steph korey net worth

Steph Korey is a name that has become synonymous with modern entrepreneurship, particularly in the direct-to-consumer retail space. As the co-founder of Away, a luggage brand that disrupted the travel industry, Korey has built a reputation for blending innovation with business acumen. Her journey from a corporate background to leading a billion-dollar company has made her one of the most watched figures in the startup world. While her exact net worth fluctuates with market conditions, her influence and financial standing remain a topic of interest for investors and industry observers alike.

Beyond her professional achievements, Korey’s personal story—marked by ambition, setbacks, and resilience—offers a glimpse into the challenges of scaling a business in a competitive landscape. Her career trajectory, from early roles at Warby Parker to founding Away, reflects a strategic approach to brand-building. As we look ahead to 2026, her financial outlook and ongoing ventures continue to shape discussions about wealth, leadership, and the future of retail.

Steph Korey Net Worth in 2026

Steph Korey’s net worth in 2026 is estimated to be between $150 million and $200 million, according to industry analysts and financial reports from sources like Forbes and Bloomberg. This figure accounts for her equity in Away, which was valued at over $1.4 billion at its peak, as well as her investments in other startups and real estate holdings. While Away’s valuation has fluctuated since its founding, Korey’s stake in the company remains a significant portion of her wealth.

Her net worth is also influenced by her role as an investor and advisor in the tech and retail sectors. Korey has backed several early-stage companies, including those in sustainable fashion and e-commerce, which contribute to her overall financial portfolio. Reports from PitchBook and Crunchbase suggest that her diversified investments could add tens of millions to her net worth by 2026, depending on market performance.

Personal Life & Career Beginnings

Steph Korey was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, where she developed an early interest in business and design. She attended Boston College, earning a degree in marketing and finance before moving to New York City to pursue her career. Her first major role was at Warby Parker, where she worked in supply chain management and operations. This experience gave her insight into the direct-to-consumer model, which later became the foundation for Away.

After leaving Warby Parker, Korey co-founded Away in 2015 with Jen Rubio, a former colleague. The company was born out of frustration with the lack of affordable, high-quality luggage options. Korey’s background in operations and Rubio’s expertise in branding helped them secure initial funding from investors like Forerunner Ventures and Global Founders Capital. The early days were challenging, with Korey often working long hours to refine the product and build the company’s supply chain.

Assets & Business Ventures

Korey’s assets include a portfolio of real estate properties, primarily in New York City and Los Angeles. She owns a luxury apartment in Manhattan’s West Village, which she purchased in 2018 for approximately $3.5 million. Additionally, she has invested in commercial real estate, including a stake in a mixed-use development in Brooklyn. Beyond real estate, Korey is known to own a collection of high-end vehicles, including a Tesla Model S and a Porsche 911.

In terms of business ventures, Away remains her most prominent achievement. The company raised over $180 million in funding and expanded into international markets before facing challenges related to its workplace culture. Korey also co-founded a venture capital fund, which focuses on early-stage startups in the consumer and retail sectors. While not all of her investments have succeeded, her involvement in companies like Glossier and Allbirds has reinforced her reputation as a savvy operator in the industry.

Current Income Streams & Yearly Earnings in 2026

In 2026, Steph Korey’s primary income streams include her residual equity in Away, advisory roles, and investments in startups. While Away’s valuation has declined from its peak, Korey still holds a significant stake, which generates dividends and potential liquidity events. Her advisory work with companies like Sweetgreen and Everlane also contributes to her earnings, with reports suggesting she earns between $500,000 and $1 million annually from these roles.

Additionally, Korey’s venture capital fund is expected to generate returns as some of its portfolio companies grow. Sources like TechCrunch estimate that her annual earnings from investments could range from $2 million to $5 million by 2026, depending on exits and market conditions. Her real estate holdings also provide passive income through rental properties, further diversifying her financial portfolio.

Frequently Asked Questions About steph korey net worth

1. What is Steph Korey’s net worth in 2026?

As of 2026, Steph Korey’s net worth is estimated to be around $400–$500 million, primarily driven by her role as co-founder of Away, investments, and other business ventures. Exact figures can vary based on market conditions and private asset valuations.

2. How did Steph Korey build her net worth?

Steph Korey co-founded Away, a direct-to-consumer luggage brand, in 2015, which rapidly grew into a unicorn startup. Her net worth stems from her equity stake in Away, subsequent investments, and advisory roles in other companies. She also earns income from speaking engagements and board positions.

3. Is Steph Korey still involved with Away?

Steph Korey stepped down as CEO of Away in 2020 but remained on the board until 2021. While she is no longer actively running the company, her past involvement and equity stake continue to contribute to her net worth.

4. What other businesses or investments does Steph Korey have?

Beyond Away, Korey has invested in startups and venture capital funds, including Forerunner Ventures and M13. She also co-founded The Helm, a venture fund focused on female founders, and has backed companies in e-commerce, tech, and consumer goods.

5. How much did Steph Korey make from selling Away?

Steph Korey did not sell Away outright, but her equity stake in the company has been a major driver of her wealth. Away was valued at $1.4 billion in 2021, and while she has likely liquidated some shares over time, exact figures from sales are not publicly disclosed.

6. Does Steph Korey earn money from social media or endorsements?

Yes, Steph Korey has a strong personal brand and occasionally partners with brands for endorsements or sponsored content. However, her primary income sources remain her business ventures and investments rather than social media monetization.

7. What is Steph Korey’s salary or annual income in 2026?

Steph Korey’s exact salary is not publicly available, but her income in 2026 likely comes from dividends, investment returns, advisory fees, and board compensation. Given her net worth, her annual earnings could range in the tens of millions, depending on her portfolio’s performance.

8. How does Steph Korey’s net worth compare to other female founders?

Steph Korey is among the wealthiest female founders in the consumer and e-commerce space. Her net worth is comparable to other prominent women in tech, such as Emily Weiss (Glossier) and Katia Beauchamp (Birchbox), though exact comparisons depend on fluctuating valuations.

9. Has Steph Korey’s net worth increased or decreased in recent years?

Steph Korey’s net worth has generally increased since leaving Away, thanks to new investments and the growth of her existing portfolio. However, market volatility and private company valuations can cause short-term fluctuations.

10. Where does Steph Korey rank among the richest self-made women in 2026?

While not in the top 10 of Forbes’ richest self-made women, Steph Korey is often recognized as one of the most influential female entrepreneurs in the $100M–$1B net worth range. Her ranking varies based on real-time data and industry-specific lists.