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Sponsored by: Pierce Atwood
Updated: March 6, 2023 2023 Startup Hub

Pierce Atwood

Investing in Maine’s future by supporting Maine startups

David E. Barry, Managing Partner, Pierce Atwood

According to a report in Business News Daily, Maine offers sensible, straightforward regulations, ready access to capital, and strong community support, making it an ideal location to start a business. Nevertheless, entrepreneurs and emerging businesses face an array of challenges before they can open their doors, make their first sale, or hire their first employee.

With more than 99% of the state’s private workforce comprised of small businesses, it’s clear that supporting startups and emerging businesses is good for Maine’s economy and its future. That’s why Pierce Atwood provides cost- efficient guidance, counseling, and legal services covering the essential steps in establishing and growing a new business and preparing early-stage businesses for the journey ahead.

In addition to our Catalyst program, in which we offer innovative and flexible fee arrangements while providing essential advice and counsel in disciplines critical to any startup, we also support organizations that provide services and opportunities to Maine’s startup community:

As a strategic partner of Northeastern University’s Roux Institute, our intellectual property, corporate, technology transactions, and employment attorneys provide pro bono legal services to their startup programs. We also meet weekly with Roux’s legal fellow, a recent Northeastern Law School graduate, to provide both feedback and general guidance on any current or outstanding areas of concern.

The Roux Institute offers graduate education and research capabilities in areas such as AI, computer and data sciences, digital engineering, advanced life sciences, and medicine. Their goal is to help spur innovation, build talent, and drive economic growth in Portland, the state of Maine, and the Northeast.

For many years Pierce Atwood sponsored Startup Maine, a conference that brought together innovative startups and entrepreneurs for learning opportunities and creative collaborations. We are now pleased to support this community by hosting formal and informal opportunities for innovators to exchange ideas and knowledge.

As an annual sponsor for Maine Center for Entrepreneurs, we support their mission to build and lead a community of growth-oriented Maine businesses. MCE has helped accelerate the growth of hundreds of businesses and now has a network of more than 200 mentors. Firm partner Andrea Suter, who regularly advises startups, family-owned, and early-stage companies, is MCE’s current board chair.

Pierce Atwood partner Chris Howard takes the lead in our long-time support of the New England Ocean Cluster and their mission to “Transform the Blue Economy,” where members work together to advance and modernize ocean-related industries that help grow Maine’s economy in ways that are both inclusive and environmentally sound.

Startups and entrepreneurs bring innovation, adaptability, and creativity to Maine’s business community. We’re proud to support their efforts and help contribute to their success as they introduce new technologies, new ideas, and new opportunities to the market.