Fundraising Fox

Thread

acquired by Marks & SpencerYC S12

London, GB · Founded 2012 · 92 employees · 4 known investors

Thread was an AI-powered personal styling service that combined artificial intelligence with expert stylists to provide clothing recommendations for men and women. The company has ceased trading after being acquired by Marks & Spencer in 2024.

AI & Machine LearningConsumerE-commerceMarketing TechRetailFashionUnited KingdomEurope

Founders & leadership· Y Combinator alumni (S12)

Thread was founded in 2012 by Kieran O'Neill and Ben Phillips.

KOKieran O'Neill
Kieran O'NeillinCEO & Co-Founder (Acquired by M&S)2012–2022Kieran O'Neill is the founder and CEO of Thread, an AI-powered personal styling service acquired by Marks & Spencer in 2024. He previously built and sold a video sharing site he started as a teenager and a gaming social app, and has interests spanning product design, artificial intelligence, and growth and distribution.30 Under 30 2016
BPBen Phillips
Ben PhillipsFounder/CTO

Investors · 4

Balderton CapitalLondon · $5M – $50M
BeringeaLondon · $3M – $10M
Y CombinatorSan Francisco · $500K
Portage Venturesreported · 2 sourcesMontreal

Funding

SEC filings, press & company announcements

$30.5M disclosed across 1 of 2 rounds · 2025

Source: company announcements and press reports — follow each round's link for the claim.

Competitors · 3

by search overlap
Esquire4 shared keywordsEsquire is a men's lifestyle and culture publication covering fashion, style, entertainment, relationships, politics, and product recommendations. It publishes articles, digital issues, and a daily newsletter for a general consumer audience.
Jack Archer4 shared keywordsJack Archer sells men's pants marketed for their comfortable fit and versatility. It is a direct-to-consumer apparel brand.
Gq4 shared keywordsGQ is a men's lifestyle and culture publication covering style, grooming, watches, wellness, sports, and entertainment. It produces editorial features, celebrity profiles, and a print magazine available by subscription.

Companies competing with Thread for the same Google search keywords, organic and paid, via search-intersection analysis.

Companies House · registry record

View on Companies House ↗
Registered name
THREAD LIMITED
Company number
04981446
Status
Active
Company type
Private limited company
Incorporated
2 Dec 2003
Registered office
Three Counties House, 18a Victoria Street, Dunstable, Bedfordshire, LU6 3BA
Nature of business (SIC)
99999 — Dormant Company
Accounts
last made up to 31 Dec 2025 · next due 30 Sept 2027
Confirmation statement
last made up to 30 Nov 2025 · next due 14 Dec 2026

Current officers · 3

  • Donna Louisa Sibley — secretary, appointed 24 Feb 2004
  • Donna Louisa Sibley — director, appointed 2 Dec 2003
  • Anthony James Smith — director, appointed 2 Dec 2003

Source: Companies House public register · retrieved 24 Jul 2026. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

In the news

Fashion supply startup Thread Factory raises pre-seed funding led by AJVCentrackr.com · Mar 2026Thread Raises $30.5M In Funding Led By Portage Ventures - SuperbCrewsuperbcrew.com · Dec 2025Thread Raises $18M in Growth Fundingfinsmes.com · Dec 2025Thread Raises $30.5 Million to Continue Building the Future of Embedded Bankingbusinesswire.com · Dec 2025Thread AI Raises $20 Million for Composable AI Platform | PYMNTS.compymnts.com · Jun 2025Thread AI raises $20 million Series A | Fortunefortune.com · Jun 2025

Frequently asked questions

What does Thread do?
Thread was an AI-powered personal styling service that combined artificial intelligence with expert stylists to provide clothing recommendations for men and women. The company has ceased trading after being acquired by Marks & Spencer in 2024.
Who founded Thread?
Thread was founded by Kieran O'Neill, Ben Phillips in 2012.
Who are Thread's investors?
Thread's investors include Balderton Capital, Beringea, Y Combinator, Portage Ventures.
How much funding has Thread raised?
Thread has disclosed $30.5M raised across 1 of its 2 known rounds.
Where is Thread headquartered?
Thread is headquartered in London, GB.