Carol Hilsum

With over two decades of experience in the fashion and fashion tech sectors, I’ve had the privilege of playing pivotal roles within industry-defining companies such as Topshop, Farfetch, and Net-A-Porter. My expertise spans commercial, technology, data, and customer experience, from seed stage to post-IPO scale, and I have a deep understanding of both business and product strategies.

I hold a prominent position within the startup and investment ecosystem, where I’ve spearheaded open innovation initiatives like the Dream Assembly accelerator and driven the growth of many startups. At Farfetch, I led corporate ventures, investing in over 40 companies and acquiring three, while also building and scaling new experiences, including sustainability services, digital fashion, and AI solutions across the supply chain.

As Co-Founder of StudioThree, I focus on nurturing the startup fashion ecosystem. We specialise in supporting startups, scale-ups, investors, and collaborators on their journey of growth and evolution, with a keen focus on contributing to the future of the fashion industry. Additionally, I founded the Future of Consumer Angel Group, which supports early-stage startups at the intersection of fashion, beauty, lifestyle, and consumer tech, fostering collaboration and growth across these sectors.

In addition to my work with StudioThree and the Future of Consumer Angel Group, I serve as an advisor to global venture capital firms focused on fashion tech, helping to shape the next generation of innovative businesses. I’m also a regular speaker and contributor to discussions around fashion innovation, with my insights featured in Forbes, WWD, Vogue, Drapers, and Glossy. I’ve had the opportunity to speak at events hosted by the Financial Times, Walpole, Vogue, and INSEAD.