Risk Warning

EIS Platforms Limited, trading as GrowthInvest, is an independent platform for alternative investments and products. All investments offered through the GrowthInvest platform are generally categorised as higher-risk, long-term commitments.

GrowthInvest provides a non-advisory service to investment professionals, such as financial advisers and wealth managers, and their advised clients, as well as individuals in the UK who must self-certify as Restricted Investors, Sophisticated Investors, High Net Worth Individuals, or Professional Investors.

The investments available may not be suitable for all investors. Unadvised investors uncertain about the suitability of a specific product or investment, or require any advice, should seek professional guidance. You can find an independent financial adviser at sites such as https://www.unbiased.co.uk/ and https://www.vouchedfor.co.uk. Always make sure any firm you speak to is authorised by the https://register.fca.org.uk. Furthermore, investors and investment professionals prior to making any investment, should thoroughly read and understand the risks and other information provided in the Investment Documentation (Prospectus, offer document or information memorandum, along with the Key Information Document where available) for selected products. Please note that new risks may emerge in the future which were not foreseeable initially.

Past performance of any investment is not a guide to the performance of similar investments in the future. When investing in alternative investments such as unlisted companies there is a risk that investors may not get back what they put in if a company becomes insolvent. Investors should only invest as much as they can afford to lose.

Spreading your investments across multiple assets can help mitigate risk and enhance the potential for overall returns. Investing in alternative investments such as unlisted companies should only be done as part of a diversified portfolio. The value of investments and the income they generate can fluctuate and may be impacted by economic factors such as interest rate changes or inflation. Dividends are variable and not assured.

Investments in many featured products or investments on the GrowthInvest website are likely to be highly illiquid, and many require a set holding period to maintain initial tax relief. Whilst there may be some liquidity in listed stocks such as Venture Capital Trusts and Aim shares, there is unlikely to be any active secondary market for the shares of unlisted investee companies. Even for a successful investment, any return on investments may be unlikely to occur for a number of years from the time of the investment.

Tax regulations are subject to change, and the tax treatment (including potential reliefs) will vary based on individual circumstances. Investors and investment professionals are responsible for the administering of the tax affairs relating to these products, which may include capital gains and/or income tax. GrowthInvest does not provide tax advice and investors are recommended to seek this independently before investing if they are unsure of their position. It is investors and investment professionals’ responsibility to ensure that their tax return is correct and is filed by the deadline and any tax owing is paid on time. If Investors are unsure how this investment will affect their tax status, they must seek professional advice before investing.

It is important for investors and investment professionals to carefully consider charges, including initial fees, ongoing costs, and performance fees, as they can diminish the value of investments.

The risks outlined above, while not exhaustive, are pertinent to all investments available through GrowthInvest.

Specific risks associated with VCTs, EIS, SEIS, IHT portfolios, and single company private deals, private market investments, and managed portfolios are detailed below, and further information on risks are also available within the Investments Explained and specific product pages in our Knowledge Centre:

VCT, EIS, SEIS, IHT Portfolios, and Single Company Private Deals:

• Investing in early-stage companies carries a higher risk of capital loss compared to potential profit. These investments may experience significant and sudden declines in value.
• The liquidity of investments in smaller unquoted companies or AIM-listed securities may be limited, and fluctuations in value can be substantial.
• Investing in a single company lacks diversification and increases risk.
• While official minimum holding periods exist for tax-advantaged investments, they should be viewed as longer-term commitments. Withdrawals from certain portfolios may result in tax liabilities.
• Tax-efficient investments may lose their qualifying status if specific requirements are not met, potentially resulting in delayed or denied tax relief.
• Changes in tax or government legislation could impact the value and eligibility of VCTs, EIS, SEIS, or IHT portfolios.

Risks – Private Markets Funds:

• Private market investments, including real assets like forestry, may not be easily liquidated.
• Investments denominated in foreign currencies are exposed to currency fluctuations.
• Valuing private market investments can be challenging, potentially leading to pricing uncertainties.
• Private market investments are sensitive to global economic changes and may experience prolonged periods of illiquidity.

Risks – Managed Portfolios:

• The performance of managed portfolios is dependent on the manager’s ability to select profitable investments.
• Key person risk may arise if the portfolio manager is unable to manage the portfolio for an extended period.
• Currency movements and taxes imposed by overseas jurisdictions may affect the performance of the portfolio.
• Exposure to smaller companies and concentration within the portfolio can increase risk.
• Assets within the portfolio are held by a custodian, and investors should be familiar with the associated risks outlined in the Investment Documentation.

It is essential that investors and investment professionals review and understand these risks before investing through the GrowthInvest Platform. Be aware that not all risks have been included and that new and other risks may emerge.