DOE: Your VC Partner

Last week's posting on raising funds through LinkedIn really hit a nerve.  I got an overwhelming response, most of them in the context of "Wow, I had no idea," and these were from professionals of impressive backgrounds.  As I have stated, I think the flock of "I need $3 mil" postings on LinkedIn is because funds are limited while ideas are aplenty.

 

The WSJ has a great article on the Department of Energy's (DOE) role as a business incubator and investor.  The point I find most fascinating (not surprising, as I have believed this all along) is that most VCs and other investors are sitting patiently, waiting for the government deciding which technologies will be favored . . . and then will jump in as successful technologies take off.  It's risky:  I'm a little queasy at the thought of the government and taxpayers taking the risk (need I say, TARP?), but relatively speaking, this is a small drop in the bucket compared to what we have spent on banks, GM, and gulp--health insurance reform.  Furthermore, this "green economy" and the jobs that will follow cannot take off unless the regulatory climate is clear.  Right now there is inertia while everyone waits for someone else to make that move, so the Obama Administration, while slowly moving in the right direction, needs to get that stimulus money out there!

 

If you are an entrepreneur and think you have a solid business plan, there are other programs you should consider:

 

 

Remember, you need a solid business plan outlining how your technology can work in the market.   GGP Media can help point you in the right direction.