How to become a dragon

When we watch ‘Dragons’ Den’ on the television, most of us don’t want to be the poor entrepreneur being thrown into the den. Instead, we dream of being one of the dragons. We aspire to be in the enviable position to have money to invest and we want the excitement and potential of making more money.

Becoming a business angel is growing in popularity in the UK – with around
£300 million being invested in this way each year (according to the British Business Angel Association). But, where do you begin?

Keen to demystify the process for potential angel investors, Envestors is holding an evening at Coutts offices in Strand, London on Tuesday 12 June to shed some light on the process.

The event is open to anyone looking at angel investing - including new investors, serial investors and people interested in the early-stage investment market.

Following a reception, the evening will be kicked-off by Envestors partner, Bob Taylor, who will speak about ‘The Realities of Angel Investing’.

“We want to open up the world of angel investment and show people that they can enjoy the same excitement and potential financial gains that many other angel investors in the UK already do,” said Mr Taylor. “There are challenges to any sort of investment – but if you make use of some of the resources and advice out there, then you’ve got a greater chance of making your dreams come true.”

Envestors offers a fresh approach to early-stage venture capital and runs a growing Private Investor Club for angel investors seeking to invest between £20,000 and £2m in pre-screened early stage businesses, mostly with tax advantages under the Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS).

“As a member of the Envestors’ Private Investor Club, we do a lot of the hard work for you and pre-screen opportunities,” said Mr Taylor. “Then it’s up to you to invest in the businesses which you are most attracted to – perhaps in an industry you already know or an opportunity with a management team you gel with.”

Nick Pollard, Managing Director at Coutts, commented: “We have a deep insight into the countless and unique challenges that angel investors face, because we’ve worked closely with many of the UK’s top high net worth investors, many of whom have found success in professions or through their own entrepreneurial activities.”

“This event is part of the ongoing support we provide clients who are thinking about investing in start-up or early stage businesses.”

For an investment over £500 in eligible shares, tax relief is given at 20% up to a maximum investment of £400,000 for any tax year.

Also speaking on 12 June will be experienced business angel, Michael Anderson, who is revealing some of his own tips and mistakes, and Matthew Cowan, a Partner at law firm Clyde & Co, who is speaking about ‘Getting the Legals Right’.

“The evening is intended to open up the world of angel investing to a range of potential investors,” said Bob Taylor. “As with any investment, it’s important to take advice and talk to people who have been there before – so having people with us on 12 June who already enjoying the myriad benefits of angel investing will be very enlightening. We are also very grateful to both Coutts and Clyde & Co for their ongoing support and the invaluable help they give members of our Private Investor Club.”

For further information please contact:

Jo Thorne, Regional PR Manager, Coutts & Co. Tel: 020 7957 2650, mob: 07766070859, or email: joanna.thorne@coutts.com

Notes to Editors

·Coutts is the international private banking arm of The Royal Bank of Scotland Group. The Royal Bank of Scotland Group is one of the world's largest banking groups.

·Coutts manages the wealth of 96,000 high net worth clients worldwide through a network of over 40 offices globally.

·The first Coutts regional office to be opened was Eton in 1961. Today, Coutts has regional offices in Birmingham, Bournemouth, Bristol, Cambridge, Cardiff, Eton, Guildford, Hampshire, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Milton Keynes, Newcastle, Nottingham, Oxford and Tunbridge Wells.

·Coutts offers clients a range of products and services covering sophisticated investment products together with expertise in trust and fiduciary services and UK tax and banking services.

·Coutts & Co is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Coutts & Co Registered in England No 36695Registered Office 440 Strand London WC2R 0QS.

·Calls may be recorded.

www.coutts.com