About this programme
The Awesome Fund is an early-stage venture capital fund launched by Awesome Inc, an organization that has been building Kentucky's startup community since 2009. It invests in tech startups in and near Kentucky at the pre-seed and seed stage, aiming to give founders both capital and access to Awesome Inc's broader support network.
The fund raised $5 million, closing oversubscribed in December 2024, and began deploying capital in August 2023. By the time of a February 6, 2025 announcement, it had invested nearly $1 million across 10 investments into 9 companies, with plans to invest an additional $1 million into 10 more companies during 2025.
It targets early-stage, high-potential startups with proven traction, scalable technology, and innovative solutions, particularly companies using technology to solve meaningful problems in industries that get overlooked by typical venture capital. Portfolio companies mentioned by Awesome Inc include Xena Intelligence (AI-driven e-commerce analytics), Wicked Technologies (sustainable manufacturing), Thynk Health (AI-powered cancer screening), and Neurotone (auditory technology and hearing rehabilitation).
How it works
Initial checks run between $50,000 and $250,000 per company.
The fund splits its capital roughly 50/50 between initial investments and follow-on investments, so about half of the $5 million is reserved to support portfolio companies in later rounds.
Portfolio companies also get access to other Awesome Inc programs, including its 5 Across events and Fellowship Program, plus its mentor network.
Who can apply
The company must be a tech startup located in or near Kentucky, at pre-seed or seed stage.
The fund looks for proven traction, scalable technology, and an innovative solution to a meaningful problem.
How to apply
- Use the Apply for Funding link on awesomefund.vc to submit for consideration.
Frequently asked
What stage does the Awesome Fund invest at?
Pre-seed and seed stage.
How big is a typical check?
Initial investments run between $50,000 and $250,000 per company.
Does my company need to be based in Kentucky?
The fund targets tech startups in and near Kentucky, not strictly within the state's borders.
How large is the fund overall?
$5 million in deployable capital, which closed oversubscribed in December 2024.
Does the fund follow on in later rounds?
Yes. Roughly half the fund is reserved for follow-on investment in existing portfolio companies rather than new initial checks.
More funding in Kentucky
Commonwealth Seed Capital
Commonwealth Seed Capital LLC (Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development) · Kentucky
State-affiliated seed fund making equity investments in growth-stage Kentucky businesses across tech, bioscience and advanced manufacturing.
Kentucky Angel Investment Tax Credit
Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development (KEDFA) · Kentucky
Tax credit of 25-40% for angel investors who put at least $10,000 into a qualifying Kentucky small business.
Kentucky Enterprise Fund (KEF)
Kentucky Science and Technology Corporation (KSTC) · Kentucky
Pre-seed and seed-stage equity funding for Kentucky companies commercializing new technology, run by KSTC.
Kentucky Highlands Investment Corporation Small Business Loans
Kentucky Highlands Investment Corporation · Kentucky
Loans up to $250,000 for working capital, equipment or real estate for small businesses in 22 southeastern Kentucky counties.
Kentucky Investment Fund Act (KIFA)
Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development (KEDFA) · Kentucky
Investors who back Kentucky small businesses through an approved KIFA fund get a state tax credit: 25% for funds approved since 2023, up to 40% for earlier ones.
Kentucky SBIR/STTR Matching Funds Award Program
KY Innovation, Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development · Kentucky
Matching grant for Kentucky-based SBIR/STTR award recipients, up to $100,000 for Phase I and $150,000 for Phase II.
All 10 programmes in Kentucky →
Reviewed 2026-09-25. Programmes change, so check eligibility, amounts and deadlines on the official page before you apply. CapEasy is a private firm and is not part of any government body.