Octopus AIM VCTs
Investing in emerging UK companies listed on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM)
closed
Closed for new investment
Octopus AIM VCTs
Investing in emerging UK companies listed on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM)
closed
Closed for new investment
Investing in AIM-listed businesses with growth potential
The Octopus AIM VCTs feature around 80 established, maturing businesses from a diverse range of sectors, from building materials and pharmaceuticals to software development and battery technology.
The team focuses on companies where there’s a strong business idea and plenty of room to grow.
Reasons to invest in the Octopus AIM VCT
Annual dividend target
Octopus AIM VCTs target a 6% dividend yield.
Proven management
Octopus has one of the largest teams dedicated to investing in AIM-listed companies.
Established and diversified
The combined portfolios have around 80 companies across a wide variety of industries.
Tax reliefs
Income tax relief equal to 30% of the amount invested up to the first £200,000 of investment.
Tax-free capital gains and dividends.
Risks to bear in mind
Capital at risk
The value of an investment, and income from it can fall as well as rise. Investors could end up getting back less than they put in.
Tax rules treatment
Tax treatment depends on individual circumstances and tax rules could change in the future.
Volatility and liquidity
VCT shares could fall or rise in value more than other shares listed on the main market of the London Stock Exchange. They may also be harder to sell.
VCT qualification status
Tax reliefs depend on the VCT maintaining its qualifying status.
Risks to bear in mind
Capital at risk
The value of an investment, and income from it can fall as well as rise. Investors could end up getting back less than they put in.
Tax rules treatment
Tax treatment depends on individual circumstances and tax rules could change in the future.
Volatility and liquidity
VCT shares could fall or rise in value more than other shares listed on the main market of the London Stock Exchange. They may also be harder to sell.
VCT qualification status
Tax reliefs depend on the VCT maintaining its qualifying status.
Portfolio companies
Sosandar
UK retailer focused on underserved segment of the women’s fashion market for ages 35-64.
Craneware
Helps healthcare providers achieve optimal financial and operational performance.
Diaceutics
Provides data, data analytics and implementation services that enables the advancement of genetic analysis.
GB Group
A technology specialist in fraud, location and identity data intelligence.
Performance
| Year to 30 September | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Octopus AIM VCT NAV Total Return¹ | 35.0% | -31.7% | -14.1% | -1.4% | -2.2% |
| Octopus AIM VCT 2 NAV Total Return¹ | 35.7% | -30.5% | -13.6% | -1.0% | -1.4% |
| FTSE AIM All-Share Total Return² | 30.8% | -34.3% | -8.3% | 3.9% | 7.9% |
| FTSE All-Share Total Return² | 27.9% | -4.0% | 13.8% | 13.4% | 16.2% |
Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results and may not be repeated. Please note, the net asset value (NAV) per share may be higher than the share price, which is the price you may get for shares on the secondary market.
1 NAV Total Return
The performance table above shows the total return of the Octopus AIM VCTs over the last five years to 30 September. The annual total return is calculated from the movement in NAV over the year to 31 August, with any dividends with a record date within that year then added back. The revised figure is divided by the NAV at the start of the year to get the annual total return. Performance shown is net of all ongoing fees and costs.
² FTSE AIM All-Share Total Return
Performance is shown alongside the total returns of the FTSE AIM-All Share indices. Investors should note that none of these indices are used as a benchmark for the Octopus AIM VCTs but are included as indicators of activity in the broader UK equity market.
Fund highlights
Net Asset Value (NAV)
As at 31 October 2025
AIM VCT
48.8p
AIM VCT 2
38.6p
Funds under management
As at 30 September 2025
AIM VCT
£114
AIM VCT 2
£81m
Cumulative dividends paid
Since September 2008
AIM VCT
104.2p
AIM VCT 2
72.65p
Number of holdings
As at 30 September 2025
AIM VCT
74
AIM VCT 2
73
Year end date
AIM VCT
28 Feb
AIM VCT 2
30 Nov
Fund inception*
AIM VCT
1997
AIM VCT 2
2005
*Octopus took on management of both funds in September 2008.
Fund updates
Dividend history
View the dividend history for shareholders in the Octopus AIM VCTs.
Shareholder information
See the announcements and reports for shareholders in the Octopus AIM VCTs, and find relevant contact information.
Who could benefit from VCTs?
Our VCT planning scenarios show how different types of clients can benefit from a VCT investment.
Fees and charges
If you are investing in the Octopus AIM VCTs through a financial adviser, here are two ways we can facilitate fees. For other options view page 26 of the Octopus AIM VCTs brochure.
Fees and charges
When investing through a financial adviser, clients have two ways to facilitate fees. For other options view page 26 of the Octopus AIM VCTs brochure.
Through a financial adviser who charges a one-off fee
You can ask for the one-off fee for the investment advice to be paid on your behalf through the VCT.
Through a financial adviser who charges ongoing fees
Where an investor receives ongoing advice, you can choose to pay your financial adviser a smaller initial fee and ongoing fees for as long as you hold the investment. Both of these fees can be paid on your behalf through the VCT.
If you charge a one-off fee
The one off-fee for the investment advice can be paid on your client’s behalf through the VCT.
If you charge ongoing fees
Where your client receives ongoing advice, they can choose to pay you a smaller initial fee and ongoing fees for as long as they hold the investment. Both of these fees can be paid on the investor’s behalf through the VCT.
| Advised (initial only) | Advised (initial and ongoing) | Direct investor | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Upfront charges | Initial fee (to Octopus) | 3% | 3% | 5.5% |
| Adviser charges | Up to 4.5% | Up to 2.5% | – | |
| Ongoing annual charges | Effective annual management charge (to Octopus) ¹ | 1.5% | 1.5% | 1.5% |
| Adviser charges ² | – | Up to 0.5% | – | |
| Direct application | Ongoing charge (to Octopus) ² | – | – | 0.5% |
1. Octopus charges an annual management charge of 2% per annum. However, Octopus reduces this by the amount of the maximum ongoing adviser charges which creates an ‘effective rate’ of 1.5% for the first nine years.
2. Ongoing adviser charges, direct charges or commission can only be paid for a maximum of nine years after the investment date. After these charges stop, the effective annual management charge paid to Octopus will revert to the full 2%. If an investor chooses to pay their adviser less than the maximum amount shown, the Octopus AIM VCTs will use the money left over to buy more shares for the investor.
| Advised (initial only) | Advised (initial and ongoing) | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Upfront charges | Initial fee (to Octopus) | 3% | 3% |
| Adviser charges | Up to 4.5% | Up to 2.5% | |
| Ongoing annual charges | Effective annual management charge (to Octopus) ¹ | 1.5% | 1.5% |
| Adviser charges ² | – | Up to 0.5% |
1. Octopus charges an annual management charge of 2% per annum. However, Octopus reduces this by the amount of the maximum ongoing adviser charges which creates an ‘effective rate’ of 1.5% for the first nine years.
2. Ongoing adviser charges can only be paid for a maximum of nine years after the investment date. After these charges stop, the effective annual management charge paid to Octopus will revert to the full 2%. If an investor chooses to pay their adviser less than the maximum amount shown, the Octopus AIM VCTs will use the money left over to buy more shares for the investor.
How to invest in the Octopus AIM VCT?
The minimum investment amount in the Octopus AIM VCTs is £5,000.
Clients can choose to invest via bank transfer, cheque or banker’s draft.
Clients can only claim tax relief on VCT investments of up to £200,000 in any single tax year.
We will allot clients’ VCT shares at the next available allotment date.
How to invest in the Octopus AIM VCT?
Minimum investment is £5,000.
You can choose to invest via bank transfer, cheque or banker’s draft.
You can only claim tax relief on VCT investments of up to £200,000 in any single tax year.
We will allot your VCT shares at the next available allotment date.
You can submit an application online. Our online application form is quick and easy to use and will only take a few minutes to complete.
Octopus AIM VCT FAQs
What’s the difference between a VCT and an AIM VCT?
Venture Capital Trusts (VCTs) are listed companies that invest in small, early-stage UK businesses. While all VCTs share this core purpose, they can differ in the types of companies they back. An AIM VCT is a type of VCT that primarily invests in companies listed on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM), the London Stock Exchange’s market for smaller, growing businesses. AIM VCTs therefore provide exposure to a wider range of listed, but still relatively early-stage, companies compared to generalist VCTs, which tend to invest in unquoted or private businesses.
Which types of clients might the Octopus AIM VCTs be suitable for?
Octopus AIM VCTs may be suitable for experienced investors who want to access the long-term growth potential of AIM-listed companies and are comfortable with higher-risk investments. They are often considered by clients who have already made full use of their ISA and pension allowances, are seeking tax reliefs, and can commit to holding their investment for at least five years. Clients should understand that their capital is at risk and that AIM shares can be more volatile and less liquid than shares in larger companies.
What are the holding period requirements to retain VCT income tax relief?
You must hold VCT shares for at least five years to be eligible for 30% up-front income tax relief available on new investments.
What impact does selling before the five-year mark have on client tax reliefs?
If an investor disposes of their VCT shares before the five-year holding period ends, any up-front income tax relief claimed must be repaid to HMRC. Dividends received up to that point remain tax-free, but the early sale will mean the investor loses the benefit of the original income tax relief on their investment.
What resources does Octopus provide to help advisers present AIM VCTs to clients?
Octopus offers comprehensive support to advisers, including client-friendly brochures and guides, detailed fund factsheets, and regular portfolio updates. Advisers can also access webinars, training sessions, and technical briefings to help position VCTs effectively in client conversations. In addition, dedicated Business Development Managers are on hand to answer technical queries, share case studies, and demonstrate how AIM VCTs can be integrated into portfolio planning.
Contact our team
Get in touch
If you have a question about the Octopus AIM VCTs or an application,
call us on 0800 316 2295.
Read our FAQs
If you have a question about an existing VCT, please visit our FAQ page.
Contact our team
Get in touch
If you have a question about the Octopus AIM VCTs or an application,
call us on 0800 316 2295.
Read our FAQs
If you have a question about an existing VCT, please visit our FAQ page.
Please read: We do not offer investment or tax advice, and we always recommend investors talk to a financial adviser before making investment decisions.
This advertisement is not a prospectus. Investors should only subscribe for shares on the basis of information contained in the prospectus and Key Information Documents (KID), which are available in the document section of this page.
Related VCT resources
Venture Capital Trusts Explained
Learn how VCTs function, the types of early-stage companies they invest in, and the tax benefits and risks involved.
How to claim VCT tax relief
Learn how to claim up to 30% income tax relief on Venture Capital Trust (VCT) investments and enhance your understanding to support your clients’ investment decisions.
VCT FAQs
Our easy-to-read guide answers common questions about Venture Capital Trusts (VCTs), designed to help you understand VCTs better and assist your clients with confidence.