Crowd2Fund launches First UK marketplace for trading crowd funded investments

Crowdfunding platform provides investors with an opportunity to sell their investments and gain early access to their capital, whilst giving buyers a chance to pick up discounted investments.

Crowd2Fund, an FCA regulated crowdfunding platform specialising in the innovative revenue loan, has launched the Exchange. This brings a much-needed solution in an otherwise illiquid market that allows investors to trade investments and access their capital. Whilst initially only debt investments will be tradable, Crowd2Fund plan to open up the marketplace to all investors wishing to buy or sell both debt or equity investments, regardless of where the investment was made.

The Exchange has a number of opportunities already listed where investors can earn up to 15% APR by purchasing loans that are repaying successfully. Buyers are leveraging the investors need to sell, hence the very high returns achievable. One of the more well-known campaigns is Hummus Bros, which has since gone on to raise £450,000 on another equity crowdfunding platform. The debt listed on the Exchange offers a 10% return, which is a 2% premium on the restaurant’s original listing on the platform.

On the Exchange the seller sets the sale price of the investment.  If investors have a strong need to sell there can be a real opportunity for buyers to snap up undervalued assets.  Additionally, the Exchange provides buyers with increased visibility with access to the historic performance of the investment that can be reviewed alongside other information related to the company’s performance.  It is hoped that this transparency will further increase investor confidence in the rapidly growing sector.

Commenting on Crowd2Fund’s latest innovation, Chief Executive Chris Hancock said:

“Our Exchange is another example of how London-based FinTech brands are creating common sense innovations to help businesses grow and investors earn better returns, securely, and in a regulated way. The Exchange is a simple and free mechanism for exchanging investments which we expect to be largely self-governing with investors having all the tools they need to make their own decisions.”

“One of the key challenges facing the Crowdfunding and P2P lending sector, which grew by £1.74 billion last year, has been to devise a means by which investors can exit their investments and gain access to their cash. The Exchange will make this possible, for loans which might otherwise take years to repay or for equity which might not attain material value until a company is either acquired or floated on a Stock Exchange at considerable expense.”

Vernacare, a leading infection control organisation, has been sold to Palatine Private Equity; Clearwater International advised the shareholders on the sale

Based in Bolton, Vernacare employs over 200 staff across the UK and North America and sells to a varied customer base in more than 50 countries worldwide.

The company manufactures and supplies a range of products including the Vernacare system, which is the most widely adopted single-use disposable system in the UK healthcare market. It is comprised of moulded fibre containers used for toileting, washing, bathing and caring for patients throughout their stay, in addition to Vortex disposal units that hygienically dispose of the containers and contents.

Vernacare is the market leader in the UK supplying to 260 NHS Hospital Trusts, and has an established presence in the rest of Europe, Canada, Australia, and the Far East. The company is currently pursuing further international growth opportunities and has recently signed an agreement with a leading healthcare provider in China as part of the Chancellor’s recent trade visit.

The deal sees Palatine, take a majority share in Vernacare. The firm will work with the management team, which is led by CEO Matt Miller and CFO Paul Wright

Clearwater International managing partner Phil Burns, directors Ramesh Jassal and Nick Horrocks and associate director Chiara Pettinicchio advised the Vernacare shareholders on the sale.

Matt Miller, CEO, Vernacare, said:

“The Vernacare system has tremendous benefits to both patients and carers. Not only is it an environmentally friendly solution, it also helps to reduce the risk of cross infection when caring for bed bound patients, an issue which has gained increasing prominence across the world in recent years. Working with Palatine will enable us to continue the development of our global footprint and placement of our products in high quality healthcare facilities worldwide.”

Phil Burns, Managing Partner, Clearwater International commented:

“Vernacare have been experts in their sector for over 50 years and have continued to innovate and provide market leading solutions; Palatine will be excellent partners for the business as they look to increase their international client base.”

TreeTop Asset Management Belgium launches new innovative self-directed investment service powered by Objectway Conectus and Eximius

Objectway (www.objectway.com), a leading provider of software and services to the EMEA investment management industry, announced that it has successfully implemented its Conectus self-directed investment solution at Belgium-based TreeTop Asset Management Belgium, completing the go-live phase of the project.

The TREETOP ONLINE solution enables clients to self-engage via a digital onboarding process, invest in Tree Top funds and monitor their investments and portfolio performance in real time and on any device.

Conectus is the digital experience layer, integrating with Objectway’s eXimius portfolio management system already used by TreeTop Asset Management. The client portal was designed with a “mobile first” approach and complies with the latest responsive design standards.

 “TreeTop offers investors the fully digital experience they have come to expect nowadays, with all services being available anytime, anywhere. We are glad to be the enablers of such an innovative, easy-to-use investment service and contribute to the success of our customer” said Alberto Cuccu, Chief Product Officer at Objectway.

“After months of work, TREETOP ONLINE is a fantastic reality: a simple and effective tool for investing. Thanks to a great team and an excellent collaboration!” said Jacques Berghmans, TreeTop co-founder and fund manager.