Core Viewpoint - OYO, as India's first internet company to expand into China, has experienced a rapid rise and fall in the Chinese market, ultimately leading to its exit in 2021, while still maintaining a significant presence in India and planning for an IPO with a target valuation of $8 billion [8][12][50]. Group 1: OYO's Business Model and Expansion - OYO was founded by Ritesh Agarwal, who aimed to standardize and chain low-cost hotels in India, creating a platform that aggregates budget accommodations [5][22]. - The company expanded rapidly in China, opening a new hotel every three hours and covering over 300 cities within 20 months, surpassing established brands [7][34]. - OYO's model involved soft franchising, where it did not charge franchise fees but took a commission of less than 10% from hotel revenues, significantly increasing occupancy rates for partner hotels [25][27]. Group 2: Challenges in the Chinese Market - Despite initial success, OYO faced significant challenges in China, including operational issues and a lack of profitability, leading to a drastic reduction in its presence by nearly 90% from its peak [8][49]. - The company's pricing strategy, which involved initially lowering prices to attract customers, resulted in high turnover and dissatisfaction among hotel owners, leading to strained relationships [42][47]. - OYO's exit from China was officially announced in 2021, with a shift in focus back to India and Southeast Asia [50][61]. Group 3: Current Status and Future Prospects - OYO is preparing for an IPO in India, with a target valuation of $8 billion, and has shown signs of profitability for the first time in its fiscal year 2024 [12][61]. - The company has been actively acquiring properties in Europe and the US to enhance its brand presence and revenue streams [61][62]. - OYO's story continues to attract investment, despite its challenges, indicating a belief in its potential to reshape the budget hotel market [63].

Core Viewpoint - OYO, founded by Ritesh Agarwal, has transformed the budget hotel industry in India through a franchise model, rapidly expanding its presence and aiming for an IPO with a target valuation of $8 billion, despite facing challenges in the Chinese market [4][9][42]. Group 1: Company Overview - Ritesh Agarwal, at 19, created a platform aggregating budget accommodations in India, leading to the establishment of OYO [2][4]. - OYO does not own hotels but expands through a franchise model, becoming India's largest budget hotel booking platform within seven years [4][5]. - The brand's distinctive red logo has become synonymous with affordable lodging in India [12]. Group 2: Expansion and Challenges - OYO entered the Chinese market in late 2017, rapidly opening new locations, but faced significant challenges, leading to its exit by 2021 [5][33]. - At its peak in China, OYO managed over 50,000 rooms across 1,000 hotels, but the model's sustainability was questioned due to operational issues and market competition [22][28]. Group 3: Market Position and Strategy - OYO's business model focuses on standardizing low-cost hotels, which previously lacked brand recognition and quality standards [17][39]. - The company has been able to increase hotel occupancy rates from 25% to 65%-70% through its franchise model [17]. - OYO's target market includes budget-conscious travelers, with many hotels priced under 100 yuan per night [36]. Group 4: Financial Performance and Future Outlook - OYO plans to go public with a target valuation of $8 billion, aiming to leverage its brand recognition and market position [9][42]. - The company has recently achieved quarterly profitability for the first time, with a net profit of approximately 62.3 million rupees [42]. - OYO continues to attract investment and has formed strategic alliances, such as with Microsoft, to enhance its technological capabilities [43].