Torey Penrod-Cambra

Portland-based HighByte is ranked No. 23 on Inc. magazine’s latest list of the fastest-growing companies in the Northeast.

As more women control capital, they’re not only building their own portfolios but also breaking barriers in early-stage investing to support innovation and the next generation of women-led startups.

Companies in this year's Inc. 5000 list generated a combined $300 revenue in 2024. The list includes Maine companies that span sectors from technology to construction.

In 2009, Mainebiz started a program to honor women leaders who showed remarkable leadership and vision.

HighByte, which has raised $17.2 million in equity funding to date, ranked No. 6 out of 154 companies in the Northeast.

The new HQ is viewed as a recruitment tool for the growing company. With both on-site and remote employees, the mission was to find a pleasant, productive environment and proximity to hotels.

The Portland conference, held for the first time since 2019, offered sessions on a range of topics and networking events for budding and wannabe entrepreneurs.

The Series A funding round brings the company's total to $16.5 million in equity raised since it was founded in 2018.

To mark International Women's Day 2023, Mainebiz asked some female movers and shakers to share advice and wisdom they gained from their mothers.

Some Maine startups are racking up pitch-off wins before going on to other fundraising, while others prefer more specialized accelerator programs and grants.