Inc42 has launched the seventh cohort of its D2CX acceleration programme, aimed at helping emerging direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands in India scale sustainably. The 12-week programme provides mentorship, operational guidance, and access to a network of founders, investors, and experts. This initiative comes as India’s ecommerce market is projected to reach $450 billion by 2031, with D2C brands expected to drive significant growth in the sector, according to inc42.com.
The D2CX programme addresses key challenges faced by D2C founders, such as rising customer acquisition costs, fragmented sales channels, inventory management, and customer retention. Participants receive hands-on mentorship and operation-led sessions designed to build stronger foundations for growth. Inc42’s structured approach aims to equip entrepreneurs with execution frameworks and insights necessary to navigate the evolving ecommerce landscape in India, the source detailed.
India’s consumer commerce is shifting towards digital-first channels, with D2C brands emerging as major contributors to ecommerce expansion. The segment’s gross merchandise value (GMV) is expected to grow from $65 billion to $310 billion over the next five years, representing nearly 86% of all incremental ecommerce value created during this period. This growth underscores the importance of programmes like D2CX in supporting brands to overcome operational complexities and scale effectively, according to inc42.com.
The seventh cohort of D2CX continues Inc42’s efforts to foster innovation and resilience among D2C startups. The programme’s next cycle is set to run over 12 weeks, providing founders with critical resources to capitalize on the expanding ecommerce opportunity in India. Inc42’s initiative reflects the broader trend of algorithm-led discovery and digital-first distribution shaping the future of retail in the country.