Bollywood Stars Bet on Travel Tech: Madhuri Dixit, Gauri Khan, and Amrita Rao Invest in OYO

Rashika Sharma
Rashika Sharma - Entertainment Writer
5 Min Read
Madhuri Dixit, Gauri Khan,
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In a move that highlights the growing convergence of entertainment and technology, several prominent Bollywood personalities have recently invested in the travel-tech platform OYO. Among them are the iconic actress Madhuri Dixit, film producer and interior designer Gauri Khan, and actress Amrita Rao. This trend reflects a broader pattern of celebrities diversifying their investment portfolios by venturing into high-growth startups, anticipating substantial returns as these companies mature and potentially go public.

Gauri Khan’s Substantial Investment

Gauri Khan, known for her keen eye for design and business acumen, made a significant investment in OYO during its Series G funding round in August 2024. This round saw OYO raise over Rs 1,400 crore (approximately $168 million) from a consortium of investors. Sources close to the matter revealed that Khan acquired 2.4 million shares of OYO as part of this funding round. While official comments from Khan’s team are still awaited, this investment underscores her confidence in OYO’s business model and its potential for future growth.

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Madhuri Dixit and Dr. Sriram Nene Join the Investor Circle

Adding to the star power backing OYO, Madhuri Dixit and her husband, Dr. Sriram Nene, have also invested in the company. The couple, along with angel investor Dr. Ritesh Malik, collectively purchased 2 million shares of OYO. Dr. Malik is a well-known figure in the Indian startup ecosystem, being the founder of Innov8, a co-working space company, and a founding member of Plaksha University. This investment not only brings in financial capital but also adds valuable expertise and network connections to OYO.

Amrita Rao and Anmol Sood’s Investment

Another Bollywood couple, Amrita Rao and her husband Anmol Sood, a popular radio jockey, have also joined the ranks of OYO investors. They acquired shares in the secondary market, further demonstrating the growing interest in OYO from various investor segments.

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OYO’s Valuation and Recovery

OYO’s valuation has seen fluctuations in recent years. However, the company’s performance in the Series G funding round, which valued OYO at $4.6 billion, indicates a strong recovery and renewed investor confidence. This valuation is a significant milestone for OYO, especially considering the challenges faced by the travel industry during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Trend of Celebrity Investments in Startups

The investments by Madhuri Dixit, Gauri Khan, and Amrita Rao in OYO are part of a larger trend of celebrities investing in startups. This trend is driven by several factors:

  • Diversification: Celebrities, like any other investor, seek to diversify their investment portfolios to mitigate risk and enhance returns. Investing in startups offers an opportunity to tap into high-growth potential sectors.
  • Brand Synergy: Aligning with innovative and disruptive startups can enhance a celebrity’s brand image, associating them with dynamism and forward-thinking approaches.
  • Financial Returns: Startups, if successful, can generate substantial returns for investors, especially if they go public or are acquired by larger companies.
  • Influence and Visibility: Celebrities bring significant visibility and influence, which can be beneficial for startups in terms of marketing and brand building.

OYO’s Journey and Future Prospects

OYO has come a long way since its inception in 2013. Founded by Ritesh Agarwal, the company initially focused on providing budget-friendly accommodations through a network of standardized hotels. OYO rapidly expanded its operations both in India and internationally, becoming a major player in the hospitality industry.

However, OYO has also faced challenges, including operational issues, financial losses, and the impact of the pandemic. The company has been actively working to address these challenges by streamlining operations, focusing on profitability, and adapting to the changing travel landscape.

The recent investments by prominent celebrities and the successful Series G funding round signal a positive outlook for OYO. The company’s focus on technology, its extensive network of properties, and the renewed investor confidence position it well for future growth in the evolving travel industry.

Final Thought

The investments by Madhuri Dixit, Gauri Khan, and Amrita Rao in OYO highlight the growing interest in the travel-tech sector and the increasing trend of celebrity endorsements and investments in startups. This trend is likely to continue as more celebrities recognize the potential of startups to generate significant returns and contribute to innovation. For OYO, these investments not only provide financial backing but also bring valuable brand recognition and visibility, which can be crucial for its future growth and success in the competitive travel market.

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By Rashika Sharma Entertainment Writer
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Rashika Sharma is an entertainment writer at GrowJustIndia.com, where she covers the latest in movies, TV shows, and celebrity news. With a passion for pop culture, Rashika delivers engaging and insightful content that keeps readers up-to-date on all things entertainment.
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