U.S. venture activity fell in the first quarter of 2011 compared to the same period last year, with exits declining 21 percent to 104 and total capital raised falling 17 percent to $9.8 billion, according to Dow Jones VentureSource.
The drop came after an increase in venture activity during 2010. Dow Jones said the 2011 numbers are back around the levels of early 2009, even though corporations now have money to invest.
Corporations bought out 91 venture companies for $89 billion during the quarter, while private equity firms spent $128 million to acquire two companies.
