Microsoft may invest in Oyo, one of the world’s largest hotel chains
Hotel chain Oyo is a rapidly growing startup, and it could soon receive an investment from Microsoft.
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What you need to know
Microsoft is in talks to invest in Oyo, one of the world’s largest hotel chains, according to a report byTechCrunch. Oyo is valued at $9 billion, according to people familiar with the situation that spoke with TechCrunch. The amount of Microsoft’s potential investment has not been reported at this time.
Oyo was founded in 2013. It is now one of the largest hotel chains in India and the sixth-largest hotel chain in the world, according to its CEO Ritish Agarwai. The hotel giant is also considering going public, according to Agarwai.
Reports indicate that investment from Microsoft would come before Oyo’s initial public offering (IPO). TechCrunch reports that a deal could close as early as today (July 30, 2021).Reutersstates that the deal could be announced in the coming weeks.
Part of Microsoft’s deal with Oyo could involve the hotel chain moving to Microsoft’s cloud services, according toTechCrunch.
Oyo has come under criticism in the past for some of its alleged practices. A report byThe New York Timesalleged that the hotel chain used questionable practices to expand. The chain allegedly listed rooms that weren’t available in order to increase its number of listings.
The New York Times also reported that Oyo would give police and other officials free accommodation to avoid issues.
Neither Microsoft nor Oyo’s CEO has issued statements on any potential investment.
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Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He’s covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean’s journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.
