Energy venture capital: Get rich quick or save the planet?

COMSCI 4

Bernard J. Bulkin, bernie.bulkin@btinternet.com, Vantage Point Venture Partners, 1001 Bayhill Drive, San Bruno, CA 94066
Suddenly the energy industry has become hot for venture capitalists. Instead of crawling over biology departments for new pharmaceuticals, these so-called cleantech investors are looking for new biofuels. And instead of new semiconductors and gadgets, it is all about solar power. But does the venture capitalist add any value, and if so, how? Is this about partnership or exploitation? And how can we increase the chances of success? Using real example from the author's experience, we will look at the positives and negatives of working with a venture capitalist to commercialize new energy technology. The possibility for new sorts of partnerships between universities, large companies, and the venture community, will be discussed.