CEI Ventures

Galatea Bio is a biotechnology company based in the United States, founded by Carlos Bustamante, Nicholas Katsanis, and Alexander Ioannidis. The company focuses on improving diagnostic testing and accelerating drug discovery, particularly in underserved populations that have been historically underrepresented in genetics research. Galatea Bio operates a biobank that serves as a biosample-to-bioinformatics platform, utilizing advanced algorithms and innovative analyses to enhance genomic discovery. By identifying patients at risk for severe multi-inflammatory syndromes and infections, Galatea Bio aims to develop new tests, treatments, and cures that can significantly improve healthcare outcomes for diverse populations.

HighByte, Inc. specializes in developing DataOps software tailored for industrial enterprises to address data architecture and integration challenges. Founded in 2018 and based in Portland, Maine, the company offers the HighByte Intelligence Hub, a solution that seamlessly combines real-time, transactional, and time-series data into a single payload for applications. This enables manufacturers to securely collect, model, and transfer valuable industrial data without the need for coding or extensive maintenance. By facilitating rapid system integration and leveraging contextualized data for analytics and artificial intelligence, HighByte helps businesses govern data standards across their operations, enhancing overall efficiency and data utilization.

Defendify is a comprehensive cybersecurity platform tailored for small businesses facing increasing security challenges. It provides an All-In-One Cybersecurity® solution that integrates various protective measures, including detection and response, policy development, training, and assessments, into a single subscription service. The platform delivers essential information such as health grades, alerts, and reports, while also offering automated program management to help organizations identify areas for improvement. This user-friendly approach enables businesses without dedicated security teams to effectively safeguard their data and navigate the complexities of the cybersecurity landscape, ensuring robust defense against evolving threats.

HighByte, Inc. specializes in developing DataOps software tailored for industrial enterprises to address data architecture and integration challenges. Founded in 2018 and based in Portland, Maine, the company offers the HighByte Intelligence Hub, a solution that seamlessly combines real-time, transactional, and time-series data into a single payload for applications. This enables manufacturers to securely collect, model, and transfer valuable industrial data without the need for coding or extensive maintenance. By facilitating rapid system integration and leveraging contextualized data for analytics and artificial intelligence, HighByte helps businesses govern data standards across their operations, enhancing overall efficiency and data utilization.

Crossfin Technology Holdings is a principal investment firm based in Cape Town, South Africa, with additional offices in Durban and Johannesburg. Founded in 2017, the firm focuses on investing in Fintech companies, particularly those situated in Africa. Crossfin aims to foster economic growth by supporting both high-growth startups and established businesses that generate cash flow. The firm seeks to provide investors with diverse exposure to technology investments within the Fintech sector, contributing to the development and advancement of financial solutions across the African continent and beyond.

Culture Fresh Foods, Inc. is a producer of non-dairy and plant-based food products, including yogurt, sour cream, spoonable smoothies, pudding, soft cheeses, plant-based butters, and desserts. Founded in 2019, the company is headquartered in Naugatuck, Connecticut, and operates with a network of local, national, and global suppliers. By utilizing healthful ingredients such as oats, nuts, coconuts, beans, and seeds, Culture Fresh Foods aims to create innovative formulations that cater to a diverse consumer audience seeking healthy, convenient, and flavorful food options.

CourseStorm, Inc. is a company that specializes in developing an online class registration software tailored for local programs. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Orono, Maine, CourseStorm provides a comprehensive platform that simplifies the class registration process for various community programs, including education, kids’ camps, health, arts, music, and recreational activities. The platform manages class registration, publishing, marketing, and credit card transactions, thereby alleviating the challenges associated with manually recruiting students and processing registrations. By enabling community education and college programs to publish their catalogs online, CourseStorm facilitates a seamless experience for students seeking to find and enroll in their preferred classes.

Dream Local Digital is a digital marketing agency based in Rockland, Maine, specializing in providing comprehensive marketing services to small and medium-sized businesses, as well as non-profit organizations across the United States. Founded in 2009, the company offers a range of services including online marketing strategy development, social media management, email marketing, reputation management, and SEO analysis. In addition to its core offerings, Dream Local Digital collaborates with partners to provide services such as search engine marketing, website design and management, and business intelligence reporting. The agency has built a reputation for working closely with newspapers, media companies, and advertising agencies to enhance their online presence and marketing effectiveness. Dream Local Digital is recognized as a Google Partner and a certified Facebook Blueprint company, reinforcing its commitment to delivering high-quality digital marketing solutions.

Mobile Price Card, Inc. is a company based in Bangor, Maine, that specializes in developing a mobile application for wireless retailers. Founded in 2017, the company offers digital price cards that can be quickly updated through a user-friendly web-based dashboard. This application allows retailers to display dynamic content on in-store display devices, enhancing their advertising efforts by presenting targeted consumer messages at the point of purchase. By utilizing existing display devices, Mobile Price Card helps consumer electronics retailers save time and money while improving sales effectiveness. The platform aims to streamline the process of content management, enabling retailers to respond swiftly to market changes and customer needs.

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Inc. specializes in designing and manufacturing ultralight outdoor products tailored for adventure enthusiasts. Founded in 2010 and based in Biddeford, Maine, the company offers a range of items including backpacks, tents, shelters, tarps, and accessories, all crafted from durable Cuben Fiber material. Their products are designed to enhance the outdoor experience by improving weight, durability, and versatility, thereby enabling users to hike, backpack, climb, pack-raft, kayak, or cycle with greater efficiency and enjoyment. Hyperlite Mountain Gear markets its offerings online, providing a variety of backpack sizes and component tent systems to meet the diverse needs of adventurers.

Tilson, headquartered in Maine, is an independent IT project management firm with approximately 100 employees. It specializes in network deployment and IT services for telecom, construction, utility, and government clients. Services include wireless site acquisition and construction, small cell and DAS for mobile carriers, public safety, and smart grid applications. Additionally, Tilson offers IT project management, information security consulting, software development, and fiber optic engineering services. The company operates from offices in Portland, Maine; Syracuse, New York; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and Foley, Alabama.

NBT's designs and delivers unique software that unlocks value in data through geographic analysis, presentation, and visualization.

Genicon is a privately held company specializing in the design, production, and distribution of patented surgical instruments tailored for laparoscopic surgery. The company offers a range of minimally invasive surgical instruments, including trocar cannula systems, lavage products, mono-polar instrumentation, and ligation systems. Founded with the input of surgeon shareholders, Genicon aims to address the evolving needs of healthcare by aligning clinical requirements with the economic realities of the global healthcare system. Its commitment to innovation and quality positions Genicon as an emerging leader in the field of surgical instrumentation.

Maine Craft Distilling, LLC is a craft distillery based in Portland, Maine, specializing in the production of small-batch spirits, including gin, rum, and whiskey. Founded in 2012 and originally known as Davidson & Farber, LLC, the company emphasizes a farm-to-flask approach by collaborating closely with local farmers to source high-quality agricultural products. Maine Craft Distilling combines traditional distilling methods with innovative techniques to create unique spirits that reflect the region's character. The distillery's commitment to using local ingredients not only supports the community but also enhances the flavor profiles of its products, making them distinctive in the craft spirit market.

Pika Energy, Inc., based in Westbrook, Maine, specializes in the development, manufacture, and sale of small wind turbines and related electronic components tailored for the residential market. Founded in 2010 by engineers from MIT, the company produces a range of products including the T701 home wind turbine, the S2001 PV Link solar add-on, battery converters for energy storage systems, and hybrid inverters that connect renewable energy setups to the utility grid. Pika Energy's innovative platform utilizes a patented REbus DC Nanogrid, which enables efficient power transmission and control among solar arrays, smart batteries, and the grid. The company serves homeowners and small businesses across North America and beyond, selling its products through a trained network of dealers and installers. All products are designed and manufactured in the United States, highlighting a commitment to domestic materials and production. Pika Energy operates as a subsidiary of Generac Holdings Inc.

Tilson, headquartered in Maine, is an independent IT project management firm with approximately 100 employees. It specializes in network deployment and IT services for telecom, construction, utility, and government clients. Services include wireless site acquisition and construction, small cell and DAS for mobile carriers, public safety, and smart grid applications. Additionally, Tilson offers IT project management, information security consulting, software development, and fiber optic engineering services. The company operates from offices in Portland, Maine; Syracuse, New York; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and Foley, Alabama.

Ektron, Inc. is a provider of Software-as-a-Service enterprise web content and digital experience management solutions, headquartered in Nashua, New Hampshire. Founded in 1998, the company simplifies the creation, management, and delivery of multi-channel customer experiences for global organizations. Ektron's platform includes features such as persona management, marketing optimization, and a digital experience hub, which facilitates the automation of web content and assets from development through production. Additionally, the company offers responsive web design and inbound website solutions. It provides professional services, including consulting, training, implementation, and post-launch support. Ektron serves a diverse clientele, including well-known organizations, and operates internationally with offices in Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom. As of early 2015, Ektron operates as a subsidiary of EPiServer AB.

Isis for Women specializes in the design and manufacture of sports and casual apparel tailored specifically for women. The company focuses on creating clothing that not only fits well but also enhances confidence and supports an active lifestyle. Their apparel combines distinctive feminine fashion with advanced technical features, ensuring that women can enjoy both performance and style. The garments are designed for easy care and comfort, appealing to retail and online shoppers who seek functional yet fashionable clothing. By prioritizing the needs of real women, Isis for Women aims to provide apparel that aligns with their lifestyles and preferences.

Innov-X Systems is a manufacturer of portable x-ray fluorescence (XRF) analytical instruments, specializing in providing real-time, non-destructive analysis for various industries. The company develops and sells a range of products, including XRF analyzers, lubricant analyzers, and scrap sorters. Their instruments are designed for use in remote locations and demanding applications that require continuous uptime, with thousands of units currently in operation around the world. Innov-X Systems is committed to delivering reliable analytical solutions that meet the needs of its diverse clientele.

Stillwater Scientific Instruments (SSI) is developing a device that dramatically decreases the time it takes to analyze chemical compounds in the laboratory. This device, a component of mass spectrometers will be sold to laboratory equipment manufacturers. Mass spectrometers are sold primarily in the biomedical and pharmaceutical industries, as well as environmental fields in which complex chemical mixtures must be accurately identified. This device was developed through research at the University of Maine, and Stillwater Scientific Instruments was founded to commercialize this technology. The project has received funding from the National Science Foundation and the Maine Technology Institute.

HB is a cozy storefront bistro nestled amidst the bustling nightlife of Boystown. Executive Chef, Victor Morenz, and Sous Chef, Corey Bowers are dishing up inventive New American fare; familiar flavors executed in unfamiliar ways. At HB you’ll feel like you are having your own private dinner party; you bring the champagne, thay all bring the food!

The NewsMarket, Inc. is a web-based video marketing and distribution platform that connects brands, government agencies, and non-profit organizations to international media. Founded in 2000 and headquartered in New York, the company offers a diverse range of content including videos, audios, and images across various categories such as aerospace, automotive, education, entertainment, health care, and technology. The platform enables clients to effectively market and share their video content with media outlets, blogs, and online communities, thereby extending the reach of their messages. In addition to content distribution, The NewsMarket specializes in managing online newsrooms and delivering live interviews and event broadcasts. With a global presence that includes offices in cities such as Beijing, London, and Singapore, The NewsMarket has positioned itself as a key player in the digital marketing landscape.