

R E I Co-op Path Ahead Ventures Embark

It’s time to Embark



Developed in collaboration



For new and aspiring entrepreneurs
Check out our application criteria:

The Embark experience
See what you’ll experience as part of an Embark cohort of founders.
Founder spotlight
- Dani Biering (she/her)Founder, Quest TrailsQuest Trails equips families with downloadable, curated scavenger hunt trail maps that inspire and engage kids outdoors.
- Keva Niver (she/her)Founder, Boheme RetreatsBoheme Retreats is developing more inclusive and diverse camping spaces that feature renovated vintage campers from the 60's and 70's.
- Hillarie Maddox (she/her)Founder, Black Girl Country LivingBlack Girl Country Living designs experiences to help BIPOC people find healing and connection through the wisdom of Mama Nature.
- Keenan Takahashi (he/him)Founder, ANTIGRAVANTIGRAV is a style-first, climber-owned apparel company that gives back to climbing organizations that help increase climbing access.
Testimonials
Our participants in their own words

Samad Hinton (he/him)
Founder, BLK Beetles

Reena Badyal (she/her)
Founder, Panj River Provisions

"The Embark program has given Eztia an invaluable network of support and mentorship within the outdoors industry. We've built 1:1 relationships with trade show producers, running experts, and other legendary veterans in outdoor recreation."
Tiffany Yeh (she/her)
Founder, Eztia
Getting started
Applications are now closed.
Speakers & mentors
There is enormous value in building your network, so we bring in industry, startup, and functional speakers and mentors for fireside chats, panels, and office hours. Below are some of our past and present speakers and mentors.
- Dani Reyes-AcostaFounder, Nomad CreativaJem FleuryCreative, Summit Dry GoodsGloria HwangCEO, Thousand HelmetsNailah BladesFounder, Color OutsideAdrienne FischerPrincipal Attorney, Basecamp LegalAlice JamesCEO & Founder, Alice James GlobalAlina SerebryanyCEO & Co-Founder, Echo EchoAlyssa RavasioCEO & Founder, HipcampDan KihanyaDirector, Path Ahead Ventures
- Breanne AcioCEO, SēkrJeff WigunaCEO & Co-Founder, Kuju CoffeeJen GureckiCEO & Co-Founder, Coalition SnowJennifer KriskeFounder, Machines for FreedomJenny VerrochiCo-Founder, Wild Barn CoffeeJulia Clark DayExecutive Director Business Development Sports, The NPD GroupKarrin SporerCategory Merchandise Manager, REIKay RodriguezFounder & CEO, Urban OutdoorsKeenan CorriganSenior Program Manager, Path Ahead Ventures
- Kim MillerCEO, ScarpaLauren BelforProgram Manager, Affiliate and Influence Marketing, REIMarguerite Pressley DavisFounder & CEO, Finance SavvyMark BolesOwner, Intrinsic ProvisionsMartha M. GarciaFounder & CEO, I Am CollectiveMelanie StrongManaging Partner, Next VenturesMiranda WebsterAssociate Producer, REIMolly KocialskiDirector, Rocky Mountain Regional U.S. Patent and Trademark OfficeNancy MoricetteFounder, Diversity Equity & Inclusion Strategies, Ase Power Consult
- Peter DeringFounder & CEO, Climate Neutral; Co-Founder, Peak DesignSirena RolfeFounder, Tempus HoundSusan VisconVP & Executive Director, Path Ahead VenturesTodd MendozaSenior Innovation Prototyper, REI
The Embark curriculum
Customer
Interview
Market
Testing
Prototype
Business Model
Pricing
Brand
Go-To-Market
Social Media
Finance
Pitching
Weekly programming
Workshops
(Required)
Live workshops on key company building skills and best practices.
Office Hours
(Optional)
Get insights and feedback on your business from industry and domain experts.
Fireside Chats & Peer Groups
(Required)
Each week you will alternate between learning from the stories and experiences of successful founders and industry experts & meeting with peers in your cohort.
2025 timeline
May 19
Applications open (reviewed on a rolling basis)
June 18
Applications due (11:59pm PT)
July 11
Founders notified of their acceptance into the program
Sept 4
Program starts with in-person kick-off at REI HQ
Nov 21
Program ends with a virtual graduation event