Sectors

Please note, we do NOT usually invest in internet companies nor consumer focused businesses, unless a well-differentiated project with an attractive market has been put forward by one of the members or a close associate. Such non-core opprtunities need to demonstrate clear market demand for their offering and preferably early sales history.

Investment size

We can provide seed funding for technology development in spin-outs and start-ups, or contribute to early-stage rounds for companies seeking to exploit and commercialise their Intellectual Property. Cambridge Capital Group investors can invest from £50,000 to £500,000, whether it is to file patents or participate in syndicated funding rounds. Some of our members are able to provide significant further funding as a portoflio business develops.

(Please contact Taylor Vinters via the adjacent link to enquire about standard investment agreements and terms usually required by angel investors).

Criteria

Most of our members require a porfolio company to qualify for EIS tax reliefs.

(Please contact Grant Thornton by the link adjacent to enquire about the requirements for EIS).

Generally CCG investors are looking for defensible IP to provide a barrier to entry by competitors. (Please contact Gill Jennings & Every by the sponsor's link adjacent for advice on filing patents).

Key factors are significant competitive advantage in technology and product, management that has a realisable commercial vision and willingness to recruit appropriately, clear route to market, possibility of rapid commercial exploitation, and an exit strategy via trade sale or listing within 3-5 years.

Exit

Unless a proposition can realistically promise a 5X capital return within 3 years or a 10X return within 5 years angel investors will not generally consider it, on account of the risks and high failure rates of start-up businesses.

Geographic location

We are interested in promising companies in the east and south east of England. On occasion we will consider companies further afield, if there is a connection with our network of members; (one of our members normally takes a board seat or observer role in each portfolio company).

The Chief Executive of CCG also serves on the credit committee of the Finance East Growth Loan Scheme aimed at supporting post-revenue growth companies in the region.