Investment Criteria
Investment Size and Spread
The minimum fund size will be £500,000, with a maximum size of £10 million. The Fund management will focus on the quality of investment opportunities rather than adhere to a strict investment limit. The Investment Comitee will aim to achieve a spread of investments across the portfolio commensurate with the overall fund size.
Investment Timing/Closing Date
In accordance with the Fund’s technical status, tax relief is granted when the individual investments are made and shares are issued to Investors. The closings of the Fund will take place on 31st January 2011, 5th April 2011, with the final close taking place on the 31st July 2011, unless the Board recommends an extension.
Primary Criteria
Without exception, the experience of the Investment Committee members over the extent of their respective investment histories demonstrates that there is one outstanding factor that ‘makes or breaks’ a successful investment – the management. The Fund will invest in companies that have strong, motivated and cohesive management teams with the appropriate skills set to deliver the business plan. Where there is a lack of skill, for example, a Finance Director or a need for sales resource, the Fund will appoint suitably experienced individuals who can add value to the investee company.
Stage of Investment
The Investment Committee will be seeking investment opportunities in companies looking for additional development and growth capital, although they will consider exceptional situations provided that these can demonstrate real potential for revenue or a unique market opportunity.
Additionally, the Investment Committee will be looking at companies which offer the opportunity to expand internationally, outside the UK, utilising many of the strengths, contacts and experience that Highgate professionals possess in order to ramp up the success of the business.
Exit Strategy
Investee companies must be able to demonstrate that there is a clear route for exit. Whilst future developments cannot be controlled in advance, it is important that there is a strategy in place at the outset to deliver returns to Investors. The aim will be to distribute returns to Investors within a 3-5 year period, which may, in exceptional circumstances, be extended to 4 - 7 years in order to maximise exit values.
Exit before completion of the three year EIS qualifying period would prejudice the available tax reliefs so the Fund Board will not normally contemplate exit before this period has expired. The Fund rules do not allow Investors to require the Fund management to sell individual investments although they have the option to terminate their Investor’s Agreement. Again, tax reliefs will be prejudiced if shares are sold before the expiry of the relevant three year qualifying period.
Between completion of the three year EIS qualifying period and the expiry of five years, the Fund management intends to distribute cash proceeds to Investors in line with six-monthly reporting. Thereafter, the Fund may be extended for up to two years in order to maximise returns to Investors. The Fund management offers a roll-over option into subsequent funds according to circumstances at the time
