Intern, Open Innovation

Location: London Headquarters, UK

Reports to: Startup Programs Lead, Open Innovation

Contract: 5-month fixed term contract

At Chanel, our values are grounded in creating the conditions for people to perform at their best and feel fulfilled and confident in their work.

About The Role

The Open Innovation team is a future-forward innovation ecosystem for CHANEL. Operating at the intersection of the organization and the wider world, we envision the road ahead for luxury and for CHANEL, fast‑tracking potential responses through our network of investments and partnerships. We pressure‑test these ideas both inside and outside CHANEL, enabling the House to create positive impact from leading‑edge learnings and capabilities and to prepare its businesses for the future.

We are looking for a motivated Intern to join our Open Innovation team in London, reporting to the Startup Programs Lead. This is a hands‑on support role spanning startup research, project coordination, and event logistics. You will gain direct exposure to how a global luxury house identifies, evaluates, and engages with innovative startups and emerging technologies.

Impact You Can Create At Chanel

In this role, you will provide day‑to‑day support across four key areas:

• Startup Research & Investment Support: Help prepare materials for regular team meetings, including consolidating updates and sourcing relevant content. Research startups and emerging companies across our focus areas using research platforms (e.g., PitchBook) and wider networks. Conduct initial reviews of incoming startup opportunities, summarising key information for the team. Keep our startup tracking database accurate and up to date.
• Startup Scouting Projects: Support dedicated scouting projects by tracking deadlines and deliverables. Conduct initial research and screening of startups to support project needs.
• Program Coordination: Help keep internal programs on track by managing timelines and flagging upcoming milestones. Support with operational tasks such as preparing onboarding materials, updating documents, and building presentations.
• Innovation Events: Assist with event planning and execution, including managing invite lists, sending invitations, and coordinating logistics.

YOU ARE ENERGISED BY

• Helping to contribute to an organizational culture that embraces innovation.
• Being exposed to new technologies, ways of working, trends and future disruptions in the worlds of luxury, retail, and client experience.
• Researching startups, new technologies, and innovation trends with genuine curiosity.
• Organising information clearly and keeping projects and timelines running smoothly.
• Contributing to a small, high‑impact team where your work is visible and valued.
• Learning how a global organisation identifies and engages with promising startups.
• Working in a fast‑paced environment that blends strategic thinking with hands‑on execution.

What You Will Bring To The Team

• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Comfort with research tasks and an ability to synthesise information concisely.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (particularly PowerPoint and Excel); familiarity with project management tools and startup research platforms is a plus.
• A proactive, self‑starter mindset — comfortable taking initiative and asking questions.
• Interest in startups, venture capital, innovation, or the luxury industry.
• Some prior exposure to venture capital, startups, or innovation teams (e.g., through coursework, a previous internship, a university group, or personal projects) is a strong plus.

Position Logistics

• Currently enrolled in or recently completed a university degree.
• Full‑time internship, 5 months duration.
• Position based in London, flexibly hybrid work environment.

What You Will Learn And Experience

• Direct exposure to corporate venture capital and startup engagement.
• Regular interaction with senior team members, external startups, and innovation partners.
• Practical experience in startup research, project coordination, and event execution.
• The opportunity to develop professional skills in a supportive, entrepreneurial environment.
• Mentorship and guidance from experienced team members throughout your internship.

At Chanel, we are focused on creating an inclusive culture that nurtures personal growth, contributing to collective progress. We believe the uniqueness of each individual increases the diversity, complementarity, and effectiveness of our teams. We strongly encourage your application, as we value the perspective, experience, and potential you could bring to Chanel.