SUMMARY
After vetting 300+ applications, conducting 200+ calls and screening 75+ brands, Inc42 is happy to announce The FAST42
This year, we bring to you the stories India’s 52 most innovative and disruptive brands
The ranking is divided into two categories — Growth and Emerging startups
Inc42 proudly announces the third edition of FAST42 — India’s Most Coveted List of D2C Brands! This year, our excitement boils over as we unveil not just 42 but 52 of India’s most innovative and disruptive D2C brands.
FAST42, presented in partnership with Emiza and co-presented by Axis Bank and Simpl, isn’t merely a list. It is a treasure trove brimming with stories, industry insights and inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs and industry stakeholders.
For three months, Inc42 embarked on a meticulous journey of exploration. Our team of reporters, editors and analysts vetted 300 applications, made 200+ calls and conducted 75+ interviews. The result? A carefully curated list showcasing the hottest D2C brands in India, each a testament to the resilience that defines this dynamic ecosystem.
From sustainable fashion brands to tech-savvy disruptors and from foodie innovators to those redefining beauty standards — no stone is left unturned, as these brands leave their mark across varied categories, making game-changing strides in shaping consumerism in India.
FAST42 tells the diverse stories of these new-age disruptors.
This year, we couldn’t resist breaking tradition. Seeing the immense enthusiasm and innovation with which many of the applicants brimmed, we expanded the ranking pool to bring you the stories of 10 additional brands!
Meet D2C’s Rising Stars
Growth
Note: The ranking is arranged in descending order, according to the revenue growth of brands within the growth category.
- Nat Habit
Founded in 2019, Nat Habit, with its ayurvedic beauty and personal care range, aims to make natural wellness an everyday affair for Indian households. It ensures authenticity by sourcing raw materials each day and preparing the products in its ayurvedic kitchens. Read more…
- Hammer Lifestyle
Founded in 2019, Hammer Lifestyle offers feature-rich ‘lifestyle’ gadgets with a focus on affordability. It sells a wide range of cool gadgets and digital health gear such as wired & wireless earphones, headphones, speakers, smartwatches and more in the price range of INR 1,500-2,500. Read more…
- MyMuse
MyMuse is on a mission to destigmatise sex toys by focussing on educational content and sexual wellness resources, breaking taboos and challenging gender biases. Founded in 2020, this personal care brand prioritises transparency in labelling, and all its products go through rigorous quality checks. Read more…
- Anveshan
Founded in 2019, Anveshan provides chemical-free foods, including A2 ghee, cold-pressed and wood-pressed oils, superfoods, natural honey and more. Agri ingredients are directly procured from a 5K-strong farming community and customers can scan QR codes on products to check processing, packaging and quality. Read more…
- The Pant Project
Founded in 2020, this D2C fashion brand offers made-to-order trousers using high-stretch, high-quality and sustainable fabrics (cotton, linen, wool and more) suitable for any activity. The Pant Project’s team of expert designers and master tailors work closely on every order and shoppers can request free alterations for custom-made pants. Read more…
- TagZ Foods
TagZ Foods offers a wholesome range of tasty yet healthy dips, dark chocolate centre-filled hemp cookies, corn puffs, corn bhujia and date snacks. Founded in 2019, the brand that appeared on Shark Tank, initially sold online but now generates 70% of its sales offline through extensive general trade distribution. Read more…
- Pilgrim
Founded in 2019, Pilgrim makes FDA-approved and PETA-certified vegan and safe products for a new generation of conscious beauty consumers. Its in-house R&D team and a dozen-odd global R&D partners carefully research and curate ingredients to make formulations. Read more…
- Bold Care
Founded in 2019, Bold Care provides products to tackle problems such as erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, infertility and more. Recently, its digital campaign, featuring Bollywood superstar Ranveer Singh, along with American adult actor and model Johnny Sins, went viral. Read more…
- Bani Women
Founded in 2020, Bani Women blends traditional craftsmanship with modern designs to cater to various occasions and lifestyles. It is all about fashion that explores women’s stories and reflects their identity/self-expression while making shoppers aware of the cultural heritage behind each creation. Read more…
- Beyond Snack
Beyond Snack aims to achieve Lay’s-like eminence in the banana chips market. Founded in 2018, the brand ensures that bananas are sourced directly from farmers and chips are prepared in under two minutes to retain all nutrients. Read more…
11. Anveya Living
Founded in 2018, the beauty and personal care brand has developed three distinctive product lines — ThriveCo, Colorisma and Curlvana — to address hair, skin care and hair colouring needs. It procures raw materials from natural sources and all products are made in-house. Read more…
- RAS Luxury
Founded in 2017, RAS uses plant-based actives and botanicals in its clean beauty and skincare products. All its ingredients are grown organically, and the brand follows GMP and EU guidelines to make an effective product range for its consumers. Read more…
- Happy Nature
Founded in 2022, Happy Nature is a clean-label (100% chemical-free) F&B brand, providing dairy and breakfast essentials made from fresh and organic ingredients. Its tamper-proof packaging and last-mile delivery ensure food quality and safety. Read more…
- Eyewearlabs
Founded in 2017, Eyewearlabs combines quality and classic looks to craft designer shades at pocket-friendly prices. It offers a versatile range of sports and prescription sunglasses suitable for everyday wear, travel and outdoor activities. It plans to unveil co-branded collections soon. Read more…
- Haus & Kinder
Haus & Kinder celebrates motherhood with its elegant, design-led approach. Founded in 2018, it is a one-stop shop for trendy home and baby products that appeal to new-age mothers with an eye for aesthetics. Read more…
- Torque
The D2C furniture brand is built on the three pillars of precision, quality and sustainability. Founded in 2017, Torque’s flagship products include chairs, sofas, beds and dining sets, all of which can be customised to suit individual preferences. Read more…
- Chkokko
With versatile, inclusive and breathable athleisure, Chkokko aims to disrupt the D2C athleisure market and empower customers to explore their style. Founded in 2018, it has a versatile product portfolio designed and developed in-house. Read more…
- Innovist
Founded in 2018, Innovist offers a clean personal care range under three brands – Bare Anatomy (hair care), Chemist at Play (skincare) and SunScoop (sunscreen-only brand). The D2C brand Innovist follows EU safety standards and displays all derma and clinical testing results for complete transparency. Read more…
- The Honest Home Company
Founded in 2019, the eco-focussed brand makes a diverse range of household products using organic raw materials free from toxic chemicals and containing little or no plastic. It claims to use only biodegradable materials for waste management products like garbage bags and pet waste bags. Read more…
- Nirmalaya
Founded in 2020, Nirmalaya makes charcoal-free incense from floral waste to reduce health hazards and pollution. It recycles tonnes of floral waste from 300+ temples every month across Delhi NCR and offers employment opportunities to several women. Read more…
- Bummer
Bummer offers a wide range of product lines for men and women, including bikinis, bralettes, hipsters, shorts, boxers, pyjamas and loungewear. Founded in 2020, it spent nearly three years in R&D to create ultra-soft, ultra-lightweight and sustainable ‘MicroModal’ fibres from beechwood trees. Read more…
- Etchcraft Emporium
Founded in 2019, Etchcraft Emporium offers everyday jewellery and accessories that exude one’s personality. Its 22K gold-plated steel jewellery collection and other products can be customised within 10-15 minutes using its state-of-the-art engraving machines. Read more…
- Milkstation
MilkStation delivers fresh dairy products and offers varieties of handmade cookies and soap, all made from camel milk. The dairy brand has set up a processing unit in Pali (Rajasthan) with a capacity of 40 kilolitres per day, including pasteurisation, homogenisation and cream separation. Read more…
- The Indus Valley
The Indus Valley aims to bring back toxin-free cookware as a recipe for healthy cooking. Born in 2016, it uses natural materials and safe alloys like cast iron, sheet iron, brass, bronze, wood and clay to avoid chemical buildups. Read more…
- Flo Sleep Solution
Flo has delved deep into the consumer psyche, focussing on two critical areas – comfort and cost. Founded in 2018, it utilises the art of building great sleep products. It largely relies on its D2C distribution model to deliver incredibly comfortable and affordable products. Read more…
- SAADAA
Founded in 2018, the womenswear brand promises stylish, comfortable and affordable apparel with no compromise on value or quality. Its collections are conceptualised in-house and made by 200+ experienced tailors working with the startup. Read more…
- DrinkPrime
Founded in 2016, the D2C startup offers IoT-powered water purifiers that contain sensors and can be controlled with an app. Before installation, tap water is sampled and analysed at customer homes to determine specific filtration requirements. Read more…
- Earth Rhythm
Clean beauty startup Earth Rhythm offers chemical-free and cruelty-free beauty and personal care products approved by ECOCERT and PETA. Founded in 2020, Earth Rhythm’s products are made in-house, allowing it complete control over ingredients, formulations and production. Read more…
- Flexnest
Founded in 2021, the home fitness brand offers smart cardio equipment, adjustable strength-builders and more. It goes beyond selling gym equipment to providing an end-to-end user experience with a dedicated mobile app. Read more…
30. Fruitoholic
Founded in 2020, Fruitoholic offers fresh and premium packaged whole fruits, dried fruits, nuts and seeds, as well as value-added products across 10 categories. Storage, sorting, grading, production and packaging are all done at the brand’s processing & distribution centre and cloud store kitchens (CSKs). Read more…
- Fashor
Born in 2017, Fashor enables women to flaunt ‘high fashion’ at proletariat pricing. The D2C fashion brand offers ethnic and fusion wear collections and consistently launches new designs. Read more…
- Sujatra
Run by a lean women-led management team, Sujatra blends India’s vibrant art and craft with desi and Western apparel for unique and stylish creations. Founded in 2015, the fashion label brings forth the artisanal look and feel to make unique and elegant women’s wear. Read more…
- GO DESI
GO DESI’s lollipops are made from natural ingredients, such as tamarind and mangoes, and sweetened with jaggery. Besides, it sells paan-flavoured mouth fresheners and traditional Indian sweets. Founded in 2018, the startup made an appearance on Shark Tank in 2023. Read more…
- Desi Farms
Founded in 2022, Desi Farms processes and produces chemical, antibiotic and preservative-free milk, which is delivered to households within 12-24 hours of milking. With its acquisition of Vedaaz and Manchar Farms, it aims to enter new markets. Read more…
- Flicka Cosmetics
Founded in 2019, Flicka aims to make safe and cruelty-free cosmetics at affordable prices. It uses certified vegan, lead and sulphate-free raw materials for eye and face make-up, lipsticks and nail paints suited to Indian skin tones. Read more…
- Loom Solar
Loom Solar is on a mission to light up Indian households with solar energy and claims to help them save up to 80% in electricity bills. Founded in 2018, it offers a comprehensive range of solar panels, lithium batteries and solar inverters. Read more…
- Sleepy Cat
Founded in 2017, sleep solutions brand SleepyCat aims to become a one-stop shop for sleeping essentials. Using high-density foam, ‘cooling’ memory foam and breathable latex, it offers many mattress variants, balancing comfort, coolness and support. Read more…
- Geek Technologies
Founded in 2019, the appliance brand utilises the latest programmable intelligent cooking tech to automate cooking and ensure quick turnaround. It makes smart electric pressure cookers that support 1K+ Indian recipes via an app. Read more…
- Power Gummies
Founded in 2018, Power Gummies offers gelatine and gluten-free supplements for bone, hair and nail health, weight management, skincare and more. The nutraceutical brand is aggressively expanding across Tier II and III markets, offering supplements and safety to Bharat consumers. Read more…
- Uptownie
Born in 2015, Uptownie is a fashion brand with a ‘rooted in India’ motto, keeping in mind Indian women’s body types, complexion and preferences. It claims to uphold the promise of quality and every piece of apparel is stitched with a meticulous focus on design. Read more…
- Bacca Bucci
This D2C footwear and accessories brand makes a wide range of casual, formal and athleisure shoes like sneakers, boots, moccasins, flip-flops, and more. Founded in 2015, its products are crafted by experienced artisans at its manufacturing units. Read more…
- Fiona Diamonds
Founded in 2015, Fiona offers a sparkling range of natural and lab-grown/sustainable diamonds and moissanite suitable for every pocket and fit for every occasion. It crafts unique pieces and made-to-order jewellery in modern and vintage designs. Read more…
FAST42 2024 Coffee Table Book
We are also thrilled to inform you that a LIVE, limited print edition of the FAST42 Coffee Table Book is available on order. Laden with a design finesse, this is a perfect addition to your collection, adding a touch of elegance to your boardroom, your next investor pitch, or even your town halls! Get The Limited Print Edition Copy Here
Emerging
Note: This is not a ranking of any kind. The brands are arranged in alphabetical order.
- Cosmix
Founded in 2019, Cosmix offers a wide range of solutions for gut and hormonal health, immunity and energy, skin and hair care and more. The brand nudges consumers to look beyond quick fixes and supports children through its nutrition programmes. Read more…
- Dorje Teas
Founded in 2021, Dorje Teas sources natural ingredients to offer fresh, authentic and fun wellness tea blends. The West Bengal-based startup offers single-origin, organic (certified by the USDA and Rainforest Alliance) and farm-fresh black, green and herbal teas. Read more…
- Foxtale
Founded in 2021, beauty and personal care brand Foxtale’s R&D team has identified 350+ skin types instead of the broad five. This micro-segmentation helps address skin health more effectively for 95% of its users. Read more…
- FreshMa
FreshMa offers a wide variety of delicacies like freshwater and sea fish, lobsters and prawns, crabs, dry fish and more. Founded in 2022, it sources chemical-free fish and seafood from a trusted network of fishermen and farmers. Read more…
- Gladful
Founded in 2021, Gladful uses natural superfoods like sprouts, amaranth, millet and more to make high-protein breakfast, sprouted chillas and dosas, roasted munchies, cookies and desserts. It follows a five-step process to retain purity and nutrients. Read more…
- Japam
Launched in 2022, Japam provides authentic rudraksha wearables with a focus on product provenance. The brand offers a variety of wearable rudraksha beads, spiritual jewellery, idols and home decor items made by local artisans. Read more…
- La’ French
Founded in 2021, La’ French offers intriguing fragrance profiles under Classy, Sassy, Oudh, City of Dreams, Military and Mood collections. It procures chemical-free ingredients and uses sustainable packaging materials to meet industry standards. Read more…
- Naksh
Founded in 2021, Naksh sources high-quality fabric from pan-India suppliers and products are stitched at its in-house unit in Mumbai, allowing the brand to ensure optimum quality. Its flagship product is the minimal range of bedsheets in plain and stripes. Read more…
- Winston Electronics
Founded in 2021, Winston blends technology, design and ease of use to deliver grooming products such as trimmers, hair stylers, scalp massagers, LED combs, electric toothbrushes and more. It also raised INR 1 Cr in Shark Tank Season 2. Read more…
- WishCare
WishCare offers nature-inspired products fortified with clinically tested and non-toxic ingredients for hair and skin care. Founded in 2020, the startup conducts in-house R&D and uses clinically proven active ingredients to create high-efficacy formulations. Read more…
