Supporting Founders of Color in the Outdoor Recreation Industry - Dan Kihanya of Path Ahead Ventures from REI

Welcome to the 200th episode of the Channel Mastery podcast. Today’s guest is Dan Kihanya, Director of Corporate Development and Investment with REI. Dan is also the creator and host of Founders Unfound, a podcast that profiles tech startup founders from underrepresented backgrounds. He is an experienced serial entrepreneur with extensive experience in the start-up ecosystem - including founder, early executive, investor, and advisor.

In this episode, you’ll hear about Dan’s role with Path Ahead Ventures - offering full-spectrum support to startups owned and led by Black, Indigenous, Latina/o/x, and Asian American and Pacific Islander people. Dan and Kristin chat about the route that guided Dan to REI and the founding of Path Ahead Ventures, the three staples of the program: resourcing, planning, and capital, and the Embark and Navigate Programs.

The Channel Mastery podcast is brought to you by Verde Brand Communications, a consumer-centric brand strategy, and communication agency serving the outdoor recreation industry. Your host is Kristin Carpenter, Chief Strategy Officer, Founder, and Chair at Verde Brand Communications. Channel Mastery is sponsored by our partner Life Time, Inc., owner of the Sea Otter Classic and producer of the Sea Otter Classic Summit outdoor recreation executive gathering.

Discussion points:

Dan’s background and path to his current position
REI’s co-op and brand values resonated strongly with Dan
The vision for Path Ahead Ventures (PAV) and REI - ‘founders first’
Two new 2022 programs for founders - Embark and Navigate
Bridging the gap - how REI and PAV can support new founders
New and different perspectives lead to innovation and inclusiveness
‘Outdoor’ vs. ‘Outside’
Dan’s transition from tech/digital services to physical products/retail
Tapping into REI’s vast resources to help founders
Demo Day/Pitch Day for Navigate founders - the first ever “Founders Market” in Seattle
Reaching typically underrepresented founders - building a network
REI stores as a bridge to the community
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