Cleantech is the fastest growing sector for venture capital, and Indiana attracted $26 million in venture capital between 2006 and 2008. Price-Waterhouse-Coopers reports that cleantech captured 5% of all venture capital investment in 2006, 9% in 2007 and to 15% in 2008. That added up to $4.7 billion in 2008 – a 68% increase from 2007 and more than 20 times the amount invested in 2002. Companies can also raise cash for cleantech investment more easily: In 2002 only 43 companies raised money from venture capital, but by 2008 that number rise to 171.

These investments are powerful job-creators. The National Venture Capital Association estimates that each $100 million in venture capital funding helps create 2,700 jobs, $500 million in annual revenues for two decades and many indirect jobs.

The Hoosier State attracted $26 million in venture capital over the last three years, but that figure will grow significantly if we adopt federal energy policy.

Indiana business leaders agree that energy security and climate policies aimed at putting our country on a more secure economic path are vital to our continued prosperity. Capping carbon emissions will hasten the growth of our clean tech industries, spur innovation, drive investment, foster job creation, and encourage economic growth.

Header image courtesy of http://www.flickr.com/photos/roundaboutindy/