Keyhorse Capital, in partnership with the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development’s statewide #KYInnovation program and as an initiative of Kentucky Science and Technology Corporation (KSTC), has announced that its current quarterly investment cycle is open through March 31st for eligible companies.
The windows for each quarterly investment cycle are:
- January 1 - March 31
- April 1 - June 30
- July 1 - September 30
- October 1 - December 31
Through the Kentucky Enterprise Fund and the Kentucky Growth Capital Fund, Keyhorse Capital and the Commonwealth of Kentucky have been investing in the future of Kentucky since 2002, leveraging over $96.7 million to support 313 Kentucky companies.
These funds make early-stage and growth-stage venture capital investments in high-growth startups and entrepreneurs based in or interested in relocating to Kentucky. Companies must be in the process of building an innovative, technology-enabled product, process, or service; have developed a prototype, be seeking product-market fit, or entering an early growth stage of development; and present a well-articulated market opportunity with some level of customer validation and a strong founding team.
In the fourth investment cycle of 2025, Keyhorse Capital announced $5.3M of investments in companies that included:
- ALT Distilling: Manufacturer of non-alcoholic spirit alternatives designed to replace liquor in cocktails and bar programs.
- Biscuit Belly: Multi-unit high-end fast-casual franchising company.
- DesiCorp: Life sciences manufacturer developing field-ready biologics, packaging systems, and production infrastructure for defense and emergency use.
- Due Gooder: Academic productivity platform offering course management, planning, and work scheduling for students.
- Empath EQ: Healthcare training platform that delivers realistic, soft-skill simulation experiences to help nursing and clinical students build skills and competency.
- Essential Innovations: Workforce technology platform helping employers and non-profits access tax credits and training dollars and support workers.
- Fireroad Holdings: Builder, operator, and incubator of AI-driven software innovation targeting small business sectors like construction and home services.
- Hogshead: B2B online marketplace, transaction, and inventory solutions for buyers and sellers of barrel-aged spirits.
- Immersive Hearing Technologies: Virtual reality software that simulates real-life hearing aid experiences for patients.
- Inflow: Platform for managing and producing creative work through a combination of automated brand intelligence and on-demand human experts.
- InsightX Analytics: Collects data and provides self-service analytics for retail-medicine clinics.
- Kidvestors: Financial education software teaching K-12 students core investing and money skills.
- Krew Technologies: Communication and coordination platform for film and television productions that streamlines workflows, reduces costs, and accelerates production timelines.
- Level 6 Cybersecurity: AI-powered cybersecurity risk prediction and mitigation software.
- LYLA: Tech-enabled concierge platform helping employees and patients access personal assistance support through healthcare and employer channels.
- Nongo: Machine diagnostic reporting platform designed to support industrial teams.
- Nousynapse Pharmaceuticals: Developer of treatments to protect the connections between brain cells and prevent memory loss in diseases like Alzheimer’s.
- Pro IRP: Medicare insurance retention platform helping agents, agencies, and FMOs predict churn, automate outreach, and protect renewals.
- RaisePoint: SaaS platform for auction-based fundraising.
- Revitalized Solutions: Platform connecting healthcare facilities to a workforce of telehealth nurses to address nurse staffing shortages.
- Santerre International: Producer of high-nutrient fertilizer products from invasive Asian carp.
- SelfFull: AI-native coaching platform that enables coaches and enterprises to deliver personalized, scalable, and measurable development programs.
- Serializ: An app that delivers written story content to users through the release of short, bingeable episodes.
- Simbryo Technologies: Testing platform intended to evaluate endometrial fertility using a 3D organoid model.
- SunnySide Egg Co: Uses mobile pasture systems to partner with farmers to produce and supply regeneratively raised eggs to national grocers.
- Weather Brother: Software application providing weather forecasts and real time severe weather notifications.
- Wicked Technologies (Wicked Sheets): Moisture management platform providing breathable, washable bedding and fabric solutions for incontinence and sleep health in long-term and clinical care settings.
In 2025, Keyhorse Capital invested a total of $21.2M in Kentucky companies. Additional investments for 2025 investment cycles included:
- Airtrek Robotics: Autonomous mobile robots that enable complete automation of airport ground operations.
- ALT Distilling: Manufacturer of non-alcoholic spirit alternatives designed to replace liquor in cocktails and bar programs.
- Another Nine: Self-service indoor golf facilities operating 24/7 via tech-driven infrastructure and franchising.
- AquiSense: Advanced UV-C LED disinfection systems for water, air, and surface treatment applications.
- Biscuit Belly (DGB Tenn): Multi-unit high-end fast-casual franchising company.
- Avana Health: Intrauterine delivery platform for treating abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) and postpartum hemorrhage (PPH).
- Beltways: High-capacity pedestrian walkways and last-mile transit systems for urban environments.
- Bert Thin Films: Manufacturer of a patented unique copper paste, CuBert™, as a direct substitute for the silver paste in the manufacture of solar panels.
- BeyondWill: Estate and end-of-life planning platform for individuals and families.
- Blackbox Energy Systems: Lightweight, efficient electric motors with integrated monitoring systems for modern energy applications.
- BumptUp Labs: Evidence-based physical activity guidance platform for pregnant and postpartum women.
- Cyndelos: Compliance software that identifies trackers, pixels, and behavioral data for regulatory adherence.
- DataRovers: Medical insurance denial management solution for revenue cycle management teams.
- DesiCorp: Life sciences manufacturer developing field-ready biologics, packaging systems, and production infrastructure for defense and emergency use.
- Due Gooder: Academic productivity tool that converts student syllabi into dynamic calendars with deadlines and reminders.
- Ecoshell: Sustainable packaging solutions made from natural materials.
- Empath EQ: Bringing real-life simulations to nursing education.
- EnVue Health: Telehealth platform delivering primary, behavioral, and women's health care for melanated patients.
- Essential Innovations: Platform technology helping employers and non-profits access funding streams that remove barriers and unlock potential for essential workers.
- EZ-Chow: Multi-channel digital ordering platform for the restaurant and food service industry.
- Fireroad Holdings: Builder, operator, and incubator of AI-driven software ventures targeting operational inefficiencies in small business sectors like construction and home services.
- GoodMaps: Indoor digital mapping platform enhancing accessibility, safety, and productivity.
- Gun Media Holdings: Interactive entertainment company focused on game development and publishing.
- Hogshead: B2B platform connecting buyers and sellers of barrel-aged spirits.
- Immersive Hearing Technologies: Virtual reality software that simulates real-life hearing aid experiences for patients.
- Inflow: Platform for managing and producing creative work through a combination of automated brand intelligence and on-demand human experts.
- InsightX Analytics: Collects data and provides self-service analytics for retail-medicine clinics.
- Its Only OneStop: All-in-one event planning platform connecting users with chefs, caterers, and event professionals.
- J-1: Recruitment and support platform for international college students in the J-1 Visa program.
- Kanbol: Pulping technology and manufacturing that transforms agricultural fibers into molded fiber packaging.
- Kidvestors: Financial education software teaching K-12 students core investing and money skills.
- Krew Technologies: Communication and coordination platform for film and television productions that streamlines workflows, reduces costs, and accelerates production timelines.
- Kyndly Benefit (Kyndly Technologies): Automated health insurance decision support and enrollment assistance platform.
- Level 6 Cybersecurity: AI-powered cybersecurity risk prediction and mitigation software.
- Liberate Medical: Respiratory muscle stimulator designed to reduce mechanical ventilation time.
- LYLA: Tech-enabled concierge platform helping employees and patients access personal assistance support through healthcare and employer channels.
- MoneyBot: AI-powered platform for delivering financial literacy through gamified experiences.
- MPI Digital: AI-powered HR operations platform providing on-demand access to policies, training, and process guidance.
- Narratize: AI-driven platform that streamlines the creation of high-quality content for enterprises.
- Nichefire: Analytics software identifying emerging consumer trends to guide product and marketing strategy.
- Nongo: Machine diagnostic reporting platform designed to support industrial teams.
- Nousynapse Pharmaceuticals: Developer of treatments to protect the connections between brain cells and prevent memory loss in diseases like Alzheimer’s.
- NuPaper: Manufacturers of environmentally friendly corrugated containers.
- ParentMD: Virtual care platform providing pediatric health guidance and support for parents.
- Pitch Protect: Mobile platform tracks pitch-count and other metrics to help prevent overuse injuries in sports and monitor compliance.
- Pro IRP: Medicare insurance retention platform helping agents, agencies, and FMOs predict churn, automate outreach, and protect renewals.
- Proximity Parking: Parking application for municipalities while enabling advertising options based on geomarketing.
- Qualz AI: AI platform that accelerates and scales qualitative research for data-driven teams.
- RaisePoint: SaaS platform for auction-based fundraising.
- RedLeaf Biologics: Botanical extracts from non-GMO sorghum for use in health, food, beverage, and cosmetics.
- Resonate Recordings: Provider of podcast hosting, editing, and management, streamlining content production with automated workflows and analytics.
- Revitalized Solutions: Platform connecting healthcare facilities to a workforce of telehealth nurses to address nurse staffing shortages.
- Revolution RE: SaaS platform that integrates and standardizes data across multiple property management systems, enabling real estate operators to access business intelligence, streamline operations, and license market data for better decision-making.
- Santerre International: Producer of high-nutrient fertilizer products from invasive Asian carp.
- Scoop Tech (Yornest): Messaging and broadcast platform for universities and member-based communities.
- SelfFull: AI-native coaching platform that enables coaches and enterprises to deliver personalized, scalable, and measurable development programs.
- Serializ: An app that delivers written story content to users through the release of short, bingeable episodes.
- Simbryo Technologies: Testing platform intended to evaluate endometrial fertility using a 3D organoid model.
- Skyhaul: Drone delivery platform for marine vessel logistics integrating real-time GPS tracking, ordering, and flight operations for inland and global waterways.
- Soaring Titan: AI agent platform that automates research workflows through multi-agent collaboration.
- SOFAB INKS: Manufacturer of metal oxide nanoparticles used in perovskite solar cell technology.
- Stuccco: Online platform for interior design, virtual staging, and home goods.
- Sunflower Fuels: Developer of sustainable energy crops, particularly Miscanthus, to create renewable energy sources and address the demand for bio-efficient feedstock, with applications in renewable packaging and aviation fuels.
- SunnySide Egg Co: Uses mobile pasture systems to partner with farmers to produce and supply regeneratively raised eggs to national grocers.
- SustainAgility (Plastic Free Future) : SaaS platform addressing the global plastic packaging crisis through AI-driven design, material sourcing, and compliance support.
- Swell Health (Sage Health Labs): Tech-enabled clinical therapy platform serving military families.
- The Nori Project: Modern vending machines inspired by Japanese convenience culture, serving fresh, ready-to-eat meals.
- TimberSync: A marketplace platform connecting landowners, loggers, and mills to manage and transact timber sales.
- To The Market: Responsible sourcing platform helping enterprises buy from vetted factories and generate order-level impact, traceability, and compliance reporting.
- UnDesked: Workforce coordination platform for deskless teams using mobile, kiosk, and signage-based tools.
- Untitled: Data pipeline management platform for connectivity, analysis, and reporting.
- Valent Systems: Collaboration platform for business development teams responding to proposals and RFPs.
- Value Buddy: Business valuation and benchmarking software for small and growing companies.
- Verity Technologies: Software platform leveraging AR/VR technology to provide enhanced physical therapy.
- Verticalytics (VenueTech Connect): Audio/Visual & IT asset management and vendor/product information platform for event venues.
- Visor Health: AI-assisted diagnostics and care coordination platform for orthopedic care in non-specialist settings.
- Weather Brother (Storm Chasing for Science LLC): Software application providing weather forecasts and real time severe weather notifications.
- WholeNote: Virtual record label platform addressing royalty collection, business management, and RevOps challenges for independent musicians.
- Wicked Sheets (Wicked Technologies): Moisture management platform providing breathable, washable bedding and fabric solutions for incontinence and sleep health in long-term and clinical care settings.
- xRake: Walk-behind power rake and soil conditioning machinery.
Keyhorse Capital and KSTC have partnered with KY Innovation and the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development to create an easy-to-navigate quarterly investment process for the state’s most promising startup companies. Together with an improved public application process and statewide communication strategy to increase access and the number of investment opportunities, Kentucky’s funds have seen a continued increase in award applications and reviews.
To learn more and apply for funding, visit: keyhorse.vc/
About Keyhorse Capital
Keyhorse Capital is a seed-stage venture capital firm focused on supporting a thriving community of entrepreneurs willing to go the distance to build and grow innovative companies. Keyhorse is focused on investing in early-stage companies based in Kentucky through a funding partnership with KYInnovation and KCED. Keyhorse Capital has provided financing to 313 companies. Their active portfolio of 190 companies has created more than 800 jobs and counting. Learn more at keyhorse.vc.
About KSTC
KSTC is a private, statewide non-profit corporation committed to advancing science, technology, and innovative economic development founded on Kentucky know-how. KSTC seeks to improve the capacity of people, companies, and organizations to build an innovation-driven economy in Kentucky. Learn more at kstc.org.
About KY Innovation
#KYInnovation is an initiative of the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development (KCED) that targets resources to support startups, traditional small businesses, and innovation-driven entrepreneurs across the business life-span with the aim of dramatically improving Kentucky’s entrepreneurship ecosystem and significantly increasing the number of new company startups annually. More about the Commonwealth of Kentucky’s investment and support for innovation can be found at kyinnovation.com.
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