Monthly Archive for June, 2010

Ecomagination $10 Billion Eco-R&D Push

Published on June 26, 2010 in Global Strategy and Greentech. 0 Comments Tags: , , , .

GE has a whole lot faith in its ecomagination initiative. So much faith, in fact, that the company is pumping $10 billion into the project’s R&D over the next 5 years–effectively doubling its investment from the past 5 years.

The reason is simple: ecomagination is a cash cow, generating $70 billion in revenue since its inception in 2005. GE believes it will generate $25 billion in 2010, up from $18 billion in 2009. Over the next 5 years, GE hopes that ecomagination revenue will grow at twice the rate of the company’s total revenue.

Ecomagination encompasses a broad set of projects. So far, ecomagination has spawned everything from low-energy digital mammography machines and aircraft engines to gas turbines and nuclear plants. There’s plenty more on the way, including a massive battery plant in New York, a $2 billion wind project in Oregon, and a series of high-end energy-efficient front-load washers and dryers set to be manufactured in Kentucky. And we can’t forget GE’s ambitious plan into integrate appliances (i.e. hot water heaters, microwaves, and oven ranges) with smart grid technology.

VCs Go Global

Published on June 8, 2010 in International Business and International Finance. 0 Comments Tags: .

VCs are on the hunt, and it doesn’t matter if a company is in Boston, Beijing, or Menlo Park, they’re looking to fund great ideas anywhere in the world. Some are even opening offices overseas in an effort to find the next big international thing.

For decades, the success of Silicon Valley has been undeniable. Venture capitalists’ investments have spawned some of the world’s most recognizable brands. Apple, Google, Intel, Cisco, Yahoo, eBay, and dozens of other household names were born and nurtured here. However, the model is changing. Venture capitalists and the companies they fund are looking beyond the Valley more often and with an eye to replicating the success of the Valley in other parts of the world ready for entrepreneurialism, risk, and reward. Find the complete article here.

The centre of the venture capital universe happens to revolve near Stanford University in California: Sand Hill Road to be precise. Explore the firms that drive the industry by clicking here for an interactive video.

The Evolution of the World Cup Ball

Published on June 7, 2010 in Ranting and Raving. 0 Comments Tags: .

Fighting Carbon Emissions: Cities take the Lead

Published on June 5, 2010 in Greentech and International Business. 2 Comments Tags: .

As national governments fail to cut carbon, cities are starting to take the initiative with programs aimed at reining in emissions. The efforts could have a profound impact: Cities are home to more than half the world’s population and pump out more than two-thirds of global carbon dioxide.

From the motorways of Los Angeles to the canals of Amsterdam, cities are taking the lead in the fight to reduce carbon output. As world leaders squabble over how to cut greenhouse gases, city hall is becoming the best hope for climate action. Given their smaller jurisdictions, local officials can green-light eco-projects faster than nationwide schemes can be implemented.

In Amsterdam, city elders are in the midst of a five-year, $1 billion program to improve creaking infrastructure. Amsterdam’s 2,400 houseboats have been fitted to use electricity instead of diesel, and cargo barges are now being converted as well. New York, meanwhile, has laid out a program called “PlaNYC.” The scheme includes tax breaks for solar panels, legal changes that spur property owners to make buildings more energy-efficient, and power plants that use food waste and wood chips. Find the complete special report on Green Energy here.