A new pet peeve

So it seems that the big push among cleantech startups right now isn't just asking for money from the government...  It's also putting out press releases announcing that they're asking for money.  I won't name names, but I now get a few of these PRs in my in-box each day.  I can't imagine it does much good towards affecting any official grant decision-making process.  And if that startup doesn't get the requested grant, then how does it look for them?

Worse, these announcements are often covered as breaking news by the industry media.  Sign of the times, I guess.  But it's still a bit much, IMHO. 

So onto real news -- recent announced deals:

• Solar startup Tigo Energy has raised a $10mm Series B, led by Israel Cleantech Ventures, and including existing investors Matrix Partners, OVP and Clal Energy.

• Cellulose-to-sugars startup HCL CleanTech has raised a Series A (amount not disclosed) from Burrill & Co. and Khosla Ventures, alongside existing seed investors Zohar Gilon and founders.

• I believe that 2009 is going to be a big year for venture investments in carbon-market IT.  Today's exhibit A is the unstealthing of Hara, which was funded by Kleiner last year (Kanellos reported the amount at $6mm).  

Other news and notes:  Here's a good update on the tidal power market...  Smart grid to be $17B market by 2014, says one analyst...  Here's some great market data on geothermal...  It's not about cleantech per se, but to an econ dork like me it has resonance -- a good overview of the use of auctions in economic policy...  Finally, here's someone who actually made money from corn-based ethanol!  (Well, not from the ethanol itself...)

One quick note -- if you enjoy the news and notes portions of these posts, I've been putting other such things up on a twitter feed (yes, I know, I know).