The mission of Bluegrass Angels is to invest in innovative Kentucky startup companies that have the ability to grow quickly into large available markets, thereby creating the possibility of strong financial returns, new jobs for the Kentucky economy, and a plausible exit strategy for their investors.
Who We Are
The Bluegrass Angels is a volunteer-led group that funds and mentors innovative, high-tech Kentucky startups. We meet monthly and are based in Lexington, but we draw members and invest in companies across the Commonwealth. Our leaders serve on advisory boards for entrepreneurship programs at Transylvania University and the University of Kentucky.
Our History
The Bluegrass Angels, Inc. was founded in 2004 and since then BGA has raised over $20,000,000 and invested in over 50 Kentucky companies. Our goal is to invest in 5-7 companies a year.
Our Impact
BGA helps grow the Kentucky economy. In 2023 our portfolio companies earned over $49M in commercial revenue and supported 286 employees with an average salary of $95,210.
Our Goals
What Is Angel Investing?
Angel investing is the next step for companies that are looking beyond friends and family for support. We help founders establish deal structures and make sure their company is well organized, helping pave the way for support from other investors and government grant funding.
BGA performs rigorous due diligence as it evaluates deals. Having a “deal lead” is important in the angel world as a way to find enough investors to fill a funding round; BGA is the group in Kentucky that others look to for this skill and because of this, we often are able to syndicate (that is, assist in finding further investors) at the rate of up to 10:1 for every BGA dollar invested.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bluegrass Angels is a member of the Angel Capital Association. ACA has excellent resources available for investors and companies. For answers to every question imaginable related to angel investing, please reference these important Frequently Asked Questions. As always, feel free to reach out to the Bluegrass Angels for further information HERE.
The David Goodnight Award
In 2022, Bluegrass Angels Inc. created an award to honor those who have provided outstanding service to Kentucky entrepreneurial ecosystem. The award was named after its first recipient, David Goodnight. As a start-up mentor, BGA investor/board member, University of Kentucky entrepreneurship professor and a prolific competition judge, David became one of the most recognized individuals in Kentucky entrepreneur circles. Countless people were the beneficiaries of his willingness to assist at any level over the years. For more information on David and his contributions, click on his photo.
Leadership Team
The Bluegrass Angels Leadership Team meets monthly to guide the activities of the group.
