More Nano Products, But Still No Exits
VCs spent a fortune on nanotechnology investments early in the decade, and have since generated very little in the way of returns. But there may be hope for ROI in the near term, if one considers a rise in the introduction of nanotech-enabled products as a positive indicator for future exits. According to a new report from Pew Charitable Trusts’ Project on Emerging Technologies (PEN), over 1,000 nanotechnology-enabled products have been made available to consumers around the world. Recent updates to the inventory list include non-stick cookware, lighter, stronger tennis racquets, and wearable sensors that monitor posture. (See full list here) It’s apparently a big increase from just a few years ago. PEN Director David Rejeski says that when the inventory list launched in March, 2006, they found only 212 products. If the introduction of new products continues at the present rate, he predicts, the number of products listed in the inventory will reach close to 1,600 within the next two years.
