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Steph Korey Goodwin

Investment Partner

XFactor Ventures

New York, NY, USA

Steph Korey Goodwin

Marguerite Krikhaar

Steph Korey’s Biography

Steph Korey Goodwin has been recognized for her innovative thinking, leadership, and commitment to creating positive change in the business world. She founded a personal angel investment practice whose focus is to provide financial services and tailored support to early-stage companies.

She is also an Investment Partner at XFactor Ventures, a venture capital firm specializing in early-stage investments in companies led by female founders, as well as a Graham & Walker Catalyst program mentor. With her strategic insights and experience as a successful entrepreneur, she provides valuable mentorship and advisory services to start-ups and growing companies.

Steph is renowned for her pivotal role in revolutionizing the travel industry. In 2015, she co-founded Away, a direct-to-consumer luggage brand known for its innovative design and customer-centric approach. She served as CEO until 2020.

Before her time at Away, Steph worked as a Merchandise Strategy and Supply Chain Consultant for Casper, a sleep products company. She also previously held the position of Head of Supply Chain at... Steph Korey Goodwin has been recognized for her innovative thinking, leadership, and commitment to creating positive change in the business world. She founded a personal angel investment practice whose focus is to provide financial services and tailored support to early-stage companies.

She is also an Investment Partner at XFactor Ventures, a venture capital firm specializing in early-stage investments in companies led by female founders, as well as a Graham & Walker Catalyst program mentor. With her strategic insights and experience as a successful entrepreneur, she provides valuable mentorship and advisory services to start-ups and growing companies.

Steph is renowned for her pivotal role in revolutionizing the travel industry. In 2015, she co-founded Away, a direct-to-consumer luggage brand known for its innovative design and customer-centric approach. She served as CEO until 2020.

Before her time at Away, Steph worked as a Merchandise Strategy and Supply Chain Consultant for Casper, a sleep products company. She also previously held the position of Head of Supply Chain at the renowned eyewear company, Warby Parker. Her career began in 2010 as an Assistant Buyer at Kate Spade.

Throughout her career, Steph Korey Goodwin has been committed to creating positive change in the business world. She has received numerous awards and nominations and has been invited to speak at multiple engagements, including Fortune's Most Powerful Women Summit and Shoptalk in 2017 and 2018.

Steph pursued her higher education at Brown University, where she earned a Bachelor's Degree in International Relations. She further strengthened her business skills by obtaining an MBA from Columbia Business School. READ MORE VIEW LESS

Steph Korey’s Newsfeed

Forbes

Next Billion-Dollar Startups

Steph Korey Goodwin, Chief Executive Officer of Away, together with Jen Rubio, President, discusses how Away started and their online marketing strategy.

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Inc.

How This Company Launched With Zero Products and Hit $12 Million in First-Year Sales

Steph Korey Goodwin and Jen Rubio, Co-Founders of Away discuss their business successes and obstacles.

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Steph Korey’s Background

XFactor Ventures

Investment Partner

2022 - Present

New York, NY, USA

XFactor Ventures is a venture capital fund with a distinctive goal to invest in early-stage start-ups, founded by women. The fund was created to bridge the funding disparity for women entrepreneurs in the start-up process. It strives to offer more than just financial backing by providing mentorship and resources essential for the success and expansion of these start-ups.

Diem

Co-Founder & Partner

2021 - Present

New York, NY, USA

Diem is a company dedicated to supporting and financing early-stage start-ups and entrepreneurs. They provide the essential capital, mentorship, and resources needed for their growth and success.

Away

Co-Founder & CEO

2015 - 2020

New York, NY, USA

Away is a well-known American company specializing in stylish and functional luggage and travel accessories tailored for contemporary travellers. Renowned for its direct-to-consumer approach and minimalist suitcase designs, Away has gained acclaim in the industry.

Casper

Consultant | Merchandise Strategy and Supply Chain

2014 - 2015

New York, NY, USA

Casper is an American company that focuses on designing and selling top-notch mattresses and sleep products. With its direct-to-consumer approach, Casper ensures that customers can conveniently receive high-quality mattresses directly at their doorstep.

Warby Parker

Head of Supply Chain

2011 - 2014

New York, NY, USA

Warby Parker is a renowned American eyewear company, known for its fashionable and affordable glasses. One of its standout features is the convenient home try-on program, allowing customers to choose and test five frames without any charge before making a purchase decision.

Kate Spade

Assistant Buyer

2010 - 2011

New York, NY, USA

Kate Spade is a renowned American fashion brand known for its stylish and sophisticated handbags and accessories. The brand is celebrated for its vibrant colors and playful designs, making it a symbol of modern elegance in the fashion industry.

Bloomingdale's

Participant | Executive Development Programme

Jun 2008 - Aug 2008

New York, NY, USA

The Bloomingdale's Executive Development Program aims to nurture aspiring retail leaders by offering practical experience and structured learning opportunities. Participants will have the opportunity to gain exposure to various aspects of management, merchandising, and customer engagement, thus equipping them with the essential skills needed for future leadership positions within the company.

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Steph Korey’s Gallery

Steph Korey Goodwin with her hand up, against a green background.

Steph Korey Goodwin and Jen Rubio, Co-Founders of Away in a landscape photo.

Steph Korey and Jen Rubio from Away with luggage, against a green background.

Steph Korey Goodwin smiling in white shirt.

Head shot of Steph Korey Goodwin smiling.

Black and white photo of Steph Korey Goodwin with her arms crossed.

Steph Korey Goodwin with her hand up, against a green background.

Steph Korey Goodwin and Jen Rubio, Co-Founders of Away in a landscape photo.

Steph Korey and Jen Rubio from Away with luggage, against a green background.

Steph Korey Goodwin smiling in white shirt.

Head shot of Steph Korey Goodwin smiling.

Black and white photo of Steph Korey Goodwin with her arms crossed.

Current Board Positions

Away

Board Member

2015 - Present

New York, NY, USA

Away is a well-known American company that specializes in stylish and practical luggage and travel accessories for today's travellers. With their direct-to-consumer approach and sleek suitcase designs, Away has gained a lot of recognition in the industry.

Media

Inc. | Steph Korey

Profile

New York, NY, USA

Business Profile for Steph Korey

Crunchbase | Steph Korey Goodwin

Profile

New York, NY, USA

Business Profile for Steph Korey Goodwin

Features

Cause Artist | Q&A with Away CEO Steph Korey on Her Social Impact Journey

Feature

Oct 2018

New York, NY, USA

Cause Artist is a media platform that focuses on highlighting social enterprises, ethical brands, and changemakers who are making a positive impact on society and the environment. Through stories, interviews, and insights, it provides valuable information on innovative solutions and trends in the realm of social good.

Inc.com

Feature | The 5 Keys to a Top-Notch Company Culture

Sep 2018

New York, NY, USA

Inc.com is widely recognized for its coverage of small businesses, start-ups, and up-to-date news and insights in the field of entrepreneurship.

Awards & Recognition

Fast Company: Most Innovative Companies

Nominee | Away

2020

New York, NY, USA

The Fast Company's annual list, "The World's Most Innovative Companies," recognizes leading businesses and organizations across various industries. This list highlights companies that have made significant advancements, disrupted their sectors, and demonstrated visionary thinking.

Goldman Sachs

Awarded | 100 Builders + Innovators | 2019

2019

New York, NY, USA

The Goldman Sachs 100 Builders + Innovators Summit is an annual event, recognizing some of the most promising entrepreneurs and business leaders from diverse industries. This summit celebrates innovation by highlighting individuals who have made significant contributions to their fields.

Forbes | 40 under 40

Nominee | Retail & E-commerce | 2019

2019

New York, NY, USA

Steph Korey was nominated for the Forbes "40 Under 40" list in 2019 in the Retail and E-commerce category. The list highlights young leaders and innovators under the age of 40 who have significantly impacted their industries. Steph received this recognition for her influential work with Away, the luggage company she co-founded

Forbes | 30 under 30

Nominee | Retail & E-commerce | 2018

2018

New York, NY, USA

Steph Korey was nominated for the Forbes "30 Under 30" list in 2018. This prestigious list highlights young leaders and innovators under 30 who have made significant contributions across various industries. Korey was recognized for her influential work with Away.

Goldman Sachs

Awarded | 100 Builders + Innovators | 2018

2018

New York, NY, USA

Fast Company: Most Innovative Companies

Nominee | Away

2018

New York, NY, USA

The Fast Company's annual list, "The World's Most Innovative Companies," recognizes leading businesses and organizations across various industries. This list highlights companies that have made significant advancements, disrupted their sectors, and demonstrated visionary thinking.

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Speaking Engagements

FORTUNE Most Powerful Women Summit

Speaker

Oct 2019

Washington, DC, USA

The FORTUNE MPW Summit has transformed into an exceptional community of leaders, gathering influential women from various sectors such as business, government, philanthropy, education, and the arts. This event offers insightful discussions, practical advice, and inspiring conversations.

Shoptalk

Speaker | 2018

2018

Las Vegas, NV, USA

Shoptalk, a leading retail and e-commerce conference, brings together industry professionals, innovators, and thought leaders in the retail sector to explore the latest trends, technologies, and strategies. This annual event features keynote speakers, panel discussions, networking opportunities, and exhibitions, providing a dynamic platform for learning and collaboration.

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Steph Korey’s Education

Columbia Business School

MBA

2014 - 2015

Brown University

BA | International Relations

2005 - 2009