Innovative Clean-Tech Venture Capital Fund Comes to Ontario

A new venture capital fund is launching in Ontario, Canada that will help the province's cutting-edge clean technology companies grow. The $100-million fund is a joint venture of SAIL Venture Partners, part of California-based SAIL Capital Partners, and Stifel Nicolaus Canada Inc., a subsidiary of Stifel Financial. It will invest in companies with innovative, ready-for-market products across the clean-tech sector, including energy, water and green innovations.

SAIL Venture Partners is one of the first American clean-tech venture capital funds to come to Ontario and this new fund represents a strong vote of confidence in the quality of Ontario's clean-tech sector.

Through support and guidance provided by Sustainable Development Technology Canada, SAIL was attracted to Ontario because of the significant opportunities in the clean-tech sector and a record of fostering innovation.

QUOTES:

"Ontario is building a strong business climate and that work is paying off. There is growing confidence in the clean-tech sector as demonstrated by this commitment by SAIL Venture Partners."

– Brad Duguid
Minister of Economic Development and Innovation

"SAIL Venture Partners investing in Ontario's clean energy economy is a clear sign of the economic opportunities that exist in the province. The clean-tech sector is a key part of Ontario's plan to create and support good jobs, replace dirty coal and build a healthier future for generations to come."

– Chris Bentley
Minister of Energy

"By fostering clean-tech innovation and business, Ontario will benefit by being at the forefront of this burgeoning industry and job creation. Ontario is helping to create the next frontier of clean technology, becoming the capital of clean-tech in Canada, and SAIL is excited to be a part of this development."

– Walter Schindler
Managing Partner, SAIL Capital Partners

"SAIL's entry into the market is just another indicator of Ontario's growing reputation as a global financial hub, particularly for clean-tech financing. Toronto Stock Exchange and TSX Venture Exchange have become leading destinations for financing clean technology companies. One of TFSA's key priorities is to support this growth and help establish this leadership position - and we are confident that SAIL's arrival will stimulate others to follow."

– Janet Ecker
President, Toronto Financial Services Alliance

"A vibrant Venture Capital community is essential to get SDTC's maturing portfolio of high growth clean-tech companies to scale in the global market place. SDTC is thrilled to see our valued partner SAIL Capital Partners recognize this remarkable investment potential in Canada by opening an office in Toronto, Ontario."

– Vicky Sharpe
President & CEO, Sustainable Development Technology Canada

"Clean-tech organizations need capital to bring ideas and innovation to life. A vibrant private venture capital community combined with an effective public capital marketplace will help ensure that clean-tech organizations of all sizes fund their future growth and competitiveness and contribute to Ontario's and Canada's success."

– Kevan Cowan
President, TSX Markets and Group Head of Equities, TMX Group Inc.

QUICK FACTS:

• SAIL Capital Partners is a qualified investor under the Ontario Emerging Technologies Fund.

• SAIL has invested in a number of today's leading clean-tech companies, including Xtreme Power, The Cleantech Group, Dow Kokam, Enerpulse, Activeion, SNTech, FlexEnergy, Paragon Airheater Technologies, Ice Energy, M2 Renewables, Clean Technology Solutions, CNS Response, and WaterHealth International.

• Ontario's clean energy strategy has leveraged more than $27 billion in new investment and economic opportunities.

• Ontario's green energy initiatives have helped create more than 20,000 jobs and are on track to create 50,000 jobs, while building a healthier future for all Ontarians.

LEARN MORE:

• Read more about the Ontario Emerging Technologies Fund.
For more information, contact:

Ainsley Martin, Media Relations, Brand Marketing
Tel: 416-314-8704
E-mail: ainsley.martin@ontario.ca

Berj Alexanian, BlissPR
Tel: 312-577-0048
Email: berj@blisspr.com