What is the scheme?

The UK Government has unveiled plans for a new co-investment fund titled the ‘Future Fund’ designed to ensure venture capital backed companies across the UK receive enough investment to remain viable during the coronavirus crisis. The Future Fund will launch in May 2020 and will remain open until the end of September 2020 – with the aim of providing government backed convertible loans to UK based companies ranging from £125,000 to £5 million.

These convertible loans may be a suitable option for companies that rely on equity investment and are unable to access the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme. These loans will need to be repaid by the company after 3 years or converted into equity stakes in the company – these are commonly referred to as ‘convertible loan notes’.

While great care has been taken in the preparation of the content of this article, it does not purport to be a comprehensive statement of the relevant law and full professional advice should be taken before any action is taken in reliance on any item covered.