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W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 33 N OV E M B E R 3 , 2 0 2 5 MB: How many companies do you aim to invest in? JH: Over the next five years, our goal is to create and invest in up to 20 companies, which keeps us on track toward our 10-year goal of launching 40 ventures. MB: As you build Ateklo's portfolio, how will you keep growth manageable? JH: We spent a year developing the operational processes, infrastructure and design needed to scale compa- nies efficiently. Together, we refer to these elements as our central operat- ing system. We also built an intel- ligence engine that collects data on the key components that drive our pipeline and distribution channels. is engine allows us to capture and apply the cumulative IQ of our ecosystem directly into each portfolio company. By combining this system with strong relationships across uni- versities and industry, we can attract top talent and consistently create high-quality new ventures. MB: What would it take for Maine to produce the next big tech disruptor? JH: e companies that became major disruptors emerged in moments when their industries were comfortable, talent concentrated, and initial investors behind the founders were willing to take real risks with strong conviction. Maine has elements of that, but we need to evolve our culture around entrepre- neurial risk, think bigger in terms of ambition and build deeper collabora- tion across the ecosystem. If we align around that mindset and operate as a connected system rather than isolated efforts, there's no reason the next great technology company couldn't be built here. Over the next five years, our goal is to create and invest in up to 20 companies. Visit DreamFirstCommunity.com TheFirst.com/1-800-564-3195 A lifetime of firsts led you here. First idea, first sale, first stumble. But where others see setbacks, we see steps forward. We see hard work, resilience, persistence. Dreamers, doers, and difference makers. It's why we don't just partner in the success, we partner in the work. Here for Every First. Some banks invest in plans. We invest in people. Jax van der Veen & Evan Hepburn , Owners of Carousel Marina S P O N S O R E D B Y P H O T O S / J I M N E U G E R $19.95 December 30, 2024 VO L . X X X N O. X X I X www.mainebiz.biz SP ONSORED BY C O M I N G S O O N The 2026 Mainebiz Book of Lists Who's number one? That's what the Maine business community looks for every year in the Book of Lists. Mainebiz researches companies, executives and transactions in many industries and ranks them by various factors. This comprehensive information on hundreds of companies it the ultimate tool for decision makers who are doing business in Maine. Each list can be downloaded in an Excel format, and a digital version of the entire Book of Lists includes online-only data as well as contact information for Maine companies. ORDER YOUR COP Y ONLINE NOW AT MAINEBIZ.BIZ/BOL OR ORDER A DIGI TAL LIS T TODAY AT MAINEBIZ.BIZ/LISTS 2 0 2 5 C OV E R

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