The National Renewable Energy Laboratory's 23rd Industry Growth Forum is to be held in Denver, Colorado, on October 19-21 this year. Frequently touted as NREL's premier event for innovative clean energy start-ups, companies come from all over the country to maximize their exposure to receptive venture capital, corporate investors, and strategic partners. This year, Andrews Kurth is proud to participate in a panel entitled "Is VC Financing in Cleantech Still Green? Funding in the Cleantech Space" which is taking place on Thursday, October 21, 2010, from 8:00 am to 9:00 am.

I am moderating this panel which taps expertise from two industry-leading VCs and a serial entrepreneur to give attendees a real world look at what has changed, where the money is being invested and what the future holds. Panelist Tim Woodward is the Managing Director at venture capital firm Nth Power. Mr. Woodward has led investments in companies involved in renewable energy, demand side management, advanced metering and outsourced utility customer management. Also serving as a panel member is David Kirkpatrick, co-founder and Managing Director of SJF Ventures. SJF focuses on high growth, positive impact ventures. Previous to SJF, he founded and managed two other successful enterprises—a cleantech investment research firm and a solar energy and recycling company. Rounding out the panelists is Eric Giler who is the CEO of MIT-inspired WiTricity. Mr. Giler's startup is developing wireless electricity for phones, cameras, TVs and other electrical devices that currently operate on chargeable battery power. Mr. Giler successfully served as CEO to two other technology-related companies prior to WiTricity.

Panelists will address financing trends, problems and attempt to offer solutions. Specifically, the panel will address the following questions during this thought-provoking and engaging presentation:

  1. How has the landscape changed for cleantech financing since the credit crunch?
  2. What role are angels playing in today's financing environment?
  3. What advice would you give entrepreneurs going after government grants?
  4. Who is benefiting from the funds available?

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