José Neves
Founder, Farfetch
The fashion entrepreneur founded one of fashion's only 'unicorns,' a curated online marketplace featuring product from independent boutiques across the world.
The founder and former chief executive of Farfetch, one of fashion’s only "unicorns," José Neves is an entrepreneur with a career spanning over 10 years within the retail industry that has transformed the industry’s e-commerce space by providing a full-service platform for consumers to buy luxury fashion from boutiques and brands around the world.
The Portuguese retail mogul began his career with a technology business, which he founded in 1994 whilst studying Economics at Universidad de Porto. He quickly added to his portfolio, establishing contemporary shoe brand Swear in London in 1996, followed by B-Store in 2001; the latter project earned him a British Fashion Award for Retailer of the Year. The two brands formed part of the portfolio of SIX London, a wholesale and shoe showroom collective founded by Neves in 1996 that manages the licenses for Swear and B-Store along with other contemporary designs from brands such as Opening Ceremony and Ksubi.
In October 2007, Neves combined his interest in fashion and technology to launch Farfetch.com, an integrated online marketplace supporting and promoting the retail activities of independent boutiques in the e-commerce sector. The site quickly became credited as being one of the fastest growing e-commerce networks in the luxury market and currently counts over 500 boutiques in its directory. Initial capital was raised through investments from Advent Ventures and eVenture Capital, and to date Farfetch has secured over $700 million in funding from JD.com, DST and Vitruvian Partners. The brand has expanded globally, opening offices in cities including Tokyo, Los Angeles, Shanghai and Moscow and delivering to 190 countries.
In addition to acquiring renowned London boutique Browns, Farfetch also launched its Black & White business in 2015, an independently run, full service agency that allows the e-tailer to offer new technology and business solutions to luxury brands. In February 2017, Neves welcomed Natalie Massenet , founder of Net-a-Porter, to the Farfetch business as non executive co-chairman. In mid-2018, after months of speculation, Farfetch filed for an IPO at the New York Stock Exchange at an estimated valuation of $5 billion.
In February 2024, Neves stepped down from his role as chief executive at Farfetch. The departure came less than a month after the South Korean e-commerce firm Coupang completed its deal to acquire the embattled luxury e-tailer.
Neves and Farfetch have received numerous accolades, including Financial Times and ArcelorMittal Boldness in Business Smaller Company Award (2016), Fast Company 2016 list of the world’s 50 most innovative companies and Ernst & Young’s 2013 Entrepreneur of the Year. Neves also sits on the board of the British Fashion Council .
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What is The BoF 500?
The people shaping the global fashion industry, curated by the editors of The Business of Fashion, based on nominations and on-the-ground intelligence from around the world.
ExploreWhat is The BoF 500?
The people shaping the global fashion industry, curated by the editors of The Business of Fashion, based on nominations and on-the-ground intelligence from around the world.
ExploreCan Farfetch Survive Coupang’s Shock Therapy?
Founder José Neves and eight other c-suite executives are departing the luxury marketplace, which faces an uncertain future under its new owner.
Farfetch CEO José Neves Steps Down Amid Executive Shakeup
The luxury marketplace's founder is one of several high-ranking employees who are leaving less than a month after the company was acquired by Coupang.
Farfetch Found Its White Knight. What’s Next?
The South Korean e-commerce firm Coupang has saved Farfetch from potential bankruptcy, and could use its logistical and marketing might to solve some of the luxury e-tailer’s seemingly intractable problems. But “everything stores” have a spotty track record when it comes to high-end retail.
Farfetch Found Its White Knight. What’s Next?
The South Korean e-commerce firm Coupang has saved Farfetch from potential bankruptcy, and could use its logistical and marketing might to solve some of the luxury e-tailer’s seemingly intractable problems. But “everything stores” have a spotty track record when it comes to high-end retail.
Farfetch Sold to South Korea’s Coupang
The deal provides the online luxury giant with $500 million in emergency funding. A complex transaction that would have seen Farfetch acquire a 47.5 percent stake in Yoox-Net-a-Porter from Richemont is dead.
Farfetch Seeks Last-Minute Bailout to Avoid Insolvency
Farfetch is in discussions with a liquidity provider to secure $500 million in emergency funding, in a deal that would also take the company private and wipe out shareholders, according to a report from The Sunday Times.
Why Online Luxury Is Broken
Reports of financial strain at Farfetch amid a stalled deal with YNAP has driven confidence in multi-brand e-commerce to all-time lows. With value propositions eroding and investment drying up, a way forward remains unclear.
Farfetch Seeks ‘White Knight’ to Avert Collapse, Sources Say
The e-commerce giant is seeking a cash injection to avert a collapse that could send shockwaves across the fashion industry. So far nobody has come to the table and time is running out, but founder Jose Neves may yet have a move up his sleeve.
Farfetch Seeks ‘White Knight’ to Avert Collapse, Sources Say
The e-commerce giant is seeking a cash injection to avert a collapse that could send shockwaves across the fashion industry. So far nobody has come to the table and time is running out, but founder Jose Neves may yet have a move up his sleeve.
Why Going Private Won’t Solve Farfetch’s Problems
The luxury e-tailer could be the latest e-commerce firm to go private amid its worst year as a public company. But Farfetch’s much scrutinised lack of focus could persist outside the public market.
Report: Farfetch in Talks to Take Company Private
Farfetch’s chief executive José Neves is reportedly conferring with top shareholders, including Richemont and Alibaba, and JP Morgan about delisting the company, The Telegraph reported on Tuesday. A take-private deal could happen imminently as Farfetch’s stock remains under pressure, according to the report. The e-tailer’s share price has plummeted more than 80 percent since its 2018 IPO.
Report: Farfetch in Talks to Take Company Private
Farfetch’s chief executive José Neves is reportedly conferring with top shareholders, including Richemont and Alibaba, and JP Morgan about delisting the company, The Telegraph reported on Tuesday. A take-private deal could happen imminently as Farfetch’s stock remains under pressure, according to the report. The e-tailer’s share price has plummeted more than 80 percent since its 2018 IPO.
Farfetch: What Went Wrong?
The London-based luxury e-commerce giant, which has lost 97 percent of its market value in the last two years, has suffered from lack of focus, writes Imran Amed.