Jennifer Hyman

Jennifer Hyman is an American entrepreneur renowned as the co-founder and CEO of Rent the Runway, a company that revolutionized the fashion industry by offering women the ability to rent designer clothing and accessories. Born on August 24, 1980, in New Rochelle, New York, Hyman graduated from Harvard University with a BA in Social Studies in 2002 and later earned an MBA from Harvard Business School in 2009. The idea for Rent the Runway emerged in 2008 when Hyman witnessed her sister's frustration over spending a significant amount on a dress she would wear only once. This experience led Hyman to co-found Rent the Runway with Jennifer Fleiss, aiming to provide women with access to high-end fashion without the commitment of ownership .

Under Hyman's leadership, Rent the Runway has grown into a leading fashion technology company, offering a subscription service that allows customers to rent clothing and accessories from over 500 designer brands. The company's innovative approach has garnered recognition, including being named to Fortune's 40 Under 40 and Time's 100 Most Influential People in 2019. In 2021, Rent the Runway went public, marking a significant milestone in Hyman's entrepreneurial journey .

Hyman's vision extends beyond fashion, aiming to redefine consumer behavior and promote sustainability. She has expressed her belief that "half of the closet over time is going to move into the cloud, and a portion of what we wear every single day will be comprised of things that we don't own forever" . This perspective reflects her commitment to changing how people perceive ownership and consumption in the fashion industry.