2011 was not kind to water tech start ups. We estimate that total venture funding for the year dropped to $140 million, about 50% from 2010. In the face of an overall collapse in the cleantech investment boom, the IPO market has effectively shut down for most venture-backed cleantech companies.
In spite of its importance, water tech has been neglected in the growth of green technologies like renewable energy, waste management, and energy storage. Several other greentech ventures increased in revenue and interest, gaining the confidence of their early investors. Water tech has not received the same well-deserved attention.
Today, it has been harder to cultivate renewed financial interest in promising watertech company after the hype of 2005 and 2005. However, even in the face of this lack of confidence from investors, the market pull is building for dramatic solutions to water management issues as the importance of water tech is finally acknowledged.
In May of 2011, the Artemis Project co-sponsored the Water Leadership Summit in Toronto, in partnership with the government of Ontario, XPV Capital, and the Cleantech Group in response to this exciting new interest in water tech. Three hundred of the world’s leading water tech investors gathered to meet the 2011 Artemis Top 50 and speak with executives from trail-blazers in the water industry. The conference brought together leaders in the field, encouraged projects and investments, and helped forge promising partnerships. The opportunities fostered and developed at the Artemis Top 50 will make water tech the exciting investment opportunity it deserves to be.
Going forward, the Artemis Project is developing seminars that combine case studies with hands-on discussion. Small groups will work together to devise strategies that take on the challenges of getting to market and driving revenue. Senior executives and water tech investors will have a chance to develop relationships in an intimate, challenging environment.
Participants will have the rare opportunity to step back from day-to-day responsibilities and acquire the knowledge and skills that define today’s most effective executives, such as:
A heightened awareness of the extraordinary financial conditions and external forces shaping the water industry right now
A portfolio of leadership skills and the most effective techniques with which to approach each unique set of opportunities
A process of self-assessment that improves performance as a senior leader
Fresh strategic frameworks and tools to stay ahead of the competition
New levels of confidence that translate into effective decision making throughout an organization
An invaluable network of global peers for exploring challenges and opportunities throughout a career
Watch our website to learn more as we develop our program!
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