CEI Ventures, Inc. is a private equity and venture capital firm based in Brunswick, Maine, and serves as the investment arm of Coastal Enterprises, Inc. Established in 1994, the firm specializes in seed/start-up, early-stage, mid-venture investments, recapitalizations, and growth capital. CEI Ventures focuses on companies that are emerging, growing, or transforming, with a particular emphasis on underserved markets in New England, especially in Maine. The firm typically invests between $250,000 and $1 million, often through multiple financing rounds, and aims to exit its investments within five to seven years. CEI Ventures also seeks to take an active role in its portfolio companies by securing board seats.
HighByte, Inc. is a software development company based in Portland, Maine, established in 2018. The company specializes in addressing data integration and security challenges for industrial businesses through its flagship product, the HighByte Intelligence Hub. This solution is designed to help users securely connect, model, and manage operational data across their enterprises, facilitating the adoption of Industry 4.0. The HighByte Intelligence Hub is recognized as the first DataOps solution tailored to meet the specific needs of industrial assets, products, and processes at the Edge. HighByte emphasizes the importance of contextualized and standardized data in enhancing operational efficiency and decision-making within the industrial sector.
HighByte, Inc. is a software development company based in Portland, Maine, established in 2018. The company specializes in addressing data integration and security challenges for industrial businesses through its flagship product, the HighByte Intelligence Hub. This solution is designed to help users securely connect, model, and manage operational data across their enterprises, facilitating the adoption of Industry 4.0. The HighByte Intelligence Hub is recognized as the first DataOps solution tailored to meet the specific needs of industrial assets, products, and processes at the Edge. HighByte emphasizes the importance of contextualized and standardized data in enhancing operational efficiency and decision-making within the industrial sector.
CourseStorm, Inc. specializes in online class registration software designed for local programs, facilitating easy management of course registrations. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Orono, Maine, CourseStorm provides a straightforward solution that allows organizations to create an online catalog, upload courses, and start accepting registrations quickly. The software serves a variety of sectors, including community education, children's camps, health programs, art centers, music classes, computer courses, yoga sessions, and parks and recreation activities. It offers a user-friendly website for students to browse, search, and register for available courses, enhancing the overall experience for both organizations and participants.
Dream Local Digital is a digital marketing agency based in Rockland, Maine, specializing in services for small to medium-sized businesses and non-profit organizations across the United States. Founded in 2009, the company offers a range of digital marketing solutions, including online marketing strategy development, social media management, email marketing, reputation management, and search engine optimization. Additionally, Dream Local provides web design and development services, as well as business intelligence and reporting through partnerships. The agency collaborates with newspapers, media companies, and advertising agencies to enhance their online marketing efforts. Recognized as a Google Partner and a certified Facebook Blueprint company, Dream Local Digital aims to deliver comprehensive digital marketing strategies tailored to the specific needs of its clients.
Mobile Price Card, Inc. develops a mobile application that displays dynamic content on the in store display devices. The company was incorporated in 2017 and is based in Bangor, Maine.
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. provides network deployment and information technology (IT) professional services. The company offers network design, development, and deployment in a range of technologies; IT professional services, including ERP, data, strategy, supply chain operations, technology and process transformation, program management office, software selection, and software development services; government consulting, including project consulting, management, and execution; and staffing and recruitment services. It serves construction, telecom, government, and utility industries worldwide. The company was founded in 1996 and is based in Portland, Maine with a network of offices in the United States.
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 is a farm to flask distillery producing small-batch spirits in Portland Maine. It works in close collaboration with local farmers to carefully select agricultural products and then bring together centuries-old distilling methods, a good dose of innovation, and a whole lot of Yankee ingenuity.
It was founded in 2012.
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. provides network deployment and information technology (IT) professional services. The company offers network design, development, and deployment in a range of technologies; IT professional services, including ERP, data, strategy, supply chain operations, technology and process transformation, program management office, software selection, and software development services; government consulting, including project consulting, management, and execution; and staffing and recruitment services. It serves construction, telecom, government, and utility industries worldwide. The company was founded in 1996 and is based in Portland, Maine with a network of offices in the United States.
Stillwater Scientific Instruments
Venture Round in 2005
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.