Inc42 launches search for India's 42 fastest-growing D2C brands

Inc42 has officially initiated the search for its sixth annual FAST42 list, a ranking of India's fastest-growing direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands. The application window is open until December 10, 2026, with the final rankings set to be unveiled at the FAST42 Conclave in February 2027.

Unlike lists based on valuation or funding, the FAST42 initiative focuses exclusively on verified revenue growth. Participating companies are required to submit financial data covering the 2024 to 2026 fiscal years. Inc42’s internal team of analysts and editors performs a due diligence process to verify these figures before calculating the compound annual revenue growth rate (CAGR) for each applicant.

This ranking comes as the Indian D2C sector navigates a transition phase. While market projections indicate significant growth, the rise of quick commerce and offline retail expansion has forced brands to manage higher acquisition costs and complex distribution economics. The project aims to identify businesses that have successfully translated consumer interest into scalable revenue.

Selected brands receive documentation within the FAST42 industry report and exposure to investors and industry stakeholders. The initiative serves as a marker for the broader Indian consumer economy, showcasing businesses that are establishing sustainable growth models.