What Are VCTs & How Do You Invest In Them?

Venture Capital Trusts (VCTs) are UK-listed, closed-end investment companies designed to provide funding to small, high-growth businesses while offering tax benefits to investors. Introduced in 1995, they aim to stimulate investment in early-stage companies that often struggle to secure traditional financing.

Venture Capital Trusts (VCTs) are tax-efficient investment vehicles that support small, high-growth UK companies. They can be an attractive option for investors seeking tax benefits and exposure to early-stage businesses.

How can I Invest in VCTs?

Direct Investment: You can Apply for shares during “new share offers,” typically available through VCT providers like Octopus Investments or D2C platforms such as Hargreaves Lansdown and Interactive Investor.

Stock Market Purchases: Retail traders can buy existing shares in VCTs that are listed on the London Stock Exchange, though this isn’t always easy due to limited liquidity.

According to data from Trustnet, there are currently 74 VCT funds listed in London right now.

Financial Advisors: Wealth managers and other advisors can guide you on suitable VCTs based on your risk appetite and financial goals and suitability.

Note however, that to invest in VCTs and benefit fully from them you will need to be over 18 years of age. Should ideally be resident in the UK, and have a sufficient income to be able to utilize the 30.0% tax relief.

That said there is a maximum annual investment limit of £200,000 that qualifies for that relief.

As such VCTs are usually associated with higher net worth individuals, sophisticated investors, and those with significant tax liabilities

What are the Pros of Investing in VCTs?

Tax benefits: VCT investors qualify for 30% income tax relief on their investments up to £200,000 per tax year, if the investments are held for five years.

VCT investors also qualify for tax-free dividends and exemption from Capital Gains Tax on share disposals.

The potential for high returns: Early-stage companies which VCTs invest in often have significant growth potential, offering higher returns than more mature or established businesses.

Portfolio diversification: VCTs provide exposure to unlisted or AIM-listed companies, which can follow different market cycles to large cap equities or other investment products.

Support for Innovation: Investment in VCTs can help UK start-ups grow, fostering economic development and job creation in the economy.

What are the Cons of Investing in VCTs?

High risk: The early-stage companies that VCTs back are often volatile and may fail, leading to loss of the invested capital.
illiquidity: The underlying Investments that VCTs make are also often illiquid, as are the VCT stocks themselves. Selling shares quickly and or at a favorable price can be challenging.

Long-term commitment: Shares in a VCT must be held for at least five years to qualify for the tax benefits of the investment.

Dependence on VCT management: The performance of a VCT relies heavily on the expertise of its fund managers. Too many poor decisions and underperforming investments can greatly impact returns.

Tax uncertainty: Future changes in UK Tax legislation could reduce or even remove the tax advantages associated with VCTs that said Chancellor Rachel Reeves made it clear in her autumn statement that VCTs would enjoy their current tax status for at least another decade.

VCTs are not for everyone, but for those with a high income, tax liabilities and long term investment horizons, they are worth a look.