The Newest Cleantech VC is August Ventures
A few weeks ago, I met with Mark Solon, managing partner of Boise, Idaho-based Highway 12 Ventures, while he was in Silicon Valley to attend some meetings. In addition to our lunchtime chat about the Boise State football team (BCS rank No. 6) and how my San Jose Sharks beat his New York Rangers, Solon talked a lot about the venture scene in Idaho and how it's similar to that of where Utah was a few years back. If it is indeed poised for growth, a good example may be the launch this year of August Ventures. Boise, Idaho-based August Ventures is seeking to invest in early stage cleantech companies. Areas of interest include renewable energy, energy storage, energy efficiency and advanced materials, according to the firm’s website. The firm calls Idaho home, but Eric Hansen, who runs the fund, says he will go anywhere in the Western U.S. where there is opportunity.
