by Thane Ritchie | Jul 11, 2016 | Innovation, Investment, Technology
On June 21st Elon Musk’s renowned electric car company, Tesla, made known that it intended to acquire SolarCity in an all-stock transaction. Taking on the burden of another company presents itself as an obscure deal, especially when Tesla seemingly has their own operational issues. Musk and Tesla have described this proposal as a logical combination of two companies with similar customers, cultures, and goals.1http://www.sfchronicle.com/business/article/Tesla-s-SolarCity-deal-Is-Musk-taking-on-too-8349040.php The vision is innovative: but from an economic and investing standpoint, this deal may seem more like a simple bailout of SolarCity (that will hurt Tesla stockholders) rather than a merge of two companies to meet the world’s future energy needs.2http://www.forbes.com/sites/greatspeculations/2016/06/22/elon-musks-solarcity-bailout-is-painful-for-tesla-shareholders/#780744cc3aa0 Pros of following through with the deal: Tesla states that “We would be the world’s only vertically integrated energy company offering end-to-end clean energy products to our customers.”3https://www.teslamotors.com/blog/tesla-makes-offer-to-acquire-solarcity In theory, the deal is very innovative and boasts plenty of dynamic potential. Integrating these companies may contain worries and uncertainty for the financial and business side of Tesla, but the deal holds a lot of potential as a model for the future of innovative companies and renewable energy. A good amount of electric car owners, that may be concerned over global warming or interested in breaking the grip of fossil fuels, have or want to invest in solar energy products. Musk highlighted this in pitching the Solar City Deal. Merging the companies makes the products that Tesla and SolarCity have to offer more available and relevant to each other. Cons of following through with this deal: Critics and skeptics alike are noting that the business of producing and selling cars is very different from the business...
by Thane Ritchie | Jul 31, 2015 | Investment
Green bond investing is a sector that becomes increasingly larger and accessible with each passing year. As larger companies, investment firms and utility providers enter the sector, the average single-person investor reaps the benefits of making more impact investments on local levels. The increase on both fronts helps project investment totals in 2015 to reach an estimated $50 billion, topping 2014’s $35 billion record. The increase in sector investment also allows projects to seek more funding for grander projects aimed at improving cities and countries. The World Bank noted that 2015 should be a big year for new types of fund issues, green bond indices and shifting investor expectations. This correlates with sector uncertainty regarding the negative impact of a carbon-heavy portfolio. The World Bank stresses that green bonds aren’t the key solution in combatting climate change. However, these investments do make a significant impact that should not be underestimated. For a further look at this issue, please visit Ritchie Capital...
by Thane Ritchie | Jun 19, 2015 | Investment
LED lights are nothing new, but they are constantly innovating. What started as indicators for electronics and other ancillary support components is now a thriving commercial option. With the light’s efficiency on the rise, and prices in decline, consumers have given more attention to LEDs. In just over half a century since its discovery, LEDs are challenging the conventional method of lighting, as well as several other endeavors. Now with various types of LEDs, including organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) and quantum dot LEDs, it remains to be seen where the ceiling for its innovation can go. Though, not entirely clear of skepticism, the endeavor appears strong enough to move forward in the marketplace. In healthcare, LEDs have the potential to ending malaria as well as stimulating patients’ brains in intensive care units. In the environment, they are integral components to the growth of vertical farming across the world. By helping crops grow faster with less energy, vertical farming facilities gained another advantage in staking its claim as the option for urban agriculture. In these communities, LEDs continue to provide amplified safety for neighborhoods by lighting street lights brighter and saving the city money in utility prices over time. LED innovation shows little signs of stopping. With its price point falling, more customers and businesses should be investing in making the switch. It remains to be seen where LED lighting will end up in these sectors, but to take the old adage, “the future looks bright.” Read more… ...
