VCT annual statistics

[Kidman]

I have enjoyed reading through HMRC's latest annual commentary on the VCT world.

Here are a few statistics that interested me:-
In 2017/2018, 43 VCTs raised a total of £745 million. This is the highest since 2005/2006 when £780 million was raised by 82 VCTs.
The number of VCTs managing funds rose from 12 in 1995/1996 to a peak of 131 in 2007/2008, since when it has decreased to 70 in 2017/2018.
The contraction in the number of VCTs reflects merger activity.
There are around 13k to 15k investors buying new shares each tax year. Around 30% of the funds raised come from those c5% of investors who put in £150k-£200k.
I note that there are around 1k investors each tax year who invest less than £1k. As this is smaller than any minimum that I have seen I assume these investors are using DRIS and not buying any other new shares.

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/762068/VCT_commentary_2018.pdf