Cleantech Q3 North American Venture Investment Tops $933 Million

ANN ARBOR, Mich.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Cleantech Venture Network^® researchers reported today that North American venture capital investing in the cleantech category realized its 9^th consecutive quarter of growth with a record $933 million invested in Q3 2006. The energy segment led the way with $837 million, a 41% increase over the $594 million invested in Q2 2006.

The $933 million invested in all cleantech segments during Q3 2006 represented a 10.8% increase over the $843 million invested in Q2 2006 and a 120% increase over $425 million in Q3 2005. Energy investment accounted for $1.78 billion, more than tripling the $560 million invested in the first three quarters of 2005. Of the $837 million invested in energy in the third quarter, $512 million was in biofuels and $69 million in solar.

Year-to-date cleantech investments totaled $2.29 billion, double the $1.1 billion invested in the first three quarters of 2005. To date, 2006 cleantech investing has already surpassed the total of $1.6 billion for all of 2005.

Cleantech Venture Network^® researchers expect to release complete data in their comprehensive Cleantech Venture Monitor^® in November. European investment numbers are scheduled to be released within the next two weeks.

About Cleantech Venture Network, LLC

The Cleantech Venture Network^® LLC is a membership group that catalyzes investment, business opportunities, and relationships driving the growth of cleantech globally. The network popularized the term cleantech in 2002 and defined the segments and sizes the category providing investors, executives, government agencies and media accurate and consistent data back to 1999. Over 1,300 affiliate members worldwide take advantage of the global Cleantech Venture Forums^®, comprehensive market research services and reports, online proprietary deal flow, and investor directory. In addition, CVN provides information services including the twice a month market intelligence newsletter Cleantech Capital Alert and the quarterly Cleantech Venture Monitor™ report that tracks and analyzes all cleantech venture investments, M&As and IPOs in North America and Europe.