US venture capital funding rose 5.4% in Q1-Q3 2006 compared to Q1-Q3 2005 led by investments in alternative energy and Internet technologies. Venture capital investors directed $6.36 bln into 611 deals in January-September 2006, according to Dow Jones VentureOne and Ernst & Young LLP. With $19.45 bln invested in Q1-Q3 2006, the US venture industry is on track to spend around $25 bln in 2006, marking the biggest year since 2001, when $33 bln was invested.