Don't invest unless you're prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high-risk investment and you are unlikely to be protected if something goes wrong.
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Risk Summary

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Due to the potential for losses, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) considers this investment to be high risk.

What are the key risks?

  • You could lose all the money you invest
  • Most investments are shares in start-up businesses or bonds issued by them. Investors in these shares or bonds often lose 100% of the money they invested, as most start-up businesses fail.
  • Checks on the businesses you are investing in, such as how well they are expected to perform, may not have been carried out by the platform you are investing through. You should do your own research before investing.

You won't get your money back quickly

  • Even if the business you invest in is successful, it will likely take several years to get your money back.
  • The most likely way to get your money back is if the business is bought by another business or lists its shares on an exchange such as the London Stock Exchange. These events are not common.
  • Start-up businesses very rarely pay you back through dividends. You should not expect to get your money back this way.
  • Some platforms may give you the opportunity to sell your investment early through a 'secondary market' or 'bulletin board', but there is no guarantee you will find a buyer at the price you are willing to sell.

Don't put all your eggs in one basket

  • Putting all your money into a single business or type of investment for example, is risky. Spreading your money across different investments makes you less dependent on any one to do well. A good rule of thumb is not to invest more than 10% of your money in high-risk investments. Learn more here.

The value of your investment can be reduced

  • If your investment is shares, the percentage of the business that you own will decrease if the business issues more shares. This could mean that the value of your investment reduces, depending on how much the business grows. Most start-up businesses issue multiple rounds of shares.
  • These new shares could have additional rights that your shares don't have, such as the right to receive a fixed dividend, which could further reduce your chances of getting a return on your investment.

You are unlikely to be protected if something goes wrong

  • Protection from the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), in relation to claims against failed regulated firms, does not cover poor investment performance. Try the FSCS investment protection checker.
  • Protection from the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) does not cover poor investment performance. If you have a complaint against an FCA-regulated platform, FOS may be able to consider it. Learn more about FOS protection here.

If you are interested in learning more about how to protect yourself, visit the FCA's website here.

For further information about investment-based crowdfunding, visit the crowdfunding section of the FCA's website here.
Insights
Harvey Hall
· 2 min read
· Updated on

Qikserve partners with Global Entertainments Provider Merlin

GCV portfolio company and guest self-service platform Qikserve has partnered with global attraction operator Merlin Entertainments, as the company announces it will deploy its powerful digital ordering solutions at resorts worldwide.

The advanced solutions implemented include order-to-table, kiosk and order ahead systems, whilst hotel guests staying at the locations can also make use of a new order-to-room service.

This new technology is already available at Merlin resorts including Alton Towers, Chessington World of Adventures and LEGOLAND Windsor UK, with plans underway for further implementations at LEGOLAND California, Florida, Heide Park and Thorpe Park. 

Following the heightened COVID-19 restrictions businesses around the globe have become accustomed to since the start of the pandemic, those operating in the entertainment and leisure sector have been urging for quick, effective solutions.

From crowded entry queues to inefficient food ordering systems, for entertainment resorts in particular it has been crucial that rapid technological innovations are incorporated in everyday processes, not only to ensure consistent levels of footfall but to maintain an exceptional standard of health and safety for customers and staff. 

Qikserve’s dynamic self-service systems have been at the forefront of fulfilling this demand.

One of the Qikserve’s most recent installations for the Merlin Entertainment chain was at the Zafari Bar & Grill, at the Chessington Safari Hotel. 

Here Qikserve has deployed a unique, purpose-built ordering system that allows guests to scan a unique barcode, selecting from a digital interactive menu and make a swift credit card transaction all from a mobile device. 

This is one of the many Qikserve models incorporated throughout Merlin resorts that transforms potentially clunky, ineffective transaction processes into safe, convenient, self-service systems throughout a period in which non-contact ordering has never been so valued. 

Speaking on the brand’s recent adoption of Qikserve systems, Simon Nathan, Head of Project Delivery at Merlin Entertainments, commented:

“The safety of our staff and guests is always our top priority. By allowing guests to use their own phones to order food and drink throughout our Resorts means we can reduce physical touchpoints and make social distancing a little easier for everyone. Digital ordering has been a key part of our guest experience well before the pandemic, but it has also allowed us to protect revenues by adapting quickly and effectively to the constantly changing restrictions.” 

 “It really has been great to get this technology deployed, at pace and with excellent support from the teams involved. The Resorts are extremely happy with the end results; it is changing the way they work as well as enhancing the guest experience.” 

Daniel Rodgers, Founder and President of QikServe, added:

“We’re delighted to be able to support Merlin Entertainments internationally with a common digital ordering platform that can support mobile ordering, kiosk and digital payment. The group is giving guests the power to choose their ordering journey and at the same time, benefitting from detailed customer data collected with each placed order; this will serve to enhance personalisation in its customer marketing.  

“At a time when social distancing and health and safety is paramount, we’re proud to be supporting Merlin Entertainments in keeping its guests and staff safe and comfortable at its Resorts.” 
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Growth Capital Ventures (GCV) is backed by funds managed by Maven Capital Partners, one of the UK’s leading private equity and alternative asset managers.