Startup Maine

SBA Export Day (programming not officially part of Startup Maine Week)
2025-05-19 09:30 - 15:30 (America/New_York) | Maine Center, 300 Fore Street, Portland, ME, 04101, United States
If you’re interested in attending, RSVP here: https://SBAExportDay2025.eventbrite.com
Location: Maine Center for Professional and Graduate Studies, 300 Fore St. Portland ME
Where in the world do I even start??!!
Are you ready to take your business global? With 95% of consumers living outside the United States, expanding into international markets is a HUGE opportunity. Join us for a dynamic, all-day event designed to demystify the exporting process and empower you with the knowledge, resources, and connections you need to succeed on the world stage.
During this event, you’ll discover:
• Why exporting can be a game-changer for your business
• Critical resources available to support your international expansion
• What to expect as you launch into exporting, including key terms and cost considerations
• Financing, credit, and insurance options tailored for exporters
• Real-world insights from Maine’s veteran exporters on overcoming challenges and seizing opportunities
Why Attend?
International trade can seem daunting, but with the right guidance, you can confidently navigate the global marketplace. This event is designed to equip you with the tools and insights necessary to:
• Leverage global market opportunities
• Access a network of trusted resource partners
• Understand the financial, logistical, and regulatory aspects of exporting
• Learn from the real-life successes and challenges of established exporters
Don’t miss this chance to transform your business and broaden your reach beyond borders!

Montenegro Technology and Startup Bridge (MTSB) IV Cohort Pitch Competition
2025-05-19 14:00 - 16:00 | Hús (New England Ocean Cluster), 68 Commercial St Building C - Floor 2, Portland, ME, 04101, United States
Exciting Opportunity for Tech Business Leaders & Innovators! Join us on May 19th from 2pm – 4pm at the New England Ocean Cluster Building for a free viewing of the Montenegro Technology and Startup Bridge (MTSB) IV Cohort pitch competition!

The Maine Center for Entrepreneurs has been assisting seven startups from the West Balkans through our first international Acceleration Program, in support of the Maine National Guard’s mission there. The pitch competition is the final event of their five month virtual program. Local business leaders are invited to attend, watch the pitches, and network with the founders.
Where: New England Ocean Cluster Building, 68 Commercial St., Building C, Floor 2, Portland, ME 04101
When: May 19th | 2pm – 4pm
Light reception to follow (and then we’ll head to the Startup Maine kickoff event at the Roux Institute)
This is a unique chance to be part of an exciting international exchange of innovation, as these companies take major steps towards exploring market entry in the U.S. Don’t miss the opportunity to engage with the next wave of global entrepreneurs!

RSVP now! Sign up to attend the pitch competition: https://www.mced.biz/may19reg

Startup Maine Kickoff Event - The Roux Institute's Founder Residency Venture Showcase (separate RSVP required)
2025-05-19 17:00 - 20:00 | The Roux Institute at Northeastern University, 100 Fore Street, Portland, Maine, 04101, United States
Kick off Startup Maine Week with The Roux Institute’s Founder Residency Venture Showcase—a celebration of innovation, diversity, and Maine’s growing startup ecosystem. Note: you must RSVP here (for headcount and security purposes).

This exclusive residency is designed for underrepresented founders, reinforcing our commitment to building a more equitable and inclusive entrepreneurial landscape. The event features a keynote by NPR’s Theo Balcomb, creator of The Daily at The New York Times, followed by final pitches from ten cutting-edge startups in our year-long residency.

Join entrepreneurs, investors, industry leaders, government officials, and students for an evening of inspiration, connection, and opportunity. Meet the visionary founders driving Maine’s next wave of high-growth tech startups—then stay for a networking reception to connect with the ecosystem shaping the future.

Nexus Maine Coffee Meetup
2025-05-20 08:00 - 09:00 | Maine Center, 300 Fore Street, Portland, ME, 04101, United States
Grab a coffee and join us for a casual meetup of unstructured networking with your fellow entrepreneurially-minded Mainers.
Sponsored by Bernstein Shur law firm.

Founder Startup Journeys in Maine (Opening Plenary Session at the Maine Center)
2025-05-20 09:00 - 10:00 | Maine Center, 300 Fore Street, Portland, ME, 04101, United States
Behind The Hustle: Hard Truths, Big Wins & Bold Predictions
In this session we’ll go beyond the usual startup success stories and hear what it really takes to build a business in Maine. In this fast-paced, interactive session, local founders will step into the spotlight to share their biggest wins, toughest challenges, and what they wish they knew when they started. Expect unfiltered stories, candid advice, and bold ideas for the future of Maine’s startup scene. Audience members will get a chance to ask curveball questions, challenge startup myths, and even pitch ideas for instant founder feedback. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, or ecosystem builder, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.

Melissa LaCasse, CEO of Tanbark
Owen McCarthy, President of MedRhythms, Inc.
Colleen Kavanagh, CEO of SoulBeing
Evan Ryan, Co-Founder of Croft
Moderated by Katie Shorey, Startup Maine

Finding Co-Founders and Early Employees
2025-05-20 10:30 - 11:30 | Maine Center, Living Room, ME, United States
Join seasoned entrepreneurs who’ve experienced the highs, lows, and lessons learned from finding co-founders and hiring early employees. Hear authentic stories, practical insights, and candid advice on assembling a team that truly moves the needle for your startup.
Panelists:

Frank Chen (CEO and Co-Founder)
Hailey Lister (CPO and Co-Founder)
Alex Morse (CEO and Co-Founder)
Tim Poterba (CTO and Co-Founder)

Moderated by David Engle of Do Good Group

The Art of the Pitch - Using Storytelling to Engage and Inspire Audiences
2025-05-20 10:30 - 11:30 | Maine Center, 300 Fore Street, Portland, ME, 04101, United States
In this workshop, we’ll focus on:
• Being a human leader – the importance of coming from a place of why and articulating passions and aspirations
• Engaging and inspiring those around us – understanding the importance of storytelling (the stories help to substantiate our why and motivate audiences to take some sort of action) and embracing vulnerability as a means to instilling confidence

National Security Innovation (RSVP Required)
2025-05-20 11:00 - 13:00 | The Roux Institute at Northeastern University, 100 Fore Street, Portland, Maine, 04101, United States
What is Maine’s role in the future of National Security Innovation? Find out during Startup Maine Week as Lauren Bedula (Beacon Global Strategies) leads a powerhouse discussion with Jeremy Hitchcock, Jamie Jones Miller, and other industry experts.
From dual-use technology to strategic partnerships, this event is a must-attend for entrepreneurs, technologists, policymakers, and industry leaders exploring the cutting edge of defense and emerging tech.
This special event is made possible by the partnership and collaboration of The Roux Institute at Northeastern University and Wilmington Trust.
Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and be part of the conversation driving change in this critical sector. RSVP here: https://nationalsecurityinnovationpane.splashthat.com/

Scratchpad Accelerator's Celebration of Entrepreneurship + Lunch
2025-05-20 12:00 - 13:30 | Maine Center, 300 Fore Street, Portland, ME, 04101, United States
Join us in celebrating the 2025 Scratchpad Accelerator cohort, featuring Nauti Sisters Sea Farm, P3RD Earth, Singing Pastures, and Watermelon Pie—a dynamic group of entrepreneurs pushing the boundaries of innovation and impact. Enjoy lunch, networking, and pitches from these exciting companies as they showcase their vision for the future!

Maine's Rural Renaissance: Leveraging Rural Investment Opportunities
2025-05-20 13:30 - 14:30 | Maine Center, 300 Fore Street, Portland, ME, 04101, United States
Discover rural Maine’s untapped potential! Experts unlock funding avenues: From CDFI opportunities, Federal & State grants, venture capital, and low-interest loans that fuel regional growth. Be inspired by success stories and learn how strategic investment builds thriving communities, emerging sectors, and unique funding paths for your venture.
MODERATOR:

Brandon McDonald, Regional Hub Coordinator, Northern Maine Development Commission (NMDC)

PANEL:

Jennifer Sporzynski, Chief Program Officer at Coastal Enterprises, Inc. (CEI)
Denise Cilley, Associate Director, Sunrise County Economic Council (SCEC)
Jacob Pelkey, Program Manager, Center for Business Growth @ Northern Maine Development Corporation (NMDC)
Collin Darrell, Operations Manager, Ignite Presque Isle

Integrating AI into Your SaaS Offering: A Blueprint for Success
2025-05-20 13:30 - 14:30 | Maine Center, 300 Fore Street, Portland, ME, 04101, United States
AI is no longer just hype — it’s a must-have for scaling and staying competitive. But integrating AI into your SaaS offering isn’t just about adding new features. It requires the right strategy, data, and execution to drive real value.
Join Mike Veilleux, CTO, and Joe Small, data science engineer, of York IE for an exclusive workshop where they’ll break down how to successfully adopt AI and avoid common pitfalls, including:

Why AI is now mission-critical for SaaS businesses
The most common AI challenges, from data security to measuring ROI
How AI can enhance automation, customer experience, and efficiency – A step-by-step approach to integrating AI into your product

Preparing for an Exit: Insights from Experience
2025-05-20 15:00 - 16:00 | Maine Center, 300 Fore Street, Portland, ME, 04101, United States
We’ll delve into questions around when and how to exit a startup company, the different considerations for investors and CEOs, and hear about lessons learned the hard way.
Panelists:

Nilanjana Bhowmik (Founder and General Partner, Converge)
Christina Berkow (Partner, Pierce Atwood)
Fritz Onion (Co-founder, Onion Foundation)
Kristen Miale (Managing Director, Caswell Advisory Group)

Internationalize your Startup - Tools to Help You Go Global
2025-05-20 15:00 - 16:00 | Maine Center, 300 Fore Street, Portland, ME, 04101, United States
If you are looking at exploring international markets, you don’t have to go it alone. Whether you want to export or set up a subsidiary, there is a wide range of help available.

Learn about resources available in Maine and Canada and hear the experiences of Maine entrepreneurs.
Moderator, Chris Begley. Trade Commissioner, Innovation and Investment, Consul General of Canada in Boston
Panelists

Dan Berger, Director, Maine North Atlantic Development Office, Maine International Trade Center
Shelby McDonald, Trade Officer, Innovation PEI
Jocelyn Olsen, Founder, Huga Heat
Anna Turcotte, Founder, Bonsie Babywear

Reception - Oysters, Bites, and Drinks
2025-05-20 16:00 - 17:00 | Maine Center, 300 Fore Street, Portland, ME, 04101, United States
Presented by Atlantic Aqua Farms and the Consulate General of Canada. Mix and mingle with conference attendees, meet the staff from the Consul General of Canada in Boston, and enjoy an oyster tasting with Atlantic Aqua Farms. Other apps and drinks by REVEL.

BattleDecks + Pizza Party (Low-key evening event)
2025-05-20 17:00 - 19:00 | Maine Center, 300 Fore Street, Portland, ME, 04101, United States
Unwind after the day with some fun, laughs, and food. What is BattleDecks? Think: Powerpoint Karaoke. Enter your name for a chance to present (or should we say….perform?). Participants are given a slideshow and must present it to an audience without knowing the content beforehand. We’ll have judges and some prizes.
It’s fun, it’s unpredictable, it’s not serious – hilarity will ensue.
Local beer, wine, N/A drinks, and pizza from Brickyard Hollow (GF available!)
Sponsored by Skowhegan Savings Bank

Women Connect- A Nexus Maine community (coffee networking meetup)
2025-05-21 07:30 - 08:45 | Maine Center, 300 Fore Street, Portland, ME, 04101, United States
Kick off your morning with coffee + conversation. Join us for a casual meetup with other women. Small group convos on topics you care about: leadership, burnout, motherhood, entrepreneurship, and more. No prep needed—just show up, grab coffee, and dive in. We hope to see you there!

The First $1M: Navigating Early Stage Fundraising in Maine
2025-05-21 09:00 - 10:00 | Maine Center, 300 Fore Street, Portland, ME, 04101, United States
Join us for a panel on navigating early stage fundraising in Maine, including panelists from Maine Technology Institute, Coastal Ventures, Maine Angels, Maine Venture Fund, and Ocean House Consulting.
Speakers:

Tom Kittredge, Senior Investment Officer, Maine Technology Institute
Blaine Grimes, President, Ocean House Consulting
Kevin McDonough, Investor, Maine Angels
Nina Scheepers, Principal, Maine Venture Fund
Chandler Jones, Managing Director, CEI Ventures

Financial Modeling Made Easy 3.0
2025-05-21 10:30 - 11:30 | Maine Center, 300 Fore Street, Portland, ME, 04101, United States
This two-part workshop demystifies financial modeling for founders, operators, and early-stage teams. Part one lays the foundation with essential theory—what investors really want to see, common modeling traps, and how to structure a model that tells a clear, data-backed story. Part two is an interactive session that walks participants through real-world scenarios and modeling pitfalls, equipping them with practical tools to build smarter, simpler models that support strategic decision-making and create aligned teams.

Responsible AI: Balancing Innovation and Accountability
2025-05-21 10:30 - 11:30 | Maine Center, 300 Fore Street, Portland, ME, 04101, United States
As AI-powered products and services become more prevalent, startups face critical decisions about how to build and deploy AI responsibly. While the AI landscape at times may feel like the “wild west,” we will ask whether a responsible approach can be a differentiator or an inhibitor. This panel brings together startup founders, a researcher specializing in responsible AI, and an investor to explore the ethical, regulatory, and practical challenges of AI development.

Panelists will discuss strategies for balancing innovation with fairness, transparency, and accountability—while also considering investor expectations, customer trust, and evolving compliance landscapes. Attendees will gain actionable insights on integrating responsible AI principles into their business models and tech stack from day one.

Speakers:

Burak Sezen, Partner at 6ixth Event Capital
Dr. Mahsan Nourani, Research Assistant Professor, Khoury College of Computer Science and the Roux Institute, Northeastern University
Sonia Cook-Broen, Founder, TheTechMargin
Thomas Law, Founder and CEO of Oak AI
Moderator: Gabriel Harp, Head of Business Partnerships, Oak AI

Maine Angels & FAME: Invite-Only Lunch for Accredited Investors (Please fill out form to receive official invitation)
2025-05-21 12:00 - 13:00
Join the Finance Authority of Maine (FAME) and the Maine Angels for a invite-only lunch event at Startup Maine Week for accredited investors. Please fill out this form to receive an official invitation.

Date: May 21st, 12-1pm
Event Address: Location forthcoming

What's It Really Like To Work at a Startup?
2025-05-21 12:00 - 13:30 | The Roux Institute at Northeastern University, 100 Fore Street, Portland, Maine, 04101, United States
What’s it really like to work at a startup?
Join Maine’s top startup leaders for an unfiltered, behind-the-scenes conversation about building a career in the startup world. This panel will dig into the real differences between startups and corporate jobs, from culture and pace to risk and reward. You’ll learn how to assess opportunities, understand equity and compensation, make sense of funding and runway, and hear which skills matter most in high-growth environments. Whether you’re startup-curious or ready to dive in, this is your chance to get practical insights and straight talk from the people shaping Maine’s startup ecosystem.
Meet the panelists:

Emily Batt (moderator), Head of Strategy, Co-Star (Prev. Google, KAYAK, Pillar VC)

Emily has over 15 years experience in the startup ecosystem, as operator, founder, and VC. She began her career as an engineer, and after leading product teams at public companies like Google and Kayak, is excited to be back in the world of early-stage startups. She’s presently Head of Strategy at Co-Star, everyone’s favorite viral astrology app.

Zoë Babian Klein, Head of Product, The Grand (Prev. Panorama Education, Osmo, Harvard Business School, Wonderschool, General Assembly)

Zoë is a product and operations leader with deep experience in building digital learning platforms and scaling mission-driven businesses. Over her career, she has helped grow startups that have raised millions from top venture firms like Andreessen Horowitz, General Catalyst, and 776. She began her career at General Assembly and Harvard Business School Online, shaping early digital education strategies, before leading product and operational teams at high-growth companies like Wonderschool, Osmo, and Panorama Education. Now as Head of Product at The Grand, Zoë oversees product, design, engineering, and operations, bringing creativity, joy, and structure to every new challenge.

Stan Berkow, Head of Product, Loyal (Prev. IDEXX, Sense Health [Acquired])

Stan is a seasoned product leader with extensive expertise in the healthcare domain, spanning both startups and Fortune 500 companies. He launched his career as a founder at Sense Health, where he concentrated on leveraging digital technologies to support and engage underserved patient populations. After the company’s acquisition, he relocated to Maine and joined IDEXX, turning his attention to digital solutions in animal health, particularly in client engagement. Currently, he serves as the Head of Product at Loyal, a biotech startup focused on extending the healthy lifespan of dogs.

Brittany Mailman, Head of People & Culture at MedRhythms (Prev. Grove Collaborative, PTC, Kepware, Mercer)

Brittany is the Head of People & Culture at MedRhythms Inc. and has been a people operations professional for over a decade. She has an extensive background in many functions of human resources at small startups and large, public companies. Brittany is driven by her passion for helping people thrive at work and has been fortunate enough to work with incredibly talented leaders and teams along the way, shaping her philosophy and style.

Brian Bousquet-Smith, Head of Operations, MedRhythms (Prev. MITRE, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Kepware/PTC)

Brian has over 15 years of experience working for technology companies to solve complex problems. He began his career as an engineer, working across both software and hardware teams to build and troubleshoot sophisticated systems, including helping MedRhythms develop and launch its first product, InTandem. Over time, his passion for being an operator and team builder led him to expand his role beyond engineering. Today, Brian is Head of Operations at MedRhythms, where he leads company-wide initiatives across customer success, manufacturing, logistics, and IT.

Maine Angels & FAME: The Synergy of Startup Investing
2025-05-21 13:00 - 14:30 | The Roux Institute at Northeastern University, 100 Fore Street, Portland, Maine, 04101, United States
Note: Separate RSVP required to request invitation to Accredited Investor Lunch from 12-1:00 pm. Please fill out this form.
Join the Finance Authority of Maine (FAME) and the Maine Angels for a dynamic conversation. Discover how to invest in Maine’s entrepreneurs, hear compelling testimonials, and learn how your investment can help spark a bright economic future. Bring your questions about the Maine Seed Capital Tax Credit, the Maine Angels, and opportunities to support Maine’s thriving startup community. Network, engage, and invest!
Agenda and structure:

1:00PM – 1:15PM: Mingle, welcome, and find seating
1:15PM – 1:30PM: Testimonials (either recorded or live)

Portland based, high growth entrepreneur
Manufacturing/heritage industry entrepreneur
Investor and how they got involved with Maine Angels and utilized the Maine Seed Capital Tax Credit

1:30PM – 1:45PM: Introduction to the Maine Angels and Dirigo Fund
1:45PM – 2:00PM: Introduction to FAME and the Maine Seed Capital Tax Credit
2:00PM – 2:15PM: Q&A
2:15PM – 2:30PM: Networking

Crypto Rails for Real Businesses: A No-Hype Playbook for Gaining an Edge
2025-05-21 13:30 - 14:30 | The Roux Institute at Northeastern University, 100 Fore Street, Portland, Maine, 04101, United States
Examine blockchain’s potential to upgrade traditional business structures—from real estate and investment funds to customer loyalty and payroll. This panel explores blockchain innovations impacting tomorrow’s businesses.
Led by: Jimmy Haight – Head of Community at Chainlink Labs & Burak Sezen – Founder and Partner at The 6ixth Event

Preparing to Raise: Diligence and Cap Table Best Practices to Help You Close Fast
2025-05-21 13:30 - 14:30 | The Roux Institute at Northeastern University, 100 Fore Street, Portland, Maine, 04101, United States
So, you’re preparing to raise money to grow your startup. How sure are you that your data room and cap table are clean and organized? This priority should be top of mind because a messy data room could drag out your raise and might cost you tens of thousands in legal expenses. This session will cover the best practices to help you close easily and efficiently. We’ll share best practices from the legal perspective, the investor perspective, and the founder perspective. Founders will leave this session armed with tangible, actionable guidance that can make the fundraising process more efficient and more effective.

Data Engineering as a Tool for Everyone
2025-05-21 15:00 - 16:00 | The Roux Institute at Northeastern University, 100 Fore Street, Portland, Maine, 04101, United States
Got data? You probably need data engineering! This talk, presented by Torie DeLisle of Aras Digital Products, gives a no-fear overview of what data engineering really is and how you can use it to solve everyday business problems. Learn how to recognize data opportunities, how you can start thinking about your data differently, and where you can go to get help.

Putting our Bets on ClimateTech - Maine Resources and Programs
2025-05-21 15:00 - 16:00 | The Roux Institute at Northeastern University, 100 Fore Street, Portland, Maine, 04101, United States
Is Maine the new Silicon Valley for Climate and Clean Tech startups? We hope so, and that’s what the Boston Globe article, Lobster, Moose, and … Climate Tech? Maine is Branching Out, teased last fall! If you’re interested in new technical solutions to climate change, join us to learn some of the ways Maine is actively supporting this community. The discussion will feature speakers from the Maine Governor’s Energy Office’s Clean Energy Partnership, Dirigo Lab’s Clean Tech Accelerator, the Roux Institute at Northeastern University’s ClimateTech Incubator, CEI’s Weatherization Business Lab, and the Governor’s Office of Policy Innovation and the Future. You’ll meet the support organizations, hear about some of the cool work being done, and get inspired to innovate in the clean tech space yourself!

Founders & Funders Happy Hour w/ Fidelity Private Shares (separate RSVP required; see description for link)
2025-05-21 16:00 - 17:30 | Terilingua, 40 Washington Ave, Portland, ME, 04101, United States
RSVP here.
​This event will bring together some of the top founders and investors involved with Startup Maine Week in Portland. Feel free to bring a founder/investor friend if know someone else who might be interested in joining us!

Maine Technology Institute (MTI) Portfolio Showcase + Reception
2025-05-21 16:30 - 18:30 | Maine Center, 300 Fore Street, Portland, ME, 04101, United States
Maine Technology Institute (MTI) is showcasing its diverse community of portfolio businesses and partners at this special event. As part of the Startup Maine celebration, 15 innovative businesses from across MTI’s seven technology sectors will display their innovative products and ideas. This gathering will provide a unique opportunity for networking, knowledge-sharing, and highlighting the achievements of our dynamic business ecosystem. Food and drinks will be provided.
Visit The Exhibitors!
Fifteen exceptional MTI portfolio companies will be showcasing their cutting-edge innovations across our seven technology sectors.
Our exhibitors represent the diverse innovation landscape MTI has supported over its 25-year history—from aquaculture and biotechnology to precision manufacturing and information technology.
Our exhibitors will include these organizations and more:
CompTIA
Maine Technology Institute
Finsulate USA by Ocean Innov Eco Solutions LLC
Hüga Heat
Intripid
GoodGames
CIVA
Croft
Dewey
ALM Ortho, Inc.
Bookclubs
Grantx
Coastal Measures
Signal Insight
Oak AI
Seascale
HMS Career Coaching

E2Tech Summer Breakfast Series (Coffee and Community)
2025-05-22 07:30 - 09:00
Join E2Tech for coffee and conversation over breakfast. It’s a free and open networking event for folks in the Climate/Environmental/Energy space.
Time & Location

May 22, 2025, 7:30 AM – 9:00 AM
31 Diamond St Suite D, Portland, ME 04101, USA
RSVP here.

Out of Office: A Morning Meetup for Remote Workers
2025-05-22 08:00 - 09:30
Hosted by Punch Club @ Bom Dia Café, 47 India St, Portland, ME 04101
Thursday, May 22 | 8:00 – 9:00 AM
Sick of RTO memos, surprise layoffs (thanks ChatGPT), and Slack messages that feel like breakup texts? Meet other WFH folks and talk about what it’s like to work outside the corporate bubble — and how to find real connection when you’re not in an office.
Startup Week folks get 50% off at Bom Dia — just tap in with Punch Club at the counter.
Join other conference goers this Thursday from 8–8:45AM at Bom Dia for Out of Office, a morning networking event for remote workers looking to connect before the day kicks off. Startup Maine attendees can get 50% off their order — but only by checking in through the Punch Club app. This discount is exclusively for Startup Maine Week attendees and can only be redeemed through the app.

Location: Bom Dia – 47 India Street, Portland
Discount available Tuesday, May 20 to Thursday, May 22 , 8–10AM
Out of Office meetup happens Thursday only, 8 – 8:45 AM
Download and register ahead of time to activate your card:

Download for iOS
Download for Android
