Next: Maine startup champion Katie Shorey sparks entrepreneurs to reach their potential
Photo / Tim Greenway
Startup Maine President Katie Shorey, a 2020 Mainebiz Next list honoree, talking to the team at HighByte, an industrial software development firm.
A force of nature in Maine’s startup community, Katie Shorey is president of Startup Maine and director of engagement for Live + Work in Maine. She has also worked at corporate payments company WEX Inc. and at People’s United Bank.
Mainebiz: How does your work for Startup Maine and Live + Work in Maine mesh?
Katie Shorey: Live + Work in Maine is focused on attracting and retaining the talented people Maine’s employers, economy and communities need to thrive into the future. We collaborate with employers, nonprofits and the government [Maine’s Department of Economic and Community Development] to achieve our goals. The same goes for Startup Maine. We want to promote Maine’s robust startup scene so that individuals consider working for tech companies and companies consider starting or growing their company in Maine. The state’s entrepreneurial community is a part of our culture and a huge talent attraction angle.
MB: What did you learn at People’s United Bank and WEX that you’re applying in your current roles?
KS: WEX taught me how a corporation can start thinking about innovation as a way to diversify products and services. The bank introduced me to the important role of service providers and how critical they are to the ecosystem. Lawyers, accountants, consultants and bankers are an integral part of a startup’s life cycle. Banks can’t (or won’t) always lend to startups because of their risk profile, so it’s important for people to educate themselves on financing options — from series funding, crowdfunding, loans, angel investors and venture capital. We make sure to highlight these options in our Startup Maine programming.
MB: What is Startup Maine up to this year?
KS: We’ve been focusing on partnership building and connecting with individuals who are working on impactful ventures — and how our future programming can benefit them. This fall, we are launching a virtual speaker series featuring conversations and insights with successful entrepreneurs and ecosystem builders from across the state. Stay tuned!
MB: What new businesses in Maine excite you most and why?
KS: Too many to choose! Maine companies and research centers have impressive projects in the works from offshore wind to developing rockets, and I am excited to see how endeavors focused on aquaculture and bioscience continue to forge ahead. If more companies can make advancements in these areas, it will attract outside investors and new talent, and continue to put Maine on the map as a leader in a variety of industries.
MB Do you ever see yourself launching a business venture of your own?
KS: Yes, I’m very entrepreneurial in nature so can see myself starting my own company or consulting firm. Or being a co-founder on a team with diverse skill sets. I’m a maximizer, and I like helping organizations or initiatives get to the next level.
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