The EIS Navigator

The EIS Navigator host is taking a break, so there will be no episodes of the podcast. We will re-release a few episodes from the back catalogue. We'll be back in the autumn and are planning a great new series on EIS basics, so watch out for that.Have a great summer!LinksCheck out back episodes at https://hardmanandco.com/podcast/.Subscribe to the EIS Navigator podcast on most services here: https://the-eis-navigator.captivate.fm/listenSuggested books and mediaNine Lives: My Time As MI6's Top Spy Inside al-Qaeda by Aimen Dean

While software may not eat the world, sometimes it seems like it has eaten the venture industry. However, hardware has its merits too. Climatetech investor OnePlanetCapital invests in both, so CEO Matt Jellicoe is well placed to compare them. Amongst other topics, we talk about:finding skilled teams for hardware companiesbuilding and scaling hardware companiessources of IP and protecting itwhether to work with partners or notwhere the real challenges in supply chains aredealing with cash requirements at different stagesthe support available in the UK for hardwarehow climatetech products need to be no-brainersgetting good gross marginsscaling climatetech companiesMatt brings great insights with deep use of several real life examples to make his points clearer. Enjoy!00:45 Matt introduces himself and OnePlanetCapital03:15 Framing hardware vs software07:00 Finding skilled teams 12:00 Sources of IP and protecting it15:30 How partners affect options for exit18:10 Supply chains - where the real challenges are21:15 Timescales for hardware vs software24:00 How technology is affecting development times26:15 Cash requirements at different stages27:30 InnovateUK, grants and support within the UK30:30 Funding at later stages33:00 The need for climatic products to be no-brainers36:15 Getting good gross margins38:00 Challenges of bringing climatetech solutions to market at scale40:30 Are the trends still going in the right direction? Effect of venture bubble44:00 favourite questionsLinksOnePlanetCapital website: https://www.oneplanet.capital/Subscribe to the EIS Navigator podcast on most services here: https://the-eis-navigator.captivate.fm/listenSuggested books and mediaPsychology of Money by Morgan HouselBioMatt JellicoeCEO, OnePlanetCapitalAfter a corporate career in public companies, Matthew founded and successfully exited two technology businesses in 2012 and 2018 respectively. He has been an active technology investor since 2012 and serves as a Non-Executive Director for two technology businesses. In more recent years he has specialised in sustainable investments.Matt Jellicoe is one of the founding directors of OnePlanet.Capital - a climate change focused EIS Investment Fund. The fund aims to combine strong investment returns with climate and environmental impact.DisclaimerPlease 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.

With climatetech being one of top areas of investor interest, it was time we checked in to see how things are. Dr Nicky Dee is co-founder and CEO of venture builder and fund manager Carbon13. With 25 years of experience in the space, she is very well placed to take a perspective beyond the here and now.Amongst other topics, we talk abouthow venture building programmes workhow climatetech has become more commercialthe role of government in developing the spacewhat are the clear trends just nowopportunities in carbon credits, Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism and Extended Producer Responsibilityfunding hardware developmentinternational manufacturing how US politics are affecting the spaceIts a great discussion: Nicky's deep and broad experiences give great insights into climatetech. Enjoy!00:55 Nicky introduces herself02:30 Introduction to Carbon1304:30 How venture building programmes work09:30 What does impact mean to you?13:00 Are people looking at climate investing more commercially now16:15 the role of government in driving things forward19:30 where are the trends in needs clear just now23:30 commercial drivers28:00 Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism , extended producer responsibility32:30 hardware issues and handling capital intensivity36:20 international manufacturing challenges39:10 pushback in the US against climate change and DEI - do we look at other markets?43:30 navigating the near term uncertainty45:00 favourite questionsLinksCarbon13 website: https://carbonthirteen.com/Subscribe to the EIS Navigator podcast on most services here: https://the-eis-navigator.captivate.fm/listenSuggested books and mediaThe Blue Commons by Guy StandingBioDr Nicky DeeCo-founder and CEO, Carbon13Nicky has over 25 years of experience engaging with startups and stakeholders to drive sustainability and innovation in ESG. Viewing entrepreneurs as catalysts for transformative shifts, she co-founded Carbon13 in 2019 to apply venture building to protect earth’s vital systems. As CEO the organisation has grown to 84 portfolio investments with a total market value over £200m and 1,000 founders trained with hubs of activity in Cambridge, London and Berlin. Before Carbon13 she pioneered new initiatives spanning innovation prizes, startup acceleration, climate tech investments, and corporate venturing with organizations like UNEP, UK government, World Bank, etc. She has a PhD from the Institute for Manufacturing at the University of Cambridge (IfM) and a Natural Sciences degree which underpins her interest and evaluation of technology based solutions and impact methodologies. She serves as a Fellow with the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership.DisclaimerPlease 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.

Richard Hoskins has worked in several roles in his two decades in the EIS industry. We talk about his perspective on how it has changed and what more we can do to grow UK venture capital. He also has some exciting news about his business, Kin Group, which he shares with listeners.In a wide ranging discussion we talk about:how EIS has evolved over the past 20 yearswhere the EIS rules need streamlininghow to get more GP/LP fundsthe way technology and regulation interact for VC managersthe growth in private marketswhat the changes at Kin mean for the groupinternationalising fund management businessesIts an great discussion with someone who is both a fund manager and an entrepreneur. Enjoy!00:45 Richard introduces himself02:20 Introduction to Kin06:40 advantages of in-house developers07:30 changes in the EIS market over time13:30 the need for streamlining EIS rules18:00 effects of costs for GP/LP funds20:30 how fund managers complement fund mentors/advisers25:00 technology in the VC industry and interaction with regulations31:00 growth in private markets and challenge of liquidity35:00 smaller VC funds35:40 changes at Kin and what it means for the group40:00 internationalising the business45:00 prospects for the EIS market50:30 favourite questionsLinksEmail: rhoskins@kin-group.co.ukLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hoskinsrichard/Kin Group website: https://www.kincapital.co.uk/Subscribe to the EIS Navigator podcast on most services here: https://the-eis-navigator.captivate.fm/listenSuggested books and mediaCan't Hurt Me by David Goggins(There is a swear free version too for those who prefer it.)BioRichard HoskinsCo-Principal, Kin GroupRichard is Co-Principal and Co-Founder of Kin Group. Having worked in Venture Capital for 17 years, he has seen the Venture industry move from the niche sector it once was, to the booming asset class it is today. He has worked in a variety of VC roles, including; fundraising, fund management and fund administration. He has been described as “one of the most knowledgable commentators on the venture capital world” (Telegraph, 2017). In particular he has helped numerous aspiring VC asset managers setting up their first VC fund and assisted larger VC asset management firms grow to the next level. DisclaimerPlease 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.

We have been talking about the lack of women in venture capital for far too long. Although we have tried to add to that on the #EIS Navigator podcast, its taken several attempts to get something out. We are delighted that entrepreneur, investor and soon-to-be Investment Committee member at Sustainable Ventures, Julia Groves joins us to discuss where we are, why this is still a thing and what should be done about it.In a wide ranging discussion we talk about:where we are with female participationglass ceilingshow the Rose Review didn't fix the problembringing female investors into venture capitalthe lack of knowledge about EIShow women investors get advicethe relationship to diversity to other issuesthe recent pushback against DEI, ESG and environmental issues generallyencouraging female founderspossible strategies to improve mattersIts an great discussion with someone who is passionate about entrepreneurship, the environment and diversity. Enjoy!00:55 Julia introduces herself03:15 Sustainable Ventures04:15 Where are we with female participation entrepreneurship 07:30 Female investors vs entrepreneurs10:15 Glass ceilings and other diversity issues14:00 How do we fix the problem?15:00 Rose review - great data but where's the effect?22:00 Bringing female investors into venture investing23:20 The lack of knowledge about EIS27:00 Access to advice for female investors31:00 Linking diversity to wider environmental issues33:10 Pushbacks against DEI and environmental issues36:00 How the environment has changed for women - pulling up the ladder43:00 Encouraging female founders and getting them to raise money48:00 Pools of progress vs overall stats51:45 Could disclosures help56:30 favourite questionsLinksSustainable Ventures - https://www.sustainableventures.co.uk/Julia on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliasgroves/Subscribe to the EIS Navigator podcast on most services here: https://the-eis-navigator.captivate.fm/listenSuggested books and mediaThe Wind-up Bird Chronicle by Haruki MurakamiThe Lean Startup by Eric RiesBioJulia GrovesInvestment Committee member, Sustainable VenturesJulia brings over 20 years experience in the renewable energy and responsible finance sector.  A successful entrepreneur with three exits under her belt, she set up the Sustainability team at the British Bank, has served on the Nesta Impact Investment Committee for 3 years, and has recently joined Sustainable Ventures as Investment Partner.  With a career spanning venture capital and private equity she has been at the forefront of shaping responsible investment strategies and regulatory innovation. Previously a Partner and Head of ESG at Downing LLP  Julia has raised substantial capital for pioneering businesses, backed early-stage ventures and as an angel investor led high-growth companies through critical transitions. As a serial entrepreneur in wind turbine and solar businesses she has consistently and susscessfuly secured investment and strategic partnerships to expand companies market reach and ultimately their impact. She also volunteers as a mentor for Expect Impact.DisclaimerPlease 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.

Although we generally focus on the investment aspects of EIS and VCTs, the recent budget brought a renewed spotlight onto the tax benefits. Rakesh Murria, COO of Ascension Ventures, has been looking at how the to use the reliefs in a more sophisticated way than the simple scenarios that generally get discussed. In this episode, he runs through some scenarios for us, illustrating how tax advantaged products can be used to reduce investor tax bills.In a wide ranging discussion we talk about:tax reliefs for EIS, SEIS and VCTshow they may help with those with pension assets that were earmarked for inheritancemitigating CGT on carried interest (and how they may help when that changes too)how to use Business Investment Reliefhow EIS is an alternative to AIM for IHT reliefRakesh discusses these issues with advisers regularly so has some great insights. Plenty of ideas for both investors and advisers.00:55 Rakesh introduces himself01:40 what Ascension does03:40 summary of EIS and SEIS tax reliefs06:00 CGT reliefs12:20 VCT tax reliefs14:00 Example 1 - addressing changes to pensions20:00 ways of diversifying26:30 Example 2 - mitigating CGT on carried interest30:00 extra example for large earners32:30 Example 3 - Business Investment Relief40:00 Example 4 - EIS as an alternative to AIM for IHT relief49:00 favourite questionsLinksAscension Ventures - https://www.ascension.vc/Links to webinar on tax planning - https://youtu.be/jPupRUp51HY?si=WijvDB2tq0ZdxTrT or https://www.ascension.vc/advisers/Subscribe to the EIS Navigator podcast on most services here: https://the-eis-navigator.captivate.fm/listenSuggested books and mediaMaterial World by Ed ConwayBioRakesh MurriaChief Operating Officer, Ascension VenturesRakesh is the COO of Ascension (ascension.vc), where he oversees operations across their tax-efficient and institutional funds. With over 20 years in the technology, media, and telecoms sector, he’s held senior roles like Director of Product at EE, shaping their mobile, broadband, and TV offerings.He’s also co-founded a FinTech start-up, spearheading its growth and raising £3m in funding, and has spent years advising early-stage tech companies. From corporate boardrooms to start-up hustle, Rakesh brings deep experience and practical insights to scaling businesses and driving innovation. DisclaimerThe tax planning scenarios provided in this podcast are for information only and only apply in particular circumstances. This can be a complex area and you should speak to a knowledgeable professional before using these in practice.

In this episode, we welcome back Henry Whorwood, Head of Research & Consultancy at Beauhurst. With access to the broad data that Beauhurt collects, Henry has a great overview of trends in the venture capital market over the past couple of years and where we are now.In a wide ranging discussion we talk about:tourist venture investorswhether this is a healthy correctionthe lack of failures and the causestrends in valuations and amounts raisedthe strength in AI and cleantechdifferent patterns by stage of investment and locationwhat's happening in exitsdemand from purchasersAfter a down phase in the cycle over the past couple of years, there is much speculation about whether we are close to, at or past the bottom. Listen and find out what the data says! Enjoy!PS Sorry about uploading the wrong file initially!00:50 Henry introduces himself and Beauhurst02:30 what sort of data Beauhurst has04:50 where is the venture capital market just now?11:00 the lack of company failures13:20 valuations and amounts invested15:00 strength of AI and cleantech21:15 differences across stages23:45 down rounds, convertibles and preference terms30:30 secondary share sales32:30 what's happening in exits38:00 demand from buyers41:40 types of companies being sold43:30 how are the regions doing46:00 green shoots elsewhere 51:30 favourite questionsLinksBeauhurst website - https://www.beauhurst.com/Beauhurst reports page - https://www.beauhurst.com/reports/Subscribe to the EIS Navigator podcast on most services here: https://the-eis-navigator.captivate.fm/listenSuggested books and mediaArts and Minds: How the Royal Society of Arts Changed a Nation by Anton HowesBioHenry WhorwoodHead of Research & Consultancy, BeauhurstHenry started and runs Beauhurst’s Research & Consultancy department which produces research on the UK’s startups and scaleups. He has worked on briefs for clients including the British Business Bank, HM Treasury, BEIS and Innovate UK. Henry is an expert on business finance, entrepreneurship and innovation and regularly gives presentations on market trends at events around the country. He studied Classics at the University of Oxford.

This episode is our usual year-end panel. An all-star group of experts get together to discuss what happened in 2024 and the prospects for 2024. This year, Christiana Stewart-Lockhart, Director General of the EIS Assocation; Kealan Doyle, CEO & Director of Symvan Capital and Ewoud Karelse, Specialist-Product at Evelyn Partners bring their knowledge and insight.In a wide ranging discussion we talk about:fundraising in 2024the effect of the budget and how it has brought a focus on tax rather than investmentperformance of the underlying fundshow EIS has become more attractive for IHT planningthe effect on the market of the changes in SEIS limitshow closing deals is taking longervaluations and the availability of fundingexit activityhow AI and climatetech are still popularlooking forward to 2025As usual, the panel bring a lot of knowledge and insights. 2024 was an eventful year so listen and find out what it all means for investors and advisers.00:50 Introductions from Christiana, Kealan and Ewoud 03:00 how has fundraising been08:00 the effect of the budget12:00 the focus on tax rather than investment in 202415:30 performance of the underlying funds19:00 increased attraction EIS for IHT planning24:00 the administration challenge27:30 effect of SEIS limit changes on the market31:50 EIS investing - length of time to close deals36:00 valuations and down rounds, availability of funding38:00 exit activity47:30 hot sectors - AI53:00 hot sectors - climatetech59:30 looking forward to 202562:30 activity in the regions66:15 Predictions for 2025LinksEIS Assocation - https://eisa.org.uk/Symvan Capital - https://www.symvancapital.com/Evelyn Partners - https://www.evelyn.com/Subscribe to the EIS Navigator podcast on most services here: https://the-eis-navigator.captivate.fm/listenBiosKealan DoyleKealan is CEO and co-founder of Symvan Capital. He has worked with venture capital companies for 15 years, both in a corporate finance advisory capacity as well as a fund manager. He prefers to invest in a wide range of technology companies, but is also very interested in finding synergies within the Symvan portfolio of companies. Company interests include big data analytics, fintech, SaaS, 3D printing and network security. Before his involvement in venture capital investing, Kealan previously lead a structured equity products team at HSBC, and has worked at Deutsche Bank, Merrill Lynch and UBS. Together with Nicholas, he has since founded his own entrepreneurial businesses to focus on VC investing. Kealan holds degrees from the London School of Economics and the University of Toronto.Christiana Stewart-LockhartChristiana Stewart-Lockhart is the Director General of the Enterprise Investment Scheme Association (EISA). She previously spent more than a decade working in Westminster including ten years at the Institute of Economic Affairs. She also founded EPICENTER, a Brussels based network of some of the most respected think tanks from across Europe. Christiana holds a BA in Politics from the University of York. She is a member of TISA’s Children’s Financial Education Policy Council and also sits on the Advisory Board for the All Party Parliamentary Group for Entrepreneurship.Ewoud KarelseEwoud started his career in financial services with Allenbridge in 2000 and joined Towry Law in 2008 before joining Tilney in 2016, and Evelyn Partners in 2022. Ewoud is responsible for the research and selection of Venture Capital Trusts; (Seed) Enterprise Investment Schemes; Business Relief for Inheritance Tax Planning (AIM and non-AIM), and Social Investment Tax Relief products. He is also well versed in the use of Business Investment Relief for International clients.DisclaimerPlease 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.

Tom Wilde helped start and now heads up the EIS and VCT tax practice at Shoosmiths. He has seen a wide range legal issues founders, companies and investors make when setting up and receiving EIS or VCT investment. He pulled together some for a recent presentation and we get him to expand on them.In a wide ranging discussion we talk about:starting the right waythe independent investor ruleraising SEIS and EIS funds togetherthe challenges that buybacks presentdoing subsidiaries correctlythe types of shares that can be usedthe current state of the EIS and VCT marketmental health in the workplaceThe Shoosmiths practice is deeply involved in EIS, giving Tom great experience and knowledge. Take advantage of that here!00:40 Tom introduces himself01:35 what Shoosmiths does in EIS03:40 starting the right way04:10 need to use a new company06:10 get founder shareholdings right08:00 independent investor rule11:20 raising SEIS and EIS funds together13:45 risks of buybacks and losing tax reliefs19:10 changing trades25:10 getting subsidiaries right29:15 types of shares that can be used33:50 do the rules work effectively?38:50 state of the market42:15 current challenges for companies47:10 favourite questions - mental health discussionLinksTom on Shoosmiths website - https://www.shoosmiths.com/people/cvdetails/tom-wildeTom on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomwildeshoosmiths/Subscribe to the EIS Navigator podcast on most services here: https://the-eis-navigator.captivate.fm/listenSuggested books and mediaA Path Through the Jungle by Steve PetersBioTom WildePartner, ShoosmithsTom is the head of Shoosmiths’ EIS tax practice. Tom is one of the UK’s leading experts in this field and has extensive experience advising a wide range of investors and investee companies on structuring and implementing tax efficient investments, reorganisations and exits in compliance with the EIS regime. Tom is also a qualified Chartered Tax Adviser, a member of the EIS Association’s Tax and Technical Committee, and a member of the QCA’s Tax Expert Group.

James Segal cofounded finance-as-a-service house Fin--house and has seen the inside of many startups. His post on 24 founder fails caught my eye, so we asked him onto the podcast to discuss them in more detail. In a wide ranging discussion we talk about:scaling too quicklyforgetting about accounts receivablethe importance of modelling and stress testingconfusing cash flow with profitover-optimising for short-term gainsmisinterpreting break-even pointmisreading profit marginswhat James sees in companies when he starts with themwhen you need a CFOJames's experience from working with many small companies means he has seen all of these and more so he brings great insights. Enjoy!00:56 James introduces himself02:00 what Fin-house does04:50 scaling too quickly06:30 forgetting about accounts receivable10:00 importance of modelling and stress testing / scenario planning14:15 confusing cashflow with profit17:20 over-optimising for short-term gains23:45 misinterpreting break-even point28:00 elasticity of CAC30:45 misreading profit margins34:00 how are companies when you first go in to them40:00 difference between a CFO and financial controller44:00 when do you need a CFO?49:20 favourite questionsLinksFin-house - https://fin-house.co.uk/James on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-segal/24 founder fails (LinkedIn) - https://www.linkedin.com/posts/james-segal_24-founder-finance-fails-activity-7254107025771565056-vZeO?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktopSubscribe to the EIS Navigator podcast on most services here: https://the-eis-navigator.captivate.fm/listenSuggested books and mediaGood to Great by Jim CollinsBioJames SegalCo-founder, Fin-houseJames Segal is the co-founder of Fin-House, a company specialising in providing flexible, in-house finance teams tailored to the needs of startups, scaleups, and SMEs. Founded in 2021, Fin-House supports businesses through their growth journey by delivering finance functions that evolve alongside them, integrating seamlessly into their operations.Prior to starting Fin-House, James held finance leadership roles at Benchmark Sport International, Decathlon, and SynergyMode. He is a Chartered Accountant with the ICAEW and holds a BSc in Accounting and Finance from the University of Leeds.