30th anniversary of VCTs celebrated as 2024 raise approaches £240m December 1, 2024 The total amount of money raised through venture capital trusts (VCTs) this tax year is approaching £240m, 20 per cent higher than last year, as the investment industry celebrates the vehicle’s 30th birthday. The VCT was unveiled in the 1994 Budget, where Chancellor Ken Clarke launched the scheme, and have since raised £12.5bn, funnelling money [...]
Sir Michael Moritz on triathlon, dangerous investments and Fergie November 26, 2024 Sir Michael Moritz’s sixth sense for investing made him a multi-billionaire, so when he gives a rare interview and talks up the trajectory of one of his latest ventures, the T100 Triathlon World Tour, it seems smart to listen. The Welshman, 70, was among the first to believe in the potential of the tour and [...]
UK venture capital industry not attracting enough domestic funding, says report November 25, 2024 The UK’s venture capital industry is not attracting enough funding from domestic investors compared with the likes of France and Germany, a report from the sector’s industry body has warned. Venture Capital in the UK, a new annual paper from the British Venture Capital Association (BVCA), found the country’s risk capital sector had shown “resilience” [...]
Ladbible and Onthebeach founders back investor led by Steven Bartlett’s former business partner November 5, 2024 The founders of Ladbible and Onthebeach have backed a venture capital firm that is led by the former business partner of Dragons’ Den star, Steven Bartlett. Solly Solomou, the chief executive of Manchester-headquartered Ladbible Group, has invested in Wilmslow-based Fearless Adventures alongside Onthebeach’s Simon Cooper, who will become its chairman. Solomou has invested through his [...]
Cricket, rugby and football stars invest in health start-up November 4, 2024 England rugby international Courtney Lawes and Arsenal footballer Ben White are also among the 60 professional sportspeople invested in The Players Fund.
UK start-up funding falls but life sciences sector picks up October 15, 2024 UK start-ups secured $2.9bn (£2.2bn) in new venture capital (VC) funding during the third quarter of 2024, a sharp drop from the $5.7bn (£4.4bn) raised in the previous quarter, according to fresh data from HSBC. The global VC market also slowed, marking its weakest quarter in over four years, driven largely by a downturn in [...]
Americans do it better (investing, that is) October 9, 2024 British companies are often accountable to passive shareholders, such as pension funds, leading to risk aversion and short-termism. The US invests differently, with much better results, says Tom Focas The UK economy is in dire need of a rejuvenation. Growth is still stagnating, productivity lags behind global competitors, and industries that once anchored the nation’s [...]
UK defence tech investment surges September 26, 2024 Venture capital in European defence technology is set to reach $1bn annually by 2024, with the UK leading the charge alongside Germany and France.
Why launch an AIM VCT now? First in 17 years debuts September 19, 2024 The first venture capital trust focused on the AIM market in 17 years has been launched by Puma, despite fears over the strength of London’s junior market. AIM stocks have not performed well in recent years, with its index falling 40 per cent over the last three years, compared to a 21 rise in the [...]
City minister pledges to work ‘together’ with private equity as tax hike looms September 12, 2024 The City minister pledged to work “together” with the private equity industry today but steered clear of mentioning a looming tax hike which could put the sector on a collision course with the Treasury. In a speech at the British Private Equity and Venture Capital Association’s (BVCA) annual summit, Tulip Siddiq said private capital would [...]