Dave McClure’s 500Startups has officially invested in over 500 companies in more than 40 countries. And the pace and scope of its investment continues: it now has about 600 companies in its portfolio. And in order to keep finding and funding companies, McClure’s group has closed a $44 million fund, a big step up from its $29.4 million first fund that closed at the end of Dec 2011.) There are no plans to change the fund name to 1000Startups! PS: Check out our profile of McLure from last year.