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
Admin
· 1 min read
· Updated on

QikServe team up with motorway operator Moto

GCV portfolio company and guest self service platform QikServe, have teamed up with Britain’s biggest motorway service operator, Moto, to launch a click and collect ordering service at 48 of it’s sites around the UK.

Supported by QikServe’s PreOday platform, the program will begin with a pilot at Burger King locations starting in June.

Since the lockdown came into force, motorway services have remained open albeit with reduced facilities. This has hit many of the UK service station based restaurants hard following lengthy closure due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

 

Daniel Rodgers, Founder and President of QikServe, said: “The motorway service station is the perfect place to show the power of our digital ordering platform; it has the potential to transform the customer experience and make every rest stop a pleasurable one for guests. When you’re trying to get somewhere – fast – the idea of spending time in a queue is less attractive. We are excited to help Moto remove that roadblock and to enhance its reputation for outstanding customer service.”

 

The announcement follows an agreement earlier this month with QikServe to offer mobile ordering at TGI Fridays in the UK.

Ahead of a stop at one of Moto’s nationwide locations, customers will be able to use a mobile phone to browse the menus of Moto’s popular food brands, select a site and pick-up time, and pay for their order. Their food will be ready at the specified time at special collection point or it can be delivered to their vehicles.

With lock-down restrictions in place, Moto said the ordering portal would help to protect colleagues and customers by minimising contact time.

 

Grace Matthews, GCV Marketing Marketing Manager said:

“With so many key workers including that of lorry drivers delivering goods and NHS volunteers taking medical supplies around the country it’s fantastic to see that they now have access to a simple yet innovative system which supports cashless payments whilst promoting social distancing.

As travel by car on the UK roads will begin to see an increase over the coming months and demand for quick contactless payment solution will continue, we are thrilled to see how one of our portfolio companies are supporting the service station restaurants get back on the road to recovery.”

 

Read More: Download the case study to find out how GCV backed and supported QikServe
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.