VCT Navigator
Explore which Octopus Venture Capital Trusts (VCTs) could be most suitable for your clients
Why we built the VCT Navigator
Every client is different, and so are our VCTs.
Choosing a VCT isn’t always straightforward. Every client has different goals, priorities and attitudes to investment risk, which means there isn’t a single VCT that’s right for everyone.
VCT Navigator helps advisers explore a client’s preferences around income, growth, investment style and underlying investment themes. Through a series of simple questions, it highlights the Octopus VCT strategies whose characteristics may be most relevant for further discussion, helping to support more informed adviser-client conversations. Whether a client is considering a new VCT investment or looking to build on an existing VCT portfolio, it can help identify options that may warrant further exploration.
VCT Navigator is designed to support adviser-client conversations. It does not provide a personal recommendation, suitability assessment or investment advice. Any investment decision should be based on a full assessment of the client’s individual circumstances.
Risks to bear in mind
Capital at risk
VCTs are a high-risk investment. The value of an investment, and any income from it, can fall as well as rise. Investors could end up getting back less than they put in.
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.
Qualification status
Tax reliefs depend on the VCT maintaining its qualifying status.
Tax treatment
Tax treatment depends on individual circumstances and tax rules could change in future.
Before you start
These questions ask for your view, as the adviser, on your client’s preferences across a few key areas, including whether they’re comfortable with private or publicly listed companies, earlier or later-stage businesses, and income or growth as a priority. To get a meaningful result, it’s important that you’ve discussed these areas with your client rather than making assumptions about their preferences.
If your client doesn’t yet have clear preferences in these areas, that’s useful information too. It may be worth exploring the full range of Octopus VCTs with them, or speaking to our team to talk through the options in more detail.
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 20% 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.