The Startup Scene in Kentucky

Browse the Kentucky startup ecosystem featuring 10 investors and startups. Our directory includes 9 angel investors and VCs with an average check size of $3.7M, plus 1 startups across all sectors. 1 investors are actively investing, and 0 startups are generating revenue.

9
Investors
1
Startups
$3.7M
Avg Check
0%
With Revenue
Louisville
Top City
11%
Active Investors

Gun Leash

Carl Lanore

SEED

Kentucky

HEALTHCARE SAASHEALTHCARE SAAS

Large number of lost or stolen handguns annually (500k–700k). Everyday carry increases risk of loss/theft ~300x. Lost/stolen guns are often used in crime.

Product Built

Awesome Inc

Awesome Inc

Corporate

Lexington, KY

Check: $20K – $20K

Awesome Inc exists to establish & grow high tech, creative, and entrepreneurial companies and communities.

Exploring23 portfolio co.

Meritus Ventures

Meritus Ventures

VC

London, KY

Check: $3.8M – $6.0M

Meritus Ventures, L.P. (Meritus) is a $36.4 million venture capital fund formed to make equity investments in private, expansion-stage companies in predominantly rural areas in central and southern...

Exploring5 portfolio co.

Commonwealth Seed Capital

Commonwealth Seed Capital

KY

Exploring52 portfolio co.

Frank Ferguson

Commonwealth Seed Capital

GOVERNMENT

Frankfort, Kentucky

Exploring52 portfolio co.

Poplar Ventures

Poplar Ventures

VC

Louisville, KY

Check: $500K – $2.5M
B2B SAASENTERPRISE SAASVERTICAL SAAS+9

Poplar Ventures invests in cloud-based B2B software companies using subscription business models. The firm prefers to invest initial capital once a company has reached at least $1M in annualized...

Exploring6 portfolio co.

Lunsford Capital

Lunsford Capital

VC

Louisville, KY

Check: $5.0M – $7.1M

Lunsford Capital is a private investment company headquartered in Louisville, KY headed by Bruce Lunsford. Mr. Lunsford is the founder and former Chairman and CEO of Ventas, Inc. one of the nation's...

Exploring32 portfolio co.

Kentucky Science and Technology corp.

Kentucky Science and Technology corp.

Corporate

Lexington, KY

Check: $30K – $5.1M
ENTERPRISE SAAS

Kentucky Science and Technology Corporation is a private non-profit organization that fosters and promotes initiatives in science, technology, and innovative economic development. The company...

Exploring29 portfolio co.

Chrysalis Ventures

Chrysalis Ventures

VC

Louisville, KY

Check: $1.6M – $30.0M

Chrysalis Ventures is a source of equity capital for young growth companies in the "under-ventured" Midwest and South. Chrysalis invests primarily in early-stage and expansion-stage companies in...

Exploring32 portfolio co.

Robert Lamothe

Commonwealth Seed Capital

GOVERNMENT

Frankfort, KY

Commonwealth Seed Capital is an investment program associated with the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development. It focuses on early-stage investments that support job creation and business growth...

Exploring52 portfolio co.

Explore Kentucky

About the Kentucky Startup Ecosystem

Kentucky is home to a thriving startup ecosystem with 9 investors and 1 startups in our directory. Key hubs include Louisville, Lexington, Frankfort.

The most active sectors in Kentucky include ENTERPRISE SAAS, HEALTHCARE SAAS, B2B SAAS. 1 investors have made recent investments, showing strong capital deployment activity in the region.

Local investors offer advantages beyond capital — regional network effects, knowledge of local market dynamics, and introductions to customers and partners. Geographic proximity often leads to more engaged board members and advisors.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many investors and startups are in Kentucky?
We track 9 investors and 1 startups in Kentucky. 1 investors have made recent investments, and 0 startups are generating revenue.
What is the typical check size for investors in Kentucky?
The average check size among investors in Kentucky is $3.7M. Check sizes vary by investor type — angels typically write smaller checks while VCs and funds invest larger amounts.
How do I connect with investors in Kentucky?
Upload your pitch deck on The Founders' Group landing page for a free AI analysis. Our matching algorithm considers sector focus, stage fit, check size, location, and thesis alignment to recommend the most relevant investors for your startup.
What sectors are most popular in Kentucky?
The most active sectors in Kentucky based on our data include ENTERPRISE_SAAS, HEALTHCARE_SAAS, B2B_SAAS. However, investors and startups in our directory span all major sectors.
Which cities in Kentucky have the most startup activity?
The highest concentration of investors and startups in Kentucky is in Louisville, Lexington, Frankfort. These cities have the strongest local ecosystems for fundraising and startup growth.

Explore More Startup Scenes

Get Matched with Kentucky Investors

Upload your pitch deck for a free AI analysis and get personalized investor recommendations based on your sector, stage, and traction.

Analyze Your Pitch Deck — Free