Rationale
Sure Ventures PLC has been established to enable Investors to gain access to early stage technology companies in the three exciting and expansive market verticals of Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality (AR/VR), the Internet of Things (IOT) and Financial Technologies (FinTech).
The Company expects to gain access to deal flow ordinarily reserved for venture capital funds and ultra high net worth angel investors, establishing a diversified software-centric portfolio with a clear strategy. Listing the fund on the London Stock Exchange should offer investors:
- Liquidity
- A quoted share price
- A high level of corporate governance.
It is often too expensive, too risky and too labour intensive for investors to build a portfolio of this nature themselves. We are leveraging the diverse skillsets of an experienced management team who have the industry network to gain access to quality deal flow, the expertise to complete extensive due diligence in target markets and the entrepreneurial skills to help these companies mature successfully. Those investing in our fund will get exposure to Suir Valley Funds ICAV which in turn co-invests with Enterprise Ireland, one of the largest VC’s in Europe.
Augmented Reality & Virtual Reality
The AR/VR market is evolving at a rapid pace. The market is expected to grow into a US$108 billion industry within the next five years.[1] Significant investment into hardware capability and headset development has been made by major industry players such as Facebook, Oculus Rift, HTC, Samsung and others. This investment has ignited a new and exciting industry within the technology sector. Hardware manufacturers and AR/VR users are now searching for software capabilities/support and content, and we believe that exposure to this industry via the Fund and direct investment into software companies in the space will offer significant upside potential for investors. Through SCAIFM’s network of technology accelerators, angel investor partners and industry contacts in the AR/VR space, the Company is expected to have a strong chance of discovering the industry leaders of tomorrow.
Internet of Things
The Internet of Things (IoT) as a segment of the market is a broad investment area, but is defined as the interconnection via the internet of computing devices embedded in everyday objects enabling them to send and receive data. The market was estimated to be worth US$120 billion dollars in 2016 and is predicted to reach a size of US$253 billion by 2021.[2] The global growth and advancement of internet coverage, the increased speed and capability of connectivity and the mass market penetration of smartphones/tablet sales has opened up significant opportunities for software companies. Businesses from many industries are embracing the efficiencies, cost savings and the “direct to consumer” penetration this technological advancement has offered. The Directors see continued growth in this area and believe that investor returns will benefit from exposure to the space.
FinTech
FinTech as an industry segment that has grown significantly and continues to do so at a rapid pace. It has a transaction value that’s estimated to be US$2.6 trillion US dollars. The market is predicted to expand to a size of US$6.9 trillion in the next 5 years, which represents a transaction value at a CAGR of 20.5 per cent.[3] The Banking, Finance and Insurance industries are increasingly accepting and embracing the efficiencies and benefits of technology. Ever changing financial regulation, cyber security requirements and payment trends are driven by technological advancement. SCAIFM’s investment committee and its network continues to see new and exciting deal flow in this area and believe that this market segment will continue to develop at pace. The Directors believe that investors looking for exposure to the emerging software technology market must include a FinTech element in its investment strategy.