Invest Blue

Invest Blue is an angel syndicate and network that leverages a global community of accredited investors with Kentucky affinity to provide early-stage startups with capital and support. Its mission is to contribute toward a vibrant Kentucky startup ecosystem by addressing the early-stage funding gap — engaging investment-ready startups, activating new and first-time investors, and facilitating connections between them. Investments are structured using industry-standard instruments (e.g., SAFEs/convertible notes) designed to flow into future fundraising rounds. Funded in part by a ~$1.5M EDA 'Build to Scale' Capital Challenge grant (2023), Invest Blue is a partnership between Keyhorse Capital (at KSTC) and Launch Blue / UK Innovate at the University of Kentucky. The program targets deep-tech, tough-tech, and social innovation startups — including University of Kentucky tech-transfer spinouts — and aims to deploy capital into 30 Kentucky early-stage companies while intentionally diversifying venture capital management by engaging first-time investors, including those who identify as female, African American, or LGBTQ.