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

Estimated reading time: 2 min

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.
Portfolio News
Dan Smith
· 1 min read
· Updated on

GCV exits from QikServe generating a profitable return for investors

Growth Capital Ventures (GCV) and its private investor network have exited from QikServe after the digital ordering and payment solutions platform was acquired by The Access Group, providing a profitable return for all investors.

Since 2018, GCV has invested in QikServe on three separate occasions, recognising considerable potential in the company’s long-term vision - to transform the way individuals order and pay in restaurants globally.

Co-investing alongside companies including Maven Capital Partners and Par Equity, the acquisition by The Access Group marks a strategic move. QikServe has now become part of The Access Group’s hospitality division, which provides an array of digital solutions and services to the industry.

Champa Magesh, The Access Group’s Hospitality Division Managing Director, explained:

Our goal is to build an integrated hospitality suite of solutions, on a single platform, which helps operators deliver the best guest experience, makes them more effective and ultimately more profitable.

The acquisition of QikServe is an important step in bringing this vision to life through its innovative CMS, kiosk solution, connectivity and data orchestration capabilities.

Norm Peterson, CEO of GCV, commented:

The acquisition of QikServe by The Access Group marks the fourth exit in the GCV portfolio, and I am particularly excited about what the future holds for the company. We focus on backing teams that are motivated, committed and driven, and the QikServe team certainly embody all three of those traits.

The strategic acquisition by The Access Group is one that is beneficial for all involved, and I look forward to seeing the QikServe brand go from strength to strength.

Daniel Rodgers, co-founder of QikServe, expressed:

We are immensely thankful and proud of the QikServe team, whose passion, tireless dedication and hard work have driven our success, delivering technology for some of the most inspirational hospitality brands worldwide - without them, none of this would be possible.

Being part of The Access Group unlocks huge potential for both businesses, and we can’t wait to get started.

Growth Capital Ventures is an FCA authorised investment firm and venture builder. Through our private investor network, GCV Invest, we provide experienced investors with access to carefully selected alternative investment opportunities across venture capital, private equity and property.

Through GCV Labs, our venture builder division, we help founders to build, launch and scale businesses that transform industries.
Driving Growth.
Creating Value.
Delivering Impact.

Backed by

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.