DFJ, Element Partners Becoming Active in India in Clean Energy, BOP

By Narsi Santhanam • Sep 25th, 2009 • Category: Uncategorized

The global venture capitalist Draper Fisher Jurvetson (DFJ) is seeking broader investment opportunities with two of its family funds —DFJ Growth Capital and Element Partners — kicking off action in India.

DFJ, a marque Silicon Valley venture capitalist associated with start-ups, such as Skype and Hotmail, is believed to be managing capital commitments of nearly $5 billion worldwide. While DFJ Growth will invest in firms with validated revenue of $5 million upwards, Element Partners is focused on clean energy and has already uncorked an investment with talks currently underway for more.

Element Partners is a $500-million multi-stage clean technology fund partnering with entrepreneurs across the lifecycle and plays the role of PE investor as well. It has made one local investment in Deeya Energy, a renewable energy storage firm, and could be in play more.

Meanwhile, DFJ’s growing affinity for ‘bottom of the pyramid’ investments in rural electrification, water purification and solar energy also open up more opportunities in the clean energy and material science space.

About the Author

Narasimhan (Narsi) has extensive experience in understanding renewable energy markets and strategic levers for success in these markets. His special focus has been his work on the Indian renewable energy industry. His work in the previous 15 years have spanned market and industry research, product management and international sales, and strategic consulting. see more http://www.eai.in/ref/team/ns.html

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