Gulf of Maine Ventures

Last week, we co-hosted the?2024 Blue Venture Investment Summit - Maine?with?Blue Venture Forum, and and it was a day to remember! This investor-focused program brought together a diverse audience of local and regional investors, founders, corporations, and NGOs with a shared interest in the blue economy. The summit focused on emerging opportunities and challenges in ocean data, artificial intelligence, and broader market trends. We are so grateful to everyone who joined us in Portland, Maine! The day was filled with thoughtful, engaging discussions from our expert panelists, innovative ideas from our flashtalk presenters, and meaningful connections. A huge thank you to our keynote speaker,?Chris Wu, our panel moderators, and all the participants who shared their insights and expertise. Your contributions made this event truly special. We’re already looking forward to?next year’s Blue Venture Investment Summit?and hope to see you there as we continue to grow and strengthen the blue economy together! Thanks to our event sponsors: Maine Technology Institute, Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences, Maine Venture Fund, and Allen Insurance and Financial

Great opportunity for Maine-based businesses!

???Blue Venture Investment Summit - Maine Panel Highlight: Fundraising Success Insights Join us on?November 13th?for an inspiring panel where two successful bluetech founders will share their journeys and lessons learned from recent fundraising rounds. This session offers a unique look at the strategies and insights that helped propel these companies forward. Moderated by?Nate Walton, Founder and Principal of Sachem Strategies, who brings deep expertise in business development and government relations, this panel will feature insights from two innovative founders: ?? Benjamin Sorkin, Founder of Flux Marine Ltd., is committed to advancing the electrification in the marine industry. With over $20 million in funding raised, Ben has grown Flux Marine into a team of 50, delivering thousands of hours of electric-powered marine experiences. ?? Nelson Mills and CEO of Vatn Systems, leads an underwater vehicle startup known for its high-production, cost-effective technology. With over $3.5 million in venture capital raised, Nelson quickly advanced Vatn’s first product to TRL 7 within 15 months. Don’t miss?this opportunity to gain firsthand insights on navigating the fundraising landscape in bluetech! ?? Full?Agenda: https://lnkd.in/gjznNB4M ??? Register?here: https://lnkd.in/gBT3vpDh Co-hosted with our partners,?Blue Venture Forum. Thank you to our premier sponsors,?Maine Technology Institute?and?Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences!

?? Blue Venture Investment Summit - Maine Panel Highlight: Growing Markets for Ocean Data Join us on?November 13th?to delve into the expanding applications of ocean data and explore new market opportunities. This expert panel will discuss how ocean data is being leveraged across industries and highlight key trends in the sector. Moderated by?Ted Janulis, Founder and Principal of Investable Oceans and a leader in sustainable ocean investing, this panel will feature insights from experienced professionals: ?? Tom Shyka, Director of Technology at NERACOOS, brings expertise in translating user needs into ocean data products and services, ensuring that critical data is accessible and useful to stakeholders. ?? Daniel Bookham, Senior Vice President for Business Development at Allen Insurance and Financial, leads the Commercial Insurance & Benefits divisions and has expertise in U.S.-based marine, waterfront, processing, manufacturing, offshore, international, and cargo exposures. ?? Phil Coupe, Co-Founder of ReVision Energy, leads initiatives to decarbonize New England with a focus on clean energy and corporate social responsibility. ?? Jim Fairweather, Head of Data and AI for Google Cloud, has extensive experience helping organizations, from startups to Fortune 500 companies, harness data solutions for impactful insights. Don’t miss?this opportunity to hear from professionals shaping the future of ocean data in diverse fields. ?? Full?Agenda: https://lnkd.in/gjznNB4M ??? Register?here: https://lnkd.in/gBT3vpDh Co-hosted with our partners, Blue Venture Forum. Thank you to our premier sponsors Maine Technology Institute + Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences!

?? Blue Venture Investment Summit - Maine Panel Highlight: Challenges and Innovations in Ocean Data Join us on?November 13th?to explore the complexities in gathering ocean data and how emerging innovations are overcoming these hurdles to better serve end-users across industries. Moderated by?Mark J. Spalding, J.D., President of The Ocean Foundation and expert in ocean policy and sustainable finance, this panel will include perspectives from experienced leaders in the field: ?? David O'Brien, Deputy Director of NOAA Fisheries Office of Aquaculture, who brings over 25 years of experience in sustainable aquaculture and fisheries management, including leading federal efforts to expand aquaculture's economic impact. ?? Cooper Van Vranken, Founder and CEO of Ocean Data Network, who is developing scalable, cost-effective methods for ocean data collection in underrepresented regions by collaborating with the fishing industry to gather essential data for the blue economy. ?? Mark Patterson, Director of the Field Robotics Laboratory at Northeastern University, known for advancing Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) and developing new oceanographic sensors that are transforming our understanding of marine ecosystems. Don’t miss?this opportunity to learn from experts who are at the forefront of ocean innovation, data collection, and sustainability. ?? Full?Agenda: https://lnkd.in/gjznNB4M ??? Register?here: https://lnkd.in/gBT3vpDh Co-hosted with our partners, Blue Venture Forum. Thank you to our premier sponsors Maine Technology Institute + Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences!

We’re thrilled to announce Chris Wu as the keynote speaker for the 2024 Blue Venture Investment Summit - Maine, happening on November 13th! As Vice President on the Builders Initiative Investments Team, Chris brings extensive expertise in climate tech investments, with a strong focus on ocean sustainability and the blue economy. In his previous role as Vice President at Impact Engine, he led impactful investments in environmental sustainability, economic opportunity, and health equity.?With a background in both civil engineering and business, Chris offers a unique perspective on sustainable innovation that we can’t wait to share with our attendees. Join us on November 13 at the Ocean Gateway in Portland, Maine, to hear from Chris and other industry leaders about the future of the blue economy! Full Agenda: https://lnkd.in/gjznNB4M Register here: https://lnkd.in/gBT3vpDh Co-hosted with our partners, Blue Venture Forum!

Blue Venture Investment Summit - Maine Panel Highlight: Future for Blue Tech Join us on November 13th for a forward-looking discussion on the ever-evolving investment landscape. Moderated by Brady Bohrmann, Managing General Partner of Bold Ocean Ventures, this panel will feature key insights from: Reece Pacheco, Partner at Propeller VC Brendon Reay, Chief Ventures Officer at Maine Community Foundation Sarah Hoyt Edwards, Senior Investment Director at Cambridge Associates These experts will provide a comprehensive look at the opportunities and challenges within the blue economy, sharing their perspectives on early-stage venture investing in blue tech and local investment strategies, along with insights into ESG investing. Don't miss this opportunity! For more details about the summit, visit: https://lnkd.in/gEGSZirn See you on November 13, 2024! Co-hosted with Blue Venture Forum Thanks to our premier sponsors Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences + Maine Technology Institute!

Interested in #oceanimpact investing and #blueeconomy? If you are at #GIIN on Thursday, please reach out. Look forward to sharing our work in Maine and across the North Atlantic. Let's compare notes! Looking for #impactcapital ideas and intros. https://lnkd.in/gRZPNn-B

Last call for Maine Venture Fund's Maine Startup Challenge, great (and fun!) opportunity for students, educators, and entrepreneurs!

Our Chief Ventures Officer, Blaine Grimes, just wrapped up an insightful week in Iceland at the Arctic Circle Assembly’s Business Forum, where she participated in a panel organized by Maine International Trade Center, exploring the global need for ocean data innovations across vertical markets and the challenges of revenue generation and product market fit. Next stop: Amsterdam, where she’ll be attending The Global Impact Investing Network Forum!