AAA June 2011 – Page 2

GE shows open innovation and venturing potential

GE has seen more than 5,000 submissions for its $200m Ecomagination corporate venturing fund. Within a year, and in just one segment it invests in, GE has become one of the world’s largest corporate venturers by committing $134m to more than 20 portfolio companies identified by its Ecomagination Challenge.

Foundation brushes up on Affineti

George Heinrich, chief executive of Foundation Venture Capital Group, said: “The link between gum disease and cardiovascular disease is strong enough for us to consider that Dr Fine’s [Affineti founder Daniel Fine who is also a professor and chair at Department of Oral Biology at University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-New Jersey Dental School] research will impact health on many levels.”

Think’s electric car stops

In a regulatory filing, US-based battery maker Ener1 said it was taking a $35.4m charge for loans to Think “based on the announcement by Think Global that, following an extended and ultimately unsuccessful search for long-term financing, it will file bankruptcy proceedings in the Norwegian courts on June 22”.

GKN drives into Evo Electric

UK-listed industrial group GKN has made its first public corporate venturing deal by buying a 25.1% stake in Evo Electric, a local clean-tech power company for cars. Alongside the £4m ($6.4m) purchase of shares, GKN has agreed to invest £1m in a joint venture – known as GKN EVO eDrive Systems – between its Driveline… Continue reading GKN drives into Evo Electric

Kior floats with $150m

Kior sold 10 million shares below its $19 to $21 per share range and two of its investors, venture capital firms Khosla Ventures and Artis Capital Management, said they would buy up to 3.5 million shares at its listing price in the initial public offering, according to its regulatory filing.