Energy efficiency companies raise over $1 billion funds in 2014

NEW DELHI: Companies focused on energy efficiency solutions globally raised more than USD 1.2 billion last year with the major chunk coming from venture capital funding activities, says a report.
Data compiled by Mercom Capital Group, a global clean energy communications and consulting firm, shows that energy efficiency companies worldwide mopped up USD 797 million through 80 deals last year.

"Lighting technology companies received the most funding in the energy efficiency sector with USD 315 million," it said in a report. Besides, energy efficiency companies raised USD 410 million by way of debt and public market financings. Globally, these entities have mopped up little over USD 1.2 billion in 2014.

As per Mercom, there were 26 M&A transactions last year in the energy efficiency segment. The top venture capital deal was that of US-based View raising USD 100 million, followed by Taiwan's Lextar Electronics, that received USD 83 million.

Meanwhile, Mercom said companies engaged in the storage/ battery space got about USD 418 million last year by way of venture capital funds. According to Mercom, global venture capital funding into smart grid technology companies stood at USD 383 million in 73 deals in 2014.

"Total corporate funding, including debt and public market financing, came to USD 844 million in 2014," it said.