A venture capital trust (VCT), is a tax efficient UK closed-end collective investment scheme that invests in small companies, either unquoted or trading on the AIM (formerly the Alternative Investment Market) with the intention of returning a profit to investors.

Venture capital trusts, which are generally themselves listed entities on the London Stock Exchange, were introduced by the government in April 1995 and were designed to encourage investors to invest directly in a range of small higher-risk companies whose shares are not listed on a recognised stock exchange.

The maximum investment eligible for income tax relief is £200,000.

VCT Amount Raising Minimum investment Type Initial Charges
Albion £38m £6,000 Generalist 2.5%
Baronsmead £45m £3,000 Generalist 3%
Downing ONE £20m £5,000 Generalist 3%
Foresight 4 £50m £3,000 Generalist 3%
Maven £30m £5,000 Generalist 5%
Mobeus £80m £6,000 Generalist 3.25%
Northern 2 £60m £3,000 Generalist 4%
Octopus Titan £120m £3,000 Generalist 3%
Pembroke £20m £3,000 Generalist 5.5%
Puma 13 £30m £5,000 Limited life 3%
Amati £20m £4,000 AIM 3%

Alternatives to VCTs

EIS funds are an investment vehicle that raises cash from individuals and institutions for the purpose of investing in a portfolio of EIS eligible ventures.

The funds offer up to 30 per cent tax relief for eligible investors. SyndicateRoom has launched two separate EIS funds, find out more here.

Risk warning: Please click here to read the full risk warning.
Investing in early-stage businesses involves risks, including illiquidity, lack of dividends, loss of investment and dilution, and it should be done only as part of a diversified portfolio. Tax relief depends on an individual’s circumstances and may change in the future. In addition, the availability of tax relief depends on the company invested in maintaining its qualifying status. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. You should not rely on any past performance as a guarantee of future investment performance.
This page has been approved as a financial promotion by Syndicate Room Ltd, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (No. 613021).
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