CB Insights released their Q2 2012 Quarterly VC Report today, showing $8.1B was invested in 812 deals, the highest funding level since 2001.  One interesting trend in Q2 this is year is that 20% of the VC deals were for “seed” round investments (very early stage deals, usually with relatively small investment amounts).  The mobile and Internet sectors were very strong, including a bump in photo and video related companies (perhaps post-Instagram excitement).  And on a local note, Washington State had its highest quarter in over a year, with dollars invested up 136% from Q2 2011.  You can access the full report at CB Insights (you need to sign up for a free account).  The chart below shows VC activity over the past 2 years.

2012q2-venture-capital-trend 75.jpg