India’s D2C ecosystem has no shortage of new brands. But as competition intensifies, identifying the businesses delivering strong revenue growth, beyond the attention generated by funding announcements, product launches and marketing campaigns, is becoming increasingly important.
This is the premise behind FAST42, Inc42’s annual ranking of India’s fastest-growing D2C brands. Now in its sixth edition, FAST42 2027 invites applications from emerging consumer brands to identify and rank 42 businesses by verified revenue growth between FY24 and FY26.
Since 2022, FAST42 has been part of Inc42’s broader effort to identify, track and recognise emerging consumer businesses. Backed by more than a decade of startup ecosystem coverage, sector research and engagement with D2C founders, the initiative has consistently focused on a measurable indicator of business growth: revenue.
The numbers from previous editions illustrate the scale of businesses featured in the ranking. The FAST42 2026 cohort, selected from over 250 applications, comprised 42 brands that collectively generated ₹2,154 Cr in annual revenue and employed more than 6,700 people.
Over the years, FAST42 has recognised brands such as Pilgrim, The Sleep Company, Snitch, Sweet Karam Coffee, Beco, Perfora, XYXX, Innovist, Fix My Curls and The Pant Project, among others.
These brands represent a cross-section of India’s consumer economy, spanning established categories, emerging niches and different approaches to building and scaling a business.
With FAST42 2027, Inc42 is looking to identify the next set of emerging brands demonstrating exceptional revenue growth.
Presented by Inc42 and Shadowfax, and co-presented by PhonePe Payment Gateway, the sixth edition will culminate in the unveiling of India’s 42 fastest-growing eligible D2C brands in February 2027.
Apply For FAST42 2027India’s D2C Market Is Growing. So Is The Competition.
India’s D2C market is entering a period of significant expansion. According to Inc42’s D2C 3.0: The Next Big Wave In Indian Ecommerce Report 2026, India’s D2C gross merchandise value (GMV) is projected to grow from $65 Bn in 2026 to $310 Bn by 2031, clocking a CAGR of approximately 37%.
This compares with a projected 22% CAGR for the broader ecommerce market. D2C channels are also expected to account for nearly 86% of the incremental GMV added by India’s ecommerce sector over the next five years.
However, the changing retail landscape is also making growth more complex.
Performance marketing and online marketplaces, which powered India’s first wave of digital-first brands, are increasingly being complemented by quick commerce and offline retail. Brands now have more ways to reach consumers, but must also manage competition across channels, customer acquisition costs, repeat purchases and distribution economics.
As India’s D2C ecosystem moves into this next phase, the distinction between building brand visibility and translating consumer demand into revenue growth becomes more relevant.
FAST42 2027 will spotlight brands that have demonstrated this growth, regardless of the categories they operate in or the combination of channels driving their sales.
How Will FAST42 2027 Identify The Fastest-Growing Brands?
FAST42 is a data-led ranking, with growth determined by financial performance rather than funding, valuations or brand popularity.
For its 2027 edition, Inc42 will rank 42 eligible D2C brands on their compound annual revenue growth rate (CAGR) between FY24 and FY26.
Inc42’s team of editors, reporters and analysts will review applications and verify the financial information provided by shortlisted brands before determining the final ranking.
The ranking will also document the selected brands’ business journeys, offering insights into the categories, strategies, and markets driving their expansion.
What Does Making The FAST42 List Mean For Brands?
Beyond the ranking itself, FAST42 provides emerging consumer brands with a platform to bring their growth stories to a wider audience.
Previous editions have featured businesses across food and beverages, fashion, beauty and personal care, wellness, home products and other consumer categories, highlighting the breadth of brands gaining scale in India.
For brands selected in FAST42 2027, the initiative offers:
- Recognition For Verified Growth: A place among India’s 42 fastest-growing eligible D2C brands, determined through a consistent, revenue-based ranking methodology.
- Visibility Across Inc42’s Platforms: A feature in FAST42’s interactive online ranking and an exclusive coffee table book documenting the selected businesses.
- A Platform For Their Growth Stories: Opportunities for Inc42’s editorial team to examine the founders, business models and strategies behind standout brands.
- Access To The Wider Ecosystem: Recognition at the FAST42 Conclave and visibility among investors, business partners, industry leaders and prospective talent.
For emerging brands navigating their next stage of expansion, FAST42 offers an independent distinction based on their financial performance and an opportunity to bring their businesses to the attention of a larger industry audience.
FAST42 2027 Applications Close On 10 December
Applications for FAST42 2027 are open until 10 December 2026.
The final ranking will be unveiled at the FAST42 Conclave in Delhi NCR in February 2027, bringing together the selected brands, D2C founders, investors and other stakeholders from India’s consumer ecosystem.
The 42 ranked brands will also be featured on Inc42’s website and in the FAST42 coffee table book.
As India’s D2C market continues to expand, FAST42 2027 aims to identify the emerging brands turning that market opportunity into measurable growth.
If your brand has demonstrated exceptional revenue growth between FY24 and FY26, applications for FAST42 2027 are now open.
Applicants must be able to substantiate their revenue figures with supporting financial documents. With no jury selections or paid placements, every position on the FAST42 list is earned through verified revenue growth.
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