VCs raised fewest funds in Q2 since 1996

VCs raised fewest funds in Q2 since 1996

We’ve already published (unsurprising) data showing a big drop in the funding raised by venture capital firms during the last six months. Now the National Venture Capital Association and Thomson Reuters have released a new set of numbers focusing on the second quarter of the… Continue Reading

Cleantech could top venture capital within five years

Cleantech could top venture capital within five years

Cleantech could be the largest area for venture capital investment within five years if not sooner, Mark Heesen, president of the National Venture Capital Association, told VentureBeat in an interview. The NVCA has been bullish on cleantech for several years now, but the stars do… Continue Reading

Hobnobbing and politics with the National Venture Capital Association

Hobnobbing and politics with the National Venture Capital Association

I just got home from the annual meeting of the National Venture Capital Association, which was a fun experience. This may sound a little weird (especially since I’m not looking to get funding for a startup anytime soon), but it was actually kind of exciting… Continue Reading

VC tax continued — differing views

VC tax continued — differing views

Private Equity Week’s Dan Primack has a good follow-up on the debate about the new tax for venture capitalists and other investors.

A public backlash against these investors is encouraging politicians: The extravagant ways of Blackstone, the buyout firm that that just went public and where… Continue Reading

Sarbanes-Oxley debate heats up — VC lobbyist blasts accountants

Sarbanes-Oxley debate heats up — VC lobbyist blasts accountants

Sarbanes-Oxley, a batch of legislation passed in 2002 to tighten financial controls at public companies in the wake of the Enron and Worldcom disasters, is generally a good thing.

It has one major flaw, however: A lack of guidance to companies about exactly how to… Continue Reading

Note to Washington: About half of VC-backed company founders are immigrants

For those who live and work in Silicon Valley, the positive impact of foreign nationals on the region is obvious. The area has long been a magnet for the best and brightest students, entrepreneurs and professionals from all over the world to thrive. Just look… Continue Reading