The Awesome Inc Fellowship Program has had an exciting spring and we wanted to share updates. The Fellowship is a dynamic and mentor-driven initiative aimed at accelerating the growth of Kentucky’s high-tech startups. Since inception in 2014, Fellowship companies have created 788 jobs for Kentucky and attracted $154.9M in outside funding.

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With a steadfast commitment to nurturing innovation, this program offers a unique blend of support, ranging from: 

• Metrics accountability

• A mentor network of Kentucky Entrepreneur Hall of Famers

• In-house Graphic Designer, Videographer, and Web Developer 

• Pro bono legal and accounting services

• Demo Day

• Access to Capital

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Combined with exclusive settings, founder accountability,, this tradition of success creates a healthy expectation of incoming Fellowship Startup Founders to build their companies with similar tenacity that they’ve witnessed from previous founders. 

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Keith McMunn, who was the Fellowship Program Director for 7 years transitioned over all of his Awesome Inc-related focus to the Awesome Fund team, and more importantly, his own entrepreneurial ventures. Garrett Fahrbach, who has been on the Awesome Inc team in different capacities for the past six years moved into the role of the Fellowship Director.

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Starting in 2017, Keith poured into many Kentucky startup founders and was crucial for taking the Fellowship portfolio companies and the program to new heights. During his tenure, the Fellowship hit and exceeded exciting milestones - $100M in investment raised, 500 jobs, and 50 portfolio companies.

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We’re grateful for every personal sacrifice he made to nurture Kentucky’s startup ecosystem and for all of the time he sowed into founders, encouraging them and instilling belief. 

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As a team, we’re excited for Garrett to step into a new role and become the boots on the ground for meeting and working with startups who will become future Fellowship portfolio companies. Most people who know Garrett know of his exuberant and friendly personality from watching him emcee a 5 Across or participating in any event he attends. This new role is going to help him relate with founders even more and help bring fresh eyes to the program.

In addition to a new Fellowship Director, we are working to strengthen the number of resources and opportunities that support the program and improve its quality.