From Classroom Learning to Closet College
While earning her MBA at Harvard, Jenn Hyman became fascinated by the intersection of fashion and sharing economies. She saw smart classmates shell out hundreds for designer dresses they’d wear only once—and then store in their closets. It sparked a question: what if those dresses could keep working, instead of just collecting dust?
Betting on Borrowing, Not Buying
That insight led Hyman to co-found Rent the Runway in 2009, along with her classmate Jennifer Fleiss. Instead of walking away from Harvard’s stability, she decided to take a leap. Together, they launched a company that would allow women to rent designer garments at a fraction of the cost—creating access rather than exclusivity.
Going All-In on Logistics and Trust
Building a rental fashion platform required intense operational precision. Hyman invested early in supply chain logistics, dry cleaning systems, and a rental reversal process—ensuring garments looked new wear after wear. At the same time, she curated collections directly from top designers, building credibility and trust with both customers and brands.
Learning Fast Through Early Feedback
In the company’s early days, Hyman hosted pop-up rental events at Harvard and beyond. She treated those trials like runway run-throughs—listening closely to what customers wanted, tweaking the website, and refining the rental experience. Those fast cycles of feedback and iteration helped shape a model that made renting feel modern, fun, and reliable.
Raising Capital and Scaling With Discipline
Rent the Runway closed its first major funding round in 2011. Even as capital poured in, Hyman resisted hype-driven spending. She prioritized disciplined growth, investing in technology, customer service, and inventory management. The aim was clear: scale without sacrificing quality or brand integrity.
Reinventing Fashion Ownership
Under Hyman’s leadership, Rent the Runway expanded from special-event rentals into everyday wardrobes, subscription services, kids’ wear, and beyond. The company challenged traditional supply-and-demand, proving there was both ecological and economic value in sharing over owning.
Conclusion
Jenn Hyman didn’t trade one prestigious credential for another—she used her Harvard education as a launch pad for reinvention. Her decision to turn a classroom insight into a fashion-tech revolution has reshaped how consumers access style. Rent the Runway’s success shows that big ideas often start in small moments—and grow when someone dares to borrow the future from the closet.
