Octopus Ventures EIS Service
Powering pioneers
Octopus Ventures EIS Service
Powering pioneers
Octopus Ventures EIS Service gives investors the opportunity to access pioneering businesses with high growth potential. Investors hold a portfolio of around 10-15 early-stage companies selected by our ventures team, one of Europe’s largest.
We have previously backed some of the UK’s most successful entrepreneurs, making early investments in companies like:
Reasons to invest
Income tax relief
There’s a suite of valuable tax reliefs available as an incentive for investing in high-risk small businesses. These include 30% income tax relief, tax-free capital gains, loss relief, capital gains tax deferral and inheritance tax relief.
Interests aligned with investors
We’ll only collect our annual management charge if we exit a company at a gain. That way, you know we’re incentivised to select companies that have a strong potential to succeed.
High growth opportunity
Our aim is to provide a 10x return on your initial investment, although we can’t guarantee it. We have a track record of identifying and supporting companies from the start of their journey to household name status.
“Deployment speed is one of the best of any manager without pre-determined allotments.”
MJ Hudson
Twelve months
Average deployment time is twelve months. This is calculated from when the fundraising group moves to deployment phase until all funds are invested. This is the average over the last five fully deployed fundraising groups. As at 31 March 2023.
Five sectors
A diversified portfolio of around 10-15 companies across five sectors. These companies are handpicked by our teams who have specialist sector knowledge.
Team of 90+
One of the largest venture capital teams in Europe, who also manage Octopus Titan VCT, the UK’s largest VCT.*
*Association of Investment Companies, June 2023
Key risks
Capital at risk
The value of an EIS investment can fall as well as rise. Investors might not get back the full amount they invest.
Tax treatment
Tax treatment depends on individual circumstances and might change in the future. Tax reliefs depend on companies maintaining their EIS-qualifying status.
Long term investments
Investors need to hold shares for three years to keep any tax reliefs claimed. However, investors should be prepared to hold their shares for significantly longer to allow time for growth and exit.
Volatility and liquidity
Investments in smaller companies can fall or rise in value much more sharply than shares in larger, more established companies. They can also be harder to sell.
Portfolio companies
To give an idea of the sort of companies investors can expect us to back, here are some of our investments in revolutionary EIS-qualifying businesses, who are already changing the way we shop, live and work.
First invested: June 2021
XYZ Reality
An engineering-grade augmented reality solution, enabling construction teams to accurately position high-fidelity, 3D design models onsite and in real-time.
First invested: December 2021
Biofidelity
Early cancer diagnosis can save lives. Using revolutionary genomic analysis, Biofidelity have developed precise diagnostics for early-detection of cancer and genetic mutations.
First invested: November 2021
HURR
There’s no place for fast fashion in a sustainable future. HURR are changing the behaviours of fashion-lovers everywhere, by making high-quality pieces available to rent rather than buy.
First invested: November 2022
Cobee
Employee benefit schemes have become essential as companies battle to attract the best talent. Cobee provides seamless benefits management for businesses and a flexible platform for employees.
First invested: December 2022
Little Journey
Undergoing a healthcare procedure can be a daunting experience for anyone, especially for a child. The Little Journey app helps put children and families at ease by using immersive and interactive content.
First invested: November 2021
Kleene
Rather than relying on multiple different software systems, businesses can connect and ingest data from any source within minutes.
First invested: January 2022
Vira
Combining data, clinical best practice and behaviour change to solve the health and quality of life problems that affect billions of women worldwide.
Backing founders who can change the world
The Octopus Ventures EIS Service is managed by Octopus Ventures, one of Europe’s largest and most active venture capital teams. Their deep expertise across specialist areas of investment – business-to-business software, consumer, deep tech, fintech and health – helps to identify and support founders whose ideas have the potential to change the world. Watch the video to hear what drives the innovators we’re backing.
The investment process
Applying for the Service
Identifying opportunities for your portfolio
Investing your money into EIS-qualifying companies
Issuing your EIS 3 tax certificates
Selling your investment
How to invest
Please read the brochure and terms & conditions before beginning the application process. When you’re ready to invest create an illustration or apply online.
How to invest
The first step is to read the brochure and terms & conditions.
If you’d like to apply via your financial adviser, they can apply online on your behalf.
If you’d like to invest directly, please call +44 800 316 2295. We recommend you talk to your financial adviser prior to making an application.