University of Kentucky

This EDA investment aims to elevate Kentucky’s deep-tech, tough-tech, and social innovation startup sector through early-stage capital deployment, engaging and activating a new generation of venture capital managers in the region. Invest Blue -- a partnership between Keyhorse Capital and Launch Blue -- will deploy early-stage capital into venture track Kentucky startups. Invest Blue will diversify venture capital management by engaging and supporting first-time capital managers and intentionally engaging new venture capital managers that identify as female, African American, or LGBTQ.

Project outcomes include formation of the Invest Blue Angel Network with diverse membership of 1000 individuals; deployment of capital to 30 Kentucky early-stage startups using Invest Blue Micro-Fund Investment Vehicles, and formation of one sustainable venture fund targeting deep-tech, tough-tech, and social innovation opportunities.