The Access EIS Fund’s latest portfolio growth numbers show that in difficult economic conditions this innovative approach to investing – building large portfolios, with companies chosen by a network of the UK’s most successful angel investors – is an effective way to build venture capital portfolios and capture the consistent growth of the UK startup market as a whole.
Built on a model that aims to capture the consistent ~25% growth of the entire UK startup market by building large portfolios of the market’s top 10% of performers, in its latest Biannual Report the Access EIS Fund reported overall its valuation had increased by 25.5%.
Access EIS Fund overall valuation: +25.6%
2020 cohort valuation: +35.1%
2021 cohort valuation: +48.2%
2022 cohort valuation: +10.2%
2023 cohort valuation: +7.8%
In the face of economic uncertainty, falling valuations, and reduced venture capital (VC) investment across the broader market, the Access EIS Fund offers investors a smarter way to invest, offering significant growth opportunity, minimising the impact of losses on overall growth, with demonstrated growth to date to back it up. With proven resilience, a portfolio of high-growth companies, and the established suite of EIS tax benefits across income tax, inheritance tax, capital gains tax and more, now is the time to capitalise on the potential of this data-driven investment approach, and invest smarter.
Growth despite challenging times
While startup funding has fallen to its lowest level in six years, the Access EIS Fund has continued to deliver strong results by identifying high-potential businesses and backing them through tough market conditions. While global VC funding has become more selective, Access EIS continues to co-invest with some of the UK’s top-performing angels into approximately 50 startups per year. The data-driven strategy powering Access EIS has led to consistent portfolio growth, some of which is outlined below.
Robust performance: The fund’s portfolio has grown by 25.5% overall, with standout cohorts like 2021 achieving 48.2% growth since initial investment.
Exceptional success stories: Companies such as MOTH Drinks (up 924%) and Nivoda (up 678%) demonstrate the Access Fund’s ability to back innovators with significant growth potential.
Broad portfolio success: The Access EIS Fund has achieved significant value growth across a diverse portfolio, with nearly half of its investments experiencing upward revaluation events. Notably, 25 companies have seen their valuations more than double, many going on to raise sizeable series A and series B rounds.
AI and climatetech lead the way The Access Fund’s targeted focus on artificial intelligence (AI) and climatetech aligns with broader investment trends: AI remains a magnet for capital: Globally, the AI sector continues to attract significant investment as businesses and industries integrate transformative tools. With rapid adoption and growing scalability, companies in this space are poised for exponential growth.
Climatetech surges ahead: VC investment in UK climatetech reached a record $6.2 billion in 2023, highlighting strong investor confidence in technologies like renewable energy, carbon capture, and green infrastructure.
While investors race to jump into the next big thing, The Times notes that diversified strategies like those employed by Access EIS—targeting high-growth, innovative sectors—are essential for maintaining returns in a tough market.
Case studies
MOTH Drinks: Redefining the ready-to-drink cocktail space, MOTH has grown exponentially, with a valuation increase of 924%. In 2024, it completed a Series A funding round of £4.6 million, cementing its position as a market leader.
Wiseworks: Transforming corporate governance with AI, Wiseworks has become a market leader, boasting a partnership with Deloitte and a 114.7% valuation increase.
Nivoda: Disrupting the diamond supply chain, this portfolio star achieved a 678% valuation increase, fueled by 120% revenue growth and a $30 million Series B round. These successes illustrate not only resilience but also the Access Fund’s knack for identifying startups with the ability to scale, innovate, and lead their sectors.
A tax-efficient investment opportunity
Recent changes to UK tax policy make investing in EIS-qualifying companies more compelling than ever: Increased capital gains tax rates: the Autumn Budget 2024 raised rates to 18% (lower band) and 24% (higher band), making EIS tax reliefs even more valuable.
Inheritance tax relief: With reductions in relief thresholds for agricultural and business properties, the 100% IHT relief for EIS shares becomes a critical tool for wealth preservation.
Flexibility: Investors can carry back relief to the prior tax year or defer gains, offering significant planning advantages. As noted by MoneyWeek, these changes enhance the attractiveness of EIS investments, making them a vital consideration for savvy investors.
Resilient and ready for the future
While economic headwinds continue to challenge markets, the Access EIS Fund demonstrates that resilience, opportunity, and innovation thrive in the right environment. By combining exceptional portfolio performance, targeted sector focus, and substantial tax advantages, Access EIS is a compelling choice for investors looking to balance growth and security.
Discover how the Access EIS Fund can help you grow your wealth while supporting the future of innovation. Visit SyndicateRoom’s website or contact our team today.
The Access EIS Fund
Our fund co-invests with proven angel investors to build large portfolios of hand-picked companies for our investors. It’s a high risk investment, but we’re confident that our approach is the smartest on the market. Even better, we can show you the data to prove it.
To find out more about how the Access EIS Fund can work for you or your clients. Use the button below to schedule a call with our expert, Tom Britton.
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