Industry
EIS Venture Capital Funds
Challenge
Launching a venture fund is challenging, regardless of experience. The team at Love Ventures VC Limited recognised the importance of having an experienced investment manager to guide them. Sapphire was selected because of our success in launching and managing multiple investment funds.
Results
Sapphire acted as Love Ventures’ FCA-authorised investment manager, while Love Ventures advised the funds. Sapphire played a crucial role in the successful launch and management of the first three Love Ventures funds. Following the successful launch of these funds, Love Ventures went on to become an FCA self-authorised investment manager.
Key Products
Love Ventures Fund I, Love Ventures Fund II, Love Ventures Fund III
"Working with Sapphire has been instrumental in managing three successful Love Ventures funds. Their extensive knowledge of investment management, understanding of the regulatory landscape, and professional support have been invaluable. Over the first four years, Sapphire's partnership and guidance were proven to be transformative, providing practical solutions, timely assistance, and strategic insights that have enhanced every aspect of the Love Ventures funds and our operational journey."
"We recognised early on that we would need expert guidance to help us launch our venture capital funds. Sapphire was the perfect fit. They helped us launch three funds, providing comprehensive investment management and investor relations services. Additionally, Sapphire supplied essential regulatory compliance oversight during our critical period of launching the three funds. Their assistance was invaluable."
About Love Ventures
Love Ventures believes that the next decade will be shaped by innovative tools and technologies that enhance productivity, allowing people and businesses to work smarter and achieve sustained growth. Currently, Love Ventures operates as an EIS fund, investing from pre-Seed to Series A in founders who boost UK productivity. Their focus includes fintech, the future of work, and consumer technology — sectors where emerging technologies create real-world impact. The Love Ventures team is committed to investing in the future of finance by expanding access to capital, improving financial well-being, and modernising the systems that drive the economy.
The Challenge
Founded in 2020 by Marcus and Adrian Love, Love Ventures VC Limited was formed to transition their successful angel syndicate into a dedicated venture capital fund targeting early-stage technology and growth enterprises. Collectively, they had backed more than 20 early-stage businesses and assumed numerous board positions within the UK technology and fintech markets. In establishing their inaugural fund, they recognised the importance of partnering with a seasoned FCA-authorised investment manager with proven expertise in setting up and managing multiple venture capital funds.
The Solution
Sapphire collaborated extensively with Love Ventures to draft all key fund documentation, including the information memorandum, key information document, and application form, while providing comprehensive support throughout the fund launch and ongoing investment management process. By combining Sapphire’s depth of regulatory expertise and strong investment management platform with Love Ventures’ track record in identifying high-potential companies, the partnership enabled the successful establishment of Love Ventures’ first three investment funds.
A key driver behind Love Ventures’ selection of Sapphire was the firm’s extensive track record and specialist proficiency in venture capital fund management, having successfully established and overseen more than 50 venture capital funds prior to engaging with Love Ventures. Sapphire’s proactive, expert team provided hands-on support throughout the entire process, ensuring a seamless transition from initial planning to the launch of a fully operational investment fund.
“Over the first four years, Sapphire's partnership and guidance were proven to be transformative, providing practical solutions, timely assistance, and strategic insights that have enhanced every aspect of the Love Ventures funds and our operational journey."
Marcus Love, Love Ventures VC Limited Co-Founder.
The Results
Sapphire structured a comprehensive regulatory framework that enabled Love Ventures to focus on sourcing high-calibre early-stage investment opportunities. Following the successful launch of Love Ventures Fund I, Sapphire continued to work closely with the Love Ventures team, facilitating the introduction of two subsequent funds.
This strategic collaboration enabled Love Ventures to leverage Sapphire’s operational acumen, investment management, and proficiency, culminating in Love Ventures securing its own FCA authorisation in July 2024. Sapphire’s capabilities in early-stage fund incubation and its sector-driven methodology played a pivotal role in underpinning Love Ventures’ ongoing achievements and sustained growth.
Partner with award-winning fund specialists
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