Enterprise Investment Scheme

Investing in EIS with Octopus

Octopus has a long-established history of investing in smaller companies, and is regularly approached by talented entrepreneurs who need funding to help them scale up.

Octopus Ventures, one of the largest and most experienced venture capital teams in Europe, has previously backed companies such as Graze, Zoopla, Patch, Secret Escapes and others, working with their founders to turn them into household names.

Investors should always understand the risks involved before choosing an EIS investment. Not all EIS-qualifying companies will be successful, and the shares of those that fail will lose all their value.

Capital at risk

The value of an EIS investment can fall as well as rise. Investors might not get back the full amount they invest.

Tax treatment may change

Tax treatment depends on individual circumstances and might change in the future. Tax reliefs depend on companies maintaining their EIS-qualifying status.

Minimum holding period

Investors need to hold shares for three years to keep any tax reliefs claimed. Investors should be prepared to hold their shares for significantly longer to allow time for growth and exit.

Volatility and liquidity

Investments in smaller companies can fall or rise in value much more sharply than shares in larger, more established companies. They can also be harder to sell.