The slump in global venture capital (VC) investments, which started in Q3 2012, continued, dipping to $126 million in 26 deals in Q1 2013 compared to $220 million in 27 deals in the previous quarter. This is the second lowest quarter for VC funding since 2008. In total, downstream companies, mostly solar lease companies, raised $75 million in eight deals, followed by thin film with $25 million in six deals.