India's digital economy is rapidly expanding, presenting a $1 trillion opportunity and aiming to contribute significantly to the national GDP by 2030. Direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands are poised to tap into a $300 billion growth potential in this landscape.
With a shopper base of 500 million and over 800 million internet users, the environment is ripe for D2C innovation. In this context, Inc42 collaborated with Shadowfax to host the Bengaluru chapter of D2CX Converge, a series of meetups designed for early-stage D2C founders.
The goal of the event was to foster collaboration among promising D2C brands in a supportive environment, enabling them to share insights as they navigate the next phase of growth.
On March 12, 2026, more than 65 D2C founders from various sectors, including fashion and FMCG, gathered to exchange ideas and participate in hands-on sessions led by industry veterans.
A highlight of the evening was a fireside chat featuring Praharsh Chandra, co-founder and CBO of Shadowfax, and Siddharth Dungarwal, founder and CEO of Snitch. They discussed Snitch's omnichannel strategy and its impressive ₹1,000 crore revenue run, illustrating how D2C brands can transition from early traction to sustainable growth.
During the discussion, Dungarwal reflected on his journey from his father's jewellery store to the apparel industry, emphasizing the complexities of scaling a fashion brand. He noted that while fashion is easy to start, it becomes increasingly challenging to manage as the business grows.
A key takeaway from the conversation was the importance of understanding consumer data. Dungarwal explained that Snitch initially avoided marketplaces to maintain control over customer insights, entering them only when demand was evident.
On the topic of omnichannel expansion, Dungarwal shared that their first store launch was driven by consumer engagement rather than celebrity endorsements, resulting in unexpected success and rapid growth.
In another panel discussion, industry leaders including Manas Ranjan Hota of DrinkPrime and Swagat Sarangi of Smytten explored strategies for scaling brands to ₹100 crore. They emphasized the need for a balanced channel mix and the significance of customer retention as a sustainable growth driver.
The discussions underscored that successful brands focus on disciplined execution, balancing ambition with operational efficiency while staying closely aligned with their customers' needs.
