Three Northern Kentucky startups have been recognized as "Startups to Watch" in 2025 by KY Inno. BeyondWill, Builder Backed, and Sunflower Fuels are set to relocate their operations to SparkHaus, an entrepreneurship hub under construction in Covington.
These companies represent a range of industries from estate planning to sustainable energy. Their move to SparkHaus highlights the hub's mission of providing resources, mentorship, and a collaborative environment for entrepreneurs in the region.
eGateway Capital, Kentucky’s largest venture capital firm, is among the first tenants at SparkHaus. Better Blend, another NKY startup, will also be part of the community by operating a ground-floor cafe within the hub.
Dave Knox, executive director of Blue North, expressed enthusiasm about the startups' decision: “Having three of the most promising startups in Kentucky among the first to raise their hand and commit to locating in SparkHaus is a testament to the value they see in our collaborative and innovation-driven space.”
BeyondWill offers a modern estate planning platform that adapts plans according to life changes. CEO Justin Deja stated: “We’re moving to SparkHaus in Covington because it’s more than just an office space... It’s the perfect place to take our mission to the next level.”
Builder Backed provides a digital platform connecting homeowners with service providers for home-related tasks. CEO Paul Koop emphasized the importance of being surrounded by innovators: “Being around and interacting with growth-minded individuals will expand our team’s minds and refine our approaches.”
Sunflower Fuels focuses on bioenergy feedstock crops like Miscanthus x giganteus. CEO Gabrielle Blocher noted: “For the first time, we are building out a team... This is a huge transition point for us as a company.”
SparkHaus is expected to open in late summer 2025. The $16 million project is supported by several organizations including Kenton County and Blue North.