Brave the Dark Forest
I started Dark Forest Company in 2025 with just a vision. No resources, no investors, hardly any experience, not even a clear idea of exactly what we were building at first. This came about through necessity.
I have always wanted to live a life of adventure. As a very young boy I was most moved by stories of exploration, heroic journeys, and travels to distant lands. I don’t think I ever believed that the whole world had been thoroughly explored, that all the greatest mysteries had already been uncovered.
Unfortunately, we do not live in an age that encourages young men to seek out an adventurous life. The school system forces young boys to sit still and raise their hands but punishes their natural energy and aggressiveness. Some only complete high school, or even drop out, and our culture provides them with few honorable options for employment. Then, those that graduate high school and college are provided with very few life paths that offer any sort of excitement, or adventure. That’s a fast track to stale cubicles and a mid-life crisis.
And it's this lack of adventure that almost every young man I know feels deep in their soul.
What’s worse, the small amount adventure we do get can be a bit dull. Much of the mystery has been sucked out of the world. You can go on vacations, hiking expeditions, road trips, but without a sense of enchantment, it may not feel like a true adventure. Young boys that grow up dreaming of ancient swords and dragon-slaying may find the modern conception of adventure a bit lacking.
Luckily, I’ve found that the world is still a very exciting place, if you just look in the right places. And I’ve learned that many men out there just need a little push to get them on the path.
And that’s why I started Dark Forest Company. To help men pursue the hero’s journey and live in a more authentic and fulfilling way. And not alone- I found a team of men that share my vision and embody the heroic ideal that Dark Forest is pursuing. Together, we’re building the best fraternity of men I’ve ever seen. And we’re just getting started.
-Andrew H. V. (Founder)
