A bunch of independent research reports are out on worldwide venture capital and private equity activity during the April to June quarter of 2009. Overall, fundraising and investment levels continue to be depressed, compared to the same period in 2008. But, the second quarter numbers mark some improvement over the January to March 2009 quarter.
- The National Venture Capital Association (NVCA) reports that venture capital exits in the US market have shown “mild improvement”. Initial public offerings (IPO), the preferred exit route for venture capital investors, have made a small comeback. Five venture-backed companies hit the capital markets to raise $720.7 million in the April to June 2009 quarter. This is a significant improvement over the full year 2008, which saw only six IPOs worth $470.2 million. More details in the NVCA release here.
- Preqin reports $76 billion in global private equity (includes venture capital) fundraising during the April to June 2009 quarter. This is a 28% growth over the $60 billion raised in the January to March 2009 quarter. However, compared to the $213 billion raised in the April to June 2008 quarter, it is still a steep climb up to normal levels. Full details in the Preqin release here.
- PitchBook reports global private equity investments (does not include venture capital) at $11.11 billion in the April to June 2009 quarter, down 18.5% from $13.64 billion in the January to March 2009 quarter. The research firm concludes that investors are still waiting for the investment environment to improve. It estimates that investors are sitting on $400 billion in available funds. Details in the PitchBook release here.
