Can I setup a FCA registered VC firm to help investors from abroad?

[nns49912]

Hello All,

I am a British citizen and wish to help genuinely interested and intelligent entrepreneurs from abroad to have a chance to establish themselves in the UK. I was wondering if I would be in breach of any laws or guidance if I setup a FCA registered VC firm that would accept investments from outside of UK (possibly from the visa applicants) and invest it in their startup ideas?

Thanks
NNS

[marcnath]

Hello All,

I am a British citizen and wish to help genuinely interested and intelligent entrepreneurs from abroad to have a chance to establish themselves in the UK. I was wondering if I would be in breach of any laws or guidance if I setup a FCA registered VC firm that would accept investments from outside of UK (possibly from the visa applicants) and invest it in their startup ideas?

Thanks
NNS

I don't think you would be in breach of any laws, but I am not a lawyer so can't be definite.

You would definitely be in breach of the intent of the 50K route but for the 200K route, it should not be an issue.

It is an interesting idea and I think it has been tried before.

There are a number of VC firms that got blacklisted and the entrepreneurs got their visas curtailed.