.png){kind=small}
State of Startups: Kentucky Q3 FY26 Startup News
- Apr 27
- 4 min read
The State of Startups: Kentucky report is shared live each quarter during an online update from Kentucky’s six regional innovation hubs. Read below for highlights from Q2 FY26 and register online to hear the next report in real time.
Welcome to Kentucky
We're pleased to welcome Jenn Callahan, co-founder and Chief Visionary Officer of Amplify, who will step into the Hub Director role for the Louisville and Elizabethtown region. She will transition into the position as Larry Horn departs to join a startup in his next chapter.
We also welcome Kevin Davis, joining the SOAR Innovation Hub as an Entrepreneur-in-Residence, strengthening support for founders alongside Danna and her team.
Across the network, we are also recognizing several leadership transitions. At the Awesome Inc Innovation Hub, Director Garrett Fahrbach will be departing and will remain in his role until a successor is named.
Buddy Steen is retiring as Programs Director of the CREATE Innovation Hub, leaving a lasting impact on founders in the region.
At Blue North, Chief of Staff Reese Watson is also departing after working alongside Dave Knox, having contributed operational leadership and strong connections to the next generation of venture leaders.
Recent Wins
Congratulations to Heartland Ventures on raising $60 million for its third fund, focused on investing in industrial tech startups across the Midwest. Their network includes approximately 1,000 industrial owner-operators as part of its limited partner base, with 12 based in Louisville.
Essential Innovations, led by Ben Reno-Weber, was selected for the Techstars Workforce Development Accelerator cohort.
John Harnage, founder of Kentucky Thermal Institute, was named the 2026 Small Businessperson of the Year for Kentucky by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), one of the nation’s highest honors for small business leadership.
Selected from tens of thousands of startups in the NVIDIA Inception Program, Beltways will speak at NVIDIA GTC in San Jose on its AI-integrated accelerator systems.
Katie Trauth Taylor, co-founder and CEO of Narratize, was chosen as one of three startups to present at the 2026 MIT Enterprise AI Forum in Cambridge, highlighting Narratize’s approach to AI built for product development teams.
Better Blend, the first-floor café at SparkHaus, is expanding to Tampa with three locations and two Blendmobiles.
Another Nine, recently featured on the My First Million podcast, is expanding to the West Coast with a new franchise location planned for Seattle.
HempWood products, used for custom shelving, picture frames and doors, are featured throughout a new Patagonia store in Hobart, Tasmania.
Exits
A startup exit is when the founders and investors of a startup cash out — usually by selling the company or taking it public. It’s essentially the endgame for most startups, where all the effort (and risk) ideally turns into a financial reward.
We have one exit to celebrate this past quarter! HealthTech Solutions, based in Frankfort KY, is a healthcare platform and consulting firm intended to improve health outcomes and was acquired by Health Management Associates for an undisclosed amount.
Capital
Since January 1 of this calendar year, Kentucky has had 33 startups funded with $54,954,102 in early-stage investment.
Of note this past quarter:
In the Blue North region, Definity raised $14.38 million of venture funding from Accrete Health Partners and other undisclosed investors. They are a centralized workforce management platform designed for healthcare operational purposes.
In the Awesome region, Parasight System raised $10 million of venture funding from Keyhorse Capital. They are developing a veterinary diagnostic platform that aids in the in-clinic identification of parasites, pathogens and hematologic indicators.
Kentucky Innovation Hubs News
Larry Horn, executive director of Amplify, is an entrepreneur and community builder who has dedicated his career to enabling innovation and supporting founders throughout Kentucky as a founder, startup coach and ecosystem builder. Congratulations on his recognition with Louisville Business First's Power 50.
About the Kentucky Innovation Hubs
The Kentucky Innovation Hubs, managed by KSTC and funded by KY Innovation at the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development, are a network of six regional centers across the state with the purpose of driving economic development through entrepreneurship and innovation. Each Hub acts as their region’s “front door” to deliver services — while leveraging local partnerships and regional organizations — and assists entrepreneurs across industries and stages of development as they advance their businesses.
Key Services Provided by the Hubs for Tech Startups
Startup Coaching:
Provide tailored, consultative coaching to numerous startups, helping founders refine their business models and strategies.
Facilitate access to essential resources such as capital, customers, mentors, and talent.
Access to Capital:
Assist startups in securing funding through various channels, contributing to their financial stability and growth.
Organize pitch events and investor meetings to connect startups with potential investors.
Customer Acquisition:
Support startups in identifying and reaching their target markets, leading to increased customer acquisition.
Provided strategic introductions to key industry players and potential clients.
Mentorship Programs:
Match startups with experienced mentors who provided guidance and support throughout their entrepreneurial journey.
Conduct regular mentorship sessions and workshops to enhance the skills and knowledge of founders.
Talent Development:
Help startups in sourcing and recruiting top talent to build strong, capable teams.
Offer training programs and workshops to improve the capabilities of startup teams.
Strategic Introductions and Networking:
Facilitate networking events and strategic introductions that encourage collaboration and partnerships within the ecosystem.
Enable startups to connect with industry experts, potential partners, and other key stakeholders.
Through these initiatives, the Kentucky Innovation Hubs have significantly contributed to the growth and success of startups, strengthening the state's tech economy and fostering a thriving entrepreneurial environment. We are committed to maintaining this momentum and continuing to support the innovators and entrepreneurs who drive Kentucky's vibrant startup ecosystem.