About Venture Capital Trusts
Venture Capital Trusts: Fuelling UK Innovation
A Venture Capital Trust (VCT) is your gateway to the exciting world of high-growth UK startups. By investing in a VCT, you're not just diversifying your portfolio – you're powering the next generation of groundbreaking British businesses.
Venture Capital Trusts (VCTs) were established by the UK Government in 1995 to encourage investment in the nation’s most exciting early-stage businesses. Today, VCTs collectively manage over £6 billion, playing a crucial role in supporting innovation, driving economic growth, and creating jobs across the UK.
VCTs are listed companies that raise funds from UK taxpayers. In return, investors benefit from 30% income tax relief, (20% from 6 April 2026), making VCTs an attractive way to support the next generation of British businesses. This unique partnership between private investors and government incentives helps deliver the patient capital needed to nurture a thriving, diverse ecosystem for the UK’s smaller companies.
Key VCT Features
Tax-Efficient Growth
Claim up to 30% income tax relief on new VCT shares, enjoy tax-free dividends, and pay no capital gains tax on disposals (subject to qualifying criteria)
Diversification
Spread your investment across a carefully curated portfolio of promising early-stage companies
Economic Impact
Play a vital role in job creation and driving UK economic growth
Risks of Investing in VCT
Capital at Risk: Investing in VCTs involves backing early-stage companies, which can make your investment more volatile and riskier compared to other products. The value of your investment may go down as well as up, and you might not get back the full amount you originally invested. Dividends may be paid from time to time but are not guaranteed.
Liquidity: To benefit from upfront income tax relief, you must hold your VCT shares for at least five years. Please note that VCT shares can be more difficult to sell than other types of investments.
Tax Treatment: Eligibility for tax relief and the tax treatment of dividends depend on your individual circumstances, and tax rules may change in the future. We do not provide tax advice — please consult a professional adviser if you are unsure about your personal situation.
Why Choose Molten Ventures VCT?
01
Proven Track Record
Recent VCT realisations highlight Molten’s strategy and the quality of the acquirers: Nasdaq-listed Hologic acquired Endomag, Worldpay acquired Ravelin, and LSE-listed IG Group Holdings acquired Freetrade.
02
Unrivalled Expertise
A dedicated team of sector specialists and entrepreneurs, providing hands-on support to portfolio companies.
03
Access to Europe's Most Exciting Deals
Leverage Molten's extensive network and Fund of Funds programme for exceptional deal flow and a focus on knowledge-intensive, technology-driven companies with significant growth potential.
04
Commitment to Investors
Transparent reporting and a strong focus on governance and disciplined investment process designed to balance risk and reward.
05
Powering Future-Defining Technologies
Investments span AI, fintech, digital health, climate tech, spacetech, quantum computing, and more – shaping the industries of tomorrow.
VCTA Membership and Growth Beyond Limits Campaign 🚀
Molten Ventures VCT plc is proud to be a member of the Venture Capital Trust Association (VCTA), the industry body representing Venture Capital Trusts in the UK. As part of our commitment to fostering innovation and economic growth, we actively support the VCTA's initiatives, including their recent "Growth Beyond Limits" campaign. The Growth Beyond Limits campaign, launched by the VCTA, aims to showcase the vital role that Venture Capital Trusts play in funding and supporting the UK's most promising high-growth businesses. This aligns perfectly with Molten Ventures' vision of being "the investment platform for the visionaries who invent the Future".
By participating in this campaign, we reinforce our dedication to:
- Fuelling innovation: We invest in companies at the forefront of technological advancements, particularly in areas such as AI, fintech, digital health, and climate tech.
- Driving economic growth: Our investments help create jobs, stimulate economic activity, and contribute to the UK's position as a global innovation hub.
- Supporting entrepreneurs: We provide not just capital, but also expertise, mentorship, and access to valuable networks, helping visionary founders turn their ideas into world-changing businesses.
- Delivering returns for investors: Our track record demonstrates our ability to generate significant returns while supporting groundbreaking companies.
Our Impact: Fuelling the Future
By investing in Molten Ventures VCT, you're not just seeking attractive financial returns. You're helping to:
➡️ Fuel the next wave of UK tech leaders
➡️ Create high-skilled jobs and drive economic growth
➡️ Support innovations that tackle global challenges