Portland's startup ecosystem is supported by a mix of accelerators in both Oregon and Maine. Among them, The Roux Institute at Northeastern University has made over 10 investments into new companies.

Other programs like Upstart Labs focus on software and have seen multiple exits.

Below is our list of the best 8 accelerators and incubators in Portland.

Failory's Top 8 Picks

Upstart Labs operates as a venture development firm, providing hands-on partnership to software entrepreneurs. They supply a combination of capital, product development, and business expertise to help build great companies from the earliest stages.

Year Founded2011
FoundersBryan Fox, Jenn Lynch
Nº of Investments6
Nº of Exits2
VertueLab Logo

As a nonprofit climate impact accelerator, VertueLab provides catalytic funding and holistic support for early-stage cleantech innovators. They work to accelerate solutions for environmental challenges and help transition to a more sustainable economy.

Year Founded2007
Founders
Nº of Investments6
Nº of Exits2
Program TypeOn-Site

As an engine for innovation, The Roux Institute at Northeastern University blends graduate education with research in high-growth fields like AI and life sciences. They empower entrepreneurs and partner companies by connecting them with a pipeline of talent and cutting-edge research to foster startup creation.

Year Founded2020
Founders
Nº of Investments12
Nº of Exits
ONABEN Logo

4. ONABEN

ONABEN champions Native American entrepreneurs through culturally specific business training and financial education. They focus on building a robust private sector within Native communities by providing the network and resources needed for businesses to thrive.

Year Founded1991
Founders
Nº of Investments
Nº of Exits

As a non-profit, the Maine Center for Entrepreneurial Development champions the state's most promising entrepreneurs through targeted business development and consulting. They equip a diverse range of early-stage companies, including non-profits and social ventures, with the foundational resources needed to build and scale their businesses within Maine.

Year Founded1997
Founders
Nº of Investments
Nº of Exits

Operating as Nike's internal incubation arm, Valiant Labs builds new businesses that serve consumers in the fitness, wellness, and retail sectors. This structure gives startups unparalleled access to Nike's global resources and market expertise to test and scale new ideas.

Year Founded2018
FoundersHannah Jones
Nº of Investments
Nº of Exits
E2Tech Logo

7. E2Tech

As a council for Maine's energy and environmental technology sectors, E2Tech connects companies and professionals to stimulate growth. They facilitate crucial networking opportunities and forums to help build the state's green economy.

Year Founded2008
Founders
Nº of Investments
Nº of Exits

Verify Venture Studio partners with founders and enterprise organizations to build, launch, and scale new companies from the idea stage. They provide the core team, strategic processes, and technology required to transform concepts into viable businesses.

Year Founded
FoundersRachel Peters, Emily Crotty
Nº of Investments2
Nº of Exits