Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest. These are high-risk investments and you are unlikely to be protected if something goes wrong.

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Risk summary for non-readily realisable securities which are shares:

Due to the potential for losses, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) considers this investment to be high risk.

Last updated: 01 July 2026

What are the key risks?

1. You could lose all the money you invest

If the business you invest in fails, you are likely to lose 100% of the money you invested. Most start-up businesses fail.
2. You are unlikely to be protected if something goes wrong

Protection from the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), in relation to claims against failed regulated firms, does not cover poor investment performance.

Try the FSCS Investment Protection Checker

or use this URL link:

www.fscs.org.uk/check/investment-protection-checker.

Protection from the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) does not cover poor investment performance. If you have a complaint against an FCA-regulated firm, FOS may be able to consider it.

Learn more about this service from the following Financial Ombudsman Service Protection

or use this URL link:

www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk/consumers.
3. You won’t get your money back quickly

Even if the business you invest in is successful, it may take several years to get your money back. You are unlikely to be able to sell your investment early.

The most likely way to get your money back is if the business is bought by another business or lists its shares on an exchange such as the London Stock Exchange. These events are not common.

If you are investing in a start-up business, you should not expect to get your money back through dividends. Start-up businesses rarely pay these.
4. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket

Putting all your money into a single business or type of investment, for example, is risky. Spreading your money across different investments makes you less dependent on anyone to do well.

A good rule of thumb is not to invest more than 10% of your money in high-risk investments.

Read more at the FCA InvestSmart Guide

or use this URL link:

www.fca.org.uk/investsmart/5-questions-ask-you-invest

5. The value of your investment can be reduced

Putting all your money into a single business or type of investment, for example, is risky. Spreading your money across different investments makes you less dependent on anyone to do well.

The percentage of the business that you own will decrease if the business issues more shares. This could mean that the value of your investment reduces, depending on how much the business grows. Most start-up businesses issue multiple rounds of shares.

These new shares could have additional rights that your shares don’t have, such as the right to receive a fixed dividend, which could further reduce your chances of getting a return on your investment.

If you are interested in learning more about how to protect yourself, visit the FCA website:

FCA InvestSmart

or use this URL link:

www.fca.org.uk/investsmart.

Please find the PDF version of the Risk Summary.

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Bronagh Duggan

Junior Partner | +44 (0) 7999 072416

"Bronagh focuses on the set-up and management of SEIS, EIS, and GP/LP funds, while also guiding companies through SEIS/EIS compliance."

Bronagh specialises in the set-up and management of SEIS, EIS, and GP/LP funds. She is passionate about helping early-stage companies secure the investment they need to grow, with a particular focus on ESG and female-led businesses. Bronagh works closely with founders to prepare them for investment and long-term growth, leveraging her expertise in Venture Capital Tax schemes, including SEIS, EIS, and VCT.

At Sapphire, Bronagh also plays a key role in ensuring compliance across the firm. Prior to joining, she gained experience in financial services through a variety of roles in finance, accounting, and investment analysis.

Bronagh holds a BSc (Hons) in Finance and Investment Analysis from Ulster University and has successfully completed both the EIS and VCT diplomas. She is a member of the Enterprise Investment Scheme Association (EISA), where she also serves on the Greenshoots Committee, and has achieved Unit 1 of the Investment Management Certificate (IMC). Beyond her professional work, Bronagh contributes to her community as a member of the board of governors at a Northern Irish primary school.