkeepers, urban innovators on a mission to solve the toughest challenges of city living - lighting the way in every aspect of life. From where you stay, work, meet, or move, PRISM is shaping the future. Built by purpose. Fueled by intent. Made in India, built for the world. Huge congratulations to our contest winners - Sidhant, Prajwal, and Anand, for gifting us this name! Our team will reach out to you soon!

We asked… you delivered! Over 6,000 brilliant ideas came through, and after careful consideration, one name shone above the rest: PRISM PRISM isn’t just a name—it’s the evolution of everything we stand for. From the trusted stays that OYO helped introduce, to a spectrum of experiences and spaces built for the future. It’s a community of Lightkeepers, urban innovators on a mission to solve the toughest challenges of city living - lighting the way in every aspect of life. From where you stay, work, meet, or move, PRISM is shaping the future. Built by purpose. Fueled by intent. Made in India, built for the world. Huge congratulations to our contest winners - Sidhant, Prajwal, and Anand, for gifting us this name! Our team will reach out to you soon!

23,772 views • 10 months ago

When I first saw the Thames, I remember standing still for a moment. London felt like a city that held centuries of ambition in its walls. When I heard this story about the University of Greenwich, I couldn’t believe it. Until, I stood here. I would say I get why the Queen was upset. Have you been to The Thames? If not, put it on your bucket list for this year.

When I first saw the Thames, I remember standing still for a moment. London felt like a city that held centuries of ambition in its walls. When I heard this story about the University of Greenwich, I couldn’t believe it. Until, I stood here. I would say I get why the Queen was upset. Have you been to The Thames? If not, put it on your bucket list for this year.

15,093 views • 5 months ago

“Jo ped sabse bade hote hain, woh sabse zyada jhuke huye hote hain.” (The more successful you become in life, the more rooted you should be.) I recently got the opportunity to share some of my stories, experiences and lessons with the amazing students of IIM Nagpur. This particular lesson that my family taught me early on in life, continues to remain so close to my heart.

“Jo ped sabse bade hote hain, woh sabse zyada jhuke huye hote hain.” (The more successful you become in life, the more rooted you should be.) I recently got the opportunity to share some of my stories, experiences and lessons with the amazing students of IIM Nagpur. This particular lesson that my family taught me early on in life, continues to remain so close to my heart.

51,250 views • 3 years ago