Peter Hicks, research analyst at Chelsea Financial Services, described his outlook for VCTs from both an economic policy and performance perspective as "positive".
From a wider economic perspective, he said VCTs "remain necessary stimulators of economic growth" and that it was likely that the Treasury will continue to back them.
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"The cross-party and government consensus is that removal of VCTs would negatively impact the venture market and limit support to younger growing businesses," he added.
Trevor Hope, CIO of Gresham House Ventures and manager of the Baronsmead VCTs, argued that for the last three decades, VCTs have "proved instrumental in supporting home-grown British innovation", noting that VCTs had invested over £11.5bn across numerous early-stage and entrepreneurial companies in the country.
At this year's Autumn Statement, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt reiterated that the government would legislate to renew the sunset clause on VCTs from 2025 to 2035, having confirmed the extension back in October.
Hope pointed to this as proof that VCTs had "further cemented their role in the financial landscape".
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Malcolm Ferguson, fund manager at Octopus Investments, said there was a "key facet" to consider in the VCT landscape, which is "undergoing a dynamic evolution, marked by increased talent availability and funding scarcity".
"This convergence creates an opportune moment for early-stage companies to flourish, provided they demonstrate capital efficiency and a drive for innovation," he said.
By contrast, Hicks said the UK VCT industry was "a far more developed and experienced ecosystem compared to 20 years ago", pointing to the range of established VCTs with experienced management teams.
Tough conditions and opportunities
However, Hicks noted that from a performance standpoint, "conditions have been tough, and we have seen a cool off in valuations".
According to data from the Association of Investment Companies, the average discount for VCT Generalist sector members was 5.8%, widening to 8.01% for the VCT AIM Quoted sector.
Hicks credited much of this to high interest rates but noted that now rates were stabilising, businesses eager for capital should prefer equity investment over more expensive debt.
"This is good for VCT managers because they are one of the sources of equity capital," he explained.
Hicks noted that throughout 2022, UK venture capital funding decreased by almost a quarter, attributing this to risk-free interest paid by cash savings accounts in the new rates environment.
However, Hope noted that despite this and a prevailing negative view of the UK, "the VCT fundraising environment has remained relatively resilient these past two years".
"UK VCT deployment actually increased by 8% in spite of the wider decline in VC funding," Hicks added.
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Hope also flagged difficulties for the sector, arguing the focus for VCTs had returned to delivering operational efficiency and managing cashflow, representing a significant move away from the pre-pandemic mindset of prioritising growth at all costs.
"In many cases this will mean managing wider costs and keeping a keen eye on cash," he said.
Hope also argued that the challenging backdrop presents "unique investment opportunities", as valuations have fallen.
"Meanwhile, funding for early-stage ventures has become more selective, encouraging founders to prioritise capital efficiency and to build more sustainable businesses," Ferguson said.
"This financial prudence fosters a more robust foundation for long-term success, ensuring that companies can withstand market fluctuations and emerge stronger."