Octopus Investments, an investment manager on a mission to back the people, ideas and industries that will change the world, today announces it has opened a new £75 million fundraise for Octopus Apollo Venture Capital Trust (Apollo VCT).
Apollo VCT aims to accelerate the growth of commercialised business-to-business (B2B) software companies. It focuses on businesses that that have already taken their product or service to market and are seeking capital to scale, whether that’s to expand into new geographies or to increase sales efforts.
Apollo VCT looks for companies with:
- Annual revenues that are approaching £1 million and up to £10 million typically, with the majority from recurring or contracted sources. This ensures the business has proven demand for its solution.
- A growing and diversified customer base with a clear trajectory towards ultimate profitability.
- A clearly defined business model and a competitive edge. This may, for example, involve proprietary technology, industry-leading innovation or a foothold in a niche market.
- Strong management with the business being led by high-calibre management teams with extensive industry experience and expertise.
Apollo VCT, and its portfolio of approximately 45 companies, is managed by a specialist investment team of 16 that sits within Octopus Ventures. They have extensive experience in sourcing investment opportunities, executing deals, and managing portfolios in the B2B software sector. The team uses this expertise to support the next part of the growth journey of the companies in which they invest.
Examples of two recent investments include:
- Vyntelligence: An AI video surveillance platform transforming how frontline teams work in energy, utilities, and telecoms. Its technology enables users to capture field data through short videos, replacing forms and calls with faster, smarter workflows.
- Definely: Definely is a LegalTech company created to make legal documents easier to draft, edit and complete. It started as a solution to improve accessibility in the legal industry but now has evolved into a product that boosts productivity for corporate lawyers.
Paul Davidson, Lead Fund Manager of Apollo VCT at Octopus Investments, commented:
“Apollo VCT’s investment strategy in B2B software companies has been well-established over the last decade. However, one recent development that we’re most excited about with respect to the future of Apollo VCT, is its ability to support AI-driven software companies. There is a large amount of AI investment narrative taking place in the public markets, however much of the earlier-stage innovation is taking place in private markets where Apollo operates. Here, exciting young businesses, accessible through vehicles such as VCTs, are developing sector-specific solutions with the potential to reshape industries.
“With so much of this innovation still in its infancy, long-term patient capital and strategic support are essential for these businesses to scale and realise their potential. Apollo is well-positioned here, noting the size and diversification of the existing portfolio, to continue investing selectively into these opportunities that align with our proven investment approach.”
Kristy Barr, Co-Head of Retail Investments, Octopus Investments said:
“VCTs turned 30 this year and it has been interesting to see them gaining renewed interest – both from advisers and clients seeking strong post-tax outcomes and diversification. They’re increasingly seen as a tax-efficient option for a potentially wider audience. This, alongside long-standing Government support, means that VCTs are now firmly in the financial planning spotlight. There’s never been a better time for advisers to harness the potential of considering VCTs for clients.”
The minimum investment amount for Apollo VCT is £5,000. The new share offer is open until 1st April 2026 for the 2025/2026 tax year and 29 October 2026 for the 2026/2027 tax year. The offer will close earlier if it becomes fully subscribed.