By Harihara Kar
Odisha has long been known for its rich cultural heritage and natural resources. In recent years, however, it has also begun to emerge as a breeding ground for entrepreneurial talent. From tech innovators to consumer brand creators, these top 5 Odia entrepreneurs have made a significant mark on the national and global business landscape.
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Ritesh Agarwal: Founder and CEO, OYO Rooms
Born in Bissam Cuttack, Ritesh Agarwal is the founder of OYO Rooms, one of the largest hospitality chains in the world. He initially started Oravel Stays, which later evolved into OYO Rooms in 2013. He was among the first Indians to receive the Thiel Fellowship and is widely regarded as one of India’s youngest self-made billionaires. OYO reported a net profit of Rs 114.64 crore for the financial year 2023–24, marking a turnaround from the previous year’s loss. With this, OYO has become one of the few unicorns in the country to achieve profitability.
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Asish Mohapatra: Co-founder and CEO,OfBusiness
Cuttack’s Asish Mohapatra, an IIT Kharagpur and IIM Calcutta graduate, co-founded OfBusiness in 2015. The B2B commerce platform provides raw materials and working capital to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Under his leadership, the company became a unicorn and is now preparing for an IPO. Mohapatra is also a director at financial services company Oxyzo’s board.
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Amrit Acharya: Co-founder and CEO, Zetwerk
Amrit Acharya, originally from Bhubaneswar, is the co-founder and CEO of Zetwerk, a unicorn company in the manufacturing space. A graduate of IIT Madras and the Haas School of Business, Acharya has positioned Zetwerk as a global supply chain partner for both industrial and consumer products. The company became a unicorn in 2021 and continues to expand its international presence.
According to Zetwerk’s official website, the company provides extensive manufacturing capabilities—including CNC machining, die casting, injection moulding, sheet metal stamping, forging, extrusions, investment casting, prototyping, and assemblies. It also offers services to help clients cut costs, enhance quality, manage inventory, and optimise manufacturing operations.
Also Read: Odisha’s top environmental activists driving change across state
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Rahul Dash: Cofounder and COO, Purplle
Hailing from Odisha, Rahul Dash co-founded Purplle, a prominent e-commerce platform for beauty and personal care products. A former IIT Kharagpur graduate, he serves as the Chief Operating Officer and has been instrumental in building Purplle into a strong competitor in the Indian beauty market alongside brands like Nykaa.
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Biraja Rout: Cofounder and CEO, Biggies Burger
Biraja Rout founded Biggies Burger in 2011 with the goal of offering authentic grilled burgers to Indian consumers. Hailing from Keonjhar, he transitioned from a job at Infosys in Bangalore to pursue his entrepreneurial dream. Starting with a small kiosk, Biggies Burger quickly gained popularity for its quality offerings. The brand has since expanded into one of India’s fastest-growing QSR chains, with over 150 outlets across different states. Rout’s vision of creating an Indian alternative to global fast-food giants has resonated with a growing customer base, especially among young urban diners.
These Top 5 Odia entrepreneurs showcase the incredible talent emerging from Odisha, combining innovation, resilience, and vision to make a national and global impact. Their stories are not just about personal success but also about inspiring a new generation of entrepreneurs from the state.
PNN