Greentech investments continue, but declining
A survey found considerable greentech investments around the world for Q1, 2009--the same Q1 that had stock markets dyspepsic, investors shy, and governments throwing money at every shadow that moved.
The Cleantech GroupT, along with Deloitte, have just released preliminary 1Q09 results for clean technology venture investments in North America, Europe, China and India. $1 billion across 82 companies. Though not a negligible number the Q1 billion is not good news. The trend is negative.
Q1, 2009, was down 41 percent from the previous quarter, and down 48 percent year-to-year. Cleantech venture investments have now declined in two consecutive quarters since peaking at $2.6 billion in Q3, 2008, representing the lowest level of venture capital investment in clean technology companies in two years. The average investment size has also contracted from $20 million in 3Q08 to $ 12.3 million in 1Q09.
A CleanTech researchers said, "Venture funds continue to invest significant sums, albeit at a slower pace and smaller scale than in the past two years."
Despite that private sector decline, there's plenty of dough rolling out of national capitols, make that capitals. A report titled 'Towards a Global Green Recovery' to be presented at the G20 Summit currently in London estimates $400 billion of some USD $2.6 trillion in economic stimulus announced so far by G20 nations is supposed to go for clean technologies such as renewable energy, improved electrical grids and cleaner cars. Additionally, utilities and corporations are increasingly playing a leadership role in developing the sector.
Private investment by region: North America accounted for 68% of the total, while Europe and Israel accounted for 28%, China for 2%, and India for 1%. The leading sector was solar with almost $350-million, while batteries and biofuels came in second and third with just under $100-million each. [poll id="109"]
If you want more info on Cleantech Investment, there's a webinar next week.