Announcing FAST42 2026: Discovering India’s Fastest-Growing D2C Brands

India is now the world’s third-largest online shopping market, with over 190 Mn digital shoppers and millions joining the fold every year. In this high-octane landscape, modern D2C brands are proliferating at a record pace, reshaping consumer behaviour and reinventing retail with the rise of omnichannel models.

At Inc42, we’ve been at the epicentre of this D2C revolution, tracking its unprecedented growth and impact on India’s consumer economy. Our estimates show that India’s D2C space is on course to become a $300 Bn market by 2030, powered by rising digital adoption, evolving consumer demand, and relentless brand innovation.

Not to mention, there is an immense sea of opportunity that can only be tamed if modern brands stay rooted in strong fundamentals, balance growth with profitability, and innovate constantly to meet evolving consumer expectations.   

From healthy snacking to eyewear, India’s D2C story is being fuelled by rising demand for quality products, digital-first shopping behaviour, and supply chain innovation.

At Inc42, we’ve had a front-row seat to this journey — not just chronicling it, but spotlighting the brands shaping it. From identifying early players in their nascency to tracking Menhood, Honasa, FirstCry, and BlueStone all the way to their D-Street debuts, we’ve consistently been at the forefront of India’s D2C revolution.

Now, as the sector enters its next phase, we’re once again spotlighting the brands taking India’s D2C game to the next level.

Which is why we are back with the fifth edition of FAST42 — one of the most prestigious rankings in India’s D2C space.

Presented by Inc42 and Shadowfax, in partnership with Nitro and Simpl, the FAST42 list ranks the fastest-growing D2C brands of India. 

The list identifies the next Nykaa, FirstCry, boAt or Lenskart of the country and recognises their journey, right from highlighting core propositions to business playbooks. 

So, it is time to land among the stars, literally. Applications for FAST42 are open until October 15, and the much-anticipated list will be announced in December 2025.

Apply For FAST42

What Is FAST42?

FAST42 is Inc42’s spotlight on the brightest names in India’s D2C ecosystem based on their annual revenue growth rate. Each year, we curate 42 brands that have scaled rapidly, backed by sharp strategies, bold bets and efficient growth. 

Over the years, the initiative has drawn thousands of applications from founders across India’s D2C ecosystem who are eager to make the cut. 

FAST42 alumni include some of the most prominent names in the space — Innovist, Flo Sleep Solutions, Earth Rhythm, Snitch, XYXX, Perfora, P-tal, among others. The success of these brands today is a testament to the authority FAST42 has built over the years.

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Why Should D2C Brands Apply? 

FAST42 2026 is built to help emerging D2C brands unlock what matters most — opportunities, recognition, and visibility. At Inc42, our commitment is to deliver meaningful value to the brands shaping India’s consumer story and acknowledge their journeys with credibility.

But FAST42 goes far beyond rankings. It is also a lens into India’s evolving D2C landscape, spotlighting young companies setting new benchmarks in growth, innovation, and resilience. And being featured on the list carries weight: it means joining a select league of brands that represent the future of Indian retail. Besides, it’s also a rare chance to:

• Brand Exposure: Be in the spotlight of Inc42’s editors, reporters and analysts. Selected brands can proudly showcase this recognition as a mark of distinction in India’s D2C ecosystem.
• Employer Branding: Get discovered by potential talent. The FAST42 list highlights your brand’s story and operations, making it a go-to reference point for future employees.
• Visibility: The interactive rankings will be published on Inc42’s website and featured in an exclusive coffee table book. Our editorial team will spotlight standout brands and emerging trends from the list.
• New Business Opportunities: Exposure to Inc42’s startup community can open doors to new partnerships, investors, and potential customers.
• Credibility: Earn Inc42’s seal of approval as one of India’s leading D2C brands.

Applications for FAST42 2026 are open until October 15, and the much-anticipated list will be announced in December 2025 during a high-profile event in Delhi NCR, bringing together the crème de la crème of India’s D2C ecosystem. 

Apply For FAST42