> About the Fund

Investment Criteria

 

The South West Ventures Fund is seeking to provide venture capital funding to companies which have the following attributes:

  • are a small or medium sized enterprise located in the South West region of England (link to map page or open new window)
  • have a talented and ambitious management team fully committed to the success of their venture
  • potential for significant growth in the marketplace
  • a strong product or service with competitive advantage
  • a detailed plan to achieve strong, sustainable growth in profits
  • effective financial systems and controls
  • are committed to achieving an exit for shareholders either through a stock market flotation or trade sale within a 3 to 7 year timeframe.

  • Investment criteria include:

    • the Fund can invest up to £250,000 in an initial investment and a further £250,000 after 6 months
    • in certain circumstances, alongside other new investors, the Fund can follow on its investments to provide a total of £2.5 million to a one company
    • we are interested in companies at all stages of development from early stage to those seeking to expand organically or by acquisition as well as Management Buyouts (MBO’s) and Management Buy-ins (MBI’s). Starts-up companies will also be considered
    • most sectors are eligible although there are some restrictions, principally relating to property, financial services, agriculture and some state aided sectors. Please contact us (LINK) if you require clarification.

    Post Investment Requirements:

    • typically we seek to appoint a Non-Executive Director (NED) to the Board. His or hers principal role will be to provide support and advice to the Executive directors. The NED will normally have relevant industry experience and often help to strengthen a particular skillset in the team. The NED will provide us with a brief monthly report on progress. Each investee company is also expected to provide regular financial reports including cashflow projections, management accounts and audited financial statements
    • we are always interested in hearing from potential Non-Executive Directors who believe they could assist our portfolio companies.