Awesome Inc
Based: Lexington, Kentucky
Year you began investing: 2023 [via Awesome Fund]
Key companies that you’ve invested in: TitleWise, ThynkHealth, Holler Commerce
Top executive: Founder Brian Raney provided answers below
Raney’s hometown: Crestview, Kentucky
Lives: Lexington
Education: Degrees in computer science and economics, University of Kentucky
Hobbies: Playing and coaching soccer, surfing (Fun fact: I live in a landlocked state and own multiple surfboards) and snowboarding.
What kind of deals are you interested in? Seed-stage opportunities from founders who have been able to generate revenue from early minimum viable products.
What’s been your strategy on investing in startups as many VCs have pulled back in 2023? Hold fast to the trust that innovation doesn’t pause for market fluctuations and we can take advantage of appropriately adjusted valuations.
What’s one thing you always look for in a pitch? Compelling traction to date and a convincing and opportune market.
Tell us about one of your portfolio companies that is doing well. We’re excited about Thynk Health and the literal life-saving technology they have. Its technology has found [five times] the amount of cancer in same patient populations and finds it two to three stages earlier.
What’s a Kentucky company you’ve been keeping your eye on? We’re looking at Kyndy Benefits.
Best piece of advice for startups that are fundraising right now? Start the relationship with investors early. Give them the ability to set a standard of expectation with you so they can watch or help with your progress over the subsequent months. Also, the way you behave after a “no” or “not yet” answer can either make an investor be more confident in their decision not to invest or reconsider it.
