Lexington, KY – February 6th, 2025 – The Awesome Fund, Kentucky’s premier early-stage venture capital fund, proudly announces the successful oversubscription of its $5 million fund in December 2024. Since beginning to deploy capital in August 2023, the fund has already invested nearly $1 million across 10 investments into 9 companies, fueling the next generation of high-growth startups.

Since launching, Awesome Fund has invested in a diverse range of high-potential startups, including Xena Intelligence, Wicked Technologies, Thynk Health, and Neurotone—each driving innovation in their respective industries. Xena Intelligence, the 2022 5 Across Champion, leverages AI-driven analytics to optimize e-commerce advertising, helping brands maximize their marketing efficiency. Wicked Technologies, the 2023 5 Across Champion, is revolutionizing sustainable manufacturing through its proprietary materials and production processes. Thynk Health is transforming cancer screening and data management with its AI-powered platform designed to improve early detection and streamline workflows in healthcare systems. Neurotone is at the forefront of neuroscience and auditory technology, developing solutions that enhance cognitive function and hearing rehabilitation. These investments reflect Awesome Fund’s commitment to backing startups that are solving meaningful problems with scalable technology.

With a mission to strengthen Kentucky’s startup ecosystem, the Awesome Fund plans to invest an additional $1 million into 10 more companies in 2025. The fund prioritizes early-stage, high-potential startups with proven traction, scalable technology, and innovative solutions, helping to drive economic growth and job creation across the region.

Founded by Awesome Inc to Fuel Kentucky’s Startup Ecosystem

The Awesome Fund was launched by Awesome Inc, a Lexington-based organization that has been a cornerstone of Kentucky’s entrepreneurial community since 2009. Founded by Brian Raney, a serial entrepreneur and startup advocate, Awesome Inc has built a thriving ecosystem that supports early-stage founders through programs like the Awesome Fellowship, 5 Across pitch competition, and the Awesome Inc U coding bootcamp.

By leveraging Awesome Inc’s extensive network and accelerator programs, the Awesome Fund gains early access to top-tier startups and helps provide critical capital to Kentucky-based founders.

“Our connection with Awesome Inc gives us a front-row seat to some of the most promising startups in Kentucky,” said Keith McMunn, Managing Partner at the Awesome Fund. “Surpassing our fundraising goal is a testament to the strength of this ecosystem and the confidence our investors have in our ability to back high-growth companies.”

The Awesome Fund’s commitment to fostering innovation and supporting entrepreneurs in overlooked industries is at the core of its investment strategy. The fund is actively seeking new opportunities to invest in early-stage companies that are solving meaningful problems through technology.

For more information about Awesome Fund and its investment strategy, visit http://awesomefund.vc.

Fund Contact

Ben Strevy, Fund Principal

ben.strevy@awesomeinc.org

About Awesome Fund

Founded in Lexington, Kentucky, Awesome Fund is an early-stage venture capital fund dedicated to investing in high-potential startups with innovative solutions. Launched by Awesome Inc, the fund has been deploying capital since August 2023 to drive entrepreneurship and economic growth in Kentucky and beyond.

About Awesome Inc

Founded in 2009, Awesome Inc is a Lexington-based startup accelerator, coworking space, and coding school dedicated to helping entrepreneurs and tech talent thrive. Through programs like the Awesome Fellowship, 5 Across pitch competition, and Awesome Inc U, the organization provides vital resources to founders and startups across the region. Learn more at awesomeinc.org.