GBI logo

A VC’s period of maximum influence

by | Nov 17, 2021

Share this article

When an entrepreneur launches a new business, two things are essential – a good idea, and enough capital to bring that idea to fruition, Mark Bower-Easton, Business Development Manager, Oxford Capital, talks to GBI Magazine about how to give an early-stage company the very best start.

For many entrepreneurs in the initial stages of building a business, most of the money will come from their own savings, family members and friends. However, they will arrive at a point very swiftly where they need to seek further funding in order to turn their great idea in to a profitable business. So, where do they turn?

The main options are banks, who will likely provide funds, charge interest, and offer nothing further. Venture debt companies, who will offer the same, but will be more flexible with when and how repayments are made but provide very little else.

 
 

The main reason why so many early-stage businesses seek to team up with VCs is very simple – they have been there, done it, and can provide significant experience and benefits over and above a simple financial injection.

There are a lot of founders out there with great ideas. However, a founder can’t cover off every role within a business, they need support to build it. A VC looks beyond the initial idea. They look at strategy, the team, the potential route for exit, and provide valuable insight along the way.

Typically, a VC can add the most value from the point at which they initially invest (seed stage) right up to series B. These stages represent the highest potential for significant growth, but also the highest potential for failure. It is imperative that a founder is supported by an experienced and knowledgeable VC, not just financially, but emotionally too, so they can understand the rollercoaster that is taking an idea and turning it in to a profitable business.

 
 

When a company starts to gain traction and begins to see revenues rise it is very easy for the founder to get carried away, to expand into new territories and to launch new product lines. It can be a very risky time, and this is when it is important to have an experienced, calm head sitting around the boardroom table, and this is when a VC brings invaluable input to the discussion. A VC will help to shape the business and make the right introductions to the next round of investors. Shaping the capital base of the firm is a key success factor in driving value and reducing risk in the longer term.

Capturing the global market won’t happen overnight – it takes time and patience, and any sort of expansion needs to be done strategically, and only when the rewards outweigh the risks. There are countless examples of successful UK businesses expanding into mainland Europe or the US, only to stumble because their planned expansion failed, and they spent so much time and effort focusing on the expansion that they took their eye off the ball and neglected the market that made them successful in the first place. VCs have their own “skin in the game”, and as such, along with the founders, partners, employees and other investors, they do not want any business venture to fail.

So, what does this mean for investors looking to buy shares in early-stage tech companies via an EIS fund, and the advisors who recommend them? It means that the VC and private investors motives are aligned, and that’s the key – the desire for the business to succeed is a shared goal for everyone connected with the company. While of course, having influence doesn’t guarantee success, investing through an EIS scheme remains a high-risk strategy, it does mean that each early-stage business is given the absolute best chance to flourish.

 
 

It is important for positive investor and advisor outcomes that an experienced VC offers as much guidance and insight as possible to each portfolio company throughout this period of maximum influence.

For more information on the EIS scheme, please visit our website.

Oxford Capital invests in unquoted securities, which are classified by the FCA as a Non-Readily Realisable Security (NRRS). As such, these products may only be marketed to limited categories of investors, relating to knowledge, experience or financial situation. If an investor decides to pursue any investment opportunity after your personal investment recommendation, they will be investing in an unquoted company. Capital is at risk and investors should only invest if they can afford to lose their capital. Investment is of a long term and illiquid nature. It can be difficult to value and to sell unquoted investments. Any tax advantages associated with investing are based on current legislation, are subject to change, and depend on the individual circumstances of each investor. Sole responsibility for suitability of the investment for an investor lies with the investment adviser.


Click here to find out more information about Oxford Capital  

About Mark Bower-Easton

Mark Bower-Easton, Business Development Manager, Oxford Capital

Mark is Business Development Manager at Oxford Capital, a key part of the Investor Relations team. He is responsible for building and maintaining relationships with private clients, intermediaries, family offices and institutions, for the ongoing raising of funds for Oxford Capital’s investment strategies. Mark has extensive experience in financial services, qualifying as a financial advisor in 2004, and as a stockbroker in 2006. Prior to joining Oxford Capital, Mark was a Partner in a FTSE 100 wealth management business for nine years, dealing with HNW and VHNW clients, and was very active in the tax advantaged investments marketplace.

Share this article

Related articles

IFAM 127 | Not if, but when | April 2024

IFAM 127 | Not if, but when | April 2024

Not if, but when… Spring finally seems to have arrived! Since our last edition, we have had the Spring Budget and the Bank of England (BoE) rate announcement to name but a few important landmarks. This has kept us, like all of you I am sure, quite busy over the last...

How do VCTs prove their worth?

How do VCTs prove their worth?

Over several decades VCTs have proven their value to shareholders as long-term investments and ever-increasing numbers of entrepreneurs are seeking to build the ambitious, innovative companies that drive these returns. Investors can tap into exciting portfolios that...

Sign up to the GBI Newsletter

Trending articles

IFA Talk logo

IFA Talk is our flagship podcast, that fits perfectly into your busy life, bringing the latest insight, analysis, news and interviews to you, wherever you are.

IFA Talk Podcast - listen to the latest episode

x