Greenhouse Capital goes back to the well for first fund

Instead of launching a second fund, Greenhouse Capital Partners has decided to reopen its $12 million first fund to raise even more, reports VentureWire. Based in Sausalito, Calif., the firm typically backs seed-stage cleantech startups. It had hoped to raise $100 million when it set out last year, but had its dreams dashed when the downturn set in.

By raising more, Greenhouse hopes to add two to three more companies to its current portfolio of nine — which includes two solar startups and one wind operation. This goal won’t require that much more, considering most of the startups receive less than a million each. The firm hopes to branch into other areas of cleantech as well, increasing its focus on demand-side software solutions, carbon trading systems, sustainable building materials, green consumer products and energy efficiency concepts.

Breaking from its emphasis on early-stage green startups, Greenhouse has also invested in a diagnostics maker and a sales intelligence software company. And it chipped in on a third round of funding for solar silicon ingot maker Solaicx. Its portfolio includes LifeFactory, maker of eco-friendly baby bottles, and HidLabs, provider of efficient commercial lighting. Most recently, it invested in Renewable Fuel Products, a company testing vegetable oils for transportation fuel capabilities.