India’s Top D2C Disruptors

In the tech world, product-driven businesses hold a special place for consumers. Just like other sectors, direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands are constantly innovating to make their products better and more efficient. Currently, India boasts over 900 D2C brands across various categories, including fashion, groceries, healthcare, fitness, food, skincare, electronics and more. This sector has witnessed significant growth over the past five years, with the pandemic further accelerating this trend. According to multiple reports, the D2C market was valued at USD 44.6 billion in 2021 and is projected to reach USD 100 billion by 2025.

The growing interest of celebrities has further propelled D2C brands into the spotlight. Celebrities like Alia Bhatt, Deepika Padukone, Virat Kohli, Katrina Kaif, Hrithik Roshan, Parineeti Chopra, Kriti Sanon and Saif Ali Khan, among others, were early believers in the D2C sector and their investments are now paying off.

Funding Outlook

D2C brands are attracting significant investment, accounting for over 50 per cent of the total funding in the ecommerce sector. Moreover, in 2023, D2C brands led the funding race, with over 70 per cent of all deals in the ecommerce space.

Path to Success

Building a strong brand is crucial for D2C companies, and this often requires significant marketing investments. Brands usually allocate 30 per cent to over 50 per cent of their revenue towards marketing to achieve brand recognition. Consequently, profitability can be a challenge for D2C startups.

The key strategy for success lies in connecting with the right target audience and converting them into loyal, repeat customers. Leading players like Mamaearth and Boat have achieved market share dominance by focusing on the right product, targeting the right audience, delivering a superior customer experience, and selecting the most effective marketplaces. This proven formula is widely adopted by successful D2C brands.

The Initiative

Recognising the vital role D2C brands play in consumer lives and shopping habits, BW Disrupt and BW Marketing World, in association with BW Businessworld, hosted the second edition of the D2C Conclave 2024. This exclusive event serves as a platform for professionals and organisations across the D2C ecosystem to connect and collaborate. The conclave felicitated the top 60 D2C brands and fostered discussions aimed at propelling the entire D2C ecosystem forward.

Rigorous Selection Process

BW Disrupt and BW Marketing World screened nearly 600 D2C brands from across the country. Based on key metrics such as total revenue, year-on-year growth, market share, and funding received, the selection committee shortlisted around 130 brands. Finally, after a meticulous evaluation process, the advisory council selected the top 60 D2C brands based on the aforementioned criteria.

Distinguished Advisory Council

The esteemed advisory council comprised prominent figures from the venture capital ecosystem, including Vinay Singh (Co-founder, Fireside Ventures), Ashvin Chadha (Managing Partner and Co-founder, Anicut Capital), Anirudh A Damani (Founder, Artha Venture Fund), Ankur Mittal (Co-founder, Inflection Point Ventures), and Dr. Annurag Batra (Chairman and Editor-in-Chief, BW Businessworld and Founder, exchange4media).

The Winners

 

Nitesh Kumar

BW Reporters Covers development across startup and venture capital verticals.