CleanTech OC Weekly

Exclusive: Nest has raised another $80M, now shipping 40K+ thermostats a month
With Google Ventures leading the round, smart thermostat startup Nest has closed on $80 million and was done at a post money valuation of $800 million. Nest is now shipping 40,000 to 50,000 of its learning thermostats per month. If the company maintains this rate, they could reach a shipment rate of 1 million thermostats per year by the summer. Nest sells its thermostats through retailers like Lowe’s and Best Buy, as well as through the online Apple store and its own online website.

Fundraising Advice For The Seed-Stage Cleantech Innovator

Entrepreneurs in the cleantech sector are vital to the future of the industry. Though, many early stage companies struggle getting started. This GTM piece suggests that perhaps these companies are not looking for the right thing – funding should follow how to turn their idea in to a business. Below are some suggestions that are intended to help innovators turn their ideas into a real business.

1. Attack your own idea. Why won't it succeed?

2. Decide if you are going to develop a component, or a full solution.

3. Recognize that at this stage, it's all about the customer proof points and the prototype.

4. Write a business plan.

5. Find your team.

6. Approach funders.

 

California M&A Activity Reaches Highest Level Since 2009, With Tech Deals LeadingThe Way
According to Mergermarket, $91.1 billion worth of mergers and acquisitions occurred last year in California, the strongest level seen since 2009. The technology sector led the way with 30.5 percent of deals or about $27.8 billion worth of deals.