The founders of Worth Capital, plus a small network of associates, invest in strong founders that have created an innovative proposition based on unique market insight, where there is potential to build a loved brand.
Generally this is early-stage equity investment up to £400,000 and is only for businesses based in the UK.
We’re sector agnostic and invest in both consumer and B2B.
Whilst that makes the scope of our investing broad, there are some common elements. All our investments operate in growth markets that have room for new entrants. Each has created an innovative product, service or sales channel. And each has the potential to create habitual consumption that is the foundation for a loved brand.
A note on technology: We’re not biased to any particularly technologies. We believe that technology is an enabler not the story. We see too many attractive tech solutions that are desperately in search of a problem to solve. We always value market insight and empathy over tech expertise. So don’t try to dazzle us with blockchain this or AI that, talk to us about a market opportunity first and then how you are planning to tackle it.
Mostly we invest for equity in very early-stage businesses that qualify for the UK government’s Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS). Occasionally a business may enter our portfolio at the later Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) stage. It’s more unusual, but not out of the question, that we’d invest under a convertible note, or debt arrangement with some security provided.
Our deal size is generally up to £400,000, and likely to be in tranches of investment. We can be a lead investor or follow another investor’s lead. Depending on what is helpful for the company, we may or may not suggest a board director.
We only invest in UK based businesses. This is the market that we most understand.
Although we are based in London, we like seeing opportunities outside of the London bubble. So far 65% of our investment cash has been placed outside of London & South East England.