Debra Langley

Innovation in commerce, communities + culture | Venture investor | Board member, Advisor | RETHINK Retail Top Retail Expert 2026 | Singapore, USA

Singapore

About

I am an investor, advisor, and connector in retail and commerce tech. My work bridges investment perspective and operating reality. I stress‑test consumer commerce and retail tech against market mechanics, customer behavior, and the governance questions boards actually ask. The result is a view that is clear, investable, and actionable - whether for an early‑stage founder or a later‑stage venture. That same approach applies to people. Over time I've built a global network of founders, investors, operators, and board leaders across Singapore, Southeast Asia, the US, and the UK. The value lies in knowing when the right connection reshapes a cap table, accelerates a commercial partnership, or turns a competent board into a catalytic one. I currently sit as a Partner at CAPTIS Ventures (UK/Singapore), Senior Advisor at Human Equity Capital Partners (London/Milan), on advisory boards that include DesignSingapore Council and the National Retail Federation (NRF) in the US and APAC, and as Board Director for WRAP and Since Tomorrow. Previously, at Lyra Ventures - as the fund's only operator - I helped build the thesis and portfolio in fashion‑tech when it was still a nascent category. If you're focused on the next generation of consumer engagement or commerce, and want a sharper view of where you're going and who should be in the room, tell me what you're working on.

Experience

  • Partner at CAPTIS Ventures
    Oct 2024 - Present · 1 yr 10 mos

    UK-based investment and advisory business with a global mandate. We focus on tech innovators at the dynamic intersection of ​fashion, sport, culture, commerce and consumer engagement.

  • Senior Advisor at Human Equity Capital Partners
    Jan 2024 - Present · 2 yrs 7 mos

    Human Equity Fund III is an institutional investment fund combining active ownership, integrated operational execution and strategic growth acceleration across Longevity, Lifestyle and Enabling-Tech.

  • Board Member at Since Tomorrow
    Jan 2024 - Present · 2 yrs 7 mos

  • Advisory Board Member at DesignSingapore Council
    Jan 2023 - Present · 3 yrs 7 mos

    Advisor to DesignSingapore Council, Singapore's national agency for design.

  • NRF Innovation Advisory Council at National Retail Federation
    Jan 2023 - Present · 3 yrs 7 mos