CEI Ventures

HighByte, Inc., founded in 2018 and based in Portland, Maine, develops the HighByte Intelligence Hub, a software solution designed to address data integration and security challenges faced by industrial companies. This platform enables users to securely connect, model, and flow valuable operational data throughout their enterprises, facilitating the seamless integration of real-time, transactional, and time-series data. By providing a DataOps solution specifically tailored to the unique requirements of industrial assets and processes, HighByte aims to enhance the speed of system integration and enable the effective use of contextualized data for analytics and machine learning applications. The company emphasizes the importance of standardized data for the broader adoption of Industry 4.0, allowing manufacturers to manage their data without the need for extensive coding or maintenance.

HighByte, Inc., founded in 2018 and based in Portland, Maine, develops the HighByte Intelligence Hub, a software solution designed to address data integration and security challenges faced by industrial companies. This platform enables users to securely connect, model, and flow valuable operational data throughout their enterprises, facilitating the seamless integration of real-time, transactional, and time-series data. By providing a DataOps solution specifically tailored to the unique requirements of industrial assets and processes, HighByte aims to enhance the speed of system integration and enable the effective use of contextualized data for analytics and machine learning applications. The company emphasizes the importance of standardized data for the broader adoption of Industry 4.0, allowing manufacturers to manage their data without the need for extensive coding or maintenance.

Crossfin Ventures is a principal investment firm based in Cape Town, South Africa, with additional offices in Durban and Johannesburg. Established in 2017, the firm focuses on investing in fintech companies, particularly those based in Africa. Crossfin aims to enable economic growth by supporting both high-growth and established businesses that generate cash flow. The firm collaborates with partners like Investec Bank, leveraging their extensive knowledge and network in the financial services sector to strengthen its portfolio. Crossfin Ventures emphasizes backing investee companies to achieve key milestones, such as revenue targets and profitability, while also exploring strategic partnerships and exits to enhance value. Notable assets in the Crossfin portfolio include Innervation, Sureswipe, and iKhokha, which collectively serve over 27,000 retail merchants across 47,000 active POS devices in 13 African countries.

Culture Fresh Foods manufactures Dairy + Non-Dairy products and Beverages. They work with a wide variety of local, national, and global suppliers to produce plant-based foods that appeal to a wide consumer audience. They combine the healthful goodness of ingredients like oats, nuts, coconuts, beans, and seeds into creative formulations that meet the customer's needs for healthy, convenient, and tasty foods. The company was founded in 2019 and is headquartered in Naugatuck, Connecticut.

CourseStorm, Inc. is a software company that specializes in online class registration solutions for various local programs, including community education, kids' camps, health and art centers, and recreational activities. Founded in 2011 and based in Orono, Maine, CourseStorm provides organizations with an easy-to-use platform that allows them to create an online catalog, upload courses, and manage registrations efficiently. Its system simplifies the entire registration process by handling class publishing, marketing, and payment transactions, thus alleviating the difficulties associated with manual registration and student recruitment. This enables educational institutions and community programs to effectively reach potential participants, allowing students to easily browse, search, and sign up for classes that interest them.

Dream Local Digital, based in Rockland, Maine, is a digital marketing agency that offers a range of services to small and medium-sized businesses and non-profits across the United States. Founded in 2009, the company specializes in online marketing strategies, including website development, content strategy, social media management, search engine optimization, reputation management, and email marketing. Dream Local Digital collaborates with various partners to provide additional services such as pay-per-click management and business intelligence reporting. Recognized as a Google Partner and a certified Facebook Blueprint company, Dream Local Digital aims to enhance its clients' online presence and marketing effectiveness.

Mobile Price Card, Inc. is a company based in Bangor, Maine, that specializes in developing a mobile application designed to enhance sales for wireless retailers. Founded in 2017, the company's application allows retailers to display dynamic content on in-store display devices, facilitating instant updates through an intuitive web-based dashboard. By utilizing smartphones, Mobile Price Card provides digital price cards that enable retailers to efficiently manage and modify their advertising content. This approach helps consumer electronics retailers save time and resources while improving sales by delivering targeted consumer advertising at the point of purchase, making it a more effective medium compared to traditional advertising methods.

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Inc. specializes in designing and manufacturing ultralight outdoor gear, focusing on high-performance products made from durable materials like Cuben Fiber. Founded in 2010 and based in Biddeford, Maine, the company offers a diverse range of equipment for various outdoor activities, including hiking, backpacking, climbing, pack-rafting, kayaking, and cycling. Its product lineup includes a wide selection of backpacks, shelters, tarps, tents, sacks, and accessories, catering to different needs with capacities ranging from 1,600 cubic inches to 4,400 cubic inches. Hyperlite Mountain Gear primarily markets and sells its products online, aiming to enhance outdoor experiences by providing lightweight solutions that improve speed and efficiency.

Tilson Technology Management, Inc., based in Portland, Maine, is an independent provider of network deployment and information technology professional services. Founded in 1996, the company serves clients in the telecom, construction, utility, and government sectors. Tilson specializes in various services, including network design, development, and deployment, as well as IT project management, software development, and information security consulting. The company also offers expertise in wireless site acquisition, small cell and Distributed Antenna System (DAS) construction, and technology capital project turnaround. With a dedicated team of approximately 100 professionals, Tilson maintains a global practice and operates additional offices in 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.

Pika Energy, Inc. is a Westbrook, Maine-based manufacturer of direct current (DC) power electronics. Our nanogrid technology is installed throughout the United States and Canada and in several overseas markets. All Pika Energy products are designed, tested, and manufactured in the United States, using domestic materials. Founded in 2010 by MIT-educated engineers, Pika Energy manufactures high-efficiency, bidirectional inverters and charge controllers, small wind turbines, and substring solar optimizers.

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. is a Westbrook, Maine-based manufacturer of direct current (DC) power electronics. Our nanogrid technology is installed throughout the United States and Canada and in several overseas markets. All Pika Energy products are designed, tested, and manufactured in the United States, using domestic materials. Founded in 2010 by MIT-educated engineers, Pika Energy manufactures high-efficiency, bidirectional inverters and charge controllers, small wind turbines, and substring solar optimizers.

Tilson Technology Management, Inc., based in Portland, Maine, is an independent provider of network deployment and information technology professional services. Founded in 1996, the company serves clients in the telecom, construction, utility, and government sectors. Tilson specializes in various services, including network design, development, and deployment, as well as IT project management, software development, and information security consulting. The company also offers expertise in wireless site acquisition, small cell and Distributed Antenna System (DAS) construction, and technology capital project turnaround. With a dedicated team of approximately 100 professionals, Tilson maintains a global practice and operates additional offices in Syracuse, New York; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and Foley, Alabama.

Ektron, Inc. provides Software-as-a-Service enterprise Web content and digital experience management solutions worldwide. It offers persona management, marketing optimization, and digital experience hub solutions; and ESYNC to automate the provisioning of Web content, code, assets, and templates from development through production. The company also provides responsive Web design and inbound Website solutions. In addition, it offers professional services, including consulting, infrastructure and configuration support, training, implementation, and post-launch managed services. The company was founded in 1998 and is headquartered in Nashua, New Hampshire. As of January 27, 2015, Ektron, Inc. 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 manufactures, sells and services field portable x-ray based analytical instruments providing real-time, non-destructive analysis to multiple industries with varied applications. Thousands of units are in use world-wide in remote areas or in demanding applications with continuous uptime requirements.

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. operates a Web-based video marketing and distribution platform. The company's platform enables corporations, government agencies, and non-profit organizations to market and share their video content with media, blogs, consumers, and online communities. It offers stories, videos, audios, and stills in the categories of aerospace and defense, agriculture, automotive and transportation, business and industry, charities and non-profits, countries-cities, education, energy, entertainment, environment, climate change, fashion, government and international affairs, green, health care, human interests, public service announcements, science, sports, technology, Internet, telecommunications, trade shows, and travel and leisure. The company was founded in 2000 and is headquartered in New York, New York with additional offices in Beijing, Delhi, Dubai, London, San Francisco, Munich, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Mumbai. After acquiring MediaLink in 2009, The NewsMarket rebranded as [Synaptic Digital](/organization/synaptic-digital).