Cleantech Group and U.S. National Venture Capital Association Partner to Accelerate Cleantech Investment Category

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In front of an audience of over 500 cleantech investors, entrepreneurs and government officials attending Cleantech Forum XVIII, the Cleantech Group™, LLC, founder of the cleantech investment category, and the U.S. National Venture Capital Association (NVCA) announced a partnership to strengthen the development of the U.S. cleantech sector. Together, the two industry leaders will advocate for cleantech entrepreneurship, innovation and investment, as well as for solutions that address sustainability challenges, job creation and long-term economic prosperity.

“The cleantech investment category crosses many industries, technologies and geographies, making it increasingly important as this new market cycle scales for close cooperation between our respective and complementary communities”

“The cleantech investment category crosses many industries, technologies and geographies, making it increasingly important as this new market cycle scales for close cooperation between our respective and complementary communities,” said Nicholas Parker, founder and chairman of the Cleantech Group. “With strengthened ties between the Cleantech Group’s and the NVCA’s networks of investors, we are bringing additional efficiencies to this market and strategically accelerating growth in the cleantech sector.”

Headquartered in Arlington, VA, the NVCA advocates for legislation and regulation that supports entrepreneurship, innovation and access to capital. In 2006, NVCA launched the Cleantech Advisory Council to advance the development and commercialization of clean technologies. By partnering with the Cleantech Group, NVCA will strengthen these efforts and be able to leverage the Cleantech Group’s research and services.

“For the past five years, the clean technology sector has experienced significant growth and has become a critical investment sector for the venture capital industry,” said Mark Heesen, president of the NVCA. “This partnership will bring additional strength to our advocacy work and for our members as they work with the country’s most promising start-up companies that are innovating in the cleantech marketplace.”

In addition to the two organizations’ collaborative projects, the partnership allows NVCA members to gain priority access to the Cleantech Group’s resources, which includes the world’s largest cleantech business network, in-depth research, investment opportunities and industry leading events. The NVCA’s membership represents more than 90 percent of the total U.S. venture dollars under management.

As well, Cleantech Group members will play an enhanced role in the NVCA’s ongoing cleantech campaigns. The Cleantech Group’s membership network is comprised of investors, entrepreneurs, corporations and service providers that focus on clean technology business globally. The Cleantech Group provides NVCA members a discount to membership in its global network, propelling their businesses with insight, opportunities and industry relationships.

The NVCA will also work with Cleantech Group in coordinating participation of international venture capital associations in Europe, India and China.

About Cleantech Group™

The Cleantech Group pioneered the cleantech investment category in 2002. Today, it accelerates the development and market adoption of clean technologies globally through membership in the largest global network of investors and companies representing more than $3 trillion in assets. Member investors, growth companies/vendors, enterprises, service providers, and others receive access to capital, investment deal flow, market leading research and data, insight, sales leads, human capital, and promotional opportunities. The Cleantech Group also produces the premier Cleantech Forum events worldwide. Details at http://www.cleantech.com.

About NVCA

The National Venture Capital Association (NVCA) represents approximately 480 venture capital and private equity firms. NVCA's mission is to foster greater understanding of the importance of venture capital to the U.S. economy, and support entrepreneurial activity and innovation. According to a 2007 Global Insight study, venture-backed companies accounted for 10.4 million jobs and $2.3 trillion in revenue in the United States in 2006. The NVCA represents the public policy interests of the venture capital community, strives to maintain high professional standards, provides reliable industry data, sponsors professional development, and facilitates interaction among its members. For more information about the NVCA, please visit www.nvca.org.