In the last several years, the venture capital industry has led the charge in investing in social media, gaming and security.  Today we offer some fast facts and two examples of companies innovating in the Internet-specific space.  On behalf of the NVCA and Tuck School of Business and in recognition of Global Entrepreneurship Week, we commend all venture-backed entrepreneurs for their commitment to innovation, job creation and making our world a better place. 

Venture Facts:  Investment in Internet-specific Companies

• 2,051. The number of Internet-specific companies that received VC funding in the last 5 years.
• $22.9 billion. The amount of venture dollars invested in Internet-specific companies in the last 5 years.
• 328. Number of venture-backed Internet-specific companies that have IPO'd in the last 20 years.
• CA, NY, MA. The states with the greatest number of venture-backed Internet-specific companies in the last 5 years.
• Most active VCs investing in Internet specific companies (by number of deals) in the last five years:  Draper, Fisher Jurvetson, First Round Capital, and Accel Partners.

Innovators on the Internet

Launched in May 2010, SafetyWebenables parents to continuously monitor their children’s online social networking activity on applications such as Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, and Bebo in real-time. Unlike programs that require computer installation, SafetyWeb runs on the Internet and can be accessed anywhere, with almost any Internet-connected computer, device or mobile phone. Based in Denver, CO, SafetyWeb is funded by Battery Ventures and First Round Capital.

Freightquote.com, based in Lenexa, KS, has developed a sophisticated web-based technology platform that simplifies the freight shipping process. Businesses or individuals can review freight quotes from hundreds of shipping contractors, instantly. Freightquote.com automates the shipping process by generating all the shipping documents, posting the shipment to dispatch and consolidating the billing for multiple freight shipments. Shippers receive the best freight rates available due to Freightquote.com’s shipment volume and the number of freight carriers contracted in the platform. The service is continually adapted and enhanced, to ensure customers receive the best price with minimal inconvenience. Venture backers include Menlo Venture Partners, Morgan Stanley Venture Partners.