Keyhorse Capital (KSTC)

Keyhorse Capital is a seed-stage venture capital firm based in Lexington, Kentucky, that focuses on supporting early-stage startups within the state. As the investment arm of the Kentucky Science and Technology Corporation (KSTC), Keyhorse aims to foster innovation and entrepreneurship across a range of industries by backing companies with scalable, tech-driven solutions. Since its inception, the firm has funded over 380 companies, leveraging more than $41 million to support high-growth ventures. Their investments span various sectors, including AI software, healthcare tech, and sustainable products, with recent notable companies like Nichefire, Cornbread CBD, and Repaytient. Keyhorse Capital operates primarily through the Kentucky Enterprise Fund, providing pre-seed and seed capital, typically ranging from $25K to $1M. Their investment strategy emphasizes businesses developing innovative technologies with the potential for statewide and even national scalability. The firm collaborates closely with KY Innovation and the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development to improve access to capital for startups, including initiatives under the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) 2.0, aimed at increasing support for underserved entrepreneurs. Through its quarterly investment cycles, Keyhorse remains committed to building a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem in Kentucky. Founders seeking investment should have a clear product-market fit, customer validation, and a vision for growth that aligns with Keyhorse’s mission to drive economic development in the region.