Simple Scaling & Sapphire: How an SME Fund Was Born
As venture capital fund management in the UK requires an FCA‑authorised manager, Simple Scaling needed an FCA-authorised investment manager to launch a venture fund. Results Sapphire stepped in as the FCA‑regulated manager, enabling Simple Scaling to focus on its role as company mentor to ...
“Sapphire significantly reduced the workload involved in launching the fund. They managed regulatory and compliance obligations professionally, allowing us to focus solely on mentoring and supporting the fund investee companies. I would highly recommend Sapphire to any firm seeking expert guidance and skill in navigating the launch process and subsequent management of a venture capital fund.”
Oisin Lappin, Director @ ScaleX Investments Limted
“With Sapphire’s guidance, we successfully partnered to launch the High Growth SME Fund. Their team was easy to work with and consistently on hand to address any issues that arose. The collaboration has been positive, and I look forward to continuing our journey together.”
Katie Fulford-Smith, Manager @ ScaleX Investments Limited
About Simple Scaling
Simple Scaling was founded by Brendan McGurgan and Claire Colvin in 2020, following more than 20 years’ experience in the field. Its core mission is to inspire, connect, and enable SME leaders to scale their businesses with purpose.
ScaleX Investments is the investment arm of Simple Scaling, backing globally ambitious leaders who seek to build high‑growth, tech‑enabled businesses, with a focus on companies that have already established themselves in their core markets.
the challenge
Simple Scaling and its leadership team quickly recognised the challenges involved in launching a venture capital fund in the UK. To address this, they needed an FCA‑authorised investment manager with a deep understanding of the required compliance obligations and the robust regulatory framework.
the solution
As an FCA‑authorised investment manager with over 15 years of venture capital experience, Sapphire provided the solution. By taking responsibility for regulatory and compliance obligations, Simple Scaling and ScaleX Investments were able to focus exclusively on mentoring and supporting the fund investee companies, confident that all investment management requirements were being managed effectively. This partnership allowed for the successful launch of the High Growth SME Fund in 2024.
One of the primary reasons Simple Scaling appointed Sapphire as Investment Manager was our established track record in structuring and launching SEIS and EIS venture funds. Our specialist team and depth of industry experience made Sapphire the natural partner of choice for Simple Scaling.
“I would highly recommend Sapphire to any firm seeking expert guidance and skill in navigating the launch process and subsequent management of a venture capital fund."
Oisin Lappin, ScaleX Investments Limited Director.
the results
Our partnership with Simple Scaling and ScaleX Investments has led to the successful launch of the High Growth SME Fund. The objective of the High Growth SME Fund is to invest in a portfolio of high growth potential, globally ambitious, British and/or Irish companies, who are all on a journey to scale with purpose and committed to participating in the ScaleX Accelerator Programme.
This partnership illustrates how a strong commitment to high standards, governance and regulatory compliance can underpin a successful fund launch. Sapphire is pleased to have partnered with Simple Scaling and ScaleX Investments on the launch of the High Growth SME Fund and is committed to supporting its continued development in the years ahead.
next steps
If you would like advice on how to set 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 the 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 intended to be 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.
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