Maine’s startup scene is gaining momentum, with more innovative companies and tech ventures popping up across the state. Known for its unique entrepreneurial spirit and resilient community, the state is becoming a hub for tech-driven startups and creative ventures. We've explored Maine’s evolving ecosystem to bring forward the top investors and VC firms actively supporting this growth. Leveraging the latest data and insights, we’ve identified the top 10 VC funds that are making a significant impact in Maine, helping to drive business success and economic growth throughout the region.
Here's a table that summarizes the overall VC data for a quick overview:
| VC Firm | Ticket Size | Stages | Founding Year |
| Maine Venture Fund | $100,000 to $250,000 | Seed and Early-stage | 1995 |
| CEI Ventures | Up to $2 million | Seed to Early-stage | 1996 |
| North Atlantic Capital | $5 million to $10 million | Expansion and Pre-Public | 1986 |
| Bold Ocean Ventures | Not disclosed | Seed to Growth | Not available |
| Black Point Group | Not disclosed | Seed, Early, and Expansion | Not available |
| York IE | Not disclosed | Early-stage with advisory | 2019 |
| Blackstone Accelerates Growth | Not disclosed | Seed and Growth | 1985 |
| Polaris Partners | $1 million to $20 million | Series A, B, and growth-stage | 1996 |
| Maine Angels | $125,000 to $250,000 | Seed and Early-stage | 2003 |
| Battery Ventures | $2 million to $100 million | All stages from seed to growth | 1983 |
1. Maine Venture Fund
Maine Venture Fund is a venture capital fund that invests in high-potential Maine-based businesses to drive growth and positive impact in the state. Created by the Maine Legislature, the fund has been investing since 1997. They are operating as an “evergreen” fund that reinvests returns to support more Maine companies. With a mission to grow Maine’s entrepreneurial landscape, Maine Venture Fund partners with companies poised for high growth, public benefit and helps to strengthen the state’s economy.
- Website : maineventurefund.com
- Founding Year : 1995
- Investment Range : Typically $100,000 to $250,000
- Stage : Seed and Early-Stage
- Sector : Varied, focused on Maine businesses with high growth potential
- Geography : Maine|
- Notable Investments : Chimani, Circa, CourseStorm, Dream Local Digital, High Byte
- Submit Pitch/ Contact: Link
2. CEI Ventures
CEI Ventures is a famousand socially responsible VC firm supporting high-growth businesses that always try to create quality jobs and promote a sustainable practices in underinvested regions, especially in the Northeast side. Working closely with parent company CEI, they bring capital, strategic guidance, and workforce development to portfolio companies. With a strong and proper network of investors and advisors, CEI Ventures always prioritizes impact. They focus on businesses that support fair wages, career growth, and environmental stewardship. They always try to align financial returns with social and environmental benefits.
- Website : ceimaine.org
- Founding Year : 1996
- Investment Range : Up to $2 million
- Stage : Seed to Early-Stage
- Sector : Socially responsible ventures, tech, and high-impact sectors
- Geography : Primarily Maine and the Northeast
- Notable Investments : R.E.D.D. Superfood Energy Bars, Mobile Price Card, Maine Craft Distilling, Tilson Technology, Junora
- Submit Pitch/ Contact: Link
3. North Atlantic Capital
Stifel North Atlantic AM-Forward Fund is a VC fund focused on strengthening the supply chain by investing in small U.S. aerospace and defense manufacturing businesses. They mainly target companies that want to expand additive manufacturing (AM) capabilities and support the full AM (additive manufacturing ) value chain, from high-performance design to precision production. With patient capital and flexible investment rules, this vc fund is dedicated to boost both DoD capacity and commercial AM capabilities. They always try to support long-term growth in these critical industries.
- Website : northatlanticcapital.com
- Founding Year : 1986
- Investment Range : $5 million to $10 million
- Stage : Expansion and Pre-Public
- Sector : Technology-based, high-growth companies
- Geography : Primarily U.S. with focus in Maine
- Notable Investments : Blue Ridge Networks, Boost, Chartbeat, Ellevation, Invoke
- Submit Pitch/ Contact: Link
4. Bold Ocean Ventures
Bold Ocean Ventures is a VC fund dedicated to advancing the Blue Economy by investing in innovative ocean, seafood, and climate solutions. Partnering with the Gulf of Maine Research Institute, Bold Ocean Ventures supports science-driven entrepreneurs working to create a sustainable and climate-resilient ocean ecosystem. With a focus on areas like ocean data, maritime tech, and blue energy, they are dedicated to deliver returns while contributing to the UN’s Climate Action and Life Below Water goals. Their investments are designed to promote environmental impact, resilience, and economic growth across the ocean economy.
- Website : boldoceanventures.com
- Founding Year : Not publicly available
- Investment Range : Not disclosed
- Stage : Seed to Growth
- Sector : Blue economy, ocean sustainability, climate impact
- Geography : Gulf of Maine and globally
- Notable Investments : Partnerships with Gulf of Maine Research Institute, focusing on ocean and seafood innovation startups
- Submit Pitch/ Contact: Link
5. Black Point Group
Black Point Group mainly emphasizes bold, purpose-driven investments that challenge norms and seize game-changing opportunities. It was founded by David Shaw, the group blends venture investment with values-driven growth. They support companies that bring innovative solutions to market and create societal value. Positioned in areas of science, healthcare, technology, and conservation, Black Point Group works closely with its partners to shape ventures that positively impact communities, industries, and the environment.
- Website : blackpointgroup.com
- Founding Year : 2007
- Investment Range : Not disclosed
- Stage : Seed, Early, and Expansion
- Sector : Biotech, Healthcare, Pharmaceuticals, Research
- Geography : U.S., including Maine
- Notable Investments : The Jackson Laboratory, Sargasso Sea Alliance, National Park Foundation
- Submit Pitch/ Contact: Link
6. York IE
York IE is a hands-on venture capital and advisory firm dedicated to growing B2B SaaS companies. They provide early-stage funding, from pre-seed to Series A, and work closely with companies on everything from product development to financial planning and go-to-market strategies.Their unique strategy aligns founders, investors, and teams toward sustainable growth which leverages a network of partners and advisors. York IE’s global team delivers expertise through "Advisory as a Service" and strategic growth solutions designed to scale tech businesses.
- Website : york.ie
- Founding Year : 2019
- Investment Range : $500k - $1.5M
- Stage : Early-stage focus with advisory services
- Sector : SaaS, Software, Technology
- Geography : Primarily New England, including Maine
- Notable Investments : Stygian Labs, VidMob, Adweek, Forecastr, Crayon
- Submit Pitch/ Contact: Link
7. Blackstone Accelerates Growth
Blackstone is the world’s largest alternative asset manager, overseeing over $1 trillion in assets across diverse global investment strategies like real estate, private equity, infrastructure, and growth equity. Focused on delivering strong returns, Blackstone builds value in companies it invests in. They are dedicated to supporting tomorrow’s economy with integrity and expertise. Through innovative tools, they partner with financial advisors and individual investors. They offer private wealth solutions such as BREIT and BCRED. Blackstone’s mission also includes fostering career growth and setting industry standards.
- Website : blackstone.com
- Founding Year : 1985 (Blackstone Charitable Foundation: Entrepreneurship Initiative)
- Investment Range: long-range investment strategy
- Stage : Seed and Growth
- Sector : Consumer, Software, Financial Services, Consumer Tech
- Geography : U.S. and globally, including Maine
- Notable Investments : Candle Media, Ancestry, Bumble
- Submit Pitch/ Contact: Link
8. Polaris Partners
Polaris Partners is an investment firm primarily focused on transformative healthcare and technology companies. With over 25 years of experience in the field, Polaris maintains strong partnerships with visionary entrepreneurs, especially in healthcare and biotech. They have supported over 400 companies, facilitated more than 50 IPOs, and helped bring over 50 therapies to market. Through affiliate funds like the Polaris Growth Fund and Polaris Innovation Fund, they back companies from early-stage research to growth and expansion.
- Website : polarispartners.com
- Founding Year : 1996
- Investment Range : Typically $1 million to $20 million
- Stage : Series A, B, and growth-stage
- Sector : Healthcare, life sciences, and technology
- Geography : Primarily New England, including Maine
- Notable Investments : Syros, SimplyInsured, Amunix, Imprivata, T2 Biosystems
- Submit Pitch/ Contact: Link
9. Maine Angels
Maine Angels is a network of accredited investors focused on funding and mentoring early-stage companies, primarily in Maine and New England. Since 2003, they have invested over $41 million in more than 100 startups. They Prioritize innovation and local growth. Maine Angels provides collaborative support through due diligence and mentorship. They help founders refine ideas and access resources. They also welcome new members interested in angel investing and supporting regional entrepreneurs.
- Website : maineangels.org
- Founding Year : 2003
- Investment Range : $125,000 to $250,000 initial investment
- Stage : Seed and Early-stage
- Sector : Broad, emphasizing startups with strong local connections in Maine and New England
- Geography : New England, with a focus on Maine
- Notable Investments : R.E.D.D. Superfood Energy Bars, CourseStorm, Circa, High Byte, Tilson Technology
- Submit Pitch/ Contact: Link
10. Battery Ventures
Battery Ventures is a global investment firm focused on technology, partnering with founders and companies at every stage—from seed funding to private equity. Founded in 1983, they’ve backed transformative companies in software, industrial tech, and life sciences, with a presence in six offices worldwide. Battery helps drive growth with its expertise in hiring, business development, and marketing. Backed by a $3.8 billion fund, they’re focused on sparking innovation and making a strong impact in major industries.
- Website : battery.com
- Founding Year : 1983
- Investment Range : $2 million to $100 million
- Stage : All stages from seed to growth
- Sector : Application and infrastructure software, consumer and industrial technology
- Geography : Globally, with investments extending to Maine
- Notable Investments : Affirm, Amplitude, InVision, A Place for Mom, Glassdoor
- Submit Pitch/ Contact: Link
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
- Is VC high risk?
Venture capital is a type of investment that can be risky but has the potential for high returns. However, there is no guarantee of success. Investing in startups is always uncertain, and you might lose your money. Even though VC firms try to minimize risks, investing in startups is always uncertain, and you might lose your money. - What is the best country to set up a VC fund?
If you’re looking to set up a VC fund, many people think the United States has the best venture capital (VC) funds worldwide. This is because the US has a big economy, lots of money available, and many successful startups. - What cities have the most VC investments?
The top five cities for venture capital investment are San Francisco, New York City, Boston, San Jose, and Los Angeles. These cities together receive more than two-thirds (67.5%) of all venture capital investments. - What is the minimum amount for a VC fund?
Venture capital funds usually ask for a minimum investment of $250,000 to $500,000, and sometimes even more. Investing a small amount of money can still cost a lot. These funds are usually only open to wealthy people and big organizations that have a lot of money. - How do I choose a VC fund?
To choose a VC fund, check how much experience and success the venture capital firm has had before. Look at the companies they’ve invested in before to see if they match what your business does. This can help you figure out if they’re a good match for you.
Best of luck with your amazing ventures.
Please note that this list is filtered by various metrics, and all the data are collected through various third-party websites, mostly the VC website. Since data such as ticket size or industry may change, you are requested to visit the official website given in the blog for the latest and updated information.