Nexus Maine - On The Map
Cooper flag, builders, tourism...whatever it takes...
Lately, I’ve been meeting more and more people with ties to Maine—whether they grew up here, vacation here, or are just now hearing about the momentum in our startup scene (shoutout to Cooper Flagg for putting us on a few more maps).
During a recent fundraise, I realized something: for some investors, being based in Maine is still seen as a knock. For others, it sparks genuine curiosity. But more than anything, I’ve come to believe that living here is a strength—a strategic advantage when paired with the right network, ambition, and execution.
We’re building something special here, and people are starting to take notice. However it happens, rising tides lift all boats.
Lastly, as always if you know anyone great for this group, please make sure to send them this invite link.
Generate a Pixar-style Baxter the moose for Nexus Maine because Maine is on the map.
What’s in this newsletter
Reminder: Nexus Member Directory
Nexus Swag
Event Highlights
Jobs & Talent
Member Spotlight: Frank Chen
Reminder: Nexus Member Directory
If you haven’t already, please fill out our new Nexus Member Directory! Our goal is for Nexus members to more easily connect with each other by highlighting similar industries, jobs, and interests in a simple interface.
Nexus Swag
Don’t forget about our recently launched Nexus Maine swag store. Our vision is to introduce physical elements into the world that spark conversation and jumpstart human to human interaction.
Event Highlights
April 15: Inbox Zero Workshop
April 17: Propel Mixer with Ronald McDonald House
May 16: Maine Entrepreneur Summit
May 19: The Founder Residency Venture Showcase
May 19-22: Startup Maine Week!
Stay tuned for the Nexus Coffee meetup and Nexus speakers/presenters throughout the week as well.
Check out our Events Calendar Link in Notion for more. Are you an event owner? Submit your event here to be added to the calendar!
Nexus Jobs & Talent
Hiring:
Retego is looking for a Chief of Staff.
Nexus Contact: Jason Cianchette
Maine Venture Fund has launched a job board for their portfolio companies
ATX Advisory Services is looking for a software implementation lead and technical developer.
Nexus Contact: Mike Montenegro
Wayneflete is hiring an Associate Dean of Admission and Affordability.
Nexus Contact: Fiona Haslett
Steve Smith Trial Laywers is looking for an an Accountant
Nexus Contact: Andrew Wood
College of Business at UNE (Biddeford Campus) is hiring for a content growth specialist and an office coordinator.
Nexus Contact: Norm O’Reilly
Live and Work In Maine is looking for a marketing intern.
Nexus Contact: Katie Shorey
Tyler Technologies is looking for a cloud site reliability engineer.
Nexus Contact: Michael Pistrang
FYI - There are more postings in the #Nexus-Jobs channel in slack. If you are looking for great talent or considering your next move please reach out to Jimmy and George and we’ll help connect you!
Member Spotlight: Frank Chen
Career/Bio Overview
I’ve spent my entire career in the Boston startup ecosystem, always chasing (and sometimes catching) the next big wave: Clean Tech, e-Commerce, Influencer Marketing, and most recently, Restaurant Technology. I joined Toast at Series B and stayed through the IPO, starting on the Product Management team ultimately leading our Enterprise Marketing team. I’ve founded two startups, and my latest is right here in Portland, focused on supporting small business owners and building tools for the service industry.
Why Maine?
After 15 years in Somerville, Massachusetts, Portland felt like the perfect size. I met my wife here and now live in the West End. I love escaping up the coast in the summer, but it’s the tight-knit, supportive community that makes Maine truly special. I’ve lived in San Francisco, Houston, and Boston. Nowhere else comes close to the sense of community I’ve found here in Maine.
Away from Keyboard
After years building tech for the restaurant industry, it’s hard to stay away. I eat out a lot. I love good food and drinks, but even more, I love great hospitality. I’m a consummate host, usually in the kitchen, making sure your wine glass is full. I also genuinely love grocery shopping. My weekend rotation includes Hong Kong Market on Congress, Harbor Fish for seafood, Barber Brothers for meat, and Micucci’s for all things Italian.
Let’s Talk
I’m currently building Punch Club (https://www.instagram.com/punchclubapp), a loyalty platform designed for small businesses. We’re focused on identity verification at the point-of-sale, so owners can recognize and reward people, not just for what they buy, but for who they are. We’re part of the Founder Residency at the Roux Institute, and our first pilot is for service industry workers, offering them benefits and perks across local hospitality spots (imagine a friends-and-family discount, but citywide and exclusively for service workers). The people in this industry help define Portland’s culture, and we want to make sure they feel seen, supported, and appreciated.
Thank you for making this community special, everyone! See you on Slack.
George & Jimmy
Thank you to our sponsor Maine Technology Institute for supporting Nexus Maine.
