Today as we continue to celebrate Global Entrepreneurship Week, we shine a "spotlight" on Clean Technology. Here are some fast facts and two venture-backed companies that are innovating in the space.  For more companies, visit www.nvca.org/spotlight

Venture Facts:  Investment in Clean Technology

• 500. The number of cleantech companies that received VC funding in the last 5 years.
• $13.6 billion. The amount of venture dollars invested in cleantech companies in the last 5 years.
• 65. Number of venture-backed cleantech companies that have IPOd in the last 20 years.
• CA, MA, TX. The states with the greatest number of venture-backed cleantech companies.
• Most active VCs investing in cleantech companies (by number of deals) in the last five years:  Khosla Ventures, Draper Fisher Jurvetson, and Kleiner Perkins Caulfield & Byers.

Innovators in Clean Technology

Based in Alpharetta, GA, EcoSMART Technologies, Inc. is the leading producer of EPA-exempt, safe pesticides sold in the United States. It has been the top-selling “green” line of pesticides used by professionals for several years and is now available to consumers in leading retail stores throughout the US. Derived from nature, EcoSMART’s patented technology is safe for families, pets, and the environment. The active ingredients in EcoSMART’s products are unique, synergistic blends of essential plant oils, many of which are classified as GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. EcoSMART Technologies is the first company to economically enable a realistic shift from synthetic to botanical pesticides for major markets. EcoSMART is funded by Rockport Capital, Element Partners, Early Stage Partners, and Cordova Ventures.

MIOX, based in Albuquerque, NM, is focused on solving one of the world's most pressing issues: the need for affordable, safe, and healthy water. Its patented on-site water disinfection technology safely and economically generates either hypochlorite or advanced mixed oxidant using just salt, water and power, replacing the need to purchase, transport and store dangerous chemicals. MIOX provides clean, safe drinking water using a process that is safer, more environmentally sustainable and more cost effective than traditional methods.  Venture backers include:  DCM, Flywheel Ventures, and Sierra Ventures.