Cleantech Investor

First published in Cleantech magazine, January 2009. Copyright Cleantech Investor Ltd. 2009

WHEB Ventures has reached a second closing on its second fund with commitments from a combination of institutions and family offices. Investors included the European Investment Fund and Banco Espirito Santo of Portugal. In conjunction with the close, WHEB announced plans to open a German office under newly appointed Partner Jörg Sperling.

First published in Cleantech magazine, January 2009. Copyright Cleantech Investor Ltd. 2009

Stanley Fink, who led the Man Group to become the world’s largest hedge fund firm, is setting up Earth Capital Partners and will act as non executive chairman.

First published in Cleantech magazine, January 2009. Copyright Cleantech Investor Ltd. 2009

The UK Carbon Trust is finalising plans for its new £250 million cleantech venture fund, which will be largely bankrolled by one of the Middle East's biggest hydrocarbon producers.

First published in Cleantech magazine, January 2009. Copyright Cleantech Investor Ltd. 2009

Listed UK renewable energy venture capital trusts, Ventus VCT PLC and Ventus 2 VCT PLC, have announced plans to raise up to £15 million of new capital under a C share offering expected to be launched in January 2009.

First published in Cleantech magazine, November 2008. Copyright Cleantech Investor Ltd. 2008

Size of fund: €70m
Stage: Launch

Italian private equity managers have launched Cape Helio, a €70 million fund dedicated to solar energy plants. This is a partnership project between mid-market private equity house Cape Natixis and energy firm Helio Partners. Acanthus Advisers is acting as a placement agent for Cape Helio.

First published in Cleantech magazine, November 2008. Copyright Cleantech Investor Ltd. 2008

Sustainable Technologies Fund

Closing at: €58m

Stage: Final close

Sustainable Technologies Fund held its final close at €58 million, with the support of an investor pool including two Swedish national pension funds, as well as Swedish and international institutions and individuals.