Path Ahead Ventures Fellowship
Accelerating success for founders of color in the outdoor industry.
Some program details are not available yet. Check current requirements, deadlines, and terms before you apply. Official program page
Overview
Path Ahead Ventures is REI Co-op's founder-support and investment platform for founders of color in the outdoor industry. It includes Embark for new and aspiring entrepreneurs, Navigate for existing wholesale-ready brands, and direct investments for companies raising growth capital.
Investment focus
The program focuses on empowering founders historically underrepresented in venture capital by leveraging outdoor industry resources to support their growth and success.
Program details
Applicants should highlight their unique perspectives and the impact of their solutions on the outdoor industry.
Who it is for
Navigate targets U.S.-based outdoor retail companies with at least one Black, Indigenous, Latina/o/x, or AAPI founder in active leadership who received at least 20% founder equity at initial incorporation.
Check if you are eligible
Check your eligibility for Path Ahead Ventures FellowshipAdmissions and application
The program is open to early-stage entrepreneurs from diverse communities, focusing on those building outdoor solutions.
Benefits
Participants receive a USD 25,000 non-dilutive grant, one-on-one advising, customized programming, and access to an outdoor-focused community of mentors, investors, experts, and REI Co-op connections.
Timeline
Navigate is a 9-month hybrid fellowship with a kickoff week at REI headquarters, virtual advisor sessions, and industry-show opportunities.
What came of it
The program aims to transform early-stage ideas into viable businesses, with a focus on operational readiness and scaling for outdoor products.
How to go about it
- Read what it asks for
Who can apply, how people get in and whether it is open right now.
- Have something to show
Programs pick people whose work they can already point to. Put yours where it can be found.
- Apply the way the program asks
This one invites people; you cannot apply cold. The way in is work the program can already point to, and the people its own pages name.
What it pays
Path Ahead Ventures provides equity investments in portfolio companies and grant funding for eligible program participants.
Questions about this program
Who can apply?
Early-stage entrepreneurs from underrepresented communities in the outdoor industry can apply.
What support is provided?
Participants receive mentorship, capital investment, and access to industry resources.
About REI Co-op
REI Co-op
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From public sources
What the sources say about Path Ahead Ventures Fellowship
Navigate eligibility includes market-ready outdoor products, wholesale growth plans, specified revenue and U.S./founder conditions.
Source: Navigate - Path Ahead Ventures - REI Co-opREI says the Navigate grant is expected approximately four to six weeks into the program.
Source: Navigate - Path Ahead Ventures - REI Co-opREI says Navigate has no participation cost.
Source: Navigate - Path Ahead Ventures - REI Co-opREI describes Navigate as hybrid, predominantly virtual with in-person components.
Source: Navigate - Path Ahead Ventures - REI Co-opREI states four to seven companies will be selected for Navigate; this is not the actual current cohort count.
Source: Navigate - Path Ahead Ventures - REI Co-opREI directs interested candidates to contact Path Ahead Ventures for Navigate consideration.
Source: Navigate - Path Ahead Ventures - REI Co-op
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