When combined with money from Alloy Ventures, startups become stronger. The venture capital firm invests primarily in early-stage information technology, cleantech, and life sciences firms. Initial investments typically range from $1 million to $5 million. Alloy Ventures has helped start more than 200 companies (ranging from software firms to medical device manufacturers) and manages more than $1 billion in capital on behalf of its limited partners. The hands-on investment company has backed such firms as Amgen and PMC-Sierra. Current portfolio holdings include Alacritech, Nitronex, Knowledge Networks, and MontaVista Software. Alloy Ventures closed its fifth investment fund in 2005.