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W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 9 M A R C H 4 , 2 0 2 4 F O C U S I N N OVAT I O N via brokers, with pumpspotting bundled as part of a broader family benefit or parental package. Among the more than 60 companies that have joined forces with pumpspotting, Allagash Brewing Co. offers the app as an employee benefit. "We're excited about working with pumpspotting and are committed to making life as easy as possible for new families — and an effective lacta- tion strategy is a big part of that," says Celine Frueh, the Portland-based brew- er's human resources director. Financial backers In September 2023, pumpspotting raised $2.2 million in seed financ- ing. bringing the startup's fundrais- ing total to $3.35 million. e latest round was led by Sin- cere Corp., a Framingham, Mass.- based software development company whose founder and CEO Matt Doug- las serves on pumpspotting's board, and Maine Venture Fund. Both were also investors in a $1.15 million fund- ing round two years ago. "e decision to invest in pumpspot- ting started with Amy's vision and lead- ership and extended to the product development strategy and the impact that the company could have with an underserved population in need of solutions," says Joe Powers, Maine Venture Fund's managing director. "Pumpspotting›s success has not only spurred job growth in Maine but also benefitted hundreds of women and their families across the state who are users of the product, not to mention the thousands of users outside of Maine." Among pumpspotting's other investors, Maine Technology Insti- tute has provided more than $550,000 since 2020, breaking down into more than $150,000 in grants, $150,000 in loans and $250,000 in equity financing. "Pumpspotting is a unique and effective digital women's health com- pany that removes barriers around breastfeeding for both parents and employers," says MTI President Brian Whitney. "It offers a solution that sup- ports mothers and provides resources to companies to benefit their employ- ees and customers." On the road again Besides building relationships with medical equipment companies that offer insurance-covered pumps, pumpspotting's 2024 goals include working with hospitals and health systems to provide lactation support and launching a third Breast Express nationwide bus tour, with a new vehicle. At each stop, nursing moms will be invited inside to feed themselves and their infants while trying different pumps and baby products and convers- ing with other parents and experts. e "Boob Bus" 2.0 tour will start in Maine this summer and head west to Califor- nia, pulling up at hospitals and work- places for three or four days at a time. "At a time when maternal health is in crisis, our solution is really needed," says VanHaren. "To get our tech- nology on the road and show up at workplaces for our customers, there's a real magic that happens in a way that makes a lot of sense from both a business and impact level." VanHaren's advice to today's aspir- ing femtech entrepreneurs looking to start a business of their own: "Just get on the bus! e world needs more women and mother-centered solu- tions, so don't be afraid to bring your unique vision to the world." Renee Cordes, Mainebiz senior writer, can be reached at rcordes @ mainebiz.biz 1-800-228-3734 FAMEmaine.com Helping Maine businesses and entrepreneurs get to yes. CEOS, MARKETING LEADERS & ENTREPRENEURS 10 Minutes Could Win You $2,500 in Prizes to Grow and Scale Your Business Visit dreamlocal.com/survey to share your pains, needs and questions to be entered to win one of many prizes: WOMAN-OWNED AND LED DIGITAL MARKETING AGENCY FOR GROWTH-DRIVEN COMPANIES • Website & SEO Audit • $300 Amazon Gift Card • FREE SkillsBuilder Membership • FREE Growth Accelerator Memberships • $20 Amazon Gift Cards • Mastering LinkedIn Guide Pumpspotting pumspotting.com / Kittery Founded: 2015 Founder and CEO: Amy VanHaren What it does: Breastfeeding support platform for nursing mothers Workforce: Seven employ- ees, including four in Maine Funding: $3.5 million in venture capital raised in two rounds. Maine investors include Unum Ventures, Maine Venture Fund, Maine Technology Institute and Maine Angels

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