Timothy O'Connell
Professor & Entrepreneur, H-Farm
Biografia
Timothy O'Connell is a leader and pioneering force in the European business landscape, renowned for his transformative contributions as an entrepreneur, business executive, and professor. With over two decades of experience, he has been instrumental in shaping industries, fostering innovation, and mentoring the next generation of entrepreneurs across Europe.
As an entrepreneur, Timothy has managed over 20 international accelerator programs across diverse industries—including food, fashion, blockchain, wellness, and edtech. These programs have invested in hundreds of early-stage startups, notably contributing to the rise of one of Italy's first unicorns. Currently, he serves as a Senior Partner and Director at the H-FARM Entrepreneurship & Startup Center, where he collaborates with startups, students, and industry leaders such as CDP Venture Capital, Vodafone, Google, Mondadori, and Cisco. Timothy also represents Europe on the Board of the Global Accelerator Network (GAN) and is a founding partner of the European Accelerator Summit (EAS), amplifying his influence in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
In addition to his entrepreneurial endeavors, Timothy has been a successful executive & business leader, serving as a Marketing Executive for global brands like Technogym. He has collaborated with top-tier brands such as Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent, Henkel, Generali, and Toyota to design and develop open innovation strategies. Currently, he is the co-founder and Strategy Director at The Tailors, a bespoke brand and design agency that partners with Italy’s leading food, wine, and design brands, blending creativity with strategic insight to launch impactful marketing campaigns.
As a professor, Timothy has taught numerous university and executive courses on entrepreneurship, open innovation, and digital marketing. He is currently teaching at H-FARM College, the University of Chichester, the H-FARM Business School, the University of Bologna, and the Bologna Business School. Through his teaching, he has inspired and mentored countless aspiring entrepreneurs, equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the startup world.