Hardman & Co

In this opening presentation from September's Tax Advantaged Forum, Brian Moretta of Hardman & Co explains the potential portfolio diversification benefits of investing in venture capital and EIS. Brian outlines the different stages at which venture-backed companies operate, from developing an initial product and finding product-market fit through to scaling, and explains how these investments differ from quoted equities.

Dr Stephane Mery and Peter Smith of EverQuest Capital Partners present their approach to EIS investing, focusing on technology that can help the UK economy adapt to a changing global environment. They discuss EverQuest's focus on "deep tech" — combining advanced materials, processes and design — and explain how the team assesses investment opportunities, technical risk and potential routes to exit.

Pauline Cassie of PXN Investments presents the firm's approach to investing in innovation across the North of the UK. Following the merger of Par Equity and Praetura Ventures, PXN brings together investment teams and regional networks across Edinburgh, Manchester and Leeds. Pauline explains how the enlarged group is approaching its PAR EIS and Knowledge Intensive EIS funds and the opportunities created by its regional focus.

Nishil Patel of MMC Ventures explains the firm's research-driven approach to venture capital and EIS investing. Nishil discusses how MMC evaluates investment opportunities, the importance of potential returns and the role of early-stage investments within a broader portfolio. He also addresses the risks investors need to understand, including risk to capital, illiquidity, deployment risk, the J-curve and EIS qualification risk.

Susie Harris of Parkwalk explains the firm's specialist approach to investing in technology businesses emerging from the UK's leading universities. Parkwalk was established in 2009 and focuses exclusively on university spinouts and technology businesses. Susie explains how the firm's different funds can support companies from very early-stage investment through to later-stage growth, with the wider IP Group network and co-investors providing additional capital as businesses develop.

PXN Investments will be presenting at the Tax Advantaged Forum on 23 September, exploring innovation, deep tech and scale-up EIS investing. Bringing together the expertise of Par Equity and Praetura Investments, PXN Investments supports advisers across EIS, VCT and Business Relief, with the Par Equity EIS and Knowledge-Intensive EIS Funds focused on early-stage, research-intensive UK companies developing world-leading intellectual property.