Steph Korey Goodwin

Steph Korey Goodwin

Co-Founder

New York, US

Profile Verified by The Marque

Last Updated: 22 Sep 2026

In Their Own Right

Biography

Steph Korey Goodwin, known for her innovative thinking, leadership and dedication to fostering positive change in the business world, is the co-founder of Charmspring, a children's developmental brand focused on enhancing family connections and promoting fun. Charmspring aims to help children navigate their world and daily routines. Its flagship product, the Springboard, is a visual routine board that includes illustrations to assist children in anticipating upcoming activities while supporting the development of essential skills in literacy, language, and math.

Stef is also an investment partner at XFactor Ventures, a venture capital firm specializing in early-stage investments in companies led by female founders. She is also 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.

Steph 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.

She 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.

The Record

Background

  • 2022 — Present

    Investment Partner

    XFactor Ventures

    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.

  • 2021 — Present

    Co-Founder & Partner

    Diem

    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.

  • 2024 — Present

    Co-Founder

    Charmspring

    Charmspring is a children's developmental brand dedicated to strengthening family connections and encouraging fun. Its flagship product, the Springboard, is designed to help children navigate their world and daily routines.

  • 2015 — 2020

    Co-Founder & CEO

    Away

    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.

  • 2011 — 2014

    Head of Supply Chain

    Warby Parker

    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.

  • 2014 — 2015

    Consultant | Merchandise Strategy and Supply Chain

    Casper

    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.

  • 2010 — 2011

    Assistant Buyer

    Kate Spade

    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.

  • 2008 — 2008

    Participant | Executive Development Programme

    Bloomingdale's

    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.

In The News

Newsfeed

  • 25 September 2024 · US Magazine

    Away Co-Founder Steph Korey Goodwin Launches Charmspring

    Read more
  • 24 September 2024 · Motherly

    Finally! This chic, kid-friendly routine builder helped reduce my family’s daily friction

    Read more
  • 24 September 2024 · Inc.

    Away’s Steph Korey Goodwin Launches Her Charm(spring) Offensive

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  • 6 November 2019 · Percec Research Laboratory

    Former Member Steph Korey highlighted in VOGUE

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  • 24 June 2019 · Columbia Business School

    A Day in the Life: Steph Korey '15, founder and CEO, Away

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  • 12 January 2019 · Fortune

    40-under-40 | Steph Korey & Jen Rubio

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  • 11 January 2019 · Crain's New York Business

    40 Under 40 2019

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  • 20 November 2018 · Medium

    Female Disruptors: Steph Korey and Jen Rubio are shaking up how we look at travel

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  • 16 October 2018 · Cause Artist

    Q&A with Away Travel CEO Steph Korey on Her Social Impact Journey

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  • 12 September 2018 · Inc.

    The 5 Keys to a Top-Notch Company Culture, According to the Co-Founders of AwayY

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  • 11 September 2018 · Daymond John

    PowerShift: Steph Korey

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  • 20 June 2018 · Entrepreneur

    Why Embracing Failure Is Good for Business

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  • 5 May 2018 · Future Women

    How A Suitcase Propelled Steph Korey And Jen Rubio To Stardom

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  • 9 April 2018 · Brown Alumni Magazine

    Luggage doesn’t need to be boring, thanks to a new company from Steph Korey ’09 and Jen Rubio.

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  • 12 February 2018 · CNBC

    Columbia MBA and multimillion-dollar start-up co-founder

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  • 11 February 2018 · The Business of Fashion

    Steph Korey & Jen Rubio

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  • 1 July 2017 · Inc.

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

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  • 25 July 2016 · Modern Fellows

    Away Travel Founder Steph Korey on Disrupting the Travel Industry

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  • 10 June 2016 · Forbes

    30-under-30 | Steph Korey

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  • 2 March 2016

    Steph Korey: From Bags to Riches

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Formative Years

Education

  • Columbia Business School

    MBA

    2014 — 2015

  • Brown University

    BA | International Relations

    2005 — 2009

Areas Of Focus

Expertise

  • Entrepreneurship
  • Advisory
  • Angel Investor
  • Brand Management
  • Retail & Consumer Products