With a lagging IPO market and a grinding global recession, it's been brutal for startup companies. Simply put, many VCs have been holding back.
But there is one area that remains hopeful: cleantech.
In fact, today, Hara, a new company in the space will launch. Funded with $6 million from Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers (KPCB), the firm will offer a sophisticated software system that measures, audits and provides advice on how to lower environmental waste.
No doubt, with the Obama's Administration focus on carbon caps, there should be lots of traction for Hara. The company already has 12 customers, including biggies like Coca-Cola (NYSE: KO). Payments are based on a subscription basis.
Basically, it appears that the return-on-investment is fairly quick with Hara, which makes sense. After all, running a "green" company can certainly reduce overall costs, which is definitely important in the current economic environment.
Also, keep in mind that former vice-president Al Gore is a partner in KPCB. And yes, he was a key advocate of the Hara deal.
Tom Taulli is the author of various books, including The Complete M&A Handbook
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
6-01-2009 @ 11:05AM
Jane Palmer said...
It becomes clearer every day that the Gore is in this game for the money, money, money. What a creep.
6-01-2009 @ 11:52AM
required said...
I fail to understand what is creepy about bettering our world. In fact Jane I find your insane disdain for Gore a bit creepy.