San Francisco, CA – June 17, 2013 – Cleantech Group, a global market intelligence firm helping executives find, connect with, and embed innovation, today announced the release of revenue data in the i3 Platform, as well as an overhauled taxonomy and dynamic mapping feature. These improvements underscore the company’s commitment to maintaining i3’s position as the most current source for deals, trends, and insight into innovation, with data for over 20,000 companies across 18 sectors.

“Accurate revenue data on startups has historically been difficult for us to find, and has required a significant amount of time and effort to surface,” said Julien Creuzé, Senior Associate at Aster Capital. “This new feature will change that aspect of our work. It is a great addition to i3, which is already a key part of our company discovery efforts.”

Currently, close to 600 companies across all sectors and a range of geographies have revenue data associated with their i3 profiles. This number is expected to grow to approximately 1,000 data points by the end of June, with a goal of tripling that number by the end of 2013.

“The value of having revenue data that spans sectors and geographies is undeniable,” stated Sheeraz Haji, CEO of Cleantech Group. “Corporates and venture capitalists who are assessing investment and partnership opportunities will benefit from the ease of finding target companies that meet specific  criteria, including revenue. Similarly, entrepreneurs can generate more interest in their firms by proactively sharing their revenue data with prospective investors. There simply isn’t a better source than i3 for such current and insightful data.”

The revenue data originates from one of two sources: the companies themselves, or Cleantech Group’s Research team. Numerous top companies have already updated their own revenue ranges.

Entrepreneurs and cleantech companies in search of funding should update their profile with revenue data, or add their company to the i3 platform to be viewable by thousands of investors and corporate executives.

Other recent enhancements to the i3 platform include:

• A mapping feature that helps users identify innovation clusters around the world for the 18 sectors covered;
• A revamped Oil & Gas Innovation taxonomy, which gives subscribers a unique opportunity to drill down into this booming sector and discover technological nuggets; and
• A new user interface, which allows users to efficiently pursue company discovery, thanks to improved accessibility to key features.

While these features are only available to subscribers, a subset of data has recently been made available in i3.

About Cleantech Group
Cleantech Group helps clients find, connect with, and embed innovation. The company’s i3 platform allows subscribers to discover companies and explore cleantech trends strategically with proprietary real-time data. Cleantech Forums bring together thought leaders and innovators in the cleantech and sustainability ecosystem. The company’s advisory services leverage expertise in designing and executing corporate strategies for sustainable growth and innovation sourcing. Details at: http://www.cleantech.com.

Contact:
Cleantech Group
Emma Zolbrod
media-services@cleantech.com

THE OPPORTUNITY

Cleantech Group has an opening for a team-oriented, highly motivated Events Administration Manager, who will play a key role with the planning, management, administration, and execution of the global Cleantech Forums and Events.

As a member of the Events team, the Events Administration Manager will focus primarily on administrative, logistical, and research-related tasks. The individual will report directly to the Director of Events, and will work closely with the entire team to prepare and execute global Cleantech Forums.

This individual will be comfortable performing a wide variety of tasks, and working with cross-functional teams and various software packages. The successful candidate will demonstrate a passion for events, logistics, organization, administration, sustainability, and new technologies.

THE COMPANY

Since 2002, Cleantech Group has been providing Fortune 1000 global corporations, investors, entrepreneurs and policy-makers with the latest industry market intelligence through subscription-based research, global industry networking events, and world-class custom research services. By focusing on the companies innovating in clean technology, Cleantech Group helps its clients make critical business decisions that foster growth, reduce cost, and meet consumer and government demands for improved environmental quality. In October 2012, Cleantech Group merged with GreenOrder, a leading sustainability strategy consulting group that helps companies gain competitive advantage through environmental innovation.

Cleantech Group’s i3 Platform is the most comprehensive, vetted, up-to-date source for insights into companies, investors, financing and relationships across the clean technology ecosystem. The database includes investments, relationships and technology profiles for more than 20,000 cleantech startups, corporates, and investors.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage online and onsite Events Registration processes and admin tasks using Cvent and Salesforce.
• Ensure all data in Cvent and Salesforce is current and syncing correctly.
• Register speakers, sponsors, staff, volunteers, and attendees in Cvent.
• Manage guest lists, RSVP process, attendee lists, reports, attendee badges, seating plans, and place cards.
• Manage small side events, such as breakfasts or dinners.
• Update and manage Cleantech Group’s events microsites, which highlight agenda items, confirmed speakers, entrepreneurs, biographies, photos, sponsors, and logos.
• Research event locations, venues, vendors, and other tasks related to event preparation.
• Create and manage the printing and distribution of event material such as hand-outs, basic signage, and guest information.
• Prepare schedules, spreadsheets, briefs, and overviews for team members.
• Identify, brief, and manage Cleantech Forum volunteers prior to and at the event.
• Manage staff accommodation bookings.
• Manage and update Event App based on content location on event microsites.
• Manage event documentation in Dropbox.

REQUIREMENTS

• BA or BSc degree, ideally in event management, project management, administration, business, or a relevant field.
• Strong IT and admin skills, including Microsoft Office and other software applications.
• Prior experience with event planning, management, hospitality, administration, or coordination is preferred.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to multi-task and perform various duties under tight deadlines.
• Keen attention to detail, as well as strong written and oral communication skills.
• Familiarity with Content Management Systems (CMS), Salesforce, Cvent, Marketo, and Adobe Photoshop is a plus.

You are:

• Organized, systematic, self-motivated, and results-oriented with a positive approach to dealing with strong personalities and demands from multiple stakeholders.
• An excellent communicator who can handle and prioritize requests and deliverables.
• Able to use good judgment in time-sensitive situations.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

This full-time paid position will require the candidate to work out of Cleantech Group’s San Francisco office. Occasional travel may be required.

HOW TO APPLY

Send resume and cover letter to: eventadmin@cleantech.com

Cleantech Group is committed to diversity in its workforce. Cleantech Group is an equal opportunity employer and insures the promotion of equal opportunity for all persons employed or seeking employment, without regard to race, color, creed, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age or disability status.

THE OPPORTUNITY

We are seeking a talented recent college graduate with up to one year of work experience to work as a Research Analyst on our i3 team. Candidates should have a strong interest in clean technologies and data work, as well as sector-focused research and analysis of company information for inclusion in our i3 research platform.

Our ideal candidate will work closely with our research and product team to brainstorm and execute new content and features for our i3 database. Working as part of a small, entrepreneurial, dynamic team, candidate must be flexible and willing to quickly take on new responsibilities across all areas of the business.

THE COMPANY

Since 2002, Cleantech Group has been providing Fortune 1000 global corporations, investors, entrepreneurs and policy-makers with the latest industry market intelligence through subscription-based research, global industry networking events, and world-class custom research services. By focusing on the companies innovating in clean technology, Cleantech Group helps its clients make critical business decisions that foster growth, reduce cost, and meet consumer and government demands for improved environmental quality. In October 2012, Cleantech Group merged with GreenOrder, a leading sustainability strategy consulting group that helps companies gain competitive advantage through environmental innovation.

Cleantech Group’s i3 Platform is the most comprehensive, vetted, up-to-date source for insights into companies, investors, financing and relationships across the clean technology ecosystem. The database includes over investments, relationships and technology profiles for more than 20,000 cleantech startups, corporates and investors.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• i3 Content: Contributing to the creation of new i3 content, including tracking of investments and relationships, and profiling of technologies for startups, investors and corporates
• Research: Preparing and/or editing in-depth research including cleantech taxonomies and our Quarterly Investment Monitor
• Data: Analyzing and managing large quantities of i3 data
• Company Discovery: Researching and reaching out to new cleantech startups to get entrepreneurs to contribute to i3 profiles
• Firm Development: Participating in internal initiatives relating to thought leadership, client service, events or team development

REQUIREMENTS

• Education: Bachelor’s degree from a top-tier college or university, superior academic and professional record. Desired backgrounds include liberal arts, economics, sciences, and engineering, with additional coursework in environmental and energy issues as well as business and economics
• Professional Experience: Up to one year of experience at a cleantech startup, top-tier corporate or leading environmental NGO is preferred. Other experience at the intersection of business and cleantech is desirable
• Expertise: Cleantech, innovation, environmental and/or energy domain expertise required. Strong data and writing skills also necessary
• Intangibles: Candidates must have strong character, ability to excel in a dynamic team environment, and a commitment to delivering exceptional client service. Our work environment requires interdisciplinary problem solving

 COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The Research Analyst position will offer a competitive and attractive compensation package that includes a base salary with the opportunity for a bonus based on individual and company performance. Full benefits offered, including health insurance and a company 401k matching program.

HOW TO APPLY

Send resume and cover letter to: researchjobs@cleantech.com.

Cleantech Group is committed to diversity in its workforce. Cleantech Group is an equal opportunity employer and insures the promotion of equal opportunity for all persons employed or seeking employment, without regard to race, color, creed, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age or disability status.

Location:  London, Manhattan, or San Francisco

THE OPPORTUNITY

We are seeking a talented recent college graduate with up to one year of work experience focused on cleantech and/or environmental issues. Candidates should have a strong interest in business consulting and demonstrated intellectual rigor, analytical thinking, creativity, and passion for delivering outstanding, game-changing solutions to clients.

Our ideal candidate can interact directly with clients, be a self-starter, and otherwise contribute to the team. This role will have exposure to the business challenges we address for our clients and the opportunity to contribute to the solutions we develop.

THE COMPANY

Since 2002, Cleantech Group has been providing Fortune 1000 global corporations, investors, entrepreneurs and policy-makers with the latest industry market intelligence through subscription-based research, global industry networking events, and world-class custom research services. By focusing on the companies innovating in clean technology, Cleantech Group helps its clients make critical business decisions that foster growth, reduce cost, and meet consumer and government demands for improved environmental quality.

In October 2012, Cleantech Group merged with GreenOrder, a leading sustainability strategy consulting group that helps companies gain competitive advantage through environmental innovation.

Since 2000, GreenOrder has partnered with senior executives at more than 100 global enterprises, including GE, DuPont, General Motors, HP, JPMorgan Chase, Pfizer, Polo Ralph Lauren, and several of the largest electric utilities in the U.S.  Called “the go-to consulting firm for green business” by Fortune, our groundbreaking work has generated hundreds of millions of dollars in new revenue and enterprise value for our clients.

Cleantech Group combines both companies’ pioneering strengths to help clients find, connect with, and embed innovation in a resource-constrained world.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Research & Analysis: Conducting primary and secondary research on a broad spectrum of cleantech, market intelligence, and perform rigorous quantitative and qualitative analysis of empirical data
• Writing: Preparing and/or editing crisp, compelling written reports and memos, marketing materials, correspondence, and other communications
• Client Solutions: Developing impactful client recommendations and delivering them through world-class written and oral presentations
• Business Development: Supporting efforts to identify and secure new revenue opportunities with existing and potential clients
• Firm Development: Participating in internal initiatives relating to thought leadership, client service, or team development

REQUIREMENTS

• Education: Bachelor’s degree from a top-tier college or university, superior academic and professional record. Desired backgrounds include liberal arts, economics, sciences, and engineering, with additional coursework in environmental and energy issues as well as business and economics
• Professional Experience: Up to one year of experience at a top-tier management consulting, cleantech startup, or leading environmental NGO is preferred. Other experience at the intersection of business and cleantech is desirable
• Expertise: Cleantech, innovation, environmental and/or energy domain expertise required. Experience in change management or product innovation a plus.
• Intangibles: Candidates must have strong character, ability to excel in a dynamic team environment, and a commitment to delivering exceptional client service. Our work environment requires interdisciplinary problem solving

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The Advisory Analyst position will offer a competitive and attractive compensation package that includes a base salary with the opportunity for a bonus based on individual and company performance. Full benefits offered, including health insurance and a company 401k matching program.

HOW TO APPLY

Send resume and cover letter to: advisoryanalyst@cleantech.com.

Cleantech Group is committed to diversity in its workforce. Cleantech Group is an equal opportunity employer and insures the promotion of equal opportunity for all persons employed or seeking employment, without regard to race, color, creed, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age or disability status.

SAN FRANCISCO – April 24, 2013 – Cleantech Group™, a global market intelligence firm helping executives connect with cleantech innovation, today announced the success of Cleantech Forum Europe, which took place in Bilbao, Spain, April 16-18, 2013. The ninth annual event kicked off with investors spending a day in City Hall, at the invitation of the World Mayor of the Year, followed by two information-packed days at the award-winning Euskalduna conference centre. The event’s keynotes, panels, roundtables and company presentations focused on three key growth questions—Where? How? With whom? —within the context of how to unlock growth in an open innovation world.

The event was made possible by the support of numerous repeat sponsors, headed by global partner, Autodesk, and close collaboration with local partner, Innobasque, along with the member firms of its Southern European Cleantech Hub. The latter also provided engagement with Latin Cleantech, in the form of strong representation from Spain and Latin America.

On the final evening, Cleantech Group hosted an awards night in the Museo Guggenheim. This year’s awards, which spanned four categories, honored the accomplishments of both established players and newcomers in the cleantech industry:

• Emerging European Cleantech Enterprise of the Year: Midsummer
• Standout Fundraising Achievement of the Year – Europe & Israel: Tamar Energy
• Innovation Hero: Assaf Barnea, CEO, Kinrot Ventures
• European Corporation of the Year: Saint-Gobain

“This year’s Cleantech Forum Europe attracted more than 450 investors, large corporations, entrepreneurs and influencers from across the cleantech world—more than 25 countries were represented,” said Richard Youngman, Cleantech Group’s Managing Director of Europe and Asia. “Such an impressive and international gathering of thought leaders and innovators served as an ideal setting to create new connections and to address how, together, we can collaborate to unlock the growth potential of global innovation. Cleantech can learn much from biotech’s history; the learning of how to create effective partnerships between start-ups and large companies proved a key watershed in biotech’s development path. We are delighted with the event’s success and look forward to continuing the dialogue next year at Cleantech Forum Europe’s tenth annual event.”

In 2014, Cleantech Forum Europe will travel to Stockholm, Sweden to celebrate the 10^th anniversary of this European innovation event.

About Cleantech Group Inc.
Cleantech Group’s market intelligence, events, and advisory services accelerate market adoption, stimulate demand, and remove barriers to cleantech innovation. A global company with offices in North America and Europe, we connect business leaders with cleantech innovation through the i3 platform the most comprehensive up-to-date source for insights into companies, investors, financing and relationships across the clean technology ecosystem. In October 2012, Cleantech Group merged with GreenOrder, a leading sustainability strategy and management consulting firm. Details at http://www.cleantech.com.

CONTACT:
Emma Zolbrod
emma.zolbrod@cleantech.com
250.598.0623
Cleantech Group

SAN FRANCISCO–April 4, 2013 – Cleantech Group™, a global market intelligence firm helping executives connect with cleantech innovation, today released preliminary 1Q13 results from its i3 research platform. The firm reported that worldwide clean technology venture investment during the quarter totaled $1.07 billion.

Measured by dollars invested, cleantech venture investment dropped 29 percent from 4Q12 ($1.5 billion). The number of deals recorded in 1Q13 was 217, representing two consecutive quarters of higher deal counts, yet lower dollar totals. The tally may rise again once all investors have submitted all deals. Of these deals, 54 percent (117) were Series B or later rounds, accounting for 90 percent ($0.9 billion) of all money invested during the quarter.

“We are seeing the market moving beyond irrational exuberance and becoming more cautious and thoughtful in deploying capital,” said Greg Neichin, Executive Vice President of Cleantech Group. “For those with a long view on the energy and resource business, this is not a bad story. The increase in deal count—especially early stage deals—coupled with steady, continuing interest from corporate strategics leaves us entirely confident that there is a strong industry foundation in place.”

VENTURE INVESTMENT BY TECHNOLOGY SECTOR

The leading sector in 1Q13 by amount invested was Energy Efficiency ($156 million), followed by Transportation ($144 million) and Solar ($112 million). Energy Efficiency also led by number of deals, with 31 funding rounds. Transportation (24 deals) came in second by this metric, followed by Solar (19 deals).

The largest transactions in the top three sectors were:

ENERGY EFFICIENCY – $156 million in 31 deals

• Nest, a California-based maker of a networked “learning” thermostat for home use, raised $80 million from Google Ventures, Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, Lightspeed Ventures, and others.
• Alphabet Energy, a California-based developer of low-cost thermoelectric technology for waste heat recovery, raised $16 million from Encana, TPG Biotech, Claremont Creek Ventures, and others.
• Digital Lumens, a Massachusetts-based developer of intelligent LED-based lighting systems for industrial facilities that reduce lighting energy use and provide fully integrated controls and reporting capabilities, raised $10 million from Black Coral Capital, Flybridge Partners, and Stata Venture Partners.

TRANSPORTATION – $144 million in 24 deals

• Liquid Robotics, a California-based developer of an autonomous unmanned marine vehicle propelled by waves and solar power for scientific, research, and defense applications, raised $45 million from VantagePoint Capital Partners, Riverwood Capital, and Interwest Partners.
• Hailo, a London-based provider of an app easing the use of taxis and public transport, raised $31 million from Union Square Ventures, Accel Partners, and others.
• Streetline, a California-based provider of smart parking solutions through wireless sensors located in parking spots and managed through a wireless mesh network, raised $25 million from Fontinalis Partners, RockPort Capital Partners, Sutter Hill Ventures, and others.

SOLAR – $112 million in 19 deals

• OneRoof Energy, a California-based developer, owner and operator of solar energy generation systems for the residential market, raised $30 million from Hanwha Corporation.
• Sungevity, a California-based, financing-focused solar systems developer targeting the residential rooftop market, raised $28 million from Brightpath Capital Partners, Firelake Capital Management, Greener Capital Partners, and others.
• eSolar, a California-based developer of solar power tower plants for utility-scale solar thermal power generation, raised $12.8 million from Oak Investment Partners and General Electric.

VENTURE INVESTMENT BY WORLD REGION

North America accounted for 62 percent of the total venture investment, whereas Europe & Israel accounted for 28 percent, and Asia Pacific for 10 percent.

NORTH AMERICA: North American companies raised $657 million, down 39 percent from 4Q12, while the deal count remained steady at 146, compared with 148 in 4Q12. In North America, California again led all states/provinces with $331 million in investments (51 percent share), followed by Oregon ($37.3 million, 6 percent) and Massachusetts (31.5 million, 5 percent).

EUROPE AND ISRAEL: European and Israeli companies raised $301 million, down 27 percent from 4Q12, while deal count rose slightly to 60 deals. It is the region’s second consecutive quarter claiming a healthy 28 percent of all capital raised.

ASIA PACIFIC: Asian companies raised $108 million in 11 deals in 1Q13, a dramatic rebound from a fourth quarter that saw seven deals with only $6 million disclosed. At 10 percent, the region’s share of global cleantech venture capital was at its highest since 4Q11.

GLOBAL M&As AND IPOs

M&A transactions involving clean technology totaled 60 transactions in 1Q13, of which totals were disclosed for 22 transactions totaling $2.3 billion. In 14 of the 60 transactions, the targets were VCPE-backed companies. Notable transactions were American rental car company Avis Budget Group acquiring Zipcar for $500 million, and Monsanto’s two biotech acquisitions of Israel-based Rosetta Green for $35 million and U.S.-based Agradis for an undisclosed amount.

In 1Q13, there were three clean technology IPOs—two of which involved venture-backed companies—raising a total of $509 million. Silver Spring Networks, a smart grid networking company backed by Foundation Capital, Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, NCD Investors, and others, raised $81 million in its debut on the New York Stock Exchange. Danish company Asetek, a maker of liquid cooling technology for efficient datacenters, raised NOK192 million ($32.9 million) listing its shares on the Oslo Stock Exchange. The company’s venture investors include KT Venture Group, Northzone Ventures, Sunstone Capital, Vaekstfonden, and D.E. Shaw Group.

In the third, non-venture backed IPO, Greencoat UK Wind raised £260 million ($395 million) on the London Stock Exchange. The first-of-its-kind, publicly traded infrastructure fund seeks to provide investment exposure to UK wind power generation assets and liquidity to project developers. The fund issued shares at 100 pence per share and, by design, plans to provide a steady six percent return to investors through a six-pence dividend.

About Cleantech Group Inc.

Cleantech Group’s market intelligence, events, and advisory services accelerate market adoption, stimulate demand, and remove barriers to cleantech innovation. A global company with offices in North America and Europe, we connect business leaders with cleantech innovation through the i3 platform the most comprehensive up-to-date source for insights into companies, investors, financing and relationships across the clean technology ecosystem. In October 2012, Cleantech Group merged with GreenOrder, a leading sustainability strategy and management consulting firm. Details at http://www.cleantech.com.

CONTACT:
Emma Zolbrod
Cleantech Group
media-services@cleantech.com

WEBSITE:
http://www.cleantech.com

SAN FRANCISCO – March 26, 2013 – The industry’s leading deal-making summit, Cleantech Forum San Francisco, finished in a rousing crescendo last Wednesday in front of a packed crowd of corporate executives, entrepreneurs and the sector’s most influential investors. “As I heard from numerous senior colleagues at the event, ‘Cleantech is back.’  The creative initiatives at the forum–from the ‘Cleantech Goes Social’ contest with Facebook to Hank Paulson’s candid advice to ‘go to China’ to the sheer level of engagement from Fortune 100 companies from all parts of the world, all committed to resource efficiency–this was a big event,” said Mike Dorsey, Managing Partner of The Westly Group, which just announced the close of their $160MM cleantech fund.

“Tellus met investors, customers, strategic partners, and industry experts in one place and at one time.  There was deep, sustained dialogue and genuine interest.  Cleantech Forum San Francisco is likely the highest ‘return on daily burn’ of our business to-date.  We’ll be back every year,” said Sandy Ewing, CEO of Tellus Technologies. In addition to the Entrepreneur Showcase and Regional Spotlights featuring Italy, Korea, France and Hong Kong, the networking opportunities were a powerful draw.

“I just wanted to let you know how valuable ‘attending’ the conference was.  I was only able to attend one session because there were so many meeting opportunities with entrepreneurs, corporates and other investors.  Highly relevant players only attend if they believe that: (a) the content is interesting, and (b) there are other highly relevant participants that they want to meet.  Thanks for making my life more efficient and effective!  Cleantech Group pulled this off wonderfully,” said Gina Domanig, Managing Partner of Emerald Technology Ventures.

In a crowded conference field, Cleantech Forum San Francisco marries excellence in relationship building with brilliant business development opportunities.

About Cleantech Group Inc.
Cleantech Group’s market intelligence, events, and advisory services accelerate market adoption, stimulate demand, and remove barriers to cleantech innovation. A global company with offices in North America and Europe, we connect business leaders with cleantech innovation through the i3 platform the most comprehensive up-to-date source for insights into companies, investors, financing and relationships across the clean technology ecosystem. In October 2012, Cleantech Group merged with GreenOrder, a leading sustainability strategy and management consulting firm. Details at http://www.cleantech.com.

CONTACT:
Emma Zolbrod
emma.zolbrod@cleantech.com
Cleantech Group

SAN FRANCISCO – March 11, 2013 – Cleantech Group, the global market intelligence firm based in San Francisco, and Facebook, the world’s most influential social network, today announced the three finalists and honorable mentions for the “Cleantech Goes Social” contest.

The contest winner will be announced on Wednesday, March 20^th in front of global media at Cleantech Group’s prestigious Cleantech Forum San Francisco 2013, an annual deal-making summit for the most important investors, entrepreneurs, and corporate executives driving innovation in the clean technology industry.  Facebook and Cleantech Group launched the contest as a democratic, grassroots ‘open innovation’ effort to engage the network’s most creative thinkers on energy and resource challenges—and to enlist the public in meaningful and urgent dialogue.

The three finalists include SunFunder, a crowd funding platform to finance off-grid solar projects in developing countries; wattTime, an application that shows users their energy mix, including the percentage of current power from renewable sources; and yerdle Instant Share, whose founders discovered that Facebook users can find 20 percent of what they are searching to buy within their own Facebook friend network. The finalists and seven honorable mentions are listed here:  http://events.cleantech.com/sanfrancisco/cleantech-goes-social-1

“With more than one billion Facebook users, opportunities abound for developers to create products with immediate societal impact—and to vastly accelerate the adoption of clean technologies, fulfilling the promise of environmental sustainability,” stated Bill Weihl, Facebook’s Sustainability Guru. “The contest entries are both inspired and inspiring.”

“The caliber of the applications we received was fantastic, and served as a great reminder that innovation can come from anywhere,” said Sheeraz Haji, CEO of Cleantech Group.  “The excitement around the contest has been incredibly motivating and highlights the intersection of cleantech and the web as a means to scale sustainability solutions.  We are convinced that Facebook will play a pivotal role in advancing the social nature of cleantech.”

Facebook and Cleantech Group salute the ingenuity of contestants from across the globe.

About Cleantech Group Inc.

Cleantech Group’s market intelligence, events, and advisory services accelerate market adoption, stimulate demand, and remove barriers to cleantech innovation. A global company with offices in North America and Europe, we connect business leaders with cleantech innovation through the i3 platform the most comprehensive up-to-date source for insights into companies, investors, financing and relationships across the clean technology ecosystem. In October 2012, Cleantech Group merged with GreenOrder, a leading sustainability strategy and management consulting firm. Details at http://www.cleantech.com.

CONTACT:
Luke Pustejovsky
415-233-9700 x9741
luke.pustejovsky@cleantech.com
Cleantech Group

SAN FRANCISCO – January 29, 2013 – Cleantech Group™, a global market intelligence firm helping executives connect with cleantech innovation, today announced the launch of the “Cleantech Goes Social” contest in partnership with Facebook.

The goal of the contest is to support the development of new ways to use Facebook to promote the use of clean energy and to help people reduce their environmental impact. Contestants will be asked to submit concept pitches for products, applications, or services that use Facebook to advance the adoption of renewable technologies, engage people on resource and energy issues, and promote environmental sustainability.

The winning submission will be awarded a $25,000 prize and receive personalized guidance from Cleantech Group and Facebook on further development of the concept. The winner will be chosen from three finalists at Cleantech Forum San Francisco 2013, which is being held March 18-20 at the Hyatt Regency in San Francisco.

“There’s no shortage of new, clean technology addressing the world’s increasingly critical energy and resource challenges,” said Sheeraz Haji, CEO of Cleantech Group. “However, engaging the public on these issues and bringing these technologies into people’s homes and businesses at scale have remained elusive goals. Facebook, which connects more than a billion people around the world, provides companies and individuals with an unparalleled opportunity to address this adoption challenge.”

Entries will be judged on their potential impact, innovation, feasibility, and usability. The three finalists will present their proposals at Cleantech Forum San Francisco 2013 to investors, including Greenstart, and Forum attendees will vote on their favorite concept. The winner will be announced during the closing keynote of Facebook’s sustainability guru, Bill Weihl, on March 20, the last day of the Forum.

“We are thrilled to partner with Cleantech Group on this contest,” stated Weihl. “This initiative is a great way to leverage the Facebook platform to motivate individuals, groups, and communities to participate, promote, and share around energy and resource issues. It should help to accelerate the adoption and impact of a wide range of sustainability-focused products and services.”

Please refer to the contest homepage for further details and submission instructions.

About Cleantech Group Inc.

Cleantech Group’s market intelligence, events, and advisory services accelerate market adoption, stimulate demand, and remove barriers to cleantech innovation. A global company with offices in North America and Europe, we connect business leaders with cleantech innovation through the i3 platform the most comprehensive up-to-date source for insights into companies, investors, financing and relationships across the clean technology ecosystem. In October 2012, Cleantech Group merged with GreenOrder, a leading sustainability strategy and management consulting firm. Details at http://www.cleantech.com.

CONTACT:
Luke Pustejovsky
415-233-9700 x9741
luke.pustejovsky@cleantech.com
Cleantech Group

WEBSITE:

http://www.cleantech.com

Measured by dollars invested, cleantech venture investment dropped 33 percent from 2011 ($9.61 billion). The number of deals recorded in 2012 was 704, which was 15 percent lower than the 829 tracked in 2011. The tally may rise again once all investors have submitted all deals. Of these deals, 60 percent (422) were Series B or later rounds, accounting for 90 percent ($5.83 billion) of all money invested during the quarter.

“Weak IPO exits, political uncertainty, global macroeconomic stagnation, and fierce competition all played a role in dampening investor enthusiasm for the space in 2012,” said Sheeraz Haji, CEO of Cleantech Group and GreenOrder. “That said, the entire venture capital industry contracted in 2012, so cleantech is not alone in experiencing this pullback.  The cleantech sector will redefine itself in 2013 as investors regroup, continue to favor capital efficient startups and look for new ways to collaborate with large enterprises.”

VENTURE INVESTMENT BY TECHNOLOGY SECTOR

The leading sector in 2012 by amount invested was Biofuels & Biochemicals ($952 million), followed by Transportation ($927 million) and Energy Efficiency ($907 million). Energy Efficiency was the strongest sector measured by number of deals, with 140 funding rounds. The Solar sector, which saw large investment declines compared with previous years, still managed to come in second by this measure, with 79 deals.

The largest transactions in the top three sectors were:

BIOFUELS & BIOCHEMICALS – $952 million in 53 deals

• Sapphire Energy, a California-based developer of algae biofuels, raised $144 million from Monsanto, ARCH Venture Partners, Venrock Associates, and others.
• Beta Renewables, an Italian based joint venture between Chemtex and TPG developing facilities to make non-food cellulosic feedstocks practical for biofuels production, raised $116 million from Novozymes. The two companies are forming their own joint venture.
• Elevance Renewable Sciences, an Illinois-based producer of high-performance waxes, functional oils, anti-microbials, lubricants, additives and other chemicals using olefin metathesis technology, raised $104 million from Genting Berhad, Total Energy Ventures and others in a Series E offering after the company pulled its IPO plan.

TRANSPORTATION – $927 million in 71 deals

• Fisker Automotive, a California-based manufacturer of luxury electric cars, held two expansions of an existing round and opened a new round of equity, for a total of $381 million in new VC during the year. Investors include New Enterprise Associates, Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, and others.
• Protean Electric, a Michigan-based provider of in-wheel propulsion systems for electric vehicles, raised $84 million from GSR Ventures, Oak Investment Partners and others.
• ChargePoint, a California-based provider of electric vehicle charging solutions, raised $47.5 million from Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, Braemar Energy Ventures, and others.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY – $907 million in 140 deals

• IO Data Centers, an Arizona-based provider of next-generation modular data center technology and services designs, raised $90 million in a round led by New World Ventures.
• Blu Homes, a Massachusetts-based designer of green homes including resource efficient fabrication and energy efficient systems, raised $60 million of equity financing from Brightpath Capital Partners and Skagen Group.
• View, a California-based developer of energy-efficient glass technologies for buildings, raised $55 million in an equity financing round from Khosla Ventures, DBL Investors, Sigma Partners, and others.

VENTURE INVESTMENT BY WORLD REGION

North America accounted for 78 percent of the total venture investment, whereas Europe & Israel accounted for 17 percent, and Asia Pacific for 5 percent.

NORTH AMERICA: North American companies raised $5.07 billion, down 30 percent from 2011. In North America, California again led all states/provinces with $2.3 billion in investment (46 percent share), followed by Massachusetts ($930 million, 18 percent) and Texas (221 million, 4 percent). The largest deals included MA-based GreatPoint Energy ($420 million), California-based Fisker Automotive (multiple rounds for total of $381 million) and California-based Sapphire Energy ($144 million).

EUROPE AND ISRAEL: European and Israeli companies raised $1.1 billion, down 23.6 percent from 2011. There were 169 deals, declining from 202 in 2011. The largest deals were for Italy-based Beta Renewables ($116 million), UK-based Tamar Energy ($102 million) and Germany-based FriedolaTECH ($40 million).

ASIA PACIFIC: Asian companies raised $300 million in 44 disclosed rounds in 2012, down 67 percent from 2011 ($910 million). Notable deals were for China-based Golden State Environment ($55 million), China-based SunSun Lighting ($30 million), and India-based Doshion ($25 million).

GLOBAL M&As AND IPOs

M&A transactions involving clean technology totaled 213 transactions in 2012, of which totals were disclosed for 66 transactions totaling $39.7 billion. In 20 of the 213 transactions, the targets were VCPE-backed companies. Notable transactions for VCPE-backed cleantech companies were California-based Waste Connections acquiring Texas-based R360 Environmental Solutions for $1.3 billion, and Cabot’s $1.1 billion acquisition of Norit Holdings, a Netherlands-based producer of activated carbon and related services for water treatment and purification.

There were 37 clean technology IPOs raising a total of $4.1 billion during 2012, 16 of which were for venture-backed companies. The largest venture-backed IPOs were for Shenzhen Dongjiang Environmental, a provider of waste management and environmental services, which raised RMB 1.075 billion in an IPO on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange, and HC SemiTek, a developer of energy-efficient LED chips and materials, which raised RMB 1 billion on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange. Ten venture-backed cleantech companies withdrew their IPO plans during the year. Seven of them— including BrightSource Energy, Elevance Renewable Sciences, Genomatica and Glori Energy—either raised or openly expressed the desire to raise private funding instead of going public.

TOP GLOBAL VC INVESTORS

2012 Most Active Cleantech Venture Investors

Source: Cleantech Group’s i3 Platform (i3.cleantech.com)

About Cleantech Group Inc.

Cleantech Group’s market intelligence, events, and advisory services accelerate market adoption, stimulate demand, and remove barriers to cleantech innovation. A global company with offices in North America and Europe, we connect business leaders with cleantech innovation through the i3 platform, the most comprehensive up-to-date source for insights into companies, investors, financing and relationships across the clean technology ecosystem. In October 2012, Cleantech Group merged with GreenOrder, a leading sustainability strategy and management consulting firm. Details at http://www.cleantech.com.