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Useful Stats: VC investments double over decade; deal growth slows

Thursday, January 25, 2018

Over the five-year period from 2012 to 2017, as total venture capital investments more than doubled, growing from $41.2 billion to $84.0 billion, the number of deals increased by just 2.7 percent according to new data from the NVCA-Pitchbook Venture Capital Monitor. In 2017, more than half of all venture capital deals and three-quarters of all venture capital dollars went to companies in California, New York, and Massachusetts in 2017.

Over the ten-year period from 2007 to 2017, as total venture capital investments more than doubled, growing from $41.2 billion to 84.0 billion, the number of deals increased by just 2.7 percent according to new data from the NVCA-Pitchbook Venture Capital Monitor. In 2017, more than half of all venture capital deals and three-quarters of all venture capital dollars went to companies in California, New York, and Massachusetts in 2017. However, the share of deals going to these three states decreased slightly from 2007 to 2017 (from 56.1 to 52.4 percent), while the share of dollars increased from 62.3 percent to 75.7 percent. 

  • Read more about Useful Stats: VC investments double over decade; deal growth slows

EU launches fund-of-funds to stimulate European VC markets

Thursday, April 19, 2018

The European Commission and European Investment Fund announced the creation of VentureEU – a fund-of-fund initiative intended to increase the availability of venture capital for the continent’s startup community. Through the VentureEU effort, the EU will invest approximately €410 million (approximately 507.8 million USD) across six funds run by established European fund managers.

  • Read more about EU launches fund-of-funds to stimulate European VC markets

Q1 venture capital report: Disappearing small deals

Thursday, April 12, 2018

PitchBook and NVCA released the 2018 Q1 Venture Monitor this week, and the data show that 2017’s trends toward fewer, larger deals are only accelerating into the new year. First financings are over $5 million for the first time since Q3 of 2006, and the average angel and seed deals are at their largest sizes in at least a decade — largely due to investments under $1 million now accounting for just 39 percent of disclosed deals.

  • Read more about Q1 venture capital report: Disappearing small deals

VC recorded lower IRR than several other asset classes from 1999-2017

Thursday, April 5, 2018

The equal-weighted internal rate of return (IRR) for the venture capital (VC) industry was 6.6 percent between Q2 of 1999 and Q2 of 2017, according to the 1Q 2018 PitchBook Benchmarks. Over that 18-year timespan, several other asset classes – such as private equity (10.5 percent), debt financing (10.1 percent), fund-of-funds (8.1 percent) and several stock market indices – significantly outperformed the VC industry’s equal-weighted IRR.

  • Read more about VC recorded lower IRR than several other asset classes from 1999-2017

SSBCI VC investments attracted $12:1 private financing, local partners

Thursday, August 3, 2017

The U.S. Department of Treasury released its final annual report for the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI), which provided funding to states for lending and investment programs. “Venture capital” programs, often structured for pre-seed (13 percent of funds), seed (27 percent) or early stage (45 percent) investments, attracted $4.2 billion in immediate private financing against $327 million in federal dollars.

The U.S. Department of Treasury released its final annual report for the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI), which provided funding to states for lending and investment programs. “Venture capital” programs, often structured for pre-seed (13 percent of funds), seed (27 percent) or early stage (45 percent) investments, attracted $4.2 billion in immediate private financing against $327 million in federal dollars. This leverage of $12.76 of private investment for every public dollar was further improved by more than $2 billion in subsequent private financing to date. Perhaps more significant than the program’s ability to attract private investors has been its success in generating investments outside of the nation’s most concentrated markets.

  • Read more about SSBCI VC investments attracted $12:1 private financing, local partners

A deeper dive into company valuations: the case of female-founders

Thursday, March 15, 2018

Valuations of venture backed companies and the number of unicorns are rising based on the leading nationwide surveys, but closer examination of the data reveals not all startups are seeing the effect. The median valuation for female-founded companies, for example, was lower in 2017 (approximately $11 million) than it was in 2007 (approximately $15 million), according to research from PitchBook’s Dana Olson.

Valuations of venture backed companies and the number of unicorns are rising based on the leading nationwide surveys, but closer examination of the data reveals not all startups are seeing the effect. The median valuation for female-founded companies, for example, was lower in 2017 (approximately $11 million) than it was in 2007 (approximately $15 million), according to research from PitchBook’s Dana Olson. In comparison, the median valuation for male-founded startups has increased by approximately $8 million between 2007 (approximately $21 million) and 2017 (approximately $29 million). Olson also found that, across all industries, a much higher percentage of VC-backed, male-founded companies (35 percent) received at least one round of follow-on funding than female-founded companies (2 percent). With regard to exits, male-founded startups are acquired more than 11 percent of the time, while less than 0.5 percent of female-founded startups ever reach the same milestone. Male-founded companies also have a higher rate of IPO (nearly 1.7 percent) than female-founded startups (less than 1 percent).

 

  • Read more about A deeper dive into company valuations: the case of female-founders

Looking Forward: VC-backed technology areas to watch in 2018

Thursday, February 1, 2018

With the 2017 data in the books (see our analysis of MoneyTree and useful stats from the Venture Monitor), SSTI continues our series (see part 1) highlighting trends to watch in 2018.

With the 2017 data in the books (see our analysis of MoneyTree and useful stats from the Venture Monitor), SSTI continues our series (see part 1) highlighting trends to watch in 2018. In this installment, we review two technology areas poised for increased VC-backed investments —genetics technologies for healthcare and specialized artificial intelligence and machine learning — as well as spotlight other potential areas that might emerge as key technology areas for VC-backing.

  • Read more about Looking Forward: VC-backed technology areas to watch in 2018

Looking Forward: VC trends to watch in 2018

Thursday, January 25, 2018

With the 2017 data in the books (see our analysis of MoneyTree and useful stats from the Venture Monitor), we can take a more informed look at the prospects for the industry in 2018.

With the 2017 data in the books (see our analysis of MoneyTree and useful stats from the Venture Monitor), we can take a more informed look at the prospects for the industry in 2018. We identify four trends — increasing exits, massive deals, accumulating capital and improved diversity — that may shape the overall VC industry in 2018 and why they could make a difference for regional innovation initiatives.

  • Read more about Looking Forward: VC trends to watch in 2018

VC funding tops $70B for second time, 2017 MoneyTree Report

Thursday, January 18, 2018

In this first part of a two-part series, SSTI will look at the common themes and trends of 2017 that were highlighted in the 2017 MoneyTree Report. In part two, SSTI will provide insights on some potential new trends observed last year that may continue to affect the investment of venture capital in 2018.

In this first part of a two-part series, SSTI will look at the common themes and trends of 2017 that were highlighted in the 2017 MoneyTree Report. In part two, SSTI will provide insights on some potential new trends observed last year that may continue to affect the investment of venture capital in 2018.

The U.S. venture capital industry’s annual funding topped $70 billion in 2017 for the second time ever, according to PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC) and CB Insights' 2017 MoneyTree Report. The $71.9 billion invested marked a 6.8 percent increase from 2016 — the record high-water mark of $76.8 billion was achieved in 2015.  

  • Read more about VC funding tops $70B for second time, 2017 MoneyTree Report

VC-backed startups help support vibrant innovation ecosystems, research finds

Thursday, November 30, 2017

Venture-backed startups generate nine times the knowledge spillovers (e.g., patenting activity and citations) when compared to that produced by R&D investment of established companies, according to recent research.

Venture-backed startups generate nine times the knowledge spillovers (e.g., patenting activity and citations) when compared to that produced by R&D investment of established companies, according to recent research. In Measuring the Spillovers of Venture Capital, researchers from the University of Munich found that, on average, two-thirds of this increase can be traced to more patenting by other companies within the VC-backed company’s spillover pool (e.g., companies with geographic or industry proximity). The companies that most benefited from the knowledge spillover were large, established companies.

  • Read more about VC-backed startups help support vibrant innovation ecosystems, research finds

Are VC funds inflating a bubble?

Thursday, November 2, 2017

Through the third quarter of 2017, the venture capital market saw an average deal that invested more money into larger and older companies than in prior years. With fewer exits and deals occurring throughout the industry — as well as a historic $90+ billion in uninvested capital (aka “dry powder”) — a reasonable expectation might be that funds would have a difficult time raising capital.

Through the third quarter of 2017, the venture capital market saw an average deal that invested more money into larger and older companies than in prior years. With fewer exits and deals occurring throughout the industry — as well as a historic $90+ billion in uninvested capital (aka “dry powder”) — a reasonable expectation might be that funds would have a difficult time raising capital. In fact, fund raising, while likely to finish behind 2016, is set for another straight year with greater than $30 billion raised, and this money is going into more funds with an overall increasing fund size.

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While U.S. Startups Barometer remains bullish on VC market, concerns exist about startup pipeline

Thursday, August 24, 2017

Bloomberg’s U.S. Startups Barometer for August 21, 2017 highlights an environment ripe for startups to attract venture capital (VC). The weekly index tracks the overall health of the business environment for private technology companies based in the U.S. Driven by the number of VC financing deals, the barometer set a new record high for the second consecutive week with a nearly 65 percent increase from last year’s index score.

Bloomberg’s U.S. Startups Barometer for August 21, 2017 highlights an environment ripe for startups to attract venture capital (VC). The weekly index tracks the overall health of the business environment for private technology companies based in the U.S. Driven by the number of VC financing deals, the barometer set a new record high for the second consecutive week with a nearly 65 percent increase from last year’s index score.

  • Read more about While U.S. Startups Barometer remains bullish on VC market, concerns exist about startup pipeline

Latest VC reports continue 2017’s Rorschach test

Thursday, October 26, 2017

Two 2017 Q3 venture capital market updates are not providing much clarity on the underlying state of the industry. Data on greater uninvested capital, larger deals and fewer exits, among other indicators, suggest that venture capital is in need of a market correction. At the same time, new fundraising, a move toward wider geographic distribution and the rise of alternative financial structures could speak toward the emergence of a more sophisticated market. In the absence of decisive indicators, the data allow for any number of explanations and predictions.

  • Read more about Latest VC reports continue 2017’s Rorschach test

31 Mega-rounds, strong fundraising drive VC industry in Q2 of 2017

Thursday, July 27, 2017

As we enter the second half of 2017, the U.S. venture capital (VC) market is driven by several noticeable trends. After peaking in 2015, the current VC market continues its slow decline in the number of deals, but Q2 of 2017 saw a spike in mega-rounds – rounds of $100 million or more. These mega-rounds are accompanied by strong fundraising efforts including a record-setting mega fund launch.

As we enter the second half of 2017, the U.S. venture capital (VC) market is driven by several noticeable trends. After peaking in 2015, the current VC market continues its slow decline in the number of deals, but Q2 of 2017 saw a spike in mega-rounds – rounds of $100 million or more. These mega-rounds are accompanied by strong fundraising efforts including a record-setting mega fund launch. 

  • Read more about 31 Mega-rounds, strong fundraising drive VC industry in Q2 of 2017

Regionally focused investors yielding more than ROI

Thursday, July 20, 2017

An SSTI analysis of exits occurring during the second quarter by a number of venture development organizations reveals equity investment in innovation companies undertaken as strategic public-private partnerships for regional growth can yield more for their communities than just hitting the return on investment expectations of seed and traditional venture capital. The recent exits highlighted below reveal a variety of economic development impacts resulting from effective innovation investment strategies, including:

An SSTI analysis of exits occurring during the second quarter by a number of venture development organizations reveals equity investment in innovation companies undertaken as strategic public-private partnerships for regional growth can yield more for their communities than just hitting the return on investment expectations of seed and traditional venture capital. The recent exits highlighted below reveal a variety of economic development impacts resulting from effective innovation investment strategies, including:

  • Increased competitiveness and growth of local firms through mergers and acquisition;
  • New market entry and new product lines for existing manufacturers;
  • Opportunities to broaden wealth generation among wider population;
  • Foreign direct investment and company relocation; and of course,
  • Wealth generation, tax revenues and job growth within the local community.

Note: this is SSTI’s second look at recent VDO exits; selected first quarter 2017 exits for VDOs are available here.  Second quarter highlights include:

  • Read more about Regionally focused investors yielding more than ROI

Useful Stats: Share of U.S. venture capital activity and per capita investment by state, 2010-2016

Thursday, March 23, 2017

Once again, more than three-quarters of U.S. venture capital (VC) dollars went to companies in California, New York and Massachusetts in 2016, according to data from the PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC)/CB Insights’ Moneytree Report Explorer. Approximately 53.3 percent of all VC capital went to California companies, down nearly 4.4 percent from the states peak in 2014 (57.7) and down 3.9 percent from 2015.

  • Read more about Useful Stats: Share of U.S. venture capital activity and per capita investment by state, 2010-2016

Useful Stats: Contraction of VC investing continues

Thursday, April 6, 2017

The number of companies receiving venture capital investments during the first quarter of 2017 dropped 24 percent compared to a year ago, according to the latest NVCA-Pitchbook Venture Capital Monitor, released Tuesday.  Venture capitalists also parted with 12 percent less money during the quarter, suggesting to the report’s authors that 2017 is on pace to compare to 2013 levels.

  • Read more about Useful Stats: Contraction of VC investing continues

Recent exits by VDOs nurturing innovation cycles

Thursday, April 6, 2017

Billion dollar acquisitions and IPOs of young startups capture a lot of media attention, but they are not the norm for the market by any means. Exits do not need to be measured in the billions of dollars to have significant economic development benefit for the states and regions that make sustained investments into startup innovation firms. An SSTI analysis of the Pitchbook and Crunchbase investment databases reveals a number of recent exits by venture development organizations (VDOs) that may provide funding to re-invest in even more innovation-based startups in their regions. Our analysis reveals that many of the acquired companies appear to be maintaining their local operations as they use the acquisition funds to scale. Several examples from the past quarter alone demonstrate the value of the VDO approach to supporting regional prosperity.

  • Read more about Recent exits by VDOs nurturing innovation cycles

VC capital 2016 review, 2017 outlook

Thursday, January 5, 2017

After a down year for both the number of venture capital (VC) deals and the total dollars invested in U.S.-based startups, analysts remain split on whether 2017 will be a continuation of the downward trend or a rebound year. Those bullish on the market point toward strong fundraising totals in 2015-2016 and a likely uptick in the number of initial public offering (IPO) market. Whereas, those bearish on the VC market are concerned about a congested industry.

  • Read more about VC capital 2016 review, 2017 outlook

Top Stories from 2016 and a Preview of 2017

Tuesday, December 20, 2016

This week, we take a look at the top SSTI Weekly Digest stories from 2016 and give you an idea of what to look for in the coming months.

  • Read more about Top Stories from 2016 and a Preview of 2017

Alternative to VC: Capital Models to Achieve Economic Prosperity

Thursday, December 8, 2016

In last week’s Digest article – Alternatives to VC: Reconsidering the Startup Financing Paradigm – SSTI examined the conventional venture capital (VC) model as well as its advantages and limitations. In this installment, we will highlight alternatives such as revenue-based financing, venture debt, crowdfunding and a new financing model for cleantech proposed by Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) researchers. We also take a look at the potential that these alternatives have for the field of tech-based economic development.

  • Read more about Alternative to VC: Capital Models to Achieve Economic Prosperity

Alternatives to VC: Reconsidering the Startup Financing Paradigm

Wednesday, November 30, 2016

Venture capital (VC) financing is a highly competitive process that backs only 1 percent to 2 percent of all startups that apply for funding, leaving many searching for financing alternatives.  In this two-part feature, SSTI examines the typical VC model, its advantages and limitations, and next week will highlight alternatives such as revenue-based financing, venture debt, crowdfunding and a new financing model for cleantech proposed

  • Read more about Alternatives to VC: Reconsidering the Startup Financing Paradigm

CB Insights: VCs Pivot to More Realistic Valuations

Thursday, October 20, 2016

Despite Brexit and political uncertainty in the U.S., stability is returning to the global VC market as investors shift from new unicorn chasing and a renewed interest in global initial private offerings (IPOs) by late-stage startups, according to a new report from CB Insights – Venture Pulse Q3 2016.

  • Read more about CB Insights: VCs Pivot to More Realistic Valuations

Companies Receiving VC Funding Declined for 5th Straight Quarter, Report Finds

Thursday, October 13, 2016

While the number of companies receiving venture capital (VC) backing continues to decline, the amount of money invested remains near record levels. As of Q3, the annual investment total for 2016 is approximately $56 billion invested across 6,000 companies.

  • Read more about Companies Receiving VC Funding Declined for 5th Straight Quarter, Report Finds

Startup Exits, Valuations Decline in First Half 2016, Reports Find

Thursday, September 29, 2016

After an extremely strong venture capital market in 2015, the industry seems to show the signs of a decline driven by both cautious and fatigued investors. Three recent studies from Pitchbook and CB Insights indicate that there are several reasons why venture capital firms and other investors have been more cautious so far in 2016 including: mixed economic growth numbers; a volatile political climate; and, more security in private markets.

  • Read more about Startup Exits, Valuations Decline in First Half 2016, Reports Find

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