Startups, Stats & Big Wins: A Look Back at 2024

What does real startup momentum look like?

Since 2021, Sprocket has helped launch 55 startups, supported the creation of 89 new jobs, recruited 12 companies to Western Kentucky, and hosted 759 founder meetings. Together, our startups have raised $4.71 million in venture capital—and that’s just the beginning.

This episode breaks down the big wins of 2024, from a packed Innovation Challenge and statewide recognition to the launch of new programs, networks, and advisory councils. Plus, get the details on a powerful new resource for regional entrepreneurs, launching April 30, 2025.

🎉 Want to be part of the reveal party?

Get on the list at sprocketpaducah.com/invite

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the Sprocket Podcast! If you’re ready to dive into the world of startups and innovation, visit us online at Sprocket WKY to learn more about our mission and how we support entrepreneurs like you.

Ready to check out the space? Book a tour with Tiffany, our Community Coordinator!

Got a business idea? Apply for a mentorship session with one of our experienced mentors!

Stay connected and join our growing community on Instagram for the latest updates, inspiration, and behind-the-scenes looks at what’s happening at Sprocket.

Let’s turn your ideas into reality—together!

Sprocket is proud to be supported by Team Kentucky, the Commonwealth's Cabinet for Economic Development. Learn more about their initiatives and resources at ced.ky.gov.

Transcript

0:47

Welcome to What's the Startup, the show where we dig into the people ideas and momentum shaping Western Kentucky's startup scene. Today we're doing something a little different, a little special. We are taking a moment to reflect on where we've been, what we have accomplished together in 2024, and to give you a sneak peek at something big that's coming soon. So whether you've pitched with us, coworked here, mentored a founder, or just stopped by for one of our legendary cups of coffee, this episode is for you. Let's start with the numbers, not just because they're fun or flashy, but because they mean something about the kind of ecosystem we are building together here in Western Kentucky. Since we launched Sprocket in 2021, we have held 759 meetings with startups. That's 759. Chances to dig into a founder's idea to problem solve in real time, make a connection, or just unlock a next step forward. If you have ever sat across from someone here and said, I've got this idea, well then you're part of that number. These are our startup meetings. We have also, since 2021, seen 55 startups officially launched through our programs in our region. These aren't just business plans. They're real companies making real moves. These founders are solving problems that matter. We have seen 89 new jobs created by startups that's 89 people hired because someone took a risk and built something new. And it's proof that innovation isn't just exciting. It's economically powerful. Since we've started, we've recruited 12 companies to move here to Western Kentucky. These are high growth businesses that saw what we're building and said, yeah, we wanna be a part of that. That kind of momentum brings talent, investment, and fresh energy here to the region. On top of all of that, we have served. A whopping 47,700 cups of coffee, give or take a few. And sure, that's a really fun stat, but it also speaks to something deeper. Sprocket is a place where people gather, where we talk, think we sketch ideas, we, um, create every one of those cups is a conversation that may have sparked something big and maybe it has for you. Our podcast. This one right here that you're listening to has been watched or listened to almost 5,000 times, and that means people are hungry for founder stories, startup lessons, and real talk about what it takes to build. So if you've been listening or watching on YouTube, thank you. You're helping us grow the voice of this ecosystem. And together our startups have raised 4.71 million in venture capital. That's capital, going straight into the hands of builders, helping them scale, hire, launch products, and take their businesses to the next level. And if you ask what really brought the energy this year, it was the West Kentucky Innovation Challenge and Pitch Competition. Hands down, we more than doubled our pitch competition attendance goal, and packed the room with big thinkers, founders, mentors, and just general community supporters. The energy was unreal. It was. Just so much fun and a huge shout out to Maurice Cooper of Doggy Eats, who took home the win and shared this powerful reflection. He said, winning wasn't just about the money, it was about the support. The innovation Challenge gave me a community of people at the same stage as me asking the same questions and just figuring it out together. That's what we're all about, building community and momentum. And if you haven't had a chance to listen to his episode here on the podcast, it is such a fun one. It is great. You should go back and listen to it. It's a few episodes back from this, and it wasn't just the people in the room. Uh, WPST came out and streamed the competition live, which was so much fun. And that brought the innovation happening right here in western Kentucky to thousands of screens across the region. And let's talk about the other big moves from 2024 because we weren't just running events. We're building the future of innovation here in western Kentucky. Our market fit lab kicked off with 13 driven founders, each aiming to scale their companies to one to 5 million in revenue in the next few years. We also recruited two health tech powerhouses to relocate to Paducah through our next 50 K competition. That is a huge win for innovation in our region. Two of our supported companies, EERs and FY, landed spots on Kentucky's top 20 startups to watch list. Yes, they're getting statewide recognition. It was incredible. We launched two strategic councils, a healthcare advisory council and a regional advisory board to bring in leadership across sectors, and we rolled out the regional mentor network, which now boasts 24 mentors, strong and growing to provide real hands-on support to early stage founders. Every one of those milestones. Add structure, energy and direction to our regional startup ecosystem. All of that, it's just the beginning. Here's what we have got coming next. We've been really hard at work building something behind the scenes. A comprehensive digital resource designed specifically for entrepreneurs across Western Kentucky. Think of it as a one stop shop, to find mentors, funding, events and opportunities even faster. We are officially revealing this platform on April 30th at noon CST, with a live reveal party. So if you want a front row seat at to the future of entrepreneurship here in western Kentucky, go to sprocket paducah.com/invite and get on the list. You'll be the first to see what we've built and how you can be a part of it. To everyone who has been on this ride with us. Thank you. The mentors, the donors, the dreamers, the founders, the freelancers, the coworkers. You are What makes this place more than just a co-work space or a startup hub. You make it a launchpad. So let's keep building something bold. Let's keep showing up for each other and let's make 2025 even more impactful together. Thanks for tuning in. Be sure to follow the show. Be sure to go to sprocket paducah.com/invite to get on our reveal list, and we'll catch you in the next episode of What's the Startup.