Kleiner Perkins leads slower Q2 cleantech investing

Investments in clean technology projects fell 10 percent in the second quarter this year to $1.83 billion when compared to $2.03 billion in the second quarter of 2010, according to research firm Cleantech Group.

Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers led venture capital firms in the number of fundraising rounds. The venture capital firm participated in a total of 12 rounds, including those of electric bus manufacturer Proterra and iControl Networks. Draper Fisher Jurveston had the next highest number of investments at six fundraising rounds.

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Companies that produce technology that helps increase energy efficiency through the use of more advanced computer algorithms that plug into the “smart grid” led the clean technology sector in the second quarter. Those companies brought in $428 million in investments, including efficient lighting systems Bridgelux’s $80 million round led by Chrysalix Energy Venture Capital.

Most firms invested in North American-based companies. Those companies raised $1.42 billion in the second quarter this year, down 10 percent from the same quarter a year earlier. Californian companies led the region by bringing in $611 million in venture capital investments.

Nearly a dozen companies made their debut in public trading in the second quarter this year, bringing in about $2 billion in funding. Algae-based biofuel maker Solazyme made the biggest splash in U.S.-based markets after making its debut on the NASDAQ stock market. That company raised $227 million in its initial public offering.

Here’s a breakdown of the clean technology sectors that received funding:

Energy Efficiency: $428 million across 38 deals, led by Bridgelux’s $80 million funding round.

Solar Power: $363 million across 27 deals, led by solar panel manufacturer Suniva’s $94.7 million funding round.

Biofuels: $237 million across 12 deals, led by trash-to-fuel company Enerkem’s $60 million funding round.

Transportation: $176 million across 9 deals, led by luxury hybrid electric car maker Fisker Automotive’s $100 million funding round.

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