3 March 

Edison, the investment research and advisory company, issues its latest report on Listed Private Equity (LPE) which finds that the sector displays a similar risk-reward profile to major equity indices, US real estate investment trusts (REITS) as well as other equity classes over the longer term. 

3 March 

March 2017

The Coalition for a Digital Economy (Coadec) recently released their latest report, highlighting several key issues for Government to address in order to support the growth and scale-up of the UK’s early-stage tech and digital companies.

Drawing on the insights of founders, investors and policy experts across the UK, Coadec delivered headline recommendations, which pertained to four key areas: investment, trade, skills and talent.

Coadec is calling for more software development apprenticeships, changes to the tax and regulatory environment in which investors operate and a decision from the European Commission relating to startups’ access to EU data.

You can access the full report HERE

March 2017 

Shareholder Sentiment Index 2017: Shareholders Frustrated by Lack of Equity Liquidity

Asset Match has launched the Shareholder Sentiment Index 2017 to delve further into the constructs of Britain’s share-holding population, analysing the sentiments, challenges and desires that define the profile of what is an integral community of SME investors. The nationally representative survey of 2,000 adults dissects investor interest in relation to the nation’s private sector capabilities, revealing the challenges faced by investors looking to buy and sell shares in private companies. The research also delves into post-Brexit sentiment towards growth finance and the general appetite for small to mid-cap shares in the current economic climate.

Download the full report HERE

March 2017

Lark research reveals that cyber risks tops the list of concerns for UK wealth management firms

Lark recently carried out a survey of UK wealth management firms that collectively manage £130 billion of assets, representing almost a fifth of the industry, the senior decision makers interviewed believe that data breaches by cyber hackers are the most damaging threat facing the industry.

With the main concerns being about cyber crime, regulation and relationships with insurance brokers, it is unsurprising that the findings in this report can easily be extrapolated and applied to a wide variety of financial institutions.

Click here to download the full report or view the infographic highlighting the key findings here.

March 2017

The onset of the Internet of Things has unleashed a frenzy of new startup apps. In this cacophony of noise, who are the ones left standing when the music stops? The Chinese market offers lessons says Dr Arthur Krebbers.

March 2017

Dr Thomas Prock, Patent Attorney at Marks & Clerk LLP considers the importance of IP Rights when it comes to valuing a business.

March 2017

In the shadow of Brexit, overall investment activity into startups has dropped in 2016, yet high-tech companies based on university research have bucked the trend. Dr Richard Reschen, Senior Technology Transfer Manager at Oxford University Innovation, examines what is driving the bullish enthusiasm for these spinouts.

March 2017

No region immune to venture capital market downswing

Following 2015’s peak funding levels, 2016 was a challenging year for venture capital (VC) investment across the globe, with decreases in both the number of deals and the total value of VC investment, according to Venture Pulse Q4 2016, a quarterly report on global VC trends published by KPMG Enterprise. Worldwide venture capital activity declined by 24 percent year over year, though total global venture capital investment remained substantial at USD$127.4 billion.*

2 March 

At a media roundtable held yesterday by the Association of Investment Companies (AIC), Patrick Reeve, Managing Partner at Albion Ventures and David Hall, Managing Director at YFM Equity Partners, managers of British Smaller Companies VCT and British Smaller Companies VCT 2, discussed where they are finding opportunities now, demand from investors and the outlook for the sector.

2 March 

Dukosi, the battery management systems innovator, today announced it has secured a further £2 million in funding, led by IP Group plc.

1 March 

Online equity investment platform SyndicateRoom today announces the successful capital raise of £459,871 for Squirrel, which overfunded to 115% of its original £400,019 target. The fintech company has developed a personal financial management and savings app designed to help people regain control of their money.