E&Y/VentureOne Shows 2005 Florida Boost

Interesting VC stats show 46% increase in FL venture investments, but in fewer deals. Likely cause: a couple more later/larger stage investments. We're seeing good activity on the early-stage front, but institutional dollar supply still doesn't meet demand.

"Venture capital investment in Florida in 2005 soared 46 percent to $389 million versus the previous year -- its best showing since the dot-com days of 2002, according to the Quarterly Venture Capital Report released Monday by Ernst & Young and Venture One. Despite the uptick, investors closed on just 35 deals in 2005 -- one less than in 2004. Nationally, venture capital investment was up 2 percent at $22.1 billion in 2,239 deals -- the best showing since 2001."

Source: MiamiHerald