Seedrs co-founder Jeff Lynn talks risk, investor expectations and the future of crowdfunding March 4, 2015 In 2014, the fastest growing subsector of Britain’s alternative finance market was equity-based crowdfunding, according to figures from EY and the University of Cambridge. It grew by a whopping 420 per cent, with volumes totalling €111m (£80.5m). But such fast growth makes it increasingly vital that would-be investors have access to information about the industry. [...]
Athens set to raid pension funds to make ends meet this month March 3, 2015 Greece could raid the cash reserves of pension funds and public sector entities in a bid to cover its funding needs this month. Athens – which has monthly needs of about €4.5bn (£3.27bn), including a wage and pension bill of €1.5bn – is running out of options to fund itself despite a deal with the [...]
City watchdog launches study into pension fund fee structure March 2, 2015 THE FINANCIAL Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) have called on members of the country’s investment industry to help fashion new rules on how workplace pension scheme costs should be reported to savers. From April this year, Independent Governance Committees (IGCs) and pension scheme trustees will be required to report [...]
Smart Pension is a startup that wants to make auto enrollment a cinch for small businesses February 26, 2015 Auto-enrollment might be good for employees, but getting the paperwork done in time for the deadline (which, fact fans, is 1 March for businesses with 54-57 employees) is creating a headache for entrepreneurs. Step forward Smart Pension, a startup which has just closed a £1.5m funding round, with backers including the likes of Zoopla investor William [...]
How politicians can support Britain’s fast-growth businesses February 26, 2015 Politicians of all stripes talk a good sound bite when claiming to support British businesses – but talk, unlike running a company, is cheap. As the election approaches and manifestos are released, we will soon be able to assess which party truly backs Britain’s growing band of entrepreneurs. The UK is undoubtedly a great place [...]
Ahead of the game February 25, 2015 Andy Baldwin explains why the UK is leading the way in crowdfunding in Europe – and what the future holds for an alternative source of finance on the cusp of the mainstream THE OVERALL growth rates for alternative finance in the UK and mainland Europe are making it increasingly clear that the industry cannot be [...]
5 …Crowdfunding picks for investors February 25, 2015 CommuterClub Via a simple loan system, the company provides low-cost payment solutions for annual public transport tickets. It’s looking to raise £550,000, and is offering a 18.03 per cent equity stake via crowdfunding platform Seedrs. 52 days left www.seedrs.com TheIdleMan.com This online retailer, devoted to young men’s fashion, wants to become a global industry leader. [...]
Diary of a Crowdfunder: Six months on from a transformative funding round February 25, 2015 Frazer Thompson, chief executive of winemaker Chapel Down, explains what it’s like following a successful fundraise We started a journey, 13 years ago now, to transform people’s opinions about English wine. It’s been a long, tough and sometimes frustrating journey. Most people thought we were mad. But some brave folk thought we were not. Over [...]
Peer-to-peer lender VPC Specialty Lending Investments eyes £200m IPO on the London Stock Exchange February 25, 2015 Peer-to-peer lender VPC Specialty Lending Investments is eyeing a £200m debut on the London Stock Exchange. The company will use the cash raised to invest in opportunities in the alternative lending market, it said today. The lender, owned by US-based Victory Park Capital, is wooing investors with a dividend yield of eight per cent, and will target total [...]
Double decker deal for Exponent Private Equity as group snaps up Big Bus Tours February 24, 2015 The former owner of thetrainline, Exponent Private Equity, has added another transport-related firm to its portfolio after snapping up sightseeing company Big Bus Tours. The mid-market buyout manager, which also owns Quorn Foods, and recently floated shares in HSS Hire, will buy the group from shareholders made up of two family backed groups. The Maybury [...]
