Swedish cleantech firms that partner with U.S. companies can potentially benefit from U.S. venture capital, a growing source of funding for the commercialization of new cleantech technologies. Venture capital is attractive for early stage, high potential, high growth technology start-up firms, which is characteristic of cleantech startups.? Venture capital investment can provide the necessary seed funding for new-to-market cleantech companies that are too small to raise capital or not yet able to secure commercial bank loans or debt offerings as they have limited to no operating history.? In exchange for bearing high technology and business risks, venture capitalists take an equity stake in the business and require high rates of return on investment.
2011 was a pivotal year for U.S. investment in clean energy. For the first time since 2008, the U.S. overtook China in clean energy investment. U.S. investments hit a record $55.9 billion (compared to $47.4 billion invested in China), which represents an increase of 35% more than last year.? Worldwide investment in clean energy reached $260 billion in 2011, according to Bloomberg New Energy Finance, five times more than was invested in 2004.
U.S. is a leader in venture capital investment, which has been the engine fueling widespread innovation critical to the rapid commercialization of clean energy technologies. According to Dow Jones Venture Source, total U.S. venture capital investment in cleantech increased 29% to $4.9 billion in 2011, up from $3.8 billion raised in 2009.
By sector, energy and electricity generation led the way in 2011, with a total investment of $1.5 billion. Solar represented largest share of this investment.? Industry products and services sector came in second place with total investment totaling $1 billion, driven in part by strong support for transport (electric cars).? Energy storage showed a 253% increase in investment compared with 2010 totaling $932.6 million investment in 2011.? Energy efficiency attracted $646.9 million.
The three cleantech hubs in the U.S. where SACC has chambers led the way in cleantech venture capital funding.? According to Ernst & Young, LLC, in first place was California (SACC-San Francisco, SACC-Los Angeles, SACC-San Diego) that attracted $2.8 billion of the total $4.9 billion of venture capital funding. ?Massachusetts (SACC-New England) ranked second with $465.1 million of venture capital funding, a rise of 63% from 2010.? Colorado (SACC-Colorado) came in third place, attracting $363.3 million, a rise of 28% from 2010.
For a comprehensive listing of green venture capital opportunities, go to http://www.greenvc.org/green-funding-sources.html.
Spotlight on U.S. venture capital opportunity
Greenstart, a cleantech startup accelerator, announced its Fall 2012 Accelerator Program, which offers funding for cleantech startups with an IT/software component. The application deadline is April 11, 2012 and early application deadline is March 22, 2012.
Greenstart offers cleantech entrepreneurs accepted into the program $15,000 in seed funding in exchange for 5% common stock, mentoring, and introductions to leading cleantech angel and venture capital investors, as well as a possible option of an additional $100,000 convertible note. ?Go to www.greenstart.com for further information.
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Article written by:
Lydia LaFerla,
Cleantech Director and Board Member of SACC-USA
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- Making it in America: 10 TIPS FOR RAISING CAPITAL & GROWING A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS
Source: http://sacc-usa.org/currents/business/u-s-venture-capital-investment-in-cleantech/
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