Path Ahead Ventures

The outdoors is for everyone.
The industry should be, too.
That's where you come in.

REI Co-op's Path Ahead Ventures offers full-spectrum support to startups owned and led by Black, Indigenous, Latina/o/x and Asian American and Pacific Islander people.
Our goal: accelerate the success of founders of color, whether you're growing a business or just starting out.
Founders of color represent only an estimated 1% of outdoor entrepreneurs. We can change that.
Let's create an outdoor industry where opportunity and success reflect the true diversity of people who love, protect and share life outside.
Full spectrum support, built for you
Community network
Capability & infrastructure
Customer connection
Capital investment
Which path is yours?
Embark
You've got an idea or a plan. Embark fuels aspiring founders with a $5k equity-free grant and guidance to turn early-stage ideas into viable business models. Applications will open May 19, 2025.
Navigate
You've got a business. Navigate empowers existing businesses with operational, financial, and product support so you can grow and thrive on your wholesale journey.
Investments
You're ready to grow your business. Our investment fund provides companies with growth capital and dedicated portfolio support to help them achieve their business goals and get to the next level.
Want to get in touch? pathaheadventures@rei.com
Frequently asked questions
The future is you
REI Co-op's Path Ahead Ventures accelerates success for founders of color by channeling the power and passion of the outdoor industry—supporting innovative ideas with mentorship, infrastructure, customer connections and capital investment. Because the insustry should reflect the true diversity of people who love, protect and share life outside.