REI Path Ahead Ventures to Host 'Founders Market' at The Big Gear Show

DENVER – Today, REI Path Ahead Ventures announced that it will host its second Founders Market at The Big Gear Show, from June 8 - 11 at the Colorado Convention Center. The Founders Market will showcase 14 different brands that are owned or led by founders of color in an engaging marketplace setting where they can share their stories, network with industry professionals and drive sales.

Today, founders of color represent only about 1% of outdoor entrepreneurs. To help change this reality, REI launched Path Ahead Ventures in 2021 to accelerate the success of founders of color in the industry. Path Ahead Ventures includes two founder programs and an investment fund to partner with Black, Indigenous, Latina/o/x, Asian American and Pacific Islander founders as they start and scale their businesses in the outdoor industry. In 2022, Path Ahead Ventures partnered with 39 founders, launched three programs for founders, provided $370,000 in grants and invested $2.3 million in 11 companies. 

The first Founders Market was held last fall at the REI flagship store in Seattle. This second iteration at The Big Gear Show will bring founders within the Path Ahead Ventures network to an even bigger stage in one of the largest markets for the outdoor industry.

“After such a successful launch event last year, we knew we wanted to bring the Founders Market to The Big Gear Show in Denver,” said Dan Kihanya, director of REI Path Ahead Ventures. "We work with so many amazing founders and this show is a great opportunity to introduce retailers and consumers to their next favorite outdoor brand.”

As both an industry- and consumer-facing event, The Big Gear Show creates a unique opportunity for REI’s Path Ahead Ventures’ featured brands to connect with retailers, media and consumers. The Founders Market will be set within a 1,000-square-foot area of the show floor, giving each brand space to display their company, set out product for purchase and have networking conversations. Apparel companies will also have changing room spaces during the consumer days.

Attending brands include:

Apparel

• alder is a size-inclusive, sustainable outdoor apparel brand, focused on welcoming women into the outdoors. 
• Alpine Parrot creates technical outdoor apparel, serving sizes 14-30, that celebrates and encourages bigger bodies to take up space outside.
• Kalsoni is a social mission and for-purpose brand that offers inclusive activewear that adheres to values of modesty and is designed to empower women and girls to live healthy active lifestyles with maximum comfort, functionality and confidence.
• Oya Femtech Apparel is an athleisure brand that helps athletes fight feminine health issues with apparel that absorbs moisture, reduces bacteria and increases natural ventilation.
• Urban Native Era specializes in clothing design and content to increase the visibility of Indigenous Peoples.

Education

• Fridie Outdoors is an app to make camping know-how more accessible for anyone getting outside.

Food and Drink

• A Dozen Cousins creates ready-to-eat beans, rice, and sauces packed with nutrition and made with simple and clean ingredients.
• Pescavore makes innovative, premium, and convenient seafood jerky and snacks.
• Kuju Coffee is an outdoor lifestyle coffee brand founded by two Eagle Scout brothers in 2015 and is the top selling coffee in the outdoor channel with their flagship product, the Pocket PourOver, which makes incredible pour over easy for every trip and adventure.
• Itacate Foods makes Latin backpacking food for adventurers with great taste and strong values.

Gear and Outdoor Lifestyle

• Abstract Hikes is a groovy sticker company for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts who want to reconnect with the trail or manifest their next adventure.
• Conscious Gear believes size should never be a barrier to participating in outdoor activities, and makes accessible high-quality, functional and stylish gear that reflects the needs of the plus-size community.
• Hustle Clean makes high-quality self-care products that are designed to be multi-purpose, intentionally packaged for inclusivity, and uniquely accommodate on-the-go activities focused on outdoor recreation and other active lifestyles.
• Outdoor Element sparks confident outdoor adventure by providing quality, multi-functional gear for novice and experienced outdoor enthusiasts alike.

“This year, specialty retailers, working media, and consumers will be able to meet with a variety of exhibitors they will not see at other shows this year,” said Kenji Haroutunian, show director for The Big Gear Show. “Our industry is looking for a broader palate of exhibiting companies and a new model of show experience; The Big Gear Show, in partnership with REI Path Ahead Ventures, delivers that new model focused on greater value for attendees, in providing them an opportunity to meet these emerging industry leaders they may not otherwise see.”

About the REI Co-op

About The Big Gear Show