Solyndra, the California maker of thin-film photovoltaic cells, received the most amount of venture capital cash in 2009, raising $198 million. Its backers are counting on a hefty payday with the company having recently filed for an Initial Public Offering (IPO). A123 Systems, the Massachusetts battery maker, which IPOed last fall, raised $100 million, according to data compiled by market research firm the CleanTech Group. Swiss smart meter maker Landis + Gyr, smart grid developer Silver Spring Networks and V-Vehicle, a clean vehicle manufacturer, also each raised $100 million last year — see charts below the fold.
Which VC firm invested the most money in renewable energy in 2009? Kleiner Perkins Caufield and Byers was the most active, having invested in 19 venture rounds in 2009 followed by SAIL Venture Partners, which invested in 15 rounds, according to the CleanTech Group.
Largest Cleantech VC Players in 2009:
Source: CleanTech Group; Barclays Capital