India, April 2 -- The world's third-largest startup ecosystem was abuzz with activities in the last month of the financial year 2024-25. Amid a growing number of startups gearing up for the D-Street and investors doubling down on their startup bets, Indian startups raised a whopping $1.1 Bn last month, up 58% from the $636 Mn raised in February.

But, it was the country's direct-to-consumer (D2C) sector that stole the show, as we (Inc42) unveiled the FAST42 2025 Ranking - the coveted list of India's 42 fastest-growing D2C brands.

However, while we were at it, we realised how far we have come since 2014. In our 11-year-long voyage, we understood what it takes to patiently navigate through thick and thin and emerge triumphant. 30 Startups ...