8 retail startups that are the brainchilds of Wharton grads — from Harry's to Warby Parker

Insider Picks writes about products and services to help you navigate when shopping online. Insider, Inc. receives a commission from our affiliate partners when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.UPenn's Wharton School is the oldest and one of the most famous business schools in the world. With its rich history, network of notable and inspirational alumni, and entrepreneurship-geared resources, it's prime breeding ground for new business ideas. 8 notable online retail startups — including the first to set the direct-to-consumer revolution in motion, Warby Parker — were founded by Wharton grads. Founded in 1881, The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania is the world's oldest collegiate business school. Its 98,000 alumni around the world include the C-suite execs and founders of companies you recognize and know well — from tech giants like Google to consumer product leaders like Johnson & Johnson. Its recent grads are also starting to make waves in the world, particularly the world of online retail. Given the school's emphasis on and nurturing of entrepreneurship, it's not too surprising to find that many of the most successful direct-to-consumer startups today are the brainchilds of Wharton alumni. Some even began as class projects, proving that classrooms do have practical use. If you're pursuing your bachelor's or MBA degree from Wharton, you never know if the person sitting next to you could be your next cofounder of the next big startup. These 8 direct-to-consumer retail startups have roots in the number one business school in the country.