Cleantech Investment Still Down Compared To 2008...
... and 2007. Dow Jones and Thomson Reuters agree on this one -- although venture investments in cleantech have been climbing this year, they're down anywhere from 4% (Thomson Reuters) to nearly 39% (Dow Jones) compared to a year ago. Dow Jones tracks funding commitments, while Thomson Reuters tracks checks written. Like last year, solar got the most money, although that number has dropped by over 2/3 -- from $990 million (a little over the entire amount invested in clean tech third quarter) to $309 million. Also, 2/3 of that $309 million was in one deal -- Solyndra, which makes photovoltaic solar panels for businesses. The full break-down is below. Dow Jones reported $965 million invested in 50 deals by venture capital, private equity, corporate venture and at least one sovereign wealth fund.
