any jobs in these "green" fields? (house, restaurant)

[whithill]

I'm moving to Nashville in a couple of months and am all set in the job department, but my friend and her husband are also very interested in settling in the area. Does anyone know if there are any jobs/companies in Nashville in these fields? Her husband would like to:

1. Work for a venture capital firm or private equity group that has at least some interest or emphasis in cleantech; companies that are in the production and/or distribution of solar technology, photovoltaic technology, energy storage - batteries, water purification or use minimization, energy conversation, green building products etc.
2. Work for a start-up company focused on cleantech
3. Work for a company that is in the development and financing of large solar or wind projects.

Alleycat? Anyone? THanks!

[alleycat]

I don't really know of anything off-hand. Here's my thoughts about it, point by point.

1. I don't know of any venture capital firms in this area that have showed a special interest in "clean or green tech" (which is not to say there isn't one). The venture capitalists here tend to focus on financial, medical, and the hospitality/restaurant business. That sounds more like something you would find on the west coast, or possibly the northeast area.

2. I don't know of a start-up that has made the news here. I seem to recall something about someone at Vanderbilt coming up with some technology a few months ago, but this was more along the lines of applied research.

3. Back during the late 70's and early 80's TVA was involved with financing alternate technology programs (at the time I was involved with getting them to help fund a solar house project). Of course, that sort of fell by the wayside once the price of oil stabilized. TVA or one of the electric cooperatives might still be interested in someone who has some expertise in those areas.

I'll scratch my head a little more and see if I can think of anything, but I have my doubts whether I can. I wonder if the "research triangle" over in North Carolina would be a better fit for your friend.