OYO, the well-known Indian hospitality tech startup, is making headlines once again. This time, it’s not about its hotel network or a new acquisition. It’s about a rebranding — and not just any rebranding. OYO founder and CEO Ritesh Agarwal has announced that the company is planning to rename its parent entity, currently known as Oravel Stays Limited. What makes this move even more interesting is that OYO is now inviting the public to participate in choosing the new name.
The announcement comes as OYO gears up for its much-anticipated initial public offering (IPO). Agarwal made the reveal on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), encouraging people from all walks of life — including brand experts, creatives, entrepreneurs, and curious minds — to contribute to this key decision.
Why Rename the Parent Company?
The company is not changing the name of the OYO hotel brand itself. Instead, it is renaming the corporate entity that operates behind the scenes. According to Ritesh Agarwal, the goal is to build a “new kind of global brand” that is born in India but can make an impact worldwide.
Agarwal explained that the new name should be a single word that is globally relevant, culturally neutral, and technology-oriented. It should also have the potential to scale beyond the hospitality sector. In other words, the company wants a name that can grow with it as it diversifies and expands internationally.
Additionally, the name should come with an available .com domain, making it practical for global branding and digital presence.
A Reward for the Winning Entry
To encourage public participation, OYO has promised an attractive reward of INR 3 Lakh (about $3,600) for the best suggestion. Not just that — the person whose name is selected will also get the opportunity to meet Ritesh Agarwal in person.
This crowd-sourcing approach to branding is unusual for a startup of OYO’s size but reflects a growing trend among companies to involve their communities in brand-building efforts.
Is the New Name Only for the Parent Company?
According to a report by PTI, there’s a strong possibility that the name chosen may also become the name of a new premium hotels app that OYO is reportedly working on. So while the official word is that the renaming is only for Oravel Stays Limited, the new name could have multiple uses within the company’s expanding product ecosystem.
OYO’s IPO Timeline and Strategy
The renaming initiative comes at a crucial time for OYO. The company is currently planning to file for its IPO between August and September 2025. If everything goes according to plan, the company could see a public listing in the March quarter of FY2025-26.
The upcoming IPO is part of a long-term strategy to boost OYO’s valuation to $6-7 billion. For this, the company is in talks with several major investment banks, including Goldman Sachs, Citi, Jefferies, ICICI Securities, and Axis Capital. These banks are expected to meet with SoftBank, one of OYO’s largest shareholders, to discuss key elements like positioning strategies, valuation metrics, and market appetite.
Previous Attempts at Going Public
This will be OYO’s third attempt at going public. The company postponed its IPO twice — once in 2022 and again in 2024. According to recent reports, SoftBank had advised OYO to delay its IPO once more to ensure better market conditions and a stronger valuation.
OYO had initially targeted a listing by October 2025, but after discussions with SoftBank, the timeline was pushed to March 2026. The decision reflects a more cautious and strategic approach by the startup, especially considering the current economic climate and investor sentiment.
Financial Pressure and Loan Obligations
It’s no secret that Ritesh Agarwal has made big bets on OYO’s future. In 2019, he took a $2.2 billion loan to increase his stake in the company. This loan was personally guaranteed by SoftBank’s Masayoshi Son. Part of this loan — a $383 million installment — is due in December 2025. This looming obligation may have added pressure on OYO to accelerate the IPO process.
OYO’s Financial Performance
Despite the delays and financial obligations, OYO seems to be doing well financially. In a recent town hall meeting, Ritesh Agarwal announced that the company’s net profit rose by 172% in FY2025, reaching INR 623 Crore, up from INR 229 Crore the previous fiscal year. That’s more than double the previous year’s profit.
The company’s revenue also increased by 20%, growing from INR 5,388.7 Crore in FY24 to INR 6,463 Crore in FY25. These numbers indicate a strong upward trend, which could boost investor confidence as the IPO approaches.
What Does This Mean for the Brand?
The renaming of Oravel Stays Limited is more than just a cosmetic change. It reflects OYO’s ambitions to become a multi-faceted global tech brand, not just a hospitality provider. By inviting the public to help choose the new name, the company is also trying to build a stronger emotional connection with its audience.
The new name will likely serve as an umbrella brand under which OYO can launch new products and services, especially in the tech, lifestyle, and real estate sectors. This aligns with the company’s larger vision of becoming a leader in urban innovation and modern living.
Public Participation Could Be a Game-Changer
Crowd-sourcing a new name may also help OYO generate publicity and goodwill at a critical time. As the IPO nears, the company is looking to position itself as a transparent and community-driven brand. Involving the public in the renaming process is a smart way to build brand loyalty and increase visibility.
As OYO prepares for one of the biggest milestones in its journey — a long-awaited IPO — it is also reimagining how it wants to be seen globally. The decision to rename the parent entity and seek public suggestions shows that the company is embracing change and thinking big. Whether the new name turns out to be a hit or miss, one thing is clear: OYO is ready to go global, and it wants its community to be a part of that journey.
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