The EIS Navigator 115 EIS & VC Basics: What is EIS? with Nic Pillow of Blackfinch Ventures
This is the first in a new mini-series for the EIS Navigator on basics. We had some feedback from listeners that they would like to have more introductory material to EIS, VCTs and SEIS. In the EIS Navigator Basics, we will do shorter episodes discussing the how the schemes work, the tax reliefs available, what restrictions there are and how you invest. Episodes will run weekly and we are also trialling video alongside the usual audio releases. Video will be available alongside the Hardman Talks videos on youtube so check them out there.
For our first episode, we have an introduction to the Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) with Nic Pillow who is Senior Ventures Manager at Blackfinch Ventures. He has lots of experience in the industry so is well placed to tell us what its all about.
Amongst other topics, we talk about:
- what is the aim of the EIS?
- what sort of companies can you invest in under the scheme?
- what is a knowledge intensive company?
- what are the size or other limits on companies?
- how do you find EIS companies to invest in?
- the need for Advance Assurance
- what are realistic holding times?
As well as explaining the scheme, Nic brings in lots of examples. Enjoy!
Links
HMRC page on Enterprise Investment Scheme: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/venture-capital-schemes-apply-for-the-enterprise-investment-scheme
HMRC page on tax reliefs for venture schemes: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/venture-capital-schemes-tax-relief-for-investors
Blackfinch Ventures website: https://blackfinch.ventures/
Subscribe to the EIS Navigator podcast on most services here: https://the-eis-navigator.captivate.fm/listen
You can see this episode on video too here.
Please note this podcast/interview does not constitute a financial promotion and is provided for informational purposes and should not be construed as an invitation or offer to buy or sell any investments. Please be aware that investments into unquoted companies are high risk, long term and illiquid investments. Your capital is at risk. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. Target returns are not guaranteed and forward looking statements are illustrative only and must not be relied upon. Investors should only invest on the basis of reading the full offer documentation. Listeners must make their own independent decisions and obtain their own independent advice regarding any information, projects, securities, tax treatment or financial instruments mentioned herein.
For more information, please read our full disclaimers:
www.hardmanandco.com/research-disclosures
www.hardmanandco.com/disclaimer
The playlist for all the videos of the Basics series will be found here.
Bio
Nic Pillow
Senior Ventures Manager, Blackfinch Ventures
Nic has over two decades of experience in creating value for start-up, fast-growth and multinational B2B technology companies. Since joining Blackfinch Ventures in 2019 he has helped launch and manage the Blackfinch Spring VCT, he has supported over 100 investments into high-tech Seed and Series A stage companies, and he has been an observer on the boards of numerous portfolio companies. Previously, Nic co-founded his own startup, Rhizome Live, a Software-as-a-Service business in the Education Tech sector. He raised £400,000 and gained access to a top accelerator. Prior to that he led a global team at Nokia which exercised portfolio control over 15 software products that grew in annual revenue from £50 to £250 million. He has also held roles including Product Manager at Logica and Solution Architect at Portal Software. Nic holds a first-class degree in Engineering & Computing from the University of Oxford and a Ph.D. in Computer Vision from the Robotics Research Group at the University of Oxford.