BASF Venture Capital invests in U.S. companies Aspen Aerogels

06/10/2010
Ludwigshafen (press relations) - BASF Venture Capital invests in U.S.
companies Aspen Aerogels

Nanoporous Aerogel Insulation to base

Advanced technology for energy-efficient building

BASF Venture Capital GmbH, Ludwigshafen, has a round investment of
21.5 million U.S. dollars (about 15.7 million euros) in Aspen Aerogels
Inc., Northborough, Massachusetts argued. Aspen provides insulation
materials based on nanoporous aerogels, which provide up to five times
the insulation capacity than conventional products. Customers in a
variety of industries can save with these highly efficient energy
materials? among others in the building industry, chemical industry
and oil and gas industry.

At the current funding round are including Rockport Capital, Tenaya
Capital, Reservoir Capital Group, Arcapita Ventures and Argonaut
Private Equity participated.

Aerogels are hydrated silica foams with nanoporous cavities that make
up 97 percent of their volume. Therefore, they are also called "fixed
air". Aerogels were thought to be extremely fragile and brittle
materials. Aspen is, however, managed to produce aerogels akzepztablen
costs in the form of thin, flexible mats that are more robust than the
conventional monoliths and beads. In this way they can be processed as
easily as any other flexible insulation.

"High-performance insulation materials are the key technology for
building energetically to rehabilitate," said Bruce Christensen, vice
president of Global Technology and Innovation Management at BASF
Construction Chemicals. "These new materials can save space and give
the owners more opportunities to make his home free. The technology of
Aspen to make an important contribution to energy-efficient homes that
look good, too."

"Aspen has the Aerogel technology well developed for industrial
applications? Said Dr. Oliver Guthmann, Investment Manager with BASF
Venture Capital." An additional, very large market potential and
further opportunities for profitable growth we see in the construction
industry. "The products Aspen Aerogels are at BASF in Antwerp, among
other things already in use.

"We are pleased with the strong technical, business and financial
cooperation with BASF," said Don Young, CEO of Aspen Aerogels. "The
global construction industry offers significant opportunities for the
Aerogel technology. BASF and Aspen will join forces to work to conquer
the European market."

About Aspen Aerogels, Inc.

Aspen Aerogels, Inc. is a company founded in 2001, the products based
on aerogels developed and marketed. Aspen has novel aerogels in the
form of simply designed to be processed mats, wide-ranging
applications have a variety of markets, for example in the oil and gas
industry, construction industry, in outdoor equipment and apparel
training in solar thermal energy in equipment technology and
transportation. The company is headquartered in Northborough,
Massachusetts, USA, and has 120 employees.

About BASF Venture Capital GmbH

BASF Venture Capital GmbH was established in 2001 as a wholly owned
subsidiary of BASF Future Business GmbH, Ludwigshafen, founded to
develop new growth opportunities by investing in start-up companies
and funds. BASF Venture Capital GmbH is involved with financial
investments preferably between one and five million? per company, with
active support for young start-ups. It invests, BASF Venture Capital
GmbH selects businesses in which innovative solutions in chemistry are
among the success factors and which are of strategic interest for
BASF.

About BASF

BASF is the world's leading chemical company: The Chemical Company.
Its portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics and performance products
to agricultural products, fine chemicals and oil and gas. As a
reliable partner BASF helps its customers in virtually all industries
to be more successful. High-value products and intelligent solutions,
BASF plays an important role in finding answers to global challenges
such as climate protection, energy efficiency, nutrition and mobility.
The BASF had 2009 sales of more than 50 billion? employed and had
approximately 105,000 employees. BASF shares are traded in Frankfurt
(BAS), London (BFA) and Zurich (AN).

Germany does not need a spare power plants

Nuclear power plants are as cold reserve is not necessary. That said, the Federal Network Agency. Fear of blackout or power shortages apparently unfounded.

A wind power plant near Leipzig.
Photo: picture alliance / Reinhard Dirscherl

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Berlin. For the cold winter months in Germany, no old nuclear power plant as a reserve will remain at the net. The Federal Network Agency confirmed that there were sufficient venture capital coal-and gas-fired plants give. "It will save us, to reactivate a nuclear power plant," said agency head Matthias Kurth. So you have to make sure about the coal power plant or the plant in Mannheim, Mainz-Wiesbaden capacity.

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Because of the shutdown of the old German nuclear power plants, the operators had raised the alarm and attention especially in the south of an impending blackout in the winter. Subsequently, the Agency was commissioned to examine by September whether a reserve Akw is required for the next two winters. But if possible should be used fossil reserves. Kurth had therefore urged the reactivation of such plants.

'll Also ensured with two other power plant units in the Rhein-Neckar region, that there is enough reserve insurance capacity were available, said the agency network. So that the end for all eight nuclear reactors will be final.

Venture capital investments reach rock bottom

EVCA Statistics: Total invested in the first nine months of 2010, € 26 billion of equity capital in European companies

Details jTrader 3 Related Stories EVCA: buy-out sector revived
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European private equity investments in expansion projects in the third quarter of 2010 increased by 32 percent over the second quarter. € 1.9 billion was invested in growth capital with which this segment is at its highest level since the end of the private equity boom (Q2 2008). This shows the quarterly statistics of the European Private Equity and Venture Capital Association (EVCA).

The buyout sector was dominated by small and medium-sized transactions: they represent 65 percent of the total buyout volume and 96 percent of funded companies. The total number of buyouts has fallen, particularly in the larger deals, the invested capital was about eleven percent to 5.2 billion euros.

Venture capital investment fell by 16 percent over the previous quarter, reaching their lowest point. The investment amounted to € 640 million invested in 679 companies in Europe.

The sale of investments (other than total losses) increased in the third quarter of 2010, up 36 percent from the previous quarter to 3.1 billion euros. The number of exits increased 6 percent to 393rd The main exit channel were secondary exits, ie sales to other private equity firms: they rose by more than double to 1.5 billion € and combine half the capital divested at cost. Another 29 percent were trade sales, which rose by 15 percent to 910 million euros. Total losses decreased greatly compared with Q2 of 2.2 billion euros to 318 million euros.

The collected capital of associated companies decreased by 37 percent over the second quarter to 2.4 billion euros. Nevertheless, designed the first nine months of 2010 in fundraising positive because it could be € 13 billion raised - that already meets 83 percent of the total fundraising in 2009.
Total period Q1-Q3
Total net inflows in the first nine months of 2010, € 26 billion of equity capital in European companies. This is already up 14 percent from the year 2009. The consumer goods / trade benefited the most with 4.9 billion euros (FY 2009: € 3 billion). In second and third place Life Sciences (4.1 billion euros) and Communications (3 billion euros).

Exits reached in the first three calendar quarter 2010, a level of 8.8 billion euros (total losses excluded) - 25 percent more than in 2009 total (7 billion €). This shows a slow recovery of the exit event. The proceeds of secondaries tripled to 3.4 billion euro trade sales fell by a quarter to 2.6 billion euros.

Business Angel Day 2010 in the Albertina

Business Angel Day 2010 in the Albertina
11.11.2010 - 15:54
High-level conference about dynamic business investments on 18 November in Vienna.
© SYMPOSKeynote the Business Angel Day 2009
Business Angels are private investors who participate tend to very young companies. You pay start-ups with know-how, business contacts and, above all, money. Naturally: the sooner will be invested in the company's history, the greater the momentum. Multiplication of the capital are possible (as well as total failures). Venture capital is invested in conrast, by investment companies in more established companies. A later the business stage corresponds to a less dynamic investment-development.

In the United States exceeds the capital invested by business angels that of traditional venture capital firms already many times. The desire to support innovative projects including the prospect of unusually high income gives some 3 million people overseas wings of angels and they will - the key driver for the economy.



Business Angel Day in Vienna
In Austria, the business angel market has not yet lifted off so well. To boost this scene, the Business Angel Day invites the second time in Vienna (18.11.2010/Albertina) for networking, sharing experiences, best practices comparison and mutual discussion. Vice Chancellor and Finance Minister Josef Pröll: "The Business Angel Day is an excellent platform for private investors and innovative young entrepreneurs and young entrepreneurs to network, to new things together to build creativity and spirit make this event, profound knowledge and business acumen not only financial strength,.. but also know-how and experience are often underestimated, but urgently needed capital. "

Keynotes keep in Vienna included Patrick Liotard-Vogt (CEO and founder of The World's Finest Clubs AG), Markus Wagner (i5invest founder & CEO) or Hans Loibner (CEO Apeiron Biologics), initiated the panel discussion about Erik Wenngren (Founder and CEO EW Capital), Michael Grabner (Managing Director Michael Grabner Media) or to Carl von Wrede (Executive Director, Morgan Stanley).

Business Angel Award
During the event an outstanding investment activity is excellent. A prestigious panel of judges decides who wins: Klaus Matzka (Chairman, Founding Partner, GCP gamma capital partners AG), Martin Drexler (media and StartUp Consultant), Rudi Kobza (Business Angel and Chairman Lowe GGK), Christian Ludwig (Partner, BDO Austria), Therese Mitterbauer (National Chairman Young Industry, Christian Nordberg (Partner, Hule | Bachmayr-Heyda | Nordberg lawyers), Manfred Reichl (Investor and Senior Adviser), Carl von Wrede (Executive Director, Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management) vote and . SELECTION

Venture Capital Contrium start growth capital fund

The starts Contrium emission GmbH placement of the closed venture capital fund of funds Contrium 3 Innovation & Growth ". The investment offer offers private investors the opportunity for several venture capital funds to target the opportunities for young growth companies to participate.

The fund concept of closed-end private equity fund a broad mix of different technologies and high-growth industries. The investment focus is on Germany. Promising companies in selected European countries can complement the portfolio. Both fund company as well as the underlying funds are to be financed solely with equity capital as planned.

The fund volume of the "Contrium 3 Innovation & Growth" includes 20 million euros. The investment rate of 3 to 91% Contrium erreichen.Anleger can participate for a minimum sum of 10.000 €. If the payment can be made between two versions: the version "Classic" to pay investors 100 percent of the investment amount plus 5 percent premium. In the variant "Flex" initially falling to 50 percent of the total investment and 6 percent premium. This is followed by 25 monthly installments to be 2 percent. Over the term up to 31.12.2020 double-digit annual rate of return (IRR) will be sought. The distribution of profits between investors and fund management is based on the preferred return equal to (hurdle rate) 8% pa (IRR) in the ratio 80/20. The company grants to fund closure einFrühzeichnerbonus of 6 percent per annum Investors earn revenue from this business.

The closed private equity fund will be distributed exclusively by the emission Contrium GmbH.

German-Indian joint venture formed in power plant

 Modern power plants of Hitachi Power Europe and BGR Energy Systems slake the thirst for energy of the subcontinent (with picture)
Modern, low-emission coal-fired power plants of Hitachi Power Europe reach efficiencies of up to 46% of them among the most modern of its kind photo: DIRK BANNERT. The use of this picture is free for editorial purposes. Published, please indicate source: "obs / Hitachi Power Europe GmbH"
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Modern, low-emission coal-fired power plants of Hitachi Power Europe ... Modern, low-emission coal-fired power plants of Hitachi Power Europe reach efficiencies of up to 46% of them among the most modern of its kind
Modern, low-emission coal-fired power plants of Hitachi Power Europe ...

Duisburg / Chennai (ots) - The power plant Hitachi Power Europe GmbH (HPE) creates a further foothold in a growing market: The company is now in Chennai, India, to form a joint venture with BGR Energy Systems Ltd. (BGR) was inevitable. HPE and the Indian industrial group, will jointly build a highly efficient utility steam generators ("Shell") for coal-fired power plants and operate. By 2012, in Tamil Nadu created a production facility to be built in the year up to four steam generators. With this cooperation, both partners want from the rapidly growing market for new power plants will benefit in the subcontinent: India will double in the near future, its capacity to generate power more than for the most part, relying on low-emission fossil fuel power plants. Renewable energy can not meet the additional needs, are also too expensive and not reliably available.

The joint venture was signed on 6 August 2010 from the Chairman and CEO of Hitachi Power Europe, Klaus Dieter Rennert and BGR Energy Systems, BG Raghupathy. "With BGR Energy Systems, we have found an excellent partner for us to establish our technology in the Indian power plant market," said Klaus Dieter Rennert. Hitachi Power Europe enjoys as an energy plant has more than 100 years of experience in large steam generators and is a leading technology provider and market leader in Europe and South Africa. BGR Energy, based in Chennai deliver, as established contractor the necessary market access and the local know-how for the Indian power plant market.

In the joint undertaking "BGR Boilers Private Ltd". Hitachi Power Europe holds 30% of the shares, 70% were of BGR Energy Systems Ltd. accepted. By the year 2012 will be built in Tamil Nadu a utility steam production for the 660-1000 MW class. Once fully operational, the plant annually deliver up to four high-efficiency steam generators (a total of approximately 3,000 MW). In fiscal year 2017, nearly 2,100 qualified employees to work in the factory in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Already take part in joint BGR and HPE as a general contractor in several tenders for the construction of new coal-fired power plants on the subcontinent.

Modern coal power plants, for the HPE supplies in Germany and abroad, including utility steam reach efficiencies of up to 46% of them among the most modern of its kind (for comparison, the average efficiency worldwide is 30% in the EU around 38% ). Such high efficiencies are achieved through the use of so-called "supercritical" steam generator (more than 300 bar steam pressure, steam temperature about 600 degrees Celsius). Such supercritical steam generators are built in the joint venture of HPE and BGR in India. Power plants with higher efficiency require less fuel to produce the same amount of electricity, thus, emissions - especially CO2 - significantly reduced and valuable resources (fuel) spared.

Hitachi Power Europe already produces in its subsidiaries and affiliates in Germany and abroad, major power plant components (such as pressure parts, coal mill / burner, steel structures) and can be accessed from the Hitachi-group on efficient steam turbines. HPE is currently building 12 steam generators for two power plants in South Africa. As the South African coal very similar properties (calorific value, ash content, etc.) as has the Indian coal, Hitachi Power Europe to build on experience and proven products to fall back as they come on the Cape used.

The new joint venture for the manufacture of large steam generators to make the German power plant not only independent in production, said Klaus Dieter Rennert. "The cooperation also ensures the jobs of colleagues in Germany in the coming years."

In addition to this joint venture for steam generators at the same time was a further agreement between BGR and the UHP's parent company, Hitachi, Ltd.., Signed for the manufacture of steam turbines for coal-fired power plants. This Hitachi Power Europe are, Hitachi, Ltd.. And BGR in a position to provide a general contractor (EPC contractor) all major components of a power plant - from utility steam on turbine / generator to the environmental - and to put into operation.

The Indian power sector, due to its size and the enormous demand for new buildings in the future great opportunities for HPE. Currently, the subcontinent has a population of about 1.2 billion people over about 160,000 MW of installed generating capacity (compared to EU 27: about 500 million people, approximately 820 000 MW) and two-thirds of the needed electricity supply fossil fuel power plants. Until 2017, the total needed to rise to over 330,000 MW.

Finding joint venture partners

JV partners, or joint venture partners, are incredibly important for anyone in any business. It does not matter if you are a larger business that is looking to expand or if you are a small online
website hoping to find people who will help you to promote your product or service. The right joint venture partner in the process will make or break your experience.

Take the time to learn about all of the options available to you before you choose a company or a person as a venture partner with for your business venture. Learn as much as you can about them as well as learn about who they are and what they could do to hurt your business. Taking a few steps now to make sure that your business is in the hands of the right organization can protect it in the short and the long term. It makes the partnership worthwhile
when you know you have the right person behind you. This ebook will show you everything you need to know about finding venture partners!