Away
United States
Away is a New York based direct-to-consumer luggage and travel brand founded in 2015 by Jen Rubio and Steph Korey. It is privately held and sells online and through its own stores in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.
| Founded | 2015 |
|---|---|
| Founders | Jen Rubio and Steph Korey |
| Ownership | Privately held (JRSK, Inc.) |
| Headquarters | New York City, United States |
| Segment | Bags, accessories and eyewear |
| Website | awaytravel.com |
What is Away?
Away is a luggage and travel accessories brand founded in 2015 by Jen Rubio and Steph Korey, who met as colleagues at Warby Parker. The legal entity is JRSK, Inc., trading as Away, and the company is privately held. It is based in New York City.
History
Away raised about $216 million in total from investors that include Accel Partners, Forerunner Ventures, Comcast Ventures, Global Founders Capital, Wellington Management, Baillie Gifford and Lone Pine Capital. A $100 million round in May 2019 valued the company at $1.4 billion, according to Wikipedia. Leadership has changed several times: in December 2019 Korey resigned as chief executive and Stuart Haselden was named successor, in January 2020 she returned as co-CEO, and in July 2020 it was announced that she would step down as co-CEO within the year. Wikipedia lists Jessica Schinazi as chief executive and Rubio as executive chair; the date of that appointment is not covered in the sources reviewed.
Products and positioning
The range centres on carry-on and larger suitcases in hardside, softside and aluminium constructions, alongside bags and organisers.
- Luggage: Series 3, Classic and Flex hardside, Topside, Softside and Aluminum
- Bags: backpacks, duffles, totes, crossbodies and garment bags
- Accessories: packing cubes, toiletry bags, tech organisers and luggage tags
Business model and distribution
Away is primarily a direct-to-consumer business selling through its own website, complemented by brick-and-mortar stores. The official site lists 16 stores: 14 in the United States, one in Toronto and one in London. Products are sold in the US, Canada and the UK.
Why it matters
Away is one of the best-known examples of a digitally native luggage brand that moved from online-only sales into physical retail, and its early funding and leadership changes have been widely followed in the industry.
Frequently asked questions
Who founded Away?
Away was founded in 2015 by Jen Rubio and Steph Korey, who met while working at Warby Parker. Rubio is listed as executive chair.
Who owns Away?
Away is a privately held company operating as JRSK, Inc. Its investors have included Accel Partners, Forerunner Ventures and Comcast Ventures, among others.