Justin Hafner

New startup funding routes in Maine include a venture capital firm aiming to close its first two investments this month; a venture studio that’s tapping academic talent to get new businesses off the ground; and a revenue-based debt instrument for growth capital.

We checked in with four Maine experts for their take on the tech trends to watch this year. One expects robotaxis to expand beyond tech hubs like San Francisco into major cities worldwide.

The Portland-based developer of a digital health platform used by fitness and wellness professionals in 44 states is targeting expansion into the Middle East and North Africa in 2026.

Over the next five years, Ateklo aims to create and invest in up to 20 companies, co-founder and CEO Justin Hafner tells Mainebiz in an interview.

The Portland startup has raised money from a variety of sources, including pitch competitions, grants and venture capital funding rounds.

Themes range from turning a failure into a positive to focusing on the company ethos.