VC fund briefs, week of May 26, 2008

Craton closes debut fund at $191.5M

Craton Equity Partners, a Los Angeles-based firm focused on VC and PE opportunities in the cleantech sector, has closed its debut fund with more than $191 million in capital commitments. It had held an $82 million first close last December, and had been targeting $250 million.

Craton co-founders Bob MacDonald and Tom Soto, announced the fund close last week. MacDonald was one of the founders of Catalyst Energy, a publicly traded independent producer of renewable energy. Soto is a longtime environmental activist and Latino business leader.

Mayfield raising India fund

Mayfield Fund is raising up to $150 million for its first dedicated India fund, according to a regulatory filing. The firm already has secured $75 million from such limited partners as Skandia Life Insurance Co., Adveq and Industriens Pensionforsikring.

MVM planning fund III

MVM Life Science Partners is planning to close its third fund within the next few weeks at about $300 million, according to VentureWire. The firm already has secured more than $250 million in capital commitments. The U.K.-based venture firm focuses on life sciences opportunities in the United State and Europe.