Venture capital trust (VCT) investing has traditionally been associated with the end of the tax year, between January and April. However, for high-risk appetite investors seeking to exploit the generous tax advantages VCTs offer there are good reasons to make an investment sooner.
Over a number of years the VCT investment season has gradually started earlier and, this year, most of the VCT offers expected are already raising money from investors. However, some of the most popular generalist VCTs - the Northern and Baronsmead 1 to 4 funds - say they are not raising money in the 2014-s15 tax year, meaning there is less choice for investors.
Earlier this month Northern confirmed that they would not be raising money this year. The Northern VCTs raised £50m in 2013 and NVM Private Equity had already told Investors Chronicle last November that they have enough cash so would not be rushing to do another big raising.