Investment Schemes
What are SEIS and EIS schemes?
SEIS (Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme) and EIS (Enterprise Investment Scheme) are UK government initiatives designed to encourage investment in early-stage and high-risk companies. They offer tax relief to individual investors who purchase new shares in qualifying companies. SEIS focuses on very early-stage companies, offering more generous tax reliefs, while EIS is geared towards slightly larger and less risky enterprises.
What are the tax relief benefits?
Tax relief benefits under SEIS include a 50% income tax relief, capital gains tax exemption, and loss relief. EIS offers a 30% income tax relief, capital gains tax deferral, and loss relief.
Can I carry back the tax relief?
Yes, you can carry back SEIS and EIS tax relief to the previous tax year, subject to certain limits and conditions.
How do I receive my SEIS and EIS tax relief certificates?
Once an investment has been made, SEIS and EIS tax relief certificates are typically issued within 4 months. These will be sent to you either by post or electronically, based on your preference.
How will I know when I’ve received all my SEIS and EIS tax relief certificates?
You'll receive a notification from us confirming the issuance of all tax relief certificates related to your investment.
What happens if companies enter into liquidation? How do I obtain evidence for loss relief?
In the unfortunate event a portfolio company enters into liquidation, we'll provide you with the necessary documentation to claim loss relief on your tax return.
Investment Criteria
What types of companies do you invest in?
We invest in early-stage companies with strong growth potential. We are sector agnostic so invest across greentech, medtech, software, consumer products and more. We look for innovative solutions, compelling market opportunities, and capable teams.
What is the average size of your investments?
Our typical investment size ranges from £100,000 to £300,000. However, the actual amount may vary based on the company's needs and potential.
Can non-UK companies apply for investment?
We do not consider non-UK companies.
Investment Process
How long does the due diligence process usually take?
The duration of our due diligence process can vary but generally takes between 1 to 4 weeks. This includes evaluating the business model, market opportunity, and financials.
Do you have a standard term sheet?
Yes, we have a standard term sheet that outlines the fundamental terms and conditions of the investment. However, terms can be negotiated to align with the unique circumstances of each deal.
Do you lead funding rounds?
Most of the times, we do lead funding rounds but can also participate as a follow-on investor depending on the situation and our investment strategy.
How many companies are in the SEIS and EIS funds on average?
On average, each of our SEIS and EIS funds consists of 20 companies. The exact number can vary based on the fund's strategy and investment opportunities available.
Investment Relations
Am I eligible for SEIS / EIS Investing?
Generally, you must be a UK taxpayer to benefit fully from SEIS and EIS tax reliefs. However, there are specific criteria you must meet, which we can discuss on a case-by-case basis.
How long does it take to deploy my investment?
It generally takes up to 6 months to fully deploy an investment across multiple portfolio companies. However, our funds will always be deployed in the current tax year.
What fees do you charge?
We charge investee companies a one-time fee upon each investment. We charge investors a success fee and no annual management fee. More details can be provided upon request.
When will I see a return?
The timeframe for returns can vary, but we generally aim for a 5- to 7-year investment horizon. However, it's worth noting that venture capital is a high-risk asset class and returns are not guaranteed.
What is your exit strategy?
Our preferred exit strategy is via a trade sale or public offering. We generally aim for an exit within 5 to 7 years, although this timeline can be flexible depending on the company's performance and market conditions.
Do you have an online portal so I can track my investments?
Yes, we offer a secure online portal where you can view real-time updates on your investment portfolio.
How do I get updates on the performance of my investment?
We provide bi-annual updates to our investors that include key performance indicators, financial summaries, and other relevant news. Additionally, investors get access to our portal where they can see the up-to-date performance of their investments.
Do you co-invest with other venture capital firms?
Yes, we often participate in co-investment opportunities with other venture capital firms, especially for larger funding rounds. This enables us to share risks and insights, and potentially achieve higher returns.
Do I get to choose which companies go into the funds?
Typically, the selection of companies is managed by our investment team.
Community & Networking
Do you host or sponsor any events for startups or investors?
We regularly host and sponsor events aimed at fostering innovation and networking within the startup ecosystem. These range from pitch events and workshops to webinars and panel events.
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