Three Northern Kentucky startups have been highlighted as "Startups to Watch" in 2025 by KY Inno. These companies, BeyondWill, Builder Backed, and Sunflower Fuels, will soon relocate their operations to SparkHaus, an entrepreneurship hub in Covington.
The startups represent a variety of industries. BeyondWill is a modern estate planning platform that uses technology to keep plans updated with life changes. CEO Justin Deja stated, “We’re moving to SparkHaus in Covington because it’s more than just an office space.” He emphasized the hub's role as a center for creativity and growth.
Builder Backed offers a digital platform connecting homeowners with service providers for home maintenance and improvements. The company has partnered with Fischer Homes to expand its services. Paul Koop, CEO of Builder Backed, remarked on the value of being surrounded by other innovators at SparkHaus: “Being around and interacting with growth-minded individuals will expand our team’s minds.”
Sunflower Fuels focuses on bioenergy feedstock crops and aims to introduce sustainable energy solutions across several states. Gabrielle Blocher, CEO of Sunflower Fuels, expressed excitement about joining SparkHaus: “This is a huge transition point for us as a company, and SparkHaus is the absolute perfect home for this moment.”
Dave Knox, executive director of Blue North, commented on the significance of these startups joining SparkHaus: “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.”
SparkHaus is currently under construction through a partnership involving Kenton County, the Northern Kentucky Port Authority, and Blue North. It aims to support entrepreneurs by providing resources necessary for business development. Once completed in late summer 2025, it will accommodate between 200 and 300 people daily.
The $16 million project has financial backing from various organizations including the Commonwealth of Kentucky and multiple foundations such as Catalytic Fund and St. Elizabeth Healthcare.