Octopus Ventures EIS Toolkit
Tools to help you accelerate EIS conversations with clients
Speaking to your clients about EIS? We’ve provided a number of resources that will support your conversations about venture capital investing, whether they’re a first time investor or experienced in early-stage company investing.
Use these key resources to help take clients on their EIS journey with Octopus. You’ll find a client-friendly guide to the scheme, information on our highly experienced investment team, stories from some of our investee companies, and much more.
Risks to bear in mind
Capital at risk
The value of an investment can fall as well as rise. Investors could end up getting back less than they put in.
Volatility
Shares in EIS-qualifying companies could fall or rise in value more than other shares listed on the main market of the London Stock Exchange.
Liquidity
We will be investing into shares in unlisted early stage companies. These shares will be harder to sell than established listed companies. Investors should expect to hold shares for between five and ten years, and possibly longer.
Tax treatment and qualification
Tax treatment depends on individual circumstances and may change in the future. Tax reliefs depend on the portfolio companies maintaining their EIS-qualifying status.
For clients who are…
Help clients get to grips with EIS investments and the potential to maximise growth.
EIS calculator
Our EIS calculator enables you to calculate the amount of tax relief your client might get on their investment.
How to talk to your clients about this product
EIS is a scheme of tax reliefs brought in more than 25 years ago to encourage and support private investment into higher risk early-stage companies. Thanks to initiatives like EIS, the UK has one of the most successful start-up environments in the world. It gives great visibility over the companies investors are backing and is particularly interesting for those targeting high growth as growth in qualifying companies is tax free and there is loss relief on any failures.
Through Octopus Ventures EIS your client will hold shares directly in around 10-15 EIS qualifying companies that have the potential of delivering a 10x return. Clients will hold their EIS shares from the moment we select the companies until we secure an exit for everyone, so it’s not a liquid investment but they will be invested for the duration of the period that we think they are capable of securing the most growth.
Please note: not all companies will be successful and investors could end up getting back less than they put in.
Learn more about our EIS offering, highly experienced investment team, and the pioneering companies we invest in
Our portfolio stories
Read the stories of some of the most exciting companies backed by the Octopus Ventures team.
How to talk to your clients about this product
Octopus is synonymous with smaller company investing and boasts one of Europe’s largest and most active venture capital teams. Our reputation in the venture capital market acts as a magnet for the best opportunities and the support we offer founders through our global network is industry leading.
Octopus EIS is invested alongside Octopus Titan VCT, the largest VCT in the UK¹. This means our EIS shares the same proven sourcing pipeline and assessment process.
Our investment process is simple for advisers and clients. Below you’ll find resources that will help you take the next step. You and your client can keep up to date with investments in their portfolio as they happen through our online portal
Illustration
Use this document to create a personalised report for your client.
Keeping your clients updated after investing
Your client will get regular updates on their portfolio, fed easily through to them via our online portal. This means they can get really close to the 10 – 15 companies they hold shares in, helping them feel like they have played a role in driving them to success. They’ll see portfolio company names on their valuation statements and know how each company is performing during their investment.
Please note: not all companies will be successful and investors might get back less than they invest.
Octopus Ventures EIS
We provide investors with access to a portfolio of between 10-15 early stage companies with high growth potential selected by the team who manage Octopus Titan VCT. We are currently accepting applications into our Octopus Ventures Knowledge Intensive EIS Fund which will close on 5 April 2022, or earlier if capacity is reached.
How to invest
Please make sure your client reads the brochure and Key Information Document before beginning the application process. When they’re ready to invest create an illustration or apply online.
Ready to take the next step?
Resources to help you as an adviser.
Resources
| Apply online | Download |
| Illustration | Download |
| Octopus Ventures Knowledge Intensive EIS Fund brochure | Download |
| Octopus Ventures Knowledge Intensive EIS Fund Key Information Document | Download |
| Octopus Ventures Knowledge Intensive EIS Fund terms and conditions | Download |
| Octopus Ventures EIS suitability report | Download |
¹ Association of investment companies, March 22