Keyhorse Capital, an initiative of Kentucky Science and Technology Corporation, in partnership with the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development, has announced its quarterly investment cycle will be open August 10th - September 30th, 2026.
The upcoming investment cycles are:
- August 10 - September 30
- October 1 - December 31
- January 1 - March 31
- April 1 - June 15
Through the Kentucky Enterprise Fund and KSBCI 2.0, Keyhorse Capital and the Commonwealth of Kentucky have been investing in the future of Kentucky since 2002, leveraging over $112 million to support 336 Kentucky companies.
These funds make early-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 second investment cycle of 2026, Keyhorse Capital announced $6.5M of investments in companies through direct and programmatic investments that included:
- 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: UV-LED water disinfection manufacturer.
- DesiCorp: Life sciences manufacturer developing field-ready biologics, packaging systems, and production infrastructure for defense and emergency use.
- Gun Media: Interactive entertainment company focused on game development and publishing
- Louisville Brands: Multi-brand consumer platform that develops, acquires, and scales food and beverage brands through digital-first distribution and in-house manufacturing.
- Narratize: AI-driven platform that streamlines the creation of high-quality content for enterprises
- Planstreet: SaaS platform providing case management solutions tailored for social workers, nonprofits, and government agencies.
- Prevent Scripts: Remote patient monitoring and chronic condition management for diabetes and hypertension.
- Untitled: Data pipeline management platform for connectivity, analysis, and reporting.
- Sofab Inks: Manufacturer of metal oxide nanoparticles used in perovskite solar cell technology.
- Toothsure: Oral-care convenience products for hospitals and post-acute facilities to simplify bedside hygiene.
- 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.
- Xena Intelligence: AI platform for automating and optimizing ad campaigns on e-commerce platforms.
Programmatic Investments
- 1OR Health: Surgical coordination platform streamlining communication, scheduling, and readiness across the OR ecosystem.
- Beauty Intelligence: Standardized performance testing system for complexion products (foundation, concealer) across diverse skin tones.
- DataRovers: Medical insurance denial management solution for revenue cycle management teams.
- Due Gooder: Academic productivity platform offering course management, planning, and work scheduling for students.
- MyGradFiles: Academic and career portfolio management platform for students.
- 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.
- Verdant Equus: Equine skin recovery products.
- Weller Co: Women's food and hormone supporting hydration supplement product.
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 336 companies. Their active portfolio of 212 companies has created more than 800 jobs and counting. Learn more at keyhorse.vc.
About Kentucky Science & Technology Corporation
Kentucky Science and Technology Corporation (KSTC) is a private, statewide nonprofit championing innovation in knowledge, talent and investment to accelerate Kentucky’s economic growth and competitiveness and secure a better future for all Kentuckians. By strengthening research and knowledge transfer, cultivating an innovation-ready workforce, and supporting strategic investment in Kentucky businesses, KSTC helps launch, scale and grow the ideas and companies that power the state’s economy. Learn more at kstc.com.
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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