Even in this economy, cleantech deals keep happening.  We're way behind on mentioning them here, so here's a catch-up of sorts:
  • ChapDrive AS, a Norwegian wind turbine transmission startup, has raised an EUR 6mm round of financing.  Existing investors NorthZone Ventures, Hafslund Venture and Energy Capital Management, and new investors StatoilHydro and Innovation Norway provided the funding.
  • VentureWire reported that Bloom Energy is raising a $150mm Series F round of financing, with an asked-for valuation of $1.45B.
  • VWire reported that Smith Electric Vehicles took in $10mm in undisclosed financing earlier this year, as part of the company's formation.
  • Think, the electric vehicle company, went bankrupt, reports VentureWire, and now its U.S. operation has been restructured to be a 100% subsidiary of Think AS, the Norwegian parent.  As part of the restructuring, Kleiner Perkins now has a direct stake in Think AS and RockPort has increased their stake in the parent as well.  The company is reportedly seeking a $40mm new equity infusion.
Cleantech investors and other luminaries in the news:
  • Last month, VentureWire reported that CalPERS is considering a $200mm commitment to Khosla's new $1B targeted expansion-stage fund.  The article also pointed out a few other firms out there raising $1B+ sized later stage funds, including Riverstone Holdings, Clean Energy Partners, and C Change Investments.
  • VWire also reported that Macquarie is in the process of raising a $400mm cleantech fund-of-funds.
Other news and notes:  Here in Boston, what sounds like a terrific group has been launched -- New England Women in Energy and the Environment (NEWIEE)...  Meanwhile, on the policy front, without getting into the pros and cons of it, it's worth pointing out the cleantech implications of an emerging debate on patent reform, as illustrated by this column [3/16 update: changed link]...  Also, here's another good article looking at the implications from the mention of cap and trade in Obama's budget...  China's cleantech sector took in $1.3B in venture capital and private equity last year, 120% up from 2007, according to one survey...  Xconomy's been running through a list of cleantech companies in selected regions, such as this list of Oregon players...  Martin LaMonica searches for the Google of cleantech...  Clean Edge released their latest annual clean energy market report, and while 2008 was a record year, they suggest 2009 won't be so rosy...  In Britain, the BVCA has set up an energy, environment and technology group...  Finally, "Show of hands," everyone!