According to Preqin, a source of information for the alternative assets industry, in the first quarter of 2014, there were 1,402 venture capital financings globally with an aggregate value of $15.6bn.
This represents the highest quarterly value since the financial crisis in 2008 surpassing the previous high of $14.9bn in the second quarter of 2011 and is an increase from $10.0bn for the first quarter of 2013. On the other hand, the number of financings has decreased consistently, falling from 1,724 deals in the second quarter of 2013 to 1,402 in this first quarter of 2014. As a result of these figures, the average size of venture capital investments has increased from $7.0m in the second quarter of 2013 to $11.1m in the first quarter of 2014.
Geography
At a geographical level, North America has increased in the value of vc financings in the fist quarter of 2014 at $10.6bn, compared to $8.6bn in the previous quarter. In the same period, Greater China has grown from $800m to $2.0bn as a result of several large financings. Both the number and value of European deals have fallen with 313 vc financings announced valued at $2.0bn, compared to 330 deals valued at $3.4bn in the fourth quarter of 2013.
Stage
Angel/seed deals has accounted for 19% of deals, with 16% being series A, and growth capital/expansion deals representing 5%.
The average angel/seed financing round so far in 2014 is $1.4m, the highest figures since 2008 and the first time this figure has exceeded $1.1m since 2008.
Sector
The highest number of deals continues to come from the internet sector (27%), surpassing software and related deals.
Read the press release here
FinSMEs
07/04/2014