R E I Path Ahead Ventures Investments

It’s never too early to reach out. Even if it’s too early for our fund, we’d still like to get to know you. Maybe we can even help in the meantime - check out Embark and Navigate programs to learn more.

Yes! We often see companies that have only raised a small friends-and-family round or haven't raised any outside capital at all before coming to us. Either way, we can consider investing.

We make equity invests using SAFE agreements, convertible notes, and stock purchase agreements.

Typically, our initial investment ranges from $150K to $500K. Currently, our average initial investment is about $300K. We also reserve capital for potential follow-on investments to continue supporting companies.

Yes. Our investments are capital in exchange for equity in a business. We don't have strict ownership percentage requirements and we never take a controlling interest in any business.

Ultimately, we trust our founders to determine the best strategies for moving their company forward. Every business has different needs and we work with our portfolio companies to help them determine use of funds.

As part of our investor role, we seek to support founders both inside and outside of REI. We will provide connections to support business growth, but Path Ahead Ventures does not carry responsibility for those decisions and can't guarantee any specific engagement.

No. The REI Cooperative Action Fund is REI's community-supported public charity that directly supports organizations promoting justice, equity, and belonging in the outdoors.

No. We don't sign NDAs because we see similar companies on a regular basis. That said, we take confidentiality very seriously and we don't share any confidential information with business stakeholders at REI.