US private investment firm Meidlinger Partners launches new cleantech fund

12 November 2009

US private investment firm Meidlinger Partners has held a first closing on its latest investment vehicle, Meidlinger Partners Sustainable Investments.

Limited Partners committed $4.25m to the fund, while Benchmark Asset Managers, a founding investor, is also expected to add an additional $10.75m toward the fund’s target size of $100m.

The fund provides expansion capital to proven companies in the lower market in the water, wastewater and energy sectors.

Kevin Brophy, Meidlinger’s co-founder and CEO, said, ‘The lower market is the sweet spot where operational, industrial and technical support can act as a catalyst to propel portfolio companies to the next level. Since January 2009, we have seen 560 such cleantech investment opportunities, of which we are tracking more than 100 and taking a close look at five. Many of these fit into the attractive water/energy nexus space.’

The firm said that it aims to capitalise on the strong momentum from the government, businesses, and consumers to address climate change, pursue energy independence and firm up national security.

Dr Karen Meidlinger, managing principal and co-founder, said, ‘We are modeling outsized returns for this fund, given the rapid growth of the market, the enormous demand for capital and the low level of investor competition given the esoteric nature of the space. We are also excited to roll up our sleeves and become an integral part of our portfolio companies as a financial, strategic and operational partner.’

G Benjamin Bingham, managing director of Benchmark Asset Managers, and a member of Meidlinger’s advisory board, added, ‘Benchmark’s investors are looking for exposure to private companies, especially in the growing cleantech space. Our firm is proud to have been a founding investor in this fund and sees great promise for the future.’

Meidlinger made its first investment in Triton Water, an advanced water treatment company headquartered near Hamburg, Germany. Meidlinger co-invested alongside cleantech venture capital firm zouk ventures. The business provides end-to-end water and wastewater solutions for cargo ships and cruise ships, industrial companies such as its customers Airbus and Deutsche Solar, and municipalities.

Copyright © 2009 NewNet

Tags: private equity

This story was published on Thursday, November 12th, 2009 at 4:36 pm and is filed under North America, funds. You can follow any responses to article entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

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