Once a , Arrow Electronics returns as a national category sponsor for the 2015 , which aims to fast-track startups who “address today’s most urgent energy, environmental and economic challenges.” Sponsors offer mentoring, training, contacts and funding.
The Cleantech Open has awarded $6 million to 865 participating companies since 2006, which doesn’t sound like much and averages to about $7,000 each. But, says the organization, those companies have gone on to raise “more than $900 million” in capital.
Arrow, which has sponsored the Cleantech Open for two years, declined to say how much money it budgeted to be this year’s Cleantech . But it makes an “annual six-figure investment in direct sponsorship and expertise,” said spokeswoman Meghan Macdonald.
Additionally, Arrow also sponsors the and the in Boston. It is also developing mentoring programs with the in Fort Collins and the space in Centennial, she added.
Arrow, which started in 1935 as a used-radio and parts supplier in New York, is now headquartered in Centennial. It still sells and distributes electronic components but also offers services like electronics recycling and product design. The company, which had $22.77 billion in revenues last year, employs 17,000, which includes 1,600 in Colorado.
