2006 clean tech investment ends strong

I was just checking out Martin LaMonica’s blog at CNET and it looks like the 2006 clean tech numbers came out from the Cleantech Venture Network. $2.6b invested in clean technologies; 78 percent increase over 2005. Even better, Martin references a recent study by the National Venture Capital Association showing that VCs plan to maintain investment levels in “hot” sectors such as energy and the Internet in 2007.

Lots of money. Lots of startups. Lots of VCs building their clean credentials. Let’s hope the path to commercialization is fast and successful.

Clean exchange-traded funds

An article in one of Forbes’ newsletters today by Will McClatchy of ETFZone describes how clean and green investing options have evolved significantly in recent years and highlights what we need to know about the two main approaches to social investing in the form of exchange-traded funds (ETFs). A lot of this isn’t new to people tracking the clean tech industry closely but it’s nice to see it summarized in one place for a mainstream investor audience. If you have a few dollars to spare and are looking for socially responsible investment options without the time commitment of individual stocks, one of these clean ETFs could be your answer.