Inc42 to Host D2C Retreat 2026 with 70+ Indian Consumer Brand Founders

Inc42 will host its third D2C Retreat from September 17-19, 2026, at Raffles Udaipur. The event is set to convene over 70 founders from India's direct-to-consumer (D2C) and consumer brands on a private island. The retreat aims to provide a secluded environment for candid discussions and strategic planning away from the daily operational pace.

The gathering will include founders representing businesses with a combined annual revenue exceeding ₹30,000 crore (approximately $3.6 billion USD). Operating under Chatham House Rule, the retreat encourages open dialogue on challenges and opportunities within India's rapidly expanding consumer market. The objective is to foster peer-to-peer learning and strategic problem-solving among leaders.

India's consumer market is projected for significant growth, with consumer spending expected to rise substantially by 2030. However, this expansion is accompanied by increased competition and market complexity. While the initial wave of D2C brands lowered entry barriers, building large-scale, enduring consumer companies now requires navigating challenges in multi-channel distribution, margin management, and customer loyalty.

Launched in 2024, the D2C Retreat was conceived to offer a platform for founders to address complex decisions with peers facing similar pressures. The 2026 edition maintains this philosophy with a more curated selection of participants, requiring companies to meet specific revenue, funding, or valuation criteria. The focus remains on practical experience sharing to build resilient and successful businesses.