VCTs/EIS

Downing Corporate Finance is making its first foray into the clean energy sector with an investment in a biogas producer.

The expected rise in capital gains tax could attract investors towards venture capital trusts, experts say, because the vehicles are exempt from both capital gains and income tax.

Investec Structured Products has raised £3.8m for its first VCT launch. The venture capital trust, which is run in partnership with Calculus Capital, will invest in a combination of structured products and venture capital investments.

Investec Structured Products has raised £3.8m for its first VCT launch.

VCTs have doubled their fundraising in the most recent complete tax year, according to the AIC.

Managers have welcomed Treasury proposals to relax the rules governing VCT and EIS investment.

The Treasury is considering relaxing the rules which govern VCT investment.

ViCTory VCT has appointed Paul Jourdan's Amati Global Investors as its new fund manager, replacing Williams de Broe.

VCTs have invested almost £1bn in small companies between April 2004 and April 2009, according to a new survey from the AIC.

Octopus Investments is hoping to raise £25m through Octopus Titan Venture Capital Trust 4, its latest VCT launch.