This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Venture Capital Trust (VCT) scheme, a cornerstone of the UK's innovation economy. Since its inception, VCTs have been instrumental in supporting high-growth UK businesses, fostering innovation, and driving economic growth across the UK. With 46 VCTs managing £6.6 billion in assets, they have become a vital part of the investment landscape.
Howard Kennedy: The Leading Legal Adviser and Sponsor in the VCT Market
Howard Kennedy has played a pivotal role in shaping the VCT industry, consistently leading the market as the top legal adviser and sponsor for prospectus offers. In the 2024/25 tax year alone, Howard Kennedy has been appointed as legal adviser for 18 prospectus offers and as sponsor for 20, making it the most active firm in the sector.
Over the past five years, Howard Kennedy has advised on over 75% of all public offers launched by VCTs, reinforcing its position as the go-to firm for legal and sponsorship expertise in the industry. With a deep understanding of VCT regulations, market trends, and investment strategies, the firm has provided crucial guidance to fund managers and the VCT boards in navigating the complexities of the VCT market.
A Legacy of Support for High-Growth Businesses
Through its extensive work with VCTs, Howard Kennedy has helped asset managers raise money to channel significant investment into high-potential sectors such as fintech, life sciences, and AI. This support has been essential in enabling early-stage companies to scale, create jobs, and contribute to the UK economy. By facilitating VCT fundraising and ensuring regulatory compliance, the firm has played an integral role in maintaining investor confidence and sustaining the growth of the VCT ecosystem.

Marking the Milestone: 30 Years of VCT Success
To celebrate the 30th anniversary of VCTs, Howard Kennedy is proud to have sponsored the official anniversary event at the House of Lords. This event highlighted the remarkable achievements of VCTs over the past three decades and acknowledged the key players who have contributed to their success.
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