As per recent news reports, Bollywood celebrities are increasingly making their mark as investors in high-growth startups, with OYO, the popular travel tech platform, being the latest beneficiary. Notable names like Madhuri Dixit, Gauri Khan, and Amrita Rao have joined a growing list of investors who see the potential for substantial returns as OYO continues to scale its operations.
Gauri Khan’s Investment in OYO:
Gauri Khan, wife of Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan, has reportedly purchased 2.4 million shares of OYO during its Series G funding round in August 2024. This round helped OYO raise over Rs 1,400 crore from a consortium of investors. While Shah Rukh Khan’s team has not commented on the investment, Gauri's move highlights her confidence in OYO’s potential in the rapidly growing hospitality tech sector.
Madhuri Dixit and Dr. Sriram Nene’s Joint Investment:
As per reports Madhuri Dixit, along with her husband Dr Shriram Nene, Dr Ritesh Malik , founder of flex space company Innov8 , founding member of Plaxha University and angel investor, have acquired 2 million shares of OYO at an undisclosed valuation, the company said in a statement. Their joint investment marks a growing trend of Bollywood stars diversifying into tech and startup ventures, further signaling confidence in OYO’s future growth.
Amrita Rao and Anmol Sood’s Stake:
Actress Amrita Rao and her husband, Anmol Sood, a popular radio jockey, also reportedly bought shares in OYO through the secondary market. Their decision to invest highlights the growing interest among celebrities in startups with high growth potential.
Institutional Support from Nuvama Wealth:
In addition to celebrity investments, institutional investors have also shown strong interest in OYO. Nuvama Wealth, for example, recently acquired shares worth Rs 100 crore in a secondary transaction, valuing OYO at approximately $4.6 billion. While this represents growth, it is still a significant drop from OYO’s peak valuation of $10 billion.
OYO’s Growing Appeal:
With celebrities like Madhuri Dixit, Gauri Khan, and Amrita Rao investing in OYO, the company is now not only attracting institutional investors but also high-profile figures from the entertainment industry. This growing interest reflects the company’s strong potential and its ability to secure major backing from investors who believe in its future.
The increasing trend of Bollywood stars investing in startups, particularly in sectors like technology, hospitality, and e-commerce, is reshaping the investment landscape. These celebrities, known for their keen business acumen, are making their mark by backing high-potential companies such as OYO that are well-positioned for growth and eventual public listing.
Conclusion: The Future Looks Bright for OYO
OYO’s innovative approach, combined with strong backing from both institutional investors and public figures, suggests that it will continue to grow and thrive in the coming years.
While OYO’s current valuation stands at $4.6 billion, much lower than its peak valuation of $10 billion, the company’s steady growth and expansion plans make it an attractive prospect for future investors. With Bollywood celebrities showing their support, OYO’s journey ahead looks promising, and it will be interesting to see how these investments contribute to the company’s growth as it moves towards the next phase of its evolution.
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