EIS vs VCT

A comprehensive guide explaining the differences between a Enterprise Investment Scheme & Venture Capital Trusts.

Fees

EIS FEES

The fees associated with an EIS investment can vary depending on the specific EIS fund and the fund manager. However, there are several common fees that investors may encounter:

Management Fee: This fee is charged by the EIS fund manager for managing the investment portfolio. It is typically calculated as a percentage of the total assets under management and is charged annually.

Performance Fee: Some EIS funds may charge a performance fee, also known as carried interest. This fee is usually a percentage of the profits generated by the fund above a certain threshold. It is designed to align the interests of the fund manager with the investors by incentivising them to achieve positive investment returns.

Administration Fee: An administration fee may be charged to cover the administrative costs associated with managing the EIS fund. This fee can vary and may be charged annually or on a per investment basis.

Placement Fee: In some cases, EIS funds may charge a placement fee, also known as an initial charge or subscription fee. This fee is typically a percentage of the amount invested and is charged upfront when an investor joins the fund.

Investee company charges: Whether borrowing money or raising venture capital, there is almost always a cost of capital to companies raising. This could be described as a due diligence fee, a fundraising fee, a cost-of-legals fee or an ongoing management or board seat fee. Whether such fees represent value for money will depend on the investment style and support provided by the respective manager, and may be difficult to judge.

VCT FEES

The fees applied in a VCT can vary depending on the specific VCT and its fund manager. However, there are some typical fees that investors may encounter. These fees may include:

Management Fee: This fee is charged by the fund manager for managing the VCT’s investments. It is usually calculated as a percentage of the total assets under management and is typically charged annually.

Performance Fee: Some VCTs may charge a performance fee, also known as carried interest. This fee is typically a percentage of the VCT’s profits above a certain threshold. It is designed to align the interests of the fund manager with the investors by incentivising them to generate positive returns.

Initial Charge: An initial charge may be applied when investors initially invest in the VCT. This charge is deducted from the amount invested and is typically a percentage of the investment.

Annual Administration Fee: This fee covers the administrative costs associated with running the VCT, such as legal and accounting expenses. It is usually calculated as a percentage of the NAV and is charged annually.

Other Expenses: VCTs may also incur other expenses, such as custodian fees, audit fees, and marketing expenses. These expenses are typically borne by the VCT and may indirectly impact the returns to investors.

Investee company charges: Whether borrowing money or raising venture capital, there is almost always a cost of capital to companies raising. This could be described as a due diligence fee, a fundraising fee, a cost-of-legals fee or an ongoing management or board seat fee. Whether such fees represent value for money will depend on the investment style and support provided by the respective manager, and may be difficult to judge.

It is important to carefully review the documents and prospectus of a VCT or EIS fund, in order to understand the specific fees and charges that apply. Please note that not all fees charged to investee companies will necessarily be disclosed. These fees can impact the overall return on investment, so it’s advisable to consider them alongside other factors when evaluating an opportunity.

Consider this

We recommend understanding what the fees are as well as how they are applied. There are three ways fees can be applied:

  1. Charged to the investor pre-deployment.
  2. Charged to the investee company post-deployment.
  3. Charged to both investors and investee companies (points 1 and 2).

The fee structure applied impacts the tax reliefs available if charged pre-deployment, but it could be equally as important to understand what fees are charged to investee companies. Providers are not required to disclose fees to the investee company post-deployment unless prompted, and this may be difficult to access.

EIS | EIS Guide

A Guide to the Enterprise Investment Scheme & Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme.

Why not subscribe to watch the Educational Videos?

To accompany the online learning material we have also included a series of 4 videos to help explain EIS. Each video is 45 minutes long. To access video content you will need to register. Based on attendee feedback, this series is classed as a world leading event according to Net Promoter Scores.

EIS: The Basics – On Demand

Our industry leading educational programme covers the basics on what you need to know to recommend an EIS.
If you’ve never recommended an EIS before, we suggest you start with episode 1.

Click the image below to sign up and access the video instantly, free of charge.

1. EIS Basis Modern World of EIS
EPISODE 1

The Modern World of EIS

An exploration into why EIS is more popular than ever, how early-stage companies are performing in the modern day climate and covering the basics of the tax reliefs.

45 mins

2. EIS Basics Trigger Points
EPISODE 2

Trigger Points

Investigating the types of clients where EIS is most suitable.

 45 mins

3. EIS Basics Due Diligence Research_01
EPISODE 3

Due Diligence & Research

Understanding the due diligence required by advisers who are recommending EIS to clients.

 45 mins

EIS: Advanced – On Demand

This is recommended for advisers who have completed the EIS—The Basics course, who already recommend EIS, or who are confident in tax-efficient investments.

Click the image below to sign up and access the video instantly, free of charge.

Academy Advanced Episode 1
EPISODE 1

Journey of an Investee Company

Investigating the journey of companies as they grow to the point of exit, and understanding how returns are achieved through an EIS investment.

45 mins

Academy Advanced Episode 2
EPISODE 2

More than just a tax tool

By analysing findings established in the Hardman & Co report, we discuss how you can add Venture Capital to a clients portfolio without impacting overall risk levels.

45 minutes

Academy Advanced Episode 3
EPISODE 3

Financial Planning Considerations

Understanding the due diligence associated with recommending an EIS, and a closer look at tax planning scenarios.

45 minutes

IMPORTANT: The views expressed in these webinars are the views of the individual and not necessarily of Deepbridge Capital LLP. Figures quoted by the presenter and/or guest may be approximations. The content of these videos should not be construed as financial advice. This video is a real-time financial promotion and, as a result, has not been approved as a financial promotion for the purposes of Section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000.

RISK WARNING: Any decision to invest should be made only on the basis of the relevant documentation for the investment available in the accompanying company profile. Investments in unquoted companies carry high risks. Capital invested will be at risk and you could lose all of your investment. No established market exists for the trading of shares in private companies, making it difficult to sell shares.

Tax treatment depends on the individual circumstances of each investor and may be subject to change in future. The availability of tax reliefs depends on the Company invested in maintaining its qualifying status. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.

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