π Hydropower Rebounds, Up 3%. $230M+ VC Funding.
Impact Capital Markets #82 looks at our Hydropower stock index, major impact deals, M&A, and upcoming economic releases.
Sannu π
π Today's Global Economic Update: France's GDP data released today revealed that in the first quarter of 2024, the country's GDP expanded by 1.10%, its strongest pace in three quarters.
π€ Deal of the Day: Blaize, a California-based AI company, raised $106M to consolidate its market position in automotive hardware and software.
What's New?
π Hydropower. Hydropower index rebounds up 3%
π° Funding. AI solutions, molecular diagnostics, electronic materials + more
πΌ M&A. Biopharmaceutical, biosafety, and life science
π
Economics. US Fed interest rate, china inflation, balance of trade + more
π Hydropower Index Rebounds, Up 3%
HolonIQ's Hydropower index is up 3% for the past 3 months, rebounding from a steep 20% drop in late 2023. This growth is driven by rising demand for renewable energy sources and increasing government support. Notably, Nepal recently hosted an investment summit to attract foreign investment, particularly for hydropower projects. Micro-hydropower projects, sought after for their ease of maintenance and replacement, play a crucial role in meeting environmental goals.
The International Energy Agency projects hydropower to remain the largest renewable electric source by 2028, with an anticipated 4% annual growth rate from 2023 to 2030, reaching approximately 5,500 TWh per year. These developments highlight a promising future for the hydropower sector, reflected in key stocks such as China Three Gorges Renewables ($19B MCap), Meridian Energy ($9B MCap), and China Yangtze Power ($8.6B MCap), which saw growth rates of 6%, 4%, and 4% respectively in the last quarter. However, international water management conflicts and uncertainties regarding climate change's impact on local hydrology pose potential challenges to hydropower plant market growth. Recognizing these risks is essential for safeguarding hydropower's enduring contribution to sustainable energy.
π° Funding
π€ Blaize, a California-based AI-based edge computing solutions provider, raised $106M to consolidate its market position in automotive hardware and software.
π¬ Variantyx, a Massachusetts-based molecular diagnostics company, raised $36M for commercial expansion.
π» Thintronics, a California-based electronic materials startup, raised a $23M Series A from Maverick Capital and Translink Capital to help bring a new type of insulating material to the market.
π 4P-Pharma, a French clinical-stage company, raised $16M, to accelerate its drug trials.
π° Backflip, a Texas-based fintech platform, raised a $15M Series A from FirstMark Capital to scale its operations.
πΌ M&A
π Deciphera Pharmaceuticals, a Massachusetts-based biopharmaceutical company, has entered into a definitive merger agreement with ONO Pharmaceuticals, a Massachusetts-based pharmaceutical company.
π‘οΈ Deloitte, a UK-based business consulting company, acquired Gryphon Scientific, a Maryland-based AI-powered biosafety and security firm.
𧬠Calibre Scientific, a California-based life science and diagnostic products producer, acquired Camlab Limited, a UK-based laboratory equipment provider.
π Economic Calendar
US Fed Interest Rate, China Inflation, Balance of Trade + More
Wednesday, May 1st 2024
πΊπΈ US ISM Manufacturing PMI, April
πΊπΈ US Job Openings, March
πΊπΈ US Fed Interest Decision
π¦πΊ Australia Balance of Trade Data, March
Thursday, May 2nd 2024
π¨π¦ Canada Balance of Trade Data, March
π―π΅ Japan Consumer Confidence Index, April
Friday, May 3rd 2024
πΊπΈ US Employment Data, April
πΊπΈ US ISM Services PMI, April
Tuesday, May 7th 2024
π¦πΊ Australia RBA Interest Decision
π©πͺ Germany Balance of Trade Data, March
π¨π¦ Canada Ivey PMI s.a, April
Wednesday, May 8th 2024
π¨π³ China Balance of Trade Data, April
Thursday, May 9th 2024
π¬π§ UK BoE Interest Decision
Friday, May 10th 2024
π¬π§ UK GDP Data, Q1
π¨π¦ Canada Employment Data, April
πΊπΈ US Michigan Consumer Sentiment (Preliminary), May
π¨π³ China Inflation Data, April
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