Pension funds & university endowments put more money into venture capital than a year ago

[CC-Conrad Clyburn-MedForeSight]

Despite dismal IPO market for VC backed start-ups, big buck investors (limited partners) continue to pour money into venture capital funds. As reported in the San Jose Mercury News, Silicon Valley's hometown newspaper, 71 VC funds raised $9.1 billion nationwide in the second quarter of 2008 - a 3 percent increase over the $8.8 million raised in the second quarter of 2007. What is most interesting about this report, to me, is that these funds must go somewhere in the next few years. VCs typically disburse investments within five years. Why not to investor ready "Triple Helix" advanced medical technology developments? According to Mark Heesen, President, National Venture Capital Association, "Investment opportunities remain strong across a diverse set of industries including life sciences, clean technology and information technology."