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V O L . X X X I N O. X X V I I D E C E M B E R 1 , 2 0 2 5 14 B A N K I N G / F I N A N C E / I N S U R A N C E F O C U S to Maine from Massachusetts. Now a self-employed consultant in Rockland, she is the new chair of Maine Angels and part of a group of women members who meet monthly, joined by guests from other organizations. "We're not recruiting, but we're providing a platform for people to understand how the investment pro- cess works and who all the players are," Eagan says. "It gives women a better understanding and more confi- dence in proceeding down that path." She also credits former Chair Sandra Stone for laying the groundwork for more female participation. During her four years as chair, Stone challenged every male Angel to bring in a pro- spective female Angel and is pleased to see the group growing. "Many of our new members are not immediately investing — they're watching and learning, and I encour- age particularly the women to ask questions," she says. Stone notes that while women are more likely than men to finance startups focused on women's health and other products that improve women's lives, having a diverse investor base of both men and women leads to better out- comes as shown in several studies. 'More women at the table' Maine Angels' newest fund has made five investment commitments so far and includes goals to back businesses across the clean technology, life sciences, aqua- culture and agriculture and forestry sec- tors — all targeted as strategic by Maine. With more women in the group, Maine Angels aims to put more capital in the hands of women founders, who still receive a tiny fraction of the fund- ing their male peers do. One report, published in May by the U.K.-based Founders Forum Group, shows that out of $289 billion in venture capital deployed worldwide in 2024, only 2.3% was allo- cated to female-only founding teams. "Women founders receive 2% of venture funding nationwide and this low percentage has not improved for 20 years," notes Bobbie Lamont, the group's membership chair. To help rectify the situation in Maine, Dirigo III is steering a third of its invest- ments toward women and historically underrepresented founders to align with previous funds, where that percentage ranged from 31% to 48%. "Data indicates that women-founded startups outperform financially, and yet a targeted approach remains necessary to address disparities," notes Lamont. Bringing more women into the Angels "should help move the needle." » C O N T I N U E D F RO M P R E V I O U S PA G E Business Property and Liability Insurance Products Cyber and Data Breach Liability Insurance Employment Practices Liability Insurance, EPLI & Equipment and Mechanical Breakdown INSURING MAINE BUSINESS — INSURING MAINE PEOPLE We've been in business more than 145 years, and continue to innovate by providing you a portfolio that offers the kind of protection your business needs — today. Visit Patrons.com to find an independent agent near you. INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS FOR TODAY'S BUSINESS CHALLENGES. Custom Home Plans 3D Renderings & Walkthroughs Additions & Renovations Material Lists & Estimates HAMMONDLUMBER.COM DRAFTING & DESIGN SERVICES 34 LOCATIONS ACROSS MAINE & NEW HAMPSHIRE P H O T O / T I M G R E E N WAY Bobbie Lamont, membership chair of Maine Angels, says that 30% of the group's 100- plus members are women.

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