Despite widespread reports that financing for Internet start-ups – particularly b-to-b portals – has been drying up, the following investment firms each laid down millions on b-to-b portals over the past few months, according to The Industry Standard.
– In May, The Argentum Group invested $4.4 million in WholesalePortal.com, a wholesale marketplace for the specialty-food industry.
– Net Market Partners in May made an undisclosed investment in ForRetail.com, an Internet portal serving the giftware and home furnishings market.
– Lehman Brothers Venture Partners, BCI Partners, CIT Venture Capital, and several other investors dropped $40 million in Fasturn, a worldwide apparel online marketplace, in May.
– CMGIAtVentures in April invested $25 million in media portal OneMediaPlace.
– In May, Trident Capital, Apex Investment Partners, and Lunn Partners combined to put down $9 million on DealerSource.com, a portal for off-lease and other used business equipment.