Why choose the Maven VCTs?

Each of the four Maven Income and Growth VCTs currently open for investment have a focused and proven private equity strategy, each with a long term track record of paying dividends and generating improvements in NAV total return.

Comprehensive risk management 

Maven has many years’ experience in understanding and managing the risks associated with investment in private companies, and in identifying those companies that have the potential to deliver sustained growth in revenues. This includes taking a highly selective investment approach that identifies entrepreneurial companies with established levels of recurring revenues, large addressable markets and which typically provide products or services that offer a disruptive approach to the existing market offering.

Key to this selection process is targeting businesses led by proven entrepreneurs and highly capable management teams who can demonstrate that they have the collective skills, experience and vision to succeed in scaling a high growth business.

A preference for B2B business models

The Maven VCTs primarily invest in dynamic unlisted companies that offer the prospect of significant capital gains on exit and typically operate in high growth sectors which are not directly dependent on consumer spending. 

Maven’s preference is B2B (business-to-business) models rather than B2C (business-to-consumer) because of the increased stability in earnings as business customers tend to value strong relationships and make repeat purchases, resulting in more ‘sticky’ recurring revenues. B2B companies also offer products and services that are generally less exposed to changes in consumer spending, such as the impact of the recent cost-of-living crisis which has dented many households’ disposable income.



This focus on businesses with steady, consistent growth has resulted in a strong exit track record, with nine profitable VCT realisations completed across the portfolios since 2024, with exit multiples of up to 8.2x, and several other investee companies attracting acquisition interest. In fact, B2B businesses see a greater level of M&A activity compared to their B2C counterparts, according to Grant Thornton¹; therefore, this increases the potential interest from both trade and financial buyers.

Diversification

Maven is a strong advocate of portfolio theory. VCTs are high risk investments, backing early-stage businesses at a critical juncture in their growth. The Maven VCTs have each built large and established portfolios of over 90 companies, which provides diversification across a wide range of investments. 

The Maven VCT portfolios are sector agnostic ensuring that investors gain exposure to dynamic and innovative private companies offering the potential for value creation across a range of growth sectors including software, cyber security, data analytics, biotechnology, financial services and specialist engineering. Maven typically avoids sectors that are likely to be adversely impacted by reduced discretionary consumer spending, such as retail, leisure, travel, hospitality and entertainment. 

Regional investment approach

Maven’s network of 11 offices places us at the centre of regional deal activity, enabling us to build deep, long standing relationships with corporate finance advisers across the UK. These connections provide direct access to a broad pipeline of high quality private company opportunities.
We believe that attractive valuations can often be found outside London and the South East, where competition is typically more intense. Our local presence gives us early visibility of regional opportunities that may be overlooked by more London centric investors.

Crucially, our extensive regional presence allows Maven’s locally based executives to provide close support to each private Investee company throughout the life of the investment to maximise value for the Maven VCTs.

Track record of delivering shareholder value

Maven has a VCT heritage spanning over 20 years, with a proven track record of investing in dynamic UK companies across a wide range of sectors. However, maximising the potential of any private company investment ultimately depends on the manager’s ability to add value through active portfolio management. Earlier stage businesses typically require a close level of support from an investor as they scale, particularly as they embark on major strategic initiatives such as developing new product lines, expanding internationally or improving operational processes.

Maven has one of the largest VCT teams in the industry, comprising professionals from a range of commercial, financial and scientific backgrounds. This breadth of investment management expertise plays a vital role in creating value in emerging businesses, transforming early stage companies into larger, more valuable enterprises.

In summary

Although VCTs offer some of the most attractive tax benefits to UK investors, early stage, growth investing is higher risk than many other forms of investment. 

However, the VCT industry has been in operation for over 30 years and has raised over £12.5 billion to support dynamic UK businesses². Several highly skilled managers, including Maven, have delivered consistently for investors, helping to firmly establish VCTs as a recognised mainstream investment option.

Through a disciplined investment strategy, strong regional presence and highly experienced team, Maven offers a highly compelling opportunity for investors looking to access highly diversified portfolios of ambitious smaller UK companies while benefiting from attractive tax incentives.

¹www.grantthornton.co.uk/insights/private-equity-2023-half-year-review
²www.wealthclub.co.uk/news-and-insights/30-years-of-vcts-from-strength-to-strength


VCTs are intended for UK taxpayers aged 18 or over who: are seeking initial tax relief, tax free income and capital growth over a term of five or more years; already have a diversified portfolio including pension assets; are able to bear up to 100% capital loss; have a medium to high risk tolerance; and will generally be informed investors with experience in investing in VCTs or an understanding of the risks involved. Past performance is not a guide to future performance. The quantum and timing of dividend payments by VCTs in general are likely to be more closely linked to portfolio realisations. Tax reliefs depend on individual circumstances and are subject to change.