One of Europe’s largest venture capital teams, Octopus Ventures has been investing in ambitious early-stage companies for 15 years. Watch this interview to hear from deeptech investor Simon King on how they do it. Please Subscribe (+ 🔔 ) for more Meet The Manager videos. In this interview:
0:00 Who are Octopus Ventures
0:56 About Simon King
1:25 What does the Octopus EIS service aim to do?
2:09 What is the Knowledge Intensive fund, how is it different?
2:58 The key things Octopus Ventures looks for in companies
4:12 What attributes does the team and the founder/CEO need?
5:08 “Big markets ripe for disruption” and “unfair advantages”
5:59 How does Octopus find those companies?
7:19 Repeat founders / Second- and third-time entrepreneurs (Graze, Tails, Skin+Me)
8:19 What does the typical Octopus EIS deal look like?
9:37 Has higher inflation and interest rates changed how Octopus Ventures invests?
10:34 Why economic uncertainty can help create great companies
11:42 Example of a recent investment: Kita (carbon credits insurance)
13:23 Investing in Taster (digital restaurants brand)
14:19 How involved does Octopus get with investee companies?
15:23 The role of “talent partners” with Octopus Ventures
16:36 Examples of previous exits (e.g. Depop, Wave Optics)
17:48 Risks – how many investee companies might fail?
18:46 Summary: Why invest with Octopus Ventures EIS Service?

IMPORTANT
The opinions expressed in this video are the interviewee’s own and do not necessarily reflect the view of Wealth Club Limited. This interview, like our service, is not advice and the products featured are not suitable for everyone. EIS investments are high risk and illiquid compared to mainstream investments. You could lose your capital. Tax rules can change and tax benefits depend on your circumstances. If you’re unsure an investment is right for you, please seek professional advice.

For more on EIS investing please see https://www.wealthclub.co.uk/eis-expl....