Puma Investments, the Investment Manager, announces the launch of a new fundraise for Puma AIM VCT (AIM: PAIM). The fundraise follows the successful launch and listing of the VCT in September last year, the first AIM VCT in 18 years and the 15th Puma VCT launched since 2004.
Puma AIM VCT has already successfully deployed almost 30% of its funds into four established and growing AIM and AQSE-traded companies:
- Aurrigo International Plc, a designer and developer of aviation industry automated vehicles with integrated systems and software and a Tier 1 supplier to UK automotive sector;
- Verici Dx plc, a developer of advanced clinical diagnostics focused on kidney transplant patient care;
- Time To Act plc, an engineering business focused on technology in the energy transition sector; and
- The IPO of Quantum Base Holdings plc, a company specialising in product authentication, significantly mitigating counterfeiting.
These early investments reflect Puma’s commitment to backing commercially validated scale-ups with good growth potential. The investment team, led by Dr. Stuart Rollason, brings over 50 years of combined AIM market investment experience. Alongside Stuart, the team comprises Daniel Cane, Investment Director, who spent 16 years at Toscafund Asset Management with a particular emphasis on small and mid-cap companies and was part of the AIM-focused Toscafund Micro Cap Fund investment team and Joseph Cornwall, Investment Manager, who led the AIM IHT service at Gore Browne Investment Management for five years.
Dr. Stuart Rollason, Investment Director at Puma Investments, said:
“Having waited to launch the Puma AIM VCT until we believed the valuations and fundamentals in the AIM market were optimal, we are very encouraged by the VCT’s early deployment rate.
“We are of the view that overall economic conditions still favour companies seeking to raise money on AIM and anticipate a healthy pipeline, as evidenced by four investments in a very short period. Our objective remains to deliver meaningful value and tax-efficient returns to our investors.”
The Puma AIM VCT continues to offer investors access to AIM and AQSE-traded companies, alongside the potential benefits of VCT tax reliefs, including1:
- Upfront 30% income tax relief available to UK taxpayers on an investment of up to £200,000 per tax year
- 100% tax-free dividends
- 100% tax-free capital gains on the sale of Company shares
Jeremy Roberts, Managing Director of Puma Investments, added:
“Led by our team with over 50 years of AIM investment experience and a strong track record with over £450 million raised across all Puma VCTs, the Puma AIM VCT is built on the same disciplined investment process that has consistently delivered value through volatile markets.
“Puma AIM VCT is designed to offer our investors access to high-growth companies, the potential benefits of VCT tax reliefs and strong governance. We are therefore delighted to be launching this latest fundraise.”
In addition to our specialist investment team, the Puma AIM VCT also benefits from a highly experienced independent board. Jonathan Di-Stefano, Independent Chair, has over 20 years’ experience in AIM listed real estate companies and was previously non-exec Chairman at Belvoir Group plc. Lynn Drummond, Independent Director, has a long career in the pharmaceutical and life sciences sectors and is currently Chair of Zotefoams plc. Eliot Kaye, Non-Independent Director sits on the Puma Investments Board and has responsibility for the fund management of the Puma VCTs.
