Photovoltaic news and pv jobs

Solar venture capital funding on the rise

According to preliminary figures, 2011 venture capital (VC) funding in the solar industry has already exceeded 2010 levels, having risen from $1.67 billion last year, to $1.71 billion as of November 30, 2011.

Despite the weak 2011 market conditions, VC funding is on the rise.

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Mercom Capital Group has found that since the announcement of the Solyndra bankruptcy this August, over 30 deals have been made, equating to over $500,000 worth of VC funds. "VC funding activity since the Solyndra bankruptcy has been strong and it looks like the market has moved on," commented Raj Prabhu, Mercom managing partner.  "This is good news in an otherwise tough market."

The research company adds that, for the first time, more than 100 venture deals have been made, thus representing a new VC record.

Broken down, the first quarter (Q1) of 2011 saw 25 VC deals made worth $658 million (2010: 20 worth $311 million); Q2, 26 deals worth $354 million (2010: 18 worth $948 million); and Q3, 31 deals worth $372 million (2010: 11 worth $169).

Preliminary numbers for Q4 2011 indicate that 19 VC deals worth $314 million were made, in comparison to 16 deals worth $238 million in Q4 2010.