Incubating Excellence: How Sapphire Enabled Love Ventures’ Evolution from Angel Syndicate to Venture Fund Leader

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.

Next Steps

If you would like advice on setting up an investment fund, such as a GP/LP fund or an EIS fund, or if you need an FCA authorised operator and manager to manage a fund, or need pricing and options, contact us, and we will be in touch right away.

Disclaimer:
Sapphire Capital Partners LLP ("Sapphire") is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 565716).  The case study above is illustrative only and does not represent investment performance or future outcomes and the content on this webpage is intended solely to explain Sapphire’s fund-management and advisory services. It is not a financial promotion for the purposes of section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 and does not constitute investment advice, an offer, or an inducement to engage in any regulated investment activity.  Nothing on this page should be interpreted as a recommendation regarding any investment, fund, scheme or structure. Any person considering an investment should obtain independent financial, legal and tax advice.  Investments in start-ups, early-stage businesses and venture capital funds involve high risks, including the risk of losing all capital invested, illiquidity, and dilution. Tax treatments, including SEIS/EIS reliefs, depend on personal circumstances and may change.  Communications with Sapphire’s staff are for general information only and should not be relied upon to make investment decisions.