Cleantech


US venture capital investments in cleantech rose 12% in 2011 despite strong headwinds from slow global economic growth, political deadlock in Congress and Europe’s debt crisis, according to the MoneyTree report released today by PwC and the National Venture Capital Association.

Both dollars and deal volume increased in 2011, bringing the year’s total to the highest level ever recorded at $4.3 billion across 323 deals, compared with $3.8 billion going into 289 deals in 2010. Keep reading →


The Solyndra bankruptcy led to a sudden frenzy of attention for government incentives for the renewable energy industry.

But even before the CIGS solar panel manufacturer announced it would be laying off all 1,100 of its employees and shutting down operations, private equity firm DBL Investors set out to look at the history of government incentives for the renewable energy industry and compare the numbers with data on government support of fossil fuels and nuclear power. Keep reading →


The venture capital industry is dialing back expectations for 2012 to reflect sustained instability in both political outlooks and across markets dealing with continued financial turmoil.

Venture capitalists have been central to launching many of the technologies that form the basis of the ongoing smart grid and clean energy revolutions in the business, but diminishing investor interest in initial public offerings and a flight to safety by worried investors protecting dinged portfolios are weighing on the sector. Keep reading →

USAEE hears China, India taking steps to grow clean energy, but won’t admit it, insist global treaty means West must cut carbon first #usaeedc @energyrider6


Though Breaking Energy’s Top Fives series has come to a close, the desire to recognize the leaders in the energy business is still strong. For many, that is because the financial opportunities available in these companies could be expensive to miss.

Business development agency Grow-California has chosen 40 clean technology companies — from smart meter groups and waste management companies to biofuel firms and solar start ups — as top innovators in the industry. With budgets tightening and the future of incentive and loan guarantee programs unclear, it may be only the best and the brightest that make it through the upcoming years of likely consolidation in the sector. Keep reading →

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