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It's been more than half a year since KY Inno launched last fall, and boy, a lot has happened.
A handful of companies got acquired — looking at you, Superfan Inc., T2 Software and Cuddle Clones. Others have been going public like EdjSports and soon-to-be-listed Rubicon. Naturally, a few have failed, too, something that's par for the course in entrepreneurship.
Plus, we can't forget there's been a whole host of new startups launched in that time frame, such as AboutBit and pramā, emerging companies that hit the ground running with big visions to change their respective industries.
So we're updating this list, which used to have just 50 notable tech startups, but it's become far too difficult to narrow that down. Check it out in case there's one you've missed.
This guide is meant to offer basic insights into the startup and tech community in Kentucky, from early-stage startups and scaling companies to the commonwealth's accelerators, incubators, higher education institutions and entrepreneurial support organizations.
Notable tech companies in Kentucky, A-Z
AboutBit | A cryptocurrency mining company that aims to revolutionize the growing industry with cheaper and cleaner mining facilities.
Active Therapy Systems | A startup providing online exercise classes and virtual physical therapy with remote patient monitoring for people with neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis and early Alzheimer’s.
AdaptivEndo | A health-tech company developing a breakthrough endoscopy platform that puts patient safety first through an approach that combines the best aspects of a single use device with the performance of a high-quality reusable system.
AppHarvest | An agtech company building some of the world’s largest high-tech indoor farms in Appalachia. It combines conventional agricultural techniques with technology, including artificial intelligence and robotics to improve access to food, farm more sustainably and build up the domestic food supply.
APAX Software | A software development company that specializes in custom mobile applications, website design, database driven sites, and flash interaction.
BehaVR | A tech company that creates virtual reality content with the aim of improving people's behavioral health through education, motivation and activation.
Bert Thin Films | A company that is developing a low-cost, copper-based paste that will replace an expensive silver component prevalent in solar cell manufacturing.
borderless | A fintech company that enables people to pay with their bank online, anywhere in the world, without the need of a credit card.
BusinessU | An edtech startup putting high school students on the path to entrepreneurship through interactive, standards-based business courses.
BrainSTEM University | An edtech startup that provides a virtual learning environment for students to access STEAM education through instructor-led courses and labs in computer science, engineering, robotics and digital media.
Capture Higher Ed | A marketing-tech company that helps institutions make personalized, data-driven, timely and measured connections with prospective students and donors through a behavioral intelligence platform.
Climavision | A tech company that has developed a weather services and intelligence platform powered by a private network of high-resolution radars, GPS-RO data and proprietary software to improve the timing and accuracy of weather forecasting and to fill low-level gaps in existing weather surveillance.
Clover Learning | An edtech company that creates and distributes online, video-based training, exam prep and continuing education products and services to diagnostic imaging students and professionals.
C2 Keep | A software company that helps pharmacies manage controlled substances.
eBlu Solutions | A health-tech company that specializes in streamlining prior authorizations for infusion-based specialty medications, currently supporting infusion drug prior authorizations in rheumatology, neurology, gastroenterology and allergy/asthma.
El Toro | An advertising-tech company that connects businesses and marketers to their customers and prospects through IP targeting, a patented approach of matching physical addresses to online IP addresses.
EZ-Chow | A software development startup that provides single and multi-unit restaurants and hospitality organizations with a branded, multi-channel, point-of-sale-integrated API system that increases digital customer engagement.
Fooji | An advertising-tech firm that helps companies acquire and engage fans through award-winning giveaways, sweepstakes, and promotions.
Forecastr | A fintech company that developed a platform that constructs a custom forecasting model for businesses, which can be used for budgeting, cash flow management and raising capital.
FreshFry | A food-tech company that developed an all-natural, plant-based pod that extends the life of frying oil by collecting and dissolving impurities, ultimately saving restaurant operators time, labor and cost.
GoodMaps | A digital mapping startup that offers accessible indoor mapping, infrastructure-free hyper-accurate indoor positioning and universal navigation.
GoWild | An app-powered social media platform targeted toward hunting, fishing and other outdoor pursuits that allows users to connect with others, share tips and gather information on new products, trends and equipment.
HANDLE Global | A tech company that develops, sells and implements technology solutions that transform the health care capital equipment supply chain.
Hippo Manager | A tech company that has developed a cloud-based veterinary management software, offering built-in reminders, lab integrations, cash flow analysis tables and practice performance reports.
Innovative Therapeutix | A pediatric-focused device company that solves early medical and developmental issues in infants and children, preventing long-term and more complex problems.
Interapt | A software and workforce development company that has been working to address the widening talent gap in technology by training the next generation of IT talent, while also providing enterprise clients with efficient technology solutions.
Kare Mobile | A dental services provider that brings treatments to patients through a compact mobile dental units, using a licensed model and increases access to those with fewer options to obtain oral health care.
Leadrilla | A lead generation platform for sales professionals within the life insurance, Medicare and solar industries.
Legal Gantt | A software startup company that provides law firms with a client portal to facilitate communication, case status and progress with their clients.
Lenderfit | A software startup offering a cloud-based loan origination solution for commercial lenders.
MEMStim | A health-tech company that manufactures implantable, biocompatible electrode leads capable of providing targeted electrical stimulation to highly dense and small nerve fiber groups.
Moolathon | A social fundraising platform and fitness tracker smartphone application that gives individuals and groups the ability to raise money for a cause.
Nexosome Oncology | A division of NX PharmaGen focused on the applications of exosome-based diagnostics in the cancer field.
OdessaConnect | A telehealth company that creates digital experiences using TVs that are tailored to the unique technology and health needs of seniors.
OmniLife | A mobile health information technology company that provides patient-centric software as a service to the organ failure care continuum.
OnPoint Warranty | An insurtech company offering warranty underwriting and administration, and extended and home warranties for manufacturers, retailers, service providers, HVAC installers, consumers and other users.
OrgVitals | A data company that offers end-to-end culture surveys for culture consultants that allows them to measure, visualize and export data ready for clients.
Pascal Tags | A hard-tech company building a data-driven supply chain through smart, chip-less tags that allow businesses to track inventory.
Pav*r | A productivity application that helps streamline calendars by giving users the ability to tag their calendar events and export that data to see how they are using their time.
PreventScripts | A health tech startup offering physicians a comprehensive behavior change platform that combines ADA, motivation surveys, patient reported outcomes surveys and a clinic-based intervention with remote monitoring.
Red e App | A mobile cloud-based platform that helps connect and engage the non-desk workforce.
Repaytient | A fintech startup that offers hospitals and patients modern billing and payment solutions, including interest free payment plans.
Resolv | An online goal-setting app that aims to improve the mental health of teenagers and young adults with access to virtual near-peer mentors.
Rivera Group | A cyber-intelligence company that secures IT infrastructure, optimizes cyberspace operations and protects sensitive data from nefarious activity.
Rubicon | A software company that provides smart waste and recycling solutions to businesses and governments worldwide.
RxLightning | A health-tech company that simplifies and automates the specialty medication enrollment process for medical offices through a single comprehensive, user-friendly platform.
Safewave Technology | A wearable device company that's developed a vibration-based wristband that links to mainstream security systems and fire alarms.
SentryHealth | A health-tech company that developed a population health management tool for providers that pairs analytics with clinical care management and high-touch outreach to drive positive behavior change and outcomes.
SkuVault | A cloud-based software platform and network that manages inventory and warehouses for e-commerce companies.
Space Tango | An aerospace company that provides access to microgravity for research and development and manufacturing on the International Space Station U.S. National Laboratory through automated platforms that can support a variety of sciences.
Stuccco | An online home design platform that allows Realtors and homeowners to get any room professionally designed and virtually staged quickly, allowing homes to sell faster and at a higher price.
Switcher Studio | A video editing software company that offers users a way to capture video from multiple camera angles and edit it in real time.
Symba | A real estate-focused mobile-first customer relationship management and sales platform.
Synaptek | A concussion-focused app that supports athlete health, recovery, and performance by making testing, documentation and analytics easy.
Timeout Software Inc. | A digital health platform that connects athletes to on-demand, in-person and virtual resources ranging from crisis resources to self-help tools.
To The Market | A logistics tech company offering a turnkey solution for ethical and sustainable retail manufacturing, connecting companies to a syndicated network of ethical and sustainable suppliers.
UnicusPar | A software company that aims to be the Match.com for recruiters by assessing both companies and candidates to measure career compatibility.
Untitled | A data architecture and business intelligence solutions company that utilizes infrastructure and frameworks as a service, allowing partners to rapidly deploy modern data stacks.
Venminder | A company that addresses the tactical challenges of third-party risk management for banks, credit unions and mortgage companies by improving efficiency and regulatory compliance with software and professional services.
Virtual Peaker | A tech company that offers a cloud-based energy management platform through which utility companies can control web-enabled appliances, such as thermostats, water heaters, smart circuit breakers, room air conditioners and heat-pump systems.
VividCharts | A data visualization platform that allows ServiceNow customers to generate and distribute real-time reports that make data-focused decisions easy and efficient.
VSimple | A software company that has developed a business-to-business, software-as-a-service (Saas) technology platform designed to simplify workflow communication between manufacturers, distributers and their customers.
Xooker | A next-generation merchant and consumer engagement platform that overlays analytics with a powerful combination of engagement tools that includes messaging, deals, coupons, automatic check-in, games and rewards.
Yornest | A startup that has developed a group messaging platform designed to create close social groups for large or small audiences.
Regional capital resources
Access Ventures
Allos Ventures
Blue Equity
Bluegrass Angels
BlueSky Capital
Chrysalis Ventures
Commonwealth Seed Capital
Connetic Ventures
CID Capital
Elevate Ventures
Endeavor Catalyst
Kentucky Angel Investors
Kentucky Enterprise Fund
Keyhorse Capital
Lightship Capital
Lunsford Capital
LEVO Capital
Northern Kentucky Angels
Poplar Ventures
Radicle Capital
Render Capital
Renew Ventures
Rounsavall Investments
Sixty8 Capital
Soterra Capital
Thornton Capital
TYP64
Venture First
Weller Equity
Yearling Fund
6ixth Event
Accelerators
Awesome Inc.
Berea Arts Accelerator
Endeavor Scale Up
EKU Business & Technology Accelerator
KHIC-Start Business Accelerator
Invest 606
The Plan Room
UpTech
Vogt Awards
WKU Small Business Accelerator
XLerateHealth
Incubators
Advanced Science & Technology Commercialization Center
Biologic
Chef Space
Innovation Launchpad
Ignite Ashland
KHIC-Start Business Incubator
NKY Incubator Kitchen
NKU Inkubator
Owensboro Centre for Business and Research
Power to Prosper
Russell Technology Business Incubator
The Hub
The Well
Entrepreneurial support organizations and networks
Amplify (Louisville)
Awesome Inc. (Lexington)
Blue North (Covington)
CRICC (Bowling Green)
Endeavor KY, IN, OH
GroWEST KY (Paducah)
Kentucky Commercialization Ventures
Kentucky Intellectual Property Alliance
KY Innovation
SOAR (Pikeville)
Startup Grind (Louisville)
Startup Chowdown (Louisville)
Venture Connectors (Louisville)
Higher education
Berea College
Brescia University
Campbellsville University
Centre College
Eastern Kentucky University
Georgetown College
Kentucky State University
Kentucky Wesleyan College
Morehead State University
Murray State University
Northern Kentucky University
Simmons University
Spalding University
Sullivan University
Transylvania University
University of Kentucky
University of Louisville
University of Pikeville
Western Kentucky University
See something missing? Let me know at hcawthon@bizjournals.com.
