Oxford capital eis fund
Investor Portal

Meet the Oxford Capital team – David McCann, Associate, Investor Relations Operations

1. What’s a typical day like for you at Oxford Capital?

Although I start each day with the same role to do, the tasks are never the same and I’m always kept on my toes. My role is at the heart of the firm, and I support my colleagues by keeping our databases up to date, in addition to working closely with our custodian. I work within both the investment and investor operations teams, assisting them with reporting to our clients so that our investors get the best possible experience.

2. Can you tell us a bit more about your role?

Working within the operations team I spend most of my time looking at spreadsheets and making sure that both Oxford Capital’s and our custodian’s data is correct. One of my main tasks is to produce reports for our investors throughout the life of the product. This starts with EIS certificates after each investment to exit statements at the end of the investment. I’m also heavily involved in our biannual valuation production, keeping our investors up to date with the performance of their portfolios.

3. What have your learnt working through the Covid-19 pandemic?

My professional career started 6 months before Covid so working from home wasn’t too much of a shock to me, in fact I took to it like a fish to water. What I did learn about myself is that although being at home all the time has advantages, I needed to approach my mental wellness in a different way to how I previously had. It really made me miss being able to socialise outside of work, both with colleagues and my close friends.

4. Which of our portfolio companies is your favourite and why?

There are lots of potential favourites within our current portfolio, especially with companies that are champions in ESG practices. If I had to pick one standout it would be Moneybox. On the outside it seems to be a typical fintech but delve deeper and you find that it supports first time buyers looking to get mortgages as well as pension planning. All of this is supported with a range of funds varying in different risk options not to mention responsible investment opportunities.

5. What most interests you about working with early-stage companies and the processes behind this?

Working with early-stage companies from the start of my career has highlighted to me the power of entrepreneurs. These founders find opportunities that are often at the pinnacle of technology and quite often are trying to make the world a better place for all. I’m given a unique opportunity to support and watch businesses grow, from initial ideas to an end product. History has taught us that business is never easy and certainly not guaranteed, but for those willing to take the risk it can be extremely rewarding. It makes me want to potentially start my own business one day.

Quickfire round

1. Favourite pastime/hobby

I’m a keen tennis player having played since a young age. I try and play a few hours every week as it keeps me active as well as socialising with others in my community. I also enjoy cooking and being in the kitchen.

2. Favourite holiday destination

I have recently had the once in a lifetime opportunity to go to Antarctic and visit the penguins. I would love to return one day. I often travel closer to home with Greece being a regular destination.

3. Favourite meal

I find it hard to beat a perfectly cooked steak.

4. Favourite film/TV show

My go to TV show is The Office – although I have watched it multiple times it never fails to put a smile on my face.

Estimated reading time: 2 min

 

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

What are the key risks?

  1. You could lose all the money you invest
    1. 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
    1. 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 here.
    2. 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 FOS protection here.
  3. You won’t get your money back quickly
    1. 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.
    2. 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.
    3. 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
    1. 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 any one to do well.
    2. A good rule of thumb is not to invest more than 10% of your money in high-risk investments. https://www.fca.org.uk/investsmart/5-questions-ask-you-invest
  5. The value of your investment can be reduced
    1. 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.
    2. 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’s website here.