Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1525985
W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 23 S E P T E M B E R 2 , 2 0 2 4 F O C U S S TA R T U P S / E N T R E P R E N E U R S H I P or how I was going help reduce plas- tics, but when I started reading about polysaccharides in seaweed and the need for changes in ropes as the endangered species act was coming down hard on our lobster industry, I knew there might be something there that I could help with." Weiler has participated in several accelerator programs. Viable Gear has been run on non-dilutive funding from grants to move the company through R&D as it begins to scale. e plan is to launch a pre-seed raise this fall to get the product to market. "Viable Gear is still pre-revenue until we get a product on the market in 2025 but, over the last three years, we've built up a network in the aqua- culture and lobster industries to stay close to the industries and people who will be our future customers," Weiler says. "It feels like there is a good traction for a customer base when we launch." SeaTwine tests are planned with Atlantic Sea Farms and Darling Marine Center, both in Maine, and Blue Dot Farm in Washington. A COO hired last fall is building a West Coast presence. Viable Gear sources brown mac- roalgae from Ireland and Scotland and works with a pilot production facility in Ireland. Goals include sourcing and processing in Maine. Further prospects include devel- oping a bait bag for the lobster and crab fisheries; and turning seaweed- based bioplastic into pellets for use in traditional injection molding plastic machinery across multiple industries. Networking is key. "e idea of seed string wasn't even something on my radar until talking with seaweed experts and growers who mentioned the nylon twine they use now and wanting to grow seaweed on seaweed," she says. THE NEXT GENERATION OF LEADERSHIP Known for their expertise, strong work ethics, and loyal client relationships, TC Haffenreffer, Sam LeGeyt, and Sylas Hatch are the newest Partners at The Dunham Group. Creative and collaborative in how they connect clients with opportunities, they are an important part of the future of the firm. This next generation of leaders are poised to carry the shared knowledge of the firm forward, setting our clients up for continued success. 2 Monument Square, Portland, ME | 207.773.7100 | dunhamgroup.com Get to know TC, Sam & Sylas We are your trusted partner in navigating the complex Artificial Intelligence legal landscape. Whether you are licensing AI-powered products to streamline operations, training your employees on AI-use best practices, or seeking guidance on AI business integration strategies, Drummond Woodsum's AI attorneys are here to support you with clear, practical, and proactive counsel. We are well-versed in the intricacies of AI technologies and can assist with legal and regulatory compliance, intellectual property protection, data privacy and security, ethical use/integration considerations, and more. Our highly specialized attorneys stay ahead of the curve, ensuring that our clients are in compliance with current laws and well-prepared for future developments. Learn more about what Drummond Woodsum's team of professionals can do for you at : dwmlaw.com | | 800.727.1941 800.727.1941 C O N T I N U E D O N F O L L OW I N G PA G E » It feels like there is a good traction for a customer base when we launch. — Katie Weiler Viable Gear