| Our recent trip around 10 cities in United States has | | | | 7. Portland: Very well connected and supportive |
| confirmed our view that CleanTech industry is truly | | | | network for entrepreneurs in Portland; and there is |
| strong in US; although China is catching up; the spirit | | | | no shortage of inspiring CleanTech companies based |
| of venture capitalism and support for innovators is | | | | in Portland; although it may not have a big Venture |
| second to none in the world. | | | | Capital market as in Silicon Valley or Seattle; it is |
| That said; certain cities in US are particular supportive | | | | catching up. |
| to CleanTech developments; here are some | | | | 8. Las Vegas: I have my reason to include Las Vegas |
| suggestions based on our findings: | | | | in this list; I know many would disagree. Las Vegas is |
| 1. San Diego: We have spent several weeks in San | | | | a good place to start your business from cost point |
| Diego; the city is already known to be highly | | | | of view; the city has been hit harder than any other |
| entrepreneurial; and has invested heavily in new ideas | | | | cities; the Government is providing various incentives |
| and technologies. This is no exception when comes | | | | to encourage start-ups in Las Vegas. |
| to CleanTech; moreover; there are facilities available | | | | 9. Atlanta: As we all know, Atlanta is rising as a new |
| and can be transferrable for CleanTech opportunities. | | | | economic power with strong growth in population. |
| The city also hosts many telecommunications | | | | Importantly, Atlanta, and Georgia in general has seen |
| companies which are also supporting energy efficient | | | | significant growth in technology capability; this is |
| technologies. | | | | achieved through growth of education sector; and |
| 2. New York: Probably not rated by many as a good | | | | therefore; facilities available from various colleges in |
| place for start-ups because of the living cost; but | | | | Atlanta. A good example is its achievements in |
| remember; New York is still the capital center of the | | | | biotechnology sectors already; and this is being |
| world; you will be located close to many CleanTech | | | | expanded into CleanTech sector. Additionally, Atlanta |
| investment firms; therefore; there is a logistical | | | | is also hosting various large scale conferences and |
| convenience factor to start up your CleanTech | | | | conventions; making it an ideal place for networking. |
| company here. | | | | 10. Seattle: How can I forget Seattle? You may think |
| 3. Phoenix: Interestingly; we visited Phoenix to | | | | the rainy weather is not suitable for solar energy? |
| explore some opportunities relating to "Green Data | | | | This has not deterred CleanTech start up companies |
| Center"; this is a hub for such technologies; especially | | | | to call Seattle home. Once again; it is the local culture |
| utilizing solar energy for IT applications. Its population | | | | in supporting High Tech companies that has drawn a |
| is also growing; and there is no shortage of | | | | lot of entrepneurs to Seattle. Seattle is dominated |
| institutions supporting new start up companies here. | | | | with successful Internet Media companies; which is |
| 4. San Francisco: How can you forget San Francisco? | | | | also a growing segment for the CleanTech industry |
| It is a "CleanTech" hub from many angles. First is the | | | | such as Green Social Media companies or Media |
| general support you get from fellow start-up | | | | Agencies dedicated to the Green industry. |
| entrepreneurs; high concentration of investment firms | | | | It is very hard to just highlight 10 cities; for instance, |
| for CleanTech sectors; and also an unusual | | | | I want to include several cities in North Carolina; as |
| advantage; the San Francisco population has a high | | | | they are great places for R&D; I also want to |
| percentage of LOHAs, a segment that is supportive | | | | include Orlando in Florida; Florida is a center for many |
| to Clean energy. | | | | companies to try out wind energy and solar energy |
| 5. San Jose: The Silicon Valley will one day become | | | | applications; and we have also seen good applications |
| "Clean Valley" according to many investors. Our visits | | | | based in New Mexico; and what about Austin and |
| to several funds have seen a significant expansion of | | | | other University cities that are highly supportive to |
| their mandate into CleanTech investments; and | | | | innovations? |
| increasing number of CleanTech firms are also | | | | USA is a great place for entrepreneur despite of the |
| starting here; especially those relating to Green | | | | current recession; when choosing your location to |
| software; CleanTech websites; and energy efficiency | | | | start up your CleanTech: always consider the |
| technologies. | | | | following factors: Is this are known to be "Innovator |
| 6. Boston: Certain a great place for CleanTech | | | | friendly"? Are there many universities (usually will |
| Start-ups; Boston hosts many "clusters" that | | | | have grants) available? Are there many restrictions in |
| supports CleanTech start-up companies; in Boston, | | | | business such as tax, rental cost or access to |
| you can receive a lot of supports from universities in | | | | professionals? What about financing and access to |
| the form of networks and capital investments. | | | | investment capital? |