Houston-based BLK Beetles graduates from 2023 Embark accelerator program, hosted by REI Path Ahead Ventures

HOUSTON, TEXAS, 28th April 2023 – Samad Hinton of BLK Beetles will be one of 18 founders to graduate this week from Embark, a national accelerator program hosted by REI Path Ahead Ventures that provides entrepreneurs of color with resources and learning to turn their early-stage ideas into viable business options.

Based in Houston, Texas, BLK Beetles is a wellness community that helps people of color discover and create healthier relationships with like-minded people through digital and in-person experiences. "The REI Path Ahead Ventures’ community really equipped me with the practical tools and resources necessary to navigate the entrepreneurship journey," said Samad Hinton founder of BLK Beetles. “More importantly, I do not feel alone in my entrepreneurship journey with the fellowship and friendship established with other entrepreneurs of color during the Embark experience.” 

“Entrepreneurs need specific skill sets, industry knowledge, and professional connections to drive business growth. Historically, however, access to these resources has been limited based on demographic, geographic, or socioeconomic factors,” said Enhao Li of Founded Outdoors, which operates the Embark program. “Embark is designed from the ground up to support our founders’ needs as visionaries, business owners and members of a growing and diversifying outdoor community.”

Path Ahead Ventures’ Embark program connects Black, Indigenous, Latina/o/x, Asian American and Pacific Islander founders to industry and startup experts as they learn best practices and gather valuable feedback on their businesses. Each participating company receives a $10,000 equity-free grant to kickstart their business. In addition to capital, founders are also connected to a community of peers and mentors to support their continued growth in the industry. 

Embark is part of REI Path Ahead Ventures’ multi-year $30 million commitment to partner with founders of color as they start and scale their businesses in the outdoor industry. This is the second annual cohort to complete the Embark program.

For a complete list of Embark 2023 graduates and additional information on Embark, please visit this LINK.

For more information on BLK Beetles, please visit www.blkbeetles.com or visit them on Instagram: @blkbeetles.