Half Yearly Results

Thames Ventures VCT 2 plc
LEI: 21380035MV1VRYEXPR95
Half Yearly Results
21 December 2023

Financial Highlights

	Unaudited 30 September 2023 pence		Unaudited 30 September 2022 pence		Audited 31 March 2023 pence
Ventures Share pool
Net Asset Value per Ventures Share	50.1		68.5		59.4
Cumulative distributions	9.25		8.0		8.0
Total Return per Ventures Share	59.35		76.5		67.4
Healthcare Share pool
Net Asset Value per Healthcare Share	52.3		71.7		61.6
Cumulative distributions	10.0		8.75		8.75
Total Return per Healthcare Share	62.3		80.45		70.35
AIM Share pool
Net Asset Value per AIM Share	100.7		99.0		101.1
Cumulative distributions	-		-		-
Total Return per AIM Share	100.7		99.0		101.1
DSO D Share pool
Net Asset Value per DSO D Share	2.7		2.6		2.6
Cumulative distributions	102.0		102.0		102.0
Adjusted for Performance Incentive estimate1	-		-		-
Total Return per DSO D Share	104.7		104.6		104.6
DP67 Share pool
Net Asset Value per DP67 Share	25.4		24.4		24.8
Cumulative distributions (since original launch)	67.8		67.8		67.8
Total Return per DP67 Share	93.2		92.2		92.6

1. Based on Total Return to Shareholders at 30 September 2023, no Performance Incentive is expected to become due to management.
   
   

Chairman’s Statement

Introduction

I present the Company’s unaudited Half-Yearly Financial Report for the six months ended 30 September 2023.

Following an eventful year ended 31 March 2023, with the main Investment Manager changing from Downing LLP to Foresight Group LLP, the six-month period ended 30 September 2023 has been more settled from a management perspective. However, performance during the period has been disappointing, with the UK investment environment continuing to remain challenging.

Although the UK has managed to avoid a recession so far, real GDP growth has been sluggish. Inflation has remained stubbornly high, which has led to a series of interest rate increases, albeit a recent sharp decline in UK inflation rates might provide a glimpse of hope. However, heightened nervousness in the financial markets and recent changes to banks’ capital adequacy rules are beginning to reduce the level of funding available for smaller businesses. Understandably, consumer and business confidence in the UK remains fragile, and this has been reflected in some of the portfolio performance for the six-month period ended 30 September 2023.

Evergreen Share pool review
Ventures Share pool

During the period, the Ventures Share pool made one follow-on investment of £0.2 million and received total exit proceeds of £2.2 million. This is against a backdrop of continuing challenges in the UK economy. The Ventures Share class Total Return stood at 59.35p as at 30 September 2023. This is a decrease of 8.05p or 11.9% in Total Return over the period, after adjusting for the dividend of 1.25p per Ventures Share, paid on 29 September 2023.

The NAV decrease over the period is predominantly driven by regulatory factors, with the VCT unable to participate in the recent funding round for Cornelis Networks Inc. due to restrictions resulting from the VCT rules around the gross assets test of the portfolio company. Limitless Limited also suffered due to the lead investor remaining on the UK sanctions list. As a result, both companies experienced valuation reductions in the period.

In June, we exited Imagen returning £1.7 million, with a further distribution of £138k received post period end. There was also a distribution of capital reserves following the sale of Maverick Pubs (Holdings) Limited real estate development company. The investment in Downing Strategic Micro-Cap Investment Trust plc fell in value during the period, broadly in line with the trend for small cap stocks.

A more detailed review of the Ventures Share pool is included in the Ventures Investment Manager’s Report on pages 5 to 8.

Healthcare Share pool

The Healthcare Share pool continues to be managed by Downing LLP, although we hope to move the management to Foresight in due course to align with the Ventures share pool. During the period, the Healthcare Share pool made one follow-on investment of £0.25 million in Cambridge Respiratory Innovations Limited (now trading as Tidal Sense). Proceeds of £0.4 million were generated from two exits completed in the period, DiA Imaging Analysis Limited and an immaterial partial sale of shares in listed company, GENinCode plc.

As at 30 September 2023, the Healthcare Share pool Total Return stood at 62.3p. This is a decrease of 8.05p or 11.4% in Total Return over the period, after adjusting for the dividend of 1.25p per Healthcare Share, paid on 29 September 2023.

The NAV decrease over the period is largely attributable to the fall in the valuation of the two companies which are marked to market: Arecor Therapeutics plc and GENinCode plc. Based on their quoted share prices as at 30 September 2023, Arecor and GENinCode showed unrealised valuation losses totalling £1.2 million for the period. Share market liquidity for both businesses is limited, amplifying the AIM market share price falls and volatility as the general economic climate deteriorates. Additionally, Congenica Limited has been written down to nil resulting in an unrealised valuation loss of £865,000. This is again driven by regulatory factors, with the VCT unable to participate in a funding round which closed following the period-end, materially impacting the Company’s position. The remaining investments in the Healthcare portfolio showed a net increase in valuation of £0.2 million for the period.

A more detailed review of the Healthcare Share pool is included in the Investment Manager’s Report on pages 9 to 10.

AIM Share pool

Downing continues to provide management services in respect of the AIM Share pool for an interim period.

At the period end, NAV stood at 100.7p. Total Return at 30 September 2023 stood at 100.7p per Share, a 0.4p or 0.4% decrease from 101.1p as at 31 March 2023.

The deal flow for VCT qualifying AIM raises has been disappointing as IPOs have dried up and market sentiment has not supported new fundraises, against a backdrop of deteriorating general economic conditions. However, the Manager continues to see all new qualifying secondary and imminent IPOs and is using this time to conduct enhanced due diligence on potential investments. There were no additions or disposals in the period.

Planned Exit Share pools

As with the AIM Share pool, Downing LLP continues to provide investment management services in respect of the investments held by the planned exit share pools.

DSO D Share pool

The exit from the two final assets in this Share pool completed during the period with £39,000 of liquidation proceeds received.

At the period end, NAV stood at 2.7p. Total Return at 30 September 2023 stood at 104.7p per Share, an increase of 0.1p or 0.1% from 104.6p as at 31 March 2023.

A more detailed review of the DSO D Share pool is included in the Investment Manager’s Report on pages 13 to 14.

DP67 Share pool

The DP67 Share pool holds two remaining investments of value. At the period end, NAV stood at 25.4p. Total Return at 30 September 2023 stood at 93.2p per Share, an increase of 0.6p or 0.6% from 92.6p as at 31 March 2023.

The DP67 Share pool has significant exposure to the hospitality sector and progress towards achieving an exit continues to be slow in the aftermath of the pandemic and a particularly challenging economic backdrop. Having said this, the portfolio is performing well and, for this reason, the Manager is hopeful that it will be able to secure exits in 2024, giving the market a chance to recover.

A more detailed review of the DP67 Share pool is included in the Investment Manager’s Report on pages 15 to 16.

Dividends

On 29 September 2023, the Company paid dividends in respect of the year ended 31 March 2023 of 1.25p per Ventures Share and 1.25p per Healthcare Share. This brings the total dividends paid to date on each of the Ventures and Healthcare Share pools, to 9.25p and 10.0p respectively.

Dividends in respect of the Ventures and Healthcare Share classes are paid once a year, typically in September. Both share classes target a dividend level of at least 4% of NAV per annum, but as I reported in the 31 March 2023 annual report, the final dividends paid in September 2023 were reduced from their normal levels, following a lower than expected fund raise last year. The Board continues to take a prudent view and be cautious with the Company’s uninvested funds.

For the DSO D Share pool, a final dividend will be declared shortly to return funds to Shareholders and the share pool will then be wound up in the coming months. For the DP67 Share pool, the next and final dividends will be declared once further realisations have taken place.

The AIM Share class has no target dividend and is unlikely to pay any dividend in these early years of its life.

Special Administration of the Company’s Custodian of Quoted Assets

Since March 2022, the Company has used IBP Markets Limited ("IBP") as custodian for its quoted investments, with exposure across the Ventures, Healthcare and AIM Share classes. Appointing a custodian is a requirement of the FCA, and IBP is an FCA authorised and regulated wholesale broker, providing custody services and access to equity and fixed income securities for non-retail clients (which includes the Company). On 13 October 2023, the FCA published a supervisory notice under section 55L(3)(a) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, imposing certain restrictions on IBP. On the same date, IBP applied to the High Court and special administrators were appointed. The special administrators have yet to publish an estimated outcome statement and therefore the full impact is currently unknown. The Manager is actively collaborating with the special administrators to reach a resolution and will communicate with Shareholders when further information becomes available. Whilst this is being resolved, the Company is unable to trade on the quoted market.

The Manager is in regular dialogue with the special administrators. The outcome remains subject to change particularly as additional claims may be made on custody assets and client money and there remains a risk to the positions. However, considering the information made available to the Company at the date of this report, there is currently little indication that there will be a materially adverse impact to Shareholders with respect to the custody assets. The position with respect to client money remains to be determined, but total cash at IBP relates to the Healthcare Share pool and represented 0.2% of NAV as at 30 September.

Share buybacks

As noted in the most recent annual report, the Board does not expect to undertake share buybacks in the Ventures, Healthcare and AIM share pools for a period while discussions continue with the Manager as to how the Company can best achieve its objectives for Shareholders. We hope to be in a position to notify Shareholders of future plans shortly, once clarity is obtained on the IBP situation noted above.

As the focus for the two remaining Planned Exit Share pools is on returning funds to Shareholders via distributions, the Company will not undertake any further buybacks in respect of those share classes.
        
Fundraising

With the uncertainty brought about by the special administration of the custodian of the Company’s quoted stocks, we have not been in a position to launch a fundraise so far this year. Once clarity is achieved on the IBP situation (hopefully in the coming weeks), the Board will be able to consider options for fundraising and will communicate this with Shareholders.

Sunset clause

A “sunset clause” applies to the current approved scheme for EIS and VCT tax reliefs. This clause provides that income tax relief will expire on subscriptions made for VCT shares on or after 6 April 2025, unless the legislation is amended to make the scheme permanent, or the “sunset clause” is extended.

The Chancellor confirmed in the autumn statement that the government remains committed to ensuring early-stage, innovative companies have access to the investment they need to grow and develop. As a result it was announced on 22 November 2023 that the government will legislate to extend the Enterprise Investment Scheme (‘EIS’) and Venture Capital Trusts (‘VCT’) to 2035.

Change of Company Secretary and Registered Office

I am pleased to announce that Foresight Group LLP was appointed as Company Secretary effective from 12 September 2023, succeeding Grant Whitehouse. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Grant for his many years of dedication and service to the Company.

Outlook
Although there are now significant challenges for businesses in most sectors, the Board believes that young growth companies still have the ability to offer attractive rewards to investors. The Board hopes to see the Ventures investment team continue to leverage the full benefits of the regional office network and other resources of Foresight Group and to identify suitable new potential investments to further diversify the portfolios, while also closely monitoring and supporting the existing investments.

I look forward to updating all Shareholders in my statement with the Annual Report, which we expect to publish in July 2024.

Sir Aubrey Brocklebank Bt.

Chairman        
21 December 2023

Investment Manager’s Report - Ventures Share Pool

Introduction
We present our review of the investment portfolio for the Ventures Share pool for the six months to 30 September 2023.

This Investment Manager’s Report is split into two sections comprising this overview and a review of the portfolio. Overview of Liquidity Investments within the Ventures Share class is detailed on page 6.

Where the Ventures Share pool has invested alongside the Healthcare Share pool, further valuation commentary can be found within the Investment Manager’s Report for the Healthcare Share pool, on page 9.

Net Asset Value and results
As at 30 September 2023, the NAV of a Ventures Share stood at 50.1p, a decrease of 8.05p from 31 March 2023, after adding back the dividend of 1.25p which was paid during the period.

The return on ordinary activities for the Ventures Share pool for the period was a loss of £4.3 million, comprising a revenue loss of £0.3 million and a capital loss of £4.0 million.

The Total Return to Shareholders as at 30 September 2023 was 59.35p.

Portfolio Overview
As at 30 September 2023, the Ventures Share pool held a portfolio of 34 ventures investments and one liquidity investment, with a total carrying value of £21.7 million.

Portfolio Performance
Overall, several larger valuation uplifts in the Ventures Share pool were outweighed by a number of valuation decreases during the period, resulting in a net valuation decrease of £4.1 million across the portfolio.

The carrying value of the liquidity investment has been adjusted to reflect its quoted price as at 30 September 2023. This resulted in a valuation decrease of £131,000 for the half-year period.

Investment activity
There was one investment made during the period. £0.2 million was invested into an existing portfolio company, Cambridge Touch Technologies Limited, a company developing pressure sensitive multi touch technology.

There were no investments made into new companies during the period, however, shortly after the period-end, £0.1 million was invested in a new company, Inoviv Limited. Inoviv has a long-term data play in drug discovery and trials, having developed novel precision biomarker technology which helps pharmaceutical customers run drug trials more efficiently. This investment will enable Inoviv to further accelerate their commercial plans, including facilitating the development of tests across more diseases.

Exits
There were three full exits in the period, being Imagen Limited, a Software as a Service (“SaaS”) video management platform which holds both current and archive footage for major sporting organisations and news outlets. The company was sold for initial cash consideration of £1.7 million at a gain over cost of £0.7 million. There is also £0.2 million of deferred consideration taking total proceeds to £1.9 million and a total gain over cost of £0.9 million.

There was also £450,000 received in relation to the exit of Maverick Pubs (Holdings) Limited. This was a distribution of capital reserves following the sale of this real estate development company. Maverick Pubs (Holdings) was seeking to build quality freehold pubs in and around London, however it was adversely impacted by the COVID pandemic, being forced to shut sites, and the subsequent impact of the UK economic downturn. Costs invested were £1.0 million, therefore losses realised were £550,000.

Finally, Live Better With Limited was formally dissolved on 25 July 2023.

Portfolio valuation
During the period, the portfolio of the Ventures Share pool decreased in value by a net movement of £3.8 million. Nine companies in the portfolio recorded a combined valuation gain of £1.0 million in the period. However this was offset by a number of companies reporting combined valuation losses totalling £4.8 million. This is driven by regulatory reasons in relation to Cornelis and Limitless (further detail below) and by the ongoing challenges for businesses operating in the UK with associated restriction on access to capital. The £1.0 million of uplift in valuation over the period is driven by the following investments.

Carbice Limited (£354,000), the developer of a suite of products based on its carbon material called Carbice Carbon which is primarily used as thermal management solutions to enable greater thermal conductivity, has continued to progress well during the period, with recurring revenues continuing to grow and continued progress on fundraising.

FundingXchange Limited (£353,000), an SME funding platform and B2B technology provider which enables online lending. After a challenging twelve months, this company has negotiated additional funding to deliver its growth plan. The valuation of this investment has therefore been uplifted to reflect this.

Cambridge Touch Technologies Limited (£116,000), a company developing pressure sensitive multi touch technology. The value of this investment was uplifted to reflect the valuation of the round which completed during the period.

Offsetting these valuation uplifts, are a number of valuation decreases across the portfolio.

Cornelis Networks, Inc. (£2.8 million) is a technology provider delivering purpose-built high-performance fabrics for High Performance Computing, Analytics and Artificial Intelligence to leading commercial, scientific, academic, and government organizations. The valuation decreased to reflect a funding round which closed in the period in which Thames Ventures VCT 2 Plc was unable to participate due to the company not meeting the gross assets test to be VCT-qualifying. Not participating led to a significant dilution of the Company’s stake which has been reflected in the movement in valuation.

Limitless Limited (£625,000), the developer of a crowdsourced customer service platform, was subject to a valuation reduction as a result of one of the co-investors being on the UK Sanctions List giving rise to a funding risk.

Congenica Limited (£605,000), has developed a genomics-based diagnostic decision support platform which helps doctors identify rare diseases in patients. This company is co-invested by the Ventures and Healthcare Share class. Further valuation commentary can be found within the Investment Manager’s Report for the Healthcare Share pool, on page 9.

CommerceIQ Inc. (£394,000), the pioneer in helping brands win on retail ecommerce channels. Their unified platform applies machine learning and automation across marketing, supply chain, and sales operations to help brands gain market share profitably. This valuation movement is simply a reflection of current market conditions. The company continues to perform well growing revenues during the period and supported by a very strong balance sheet.

There are a number of smaller valuation movements which partially offset one another for the half-year period, ultimately resulting in an additional net decrease in value of £243,000.

Liquidity investments
The Ventures Share pool holds one non-qualifying investment in Downing Strategic Micro-Cap Investment Trust plc (“DSM”). This decreased in value by £131,000 over the period. Whilst this is disappointing, it is broadly in line with market conditions, and the valuation decrease continues to narrow over the prior period.

Outlook
The six months to 30 September 2023 has experienced challenging market conditions, with inflation and global interest rates still high, which has had an inevitable impact on the portfolio.

Further to this, there have been a number of events impacting the valuation of investments in the Ventures portfolio which have been unavoidable, as noted with Cornelis Networks and Limitless above.

Despite this, we continue to see improved performance from certain more resilient portfolio companies and anticipate this will continue. Further to this, the economic situation has recently seen its first glimpse of hope with the UK’s annual inflation rate falling sharply in October, its lowest level for two years. This being said, we are cognisant that the market has been, and will continue to be, challenging for younger companies to use capital efficiently in order to generate growth. The portfolio companies that survive this economic turbulence may be better placed than beforehand, due to tighter cost and cash management.

We continue to add the skills and experience to our team that is suited to these ongoing market conditions in terms of supporting portfolio companies as well as converting new investment opportunities.

Thames Ventures VCT Team
Foresight Group LLP
21 December 2023

Review of Investments – Ventures Share Pool
The following investments were held at 30 September 2023:

		Cost as at 30 September 2023	Valuation as at 30 September 2023		Additions / (disposals) in period	Valuation movement in period	% of portfolio
Portfolio of investments		£’000	£’000		£’000s	£’000
Virtual Class Limited (Third Space Learning)		1,053	2,088		-	(111)	8.1%
Ayar Labs Inc		764	1,867		-	27	7.2%
Rated People Limited		1,582	1,743		-	(78)	6.8%
Hackajob Limited		1,284	1,654		-	(11)	6.4%
CommerceIQ Inc		1,749	1,337		-	(394)	5.2%
Ecstase Limited (t/a ADAY)		1,000	1,000		-	-	3.9%
Masters of Pie Limited		886	928		-	52	3.6%
Cambridge Touch Technologies Limited		1,159	921		200	116	3.6%
Trinny London Limited		219	897		-	(37)	3.5%
Parsable Inc		766	764		-	11	3.0%
Carbice Corporation Inc		656	760		-	354	2.9%
Upp Technologies Group Limited		1,136	756		-	(167)	2.9%
FVRVS Limited (t/a Fundamental VR)		787	678		-	-	2.6%
FundingXchange Limited		1,050	629		-	353	2.4%
Arecor Therapeutics plc^		418	625		-	(197)	2.4%
Vivacity Labs Limited		493	490		-	-	1.9%
Bulbshare Limited		249	449		-	22	1.7%
Maestro Media Limited		340	419		-	-	1.6%
MIP Discovery Limited		300	300		-	-	1.2%
DSTBTD Limited (Trading as Distributed)		275	275		-	-	1.1%
Audioscenic Limited		200	200		-	-	0.8%
Destiny Pharma plc^		500	159		-	71	0.6%
Cornelis Networks Inc		1,402	115		-	(2,759)	0.4%
Limitless Technology Limited		757	78		-	(625)	0.3%
London City Shopping Centre Limited*		118	-		-	-	0.0%
Glisser Limited		200	-		-	-	0.0%
Odysian (Holdings) Limited		387	-		-	-	0.0%
Lineten Limited		400	-		-	-	0.0%
Congenica Limited		734	-		-	(605)	0.0%
Hummingbird Technologies Limited		750	-		-	-	0.0%
Channel Mum Limited		757	-		-	-	0.0%
Ormsborough Limited		900	-		-	-	0.0%
Empiribox Limited		1,563	-		-	-	0.0%
Lignia Wood Company Limited		1,778	-		-	-	0.0%
Imagen Limited		-	-		(1,746)	43	0.0%
Maverick Pubs (Holdings) Limited		-	-		(450)	6	0.0%
Live Better With Limited		-	-		-	-	0.0%
		26,612	19,132		(1,996)	(3,929)	74.1%
Liquidity investment
Downing Strategic Micro-Cap Investment Trust plc*^		4,269	2,570		-	(131)	10.0%
		30,881	21,702		(1,996)	(4,060)	84.1%
Cash at bank and in hand			4,105				15.9%
Total investments			25,807				100.0%

*non-qualifying investment                
^listed and traded on the London Stock Exchange

Investment movements for the period ended 30 September 2023

	Cost
Additions	£’000
Cambridge Touch Technologies Limited	200
	200

	Cost	Valuation at 31 March 2023	Proceeds	Valuation movement in period	Realised gain/(loss)
Disposals	£’000	£’000	£’000	£’000	£’000
Imagen Limited	1,000	1,703	1,746	43	746
Maverick Pubs (Holdings) Limited	1,000	444	450	6	(550)
Live Better With Limited	1,211	-	-	-	(1,211)
	3,211	2,147	2,196	49	(1,015)

Investment Manager’s Report – Healthcare Share Pool

1. 
   
   

Introduction

We present a review of the investment portfolio and activity for the Healthcare Share pool over the six-month period to 30 September 2023. As noted earlier in this report, although Foresight Group is now the primary Investment Manager for the Company, Downing LLP continues to be the Investment Manager of the Healthcare Share pool.

Net Asset Value and results
As at 30 September 2023, the NAV of the Healthcare Shares stood at 52.3p per Share, a decrease of 8.05p per Share from 31 March 2023 after adding back the dividend of 1.25p which was paid during the period. The majority of the fall was from the decrease in the value of Congenica Limited and quoted investments in the portfolio.

The loss on ordinary activities for the Healthcare Share pool for the period was £2.0 million, comprising a revenue loss of £150,000 and a capital loss of £1.9 million. The Total Return to Healthcare Shareholders, as at 30 September 2023, was 62.3p per Share.

Portfolio Overview
As at 30 September 2023, the Healthcare Share pool held a portfolio of 13 ventures investments and one liquidity investment, with a combined value of £10.3 million.

The valuation movements during the period are discussed in more detail in the following sections of this Investment Manager’s Report.

Portfolio Performance
There were a number of valuation movements in the Healthcare ventures portfolio during the period, resulting in a net valuation decrease of £1.9 million.

The carrying value of the liquidity investment has been adjusted to reflect the quoted prices as at 30 September 2023. This resulted in a valuation decrease of £22,000 for the period.

Investment activity
During the period, £250,000 was invested in Cambridge Respiratory Innovations Limited, an existing portfolio company which provides AI-driven respiratory diagnostic and monitoring technologies.

Exits
DiA Imaging Analysis Limited was exited during the period returning £393,000 to the Company and we continue to recognise £103,000 of deferred consideration related to the exit.

A total of 234,676 GENinCode plc shares have been sold during the period, leaving 6,132,642 remaining at 30 September 2023. The remaining shares have experienced a decrease in value from £0.17 per share to £0.10 per share. The combined result is a fall in net valuation of £438,000. This is 75% off its 2021 high and representative of the malaise within small-cap healthcare stocks since 2021.

Portfolio valuation
There were a number of valuation movements within the portfolio over the period.

Congenica Limited is behind plan as a result of the slower than expected uptake of genomic sequencing and analysis as a routine part of healthcare. Post period-end, Congenica Limited secured funding which resulted in the Company’s position being materially impacted. The Company was unable to participate as Congenica Limited is no longer VCT-qualifying. As a result, the valuation of the holding has been written down to £nil, a reduction of £865,000 in the period.

Arecor Therapeutics plc is quoted on AIM and valued at £1.90 per share at 30 September 2023. This is a decrease of £0.60 per share over the period causing a fall in valuation of £724,000. The stock is 50% lower than its post-IPO highs in 2021. Despite this, we remain impressed by progress and expect upcoming clinical data to provide a platform for a substantial rerating.

Following the completion of the sale of Adaptix Limited to Avingtrans Plc, the VCT has now become a holder of Avingtrans Plc shares. The Avingtrans Plc shares are quoted on the AIM market and valued at £4.10 per share providing an uplift in valuation of £237,000 in the period.

Destiny Pharma Plc, which is listed on the AIM market, is valued at £0.50 per share at 30 September 2023. This is an increase of £0.23 per share over the period, which results in an uplift in valuation of £108,000. During the period both the chair and CEO were changed, and markets appear to have viewed this positively.

Liquidity investments
The Healthcare Share pool holds a non-qualifying investment in Downing Strategic Micro-Cap Investment Trust plc (“DSM”). This decreased in value by £22,000 over the period.

Outlook
The market environment for the small companies that make up the Healthcare portfolio continues to be challenging, putting pressure on both the ability to build investment rounds and the valuation of those rounds that do come together. There is no evidence of this changing as we enter 2024 and as a result, we are working closely with management teams and existing co-investors in the portfolio companies to ensure that sufficient capital is available to allow these companies to continue to grow.

Downing LLP
21 December 2023

Review of Investments – Healthcare Share Pool

The following investments were held at 30 September 2023:

	Cost as at 30 September 2023	Valuation as at 30 September 2023	Additions / (disposals)	Valuation Movement in period	% of portfolio
Portfolio of investments	£’000	£’000	£’000	£’000
Arecor Therapeutics plc^	1,533	2,291	-	(724)	18.4%
Open Bionics Limited	1,000	1,428	-	-	11.4%
FVRVS Limited (t/a Fundamental VR)	1,324	1,169	-	-	9.4%
Cambridge Respiratory Innovations Limited	1,050	1,050	250	-	8.4%
Invizius Limited	927	998	-	-	8.0%
Closed Loop Medicine Limited	650	650	-	-	5.2%
GENinCode plc^	1,158	583	(30)	(438)	4.7%
The Electrospinning Company Limited	478	544	-	-	4.4%
Qkine Limited	303	379	-	-	3.0%
MIP Discovery Limited	300	300	-	-	2.4%
Destiny Pharma plc^	750	239	-	108	1.9%
Adaptix Limited	1,056	237	-	237	1.9%
Congenica Limited	1,184	-	-	(865)	0.0%
DiA Imaging Analysis Limited	-	-	(393)	(171)	0.0%
Live Better With Limited	-	-	-	-	0.0%
	11,713	9,868	(173)	(1,853)	79.1%
Liquidity Investments
Downing Strategic Micro-Cap Investment Trust plc*^	729	439	-	(22)	3.5%
	12,442	10,307	(173)	(1,875)	82.6%
Cash at bank and in hand		2,172			17.4%
Total investments		12,479			100.0%

*non-qualifying investment
^listed and traded on the London Stock Exchange

Investment movements for the period ended 30 September 2023

	Cost
Additions	£’000
Cambridge Respiratory Innovations Limited	250
	250

	Cost	Valuation at 31 March 2023	Proceeds	Valuation movement in period	Realised gain/(loss)
Disposals	£’000	£’000	£’000	£’000	£’000
DiA Imaging Analysis	415	564	393	(171)	(22)
GENinCode plc^	44	39	30	(9)	(14)
Live Better With Limited	1,106	-	-	-	(1,106)
	1,565	603	423	(180)	(1,142)

^listed and traded on the London Stock Exchange

Investment Manager’s Report - AIM Share Pool

Introduction
Further to our report included in the Annual Report, there has been no new activity during the six -month period ended 30 September 2023. The AIM Share pool holds two investments in a money market and income fund, which were made to generate some yield on the Share pool’s assets while options on the longer-term deployment of the funds is being considered.

Net Asset Value
As at 30 September 2023, the NAV of an AIM Share stood at 100.7p, a small decrease of 0.4p as running costs slightly outweighed the yield on the investments over the period.

Outlook
As mentioned in the Chairman’s Statement, the AIM Share Class holds its two investments with the Company’s main custodian, IBP Markets Limited, where a special administrator has been appointed by the FCA to review the business and restrictions have been put in place on investment transactions. While this is ongoing, any Board decisions about the future strategy of the Share class have been put on hold. Currently VCT-qualifying opportunities in the AIM market remain limited and the share pool is very small. No new investments are being sought while the situation with the custodian persists and before conclusions on the future strategy have been reached.

Downing LLP
21 December 2023

Review of Investments – AIM Share PoolDP67

The following investments were held at 30 September 2023:

		Cost as at 30 September 2023	Valuation as at 30 September 2023	Additions / (disposals)	Valuation movement in period	% of portfolio
Portfolio of investments		£’000	£’000	£’000	£’000
BlackRock Cash D Acc*		1,157	1,199	-	27	43.7%
Vanguard FTSE U.K. Equity Income Index Fund*		643	721	-	-	26.3%
		1,800	1,920	-	27	70.0%
Cash at bank and in hand			826			30.0%
Total investments			2,746			100.0%

*non qualifying investment

Investment movements for the period ended 30 September 2023

There were no additions or disposals during the period.

Investment Manager’s Report – DSO D Share Pool

Introduction
Proceeds from the two remaining investments in this Share Pool were received in the six-month period ended 30 September 2023. The focus is now on returning funds to DSO D Shareholders ahead of formally winding up the Share pool.

Net Asset Value and results
The Net Asset Value (“NAV”) per DSO D Share at 30 September 2023, stood at 2.7p, an increase from 2.6p at 31 March 2023.

Total Return stands at 104.7p per Share compared to initial cost to Shareholders, net of income tax relief, of 70.0p per Share.

The gain on ordinary activities after taxation for the period was £15,000, comprising a revenue loss of £7,000 and a capital gain of £22,000.

Ventures investments
As at 31 March 2023, the DSO D Share pool held two investments, Pearce and Saunders Limited and Pearce and Saunders DevCo Limited, with a total value of £16,000. The final pub was sold some time ago and an Insolvency Practitioner was appointed to distribute funds via a liquidation.

During the six-month period ended 30 September 2023, final distributions were made returning £39,000 in liquidation proceeds from Pearce & Saunders Limited. There were no further distributions from Pearce and Saunders DevCo Limited. Both investments have been treated as disposed at the period end.

Outlook
Having now realised the remaining investments in the DSO D Share pool, the focus is on returning funds to Shareholders ahead of formally winding up the Share pool. The process of completing this is underway and a final distribution will be paid to Shareholders in early 2024.

Foresight Group LLP
21 December 2023

Review of investments - DSO D Share Pool

The following investments were held at 30 September 2023:

	Cost as at 30 September 2023	Valuation as at 30 September 2023	Additions / (disposals)	Valuation movement in period	% of portfolio
Portfolio of investments	£’000	£’000	£’000	£’000
Pearce and Saunders Limited	-	-	(39)	39	0.0%
Pearce and Saunders DevCo Limited*	-	-	-	(16)	0.0%
	-	-	(39)	23	0.0%
Cash at bank and in hand		167			100.0%
Total investments		167			100.0%

* non-qualifying investment

Investment movements for the period ended 30 September 2023

There were no additions during the period.

	Cost	Valuation at 31 March 2023	Proceeds	Valuation movement in period	Realised gain/(loss)
Disposals	£’000	£’000	£’000	£’000	£’000
Pearce & Saunders Ltd	255	-	39	39	(216)
Pearce and Saunders Devco Limited*	19	16	-	(16)	(19)
	274	16	39	23	(235)

* non-qualifying investment

Investment Manager’s Report - DP67 Share Pool

Introduction
The process of realising the investments and returning funds to DP67 Shareholders continues. The market remains challenging and therefore the process continues to be slow, especially with the remaining assets all in the hospitality sector.

Net Asset Value and results
The Net Asset Value (“NAV”) per DP67 Share at 30 September 2023 stood at 25.4p, an increase of 0.6p over the period. Total Return stands at 93.2p per DP67 Share, compared to initial cost to Shareholders, net of income tax relief, of 70.0p per Share.

The gain on ordinary activities after taxation for the period was £68,000, comprising a revenue gain of £77,000 and a capital loss of £9,000.

We continue to try to work towards achieving optimal returns for Shareholders from the remaining investments in the DP67 Share pool.

Ventures investments
As at 30 September 2023, the DP67 Share pool held a portfolio of two active investments, with a total value of £1.1 million.

Portfolio activity
During the six-month period ended 30 September 2023, Yamuna Renewables Limited was formally removed from the Share pool following the dissolution of the Company. This investment was held at £nil value.

There were no realisations during the period.

Portfolio valuation
The DP67 portfolio valuation was unchanged during the period.

Cadbury House Holdings is performing well but the current market for hotel and conference centre assets is subdued. Therefore, the Manager recognises that it is best to be patient in pursuit of a good valuation and cash realisation. The DP67 Share pool’s holding value of this investment as at 30 September 2023 is £0.8 million, in line with 31 March 2023 valuation, with interest accrued of £1.1 million, which is recognised in full. This has provided the Share pool with £97,000 of income during the six-month period ended 30 September 2023.

Outlook
The challenge continues to be achieving an exit from Cadbury House Holdings Limited at an acceptable valuation. We strongly believe it is in the best interests of Shareholders not to sell at undervalue even if this means the final exit takes longer, which is proving to be the case.

The process of placing Gatewales Limited into liquidation has begun and liquidation proceeds, equal to the holding value, are anticipated to be received once this is complete.

Final dividends will be paid once the remaining realisations have taken place.

Foresight Group LLP
21 December 2023

Review of Investments – DP67 Share PoolDP67

The following investments were held at 30 September 2023:

		Cost as at 30 September 2023	Valuation as at 30 September 2023	Additions / (disposals)	Valuation movement in period	% of portfolio
Portfolio of investments		£’000	£’000	£’000	£’000
Cadbury House Holdings Ltd		1,409	791	-	-	42.0%
Gatewales Limited*		344	344	-	-	18.3%
London City Shopping Centre Limited^		99	-	-	-	0.0%
Yamuna Renewables Limited		-	-	-	-	0.0%
		1,852	1,135	-	-	60.3%
Cash at bank and in hand			748			39.7%
Total investments			1,883			100.0%

*partially qualifying investment
^non qualifying investment

Investment movements for the period ended 30 September 2023

There were no additions during the period.

	Cost	Valuation at 31 March 2023	Proceeds	Valuation movement in period	Realised gain/(loss)
Disposals	£’000	£’000	£’000	£’000	£’000
Yamuna Renewables Limited	400	-	-	-	(400)
	400	-	-	-	(400)

Unaudited Income Statement
for the six months ended 30 September 2023

			Six months ended 30 Sep 2023				Six months ended 30 Sep 2022				Year ended 31 Mar 2023
			Revenue	Capital	Total		Revenue	Capital	Total		Total
Company		£’000	£’000	£’000		£’000	£’000	£’000		£’000
Income			120	-	120	158		-	158	284
Losses on investments			-	(5,621)	(5,621)		-	(17)	(17)		(6,307)
			120	(5,621)	(5,501)		158	(17)	141		(6,023)
Investment management fees			(262)	(262)	(524)		(168)	(168)	(336)		(944)
Other expenses			(218)	-	(218)		(512)	-	(512)		(689)
Loss on ordinary activities before tax			(360)	(5,883)	(6,243)		(522)	(185)	(707)		(7,656)
Tax on total comprehensive income and ordinary activities			-	-	-		-	-	-		-
Loss attributable to equity Shareholders, being total comprehensive income for the period			(360)	(5,883)	(6,243)		(522)	(185)	(707)		(7,656)
Basic and diluted return/(loss) per Share:
Ventures Share			(0.5)p	(7.6)p	(8.1)p		(0.5)p	3.9p	3.4p		(6.5)p
Healthcare Share			(0.7)p	(7.9)p	(8.6)p		(0.7)p	(9.1)p	(9.8)p		(21.4)p
AIM Share			(0.9)p	0.5p	(0.4)p		(0.5)p	(0.2)p	(0.7)p		3.9p
DSO D Share			(0.1)p	0.3p	0.2p		0.3p	(0.3)p	-		(0.1)p
DP67 Share			0.7p	(0.1)p	0.6p		(1.4)p	(1.0)p	(2.4)p		(2.0)p

A Statement of Total Recognised Gains and Losses has not been prepared as all gains and losses are recognised in the Income Statement as noted above.

Unaudited Income Statement

Analysed by Share pool
for the six months ended 30 September 2023

	Six months ended 30 Sep 2023				Six months ended 30 Sep 2022				Year ended 31 Mar 2023
	Revenue	Capital	Total		Revenue	Capital	Total		Total
Ventures Share pool	£’000	£’000	£’000		£’000	£’000	£’000		£’000
Income	23	-	23		27	-	27		64
(Losses)/gains on investments	-	(3,899)	(3,899)		-	1,993	1,993		(2,401)
	23	(3,899)	(3,876)		27	1,993	2,020		(2,337)
Investment management fees	(151)	(151)	(302)		(95)	(95)	(190)		(556)
Other expenses	(127)	-	(127)		(160)	-	(160)		(280)
(Loss)/profit on ordinary activities before tax	(255)	(4,050)	(4,305)		(228)	1,898	1,670		(3,173)
Tax on total comprehensive income and ordinary activities	-	-	-		-	-	-		-
(Loss)/profit attributable to equity Shareholders, being total comprehensive income for the period	(255)	(4,050)	(4,305)		(228)	1,898	1,670		(3,173)

	Six months ended 30 Sep 2023				Six months ended 30 Sep 2022				Year ended 31 Mar 2023
	Revenue	Capital	Total		Revenue	Capital	Total		Total
Healthcare Share pool	£’000	£’000	£’000		£’000	£’000	£’000		£’000
Income	-	-	-		-	-	-		4
Losses on investments	-	(1,772)	(1,772)		-	(1,876)	(1,876)		(3,857)
	-	(1,772)	(1,772)		-	(1,876)	(1,876)		(3,853)
Investment management fees	(89)	(89)	(178)		(62)	(62)	(124)		(322)
Other expenses	(61)	-	(61)		(85)	-	(85)		(115)
Loss on ordinary activities before tax	(150)	(1,861)	(2,011)		(147)	(1,938)	(2,085)		(4,290)
Tax on total comprehensive income and ordinary activities	-	-	-		-	-	-		-
Loss attributable to equity Shareholders, being total comprehensive income for the period	(150)	(1,861)	(2,011)		(147)	(1,938)	(2,085)		(4,290)

	Six months ended 30 Sep 2023				Six months ended 30 Sep 2022				Year ended 31 Mar 2023
	Revenue	Capital	Total		Revenue	Capital	Total		Total
AIM Share pool	£’000	£’000	£’000		£’000	£’000	£’000		£’000
Income	-	-	-		-	-	-		-
Gains on investments	-	27	27		-	-	-		93
	-	27	27		-	-	-		93
Investment management fees	(12)	(12)	(24)		(6)	(6)	(12)		(36)
Other expenses	(13)	-	(13)		(8)	-	(8)		(21)
Loss/(profit) on ordinary activities before tax	(25)	15	(10)		(14)	(6)	(20)		36
Tax on total comprehensive income and ordinary activities	-	-	-		-	-	-		-
Loss/(profit) attributable to equity Shareholders, being total comprehensive income for the period	(25)	15	(10)		(14)	(6)	(20)		36

	Six months ended 30 Sep 2023				Six months ended 30 Sep 2022				Year ended 31 Mar 2023
	Revenue	Capital	Total		Revenue	Capital	Total		Total
DSO D Share pool	£’000	£’000	£’000		£’000	£’000	£’000		£’000
Income	-	-	-		24	-	24		24
Gains/(losses) on investments	-	23	23		-	(27)	(27)		(27)
	-	23	23		24	(27)	(3)		(3)
Investment management fees	(1)	(1)	(2)		-	-	-		(2)
Other expenses	(6)	-	(6)		(1)	-	(1)		(3)
(Loss)/profit on ordinary activities before tax	(7)	22	15		23	(27)	(4)		(8)
Tax on total comprehensive income and ordinary activities	-	-	-		-	-	-		-
(Loss)/profit attributable to equity Shareholders, being total comprehensive income for the period	(7)	22	15		23	(27)	(4)		(8)

	Six months ended 30 Sep 2023				Six months ended 30 Sep 2022				Year ended 31 Mar 2023
	Revenue	Capital	Total		Revenue	Capital	Total		Total
DP67 Share pool	£’000	£’000	£’000		£’000	£’000	£’000		£’000
Income	97	-	97		107	-	107		192
Losses on investments	-	-	-		-	(107)	(107)		(115)
	97	-	97		107	(107)	-		77
Investment management fees	(9)	(9)	(18)		(5)	(5)	(10)		(28)
Other expenses	(11)	-	(11)		(258)	-	(258)		(270)
Profit/(loss) on ordinary activities before tax	77	(9)	68		(156)	(112)	(268)		(221)
Tax on total comprehensive income and ordinary activities	-	-	-		-	-	-		-
Profit/(loss) attributable to equity Shareholders, being total comprehensive income for the period	77	(9)	68		(156)	(112)	(268)		(221)

Unaudited Balance Sheet
as at 30 September 2023

Company number: 06789187

		As at 30 September 2023		As at 30 September 2022		As at 31 March 2023
Company Note		£’000		£’000		£’000
Fixed assets
Investments	10	35,064		48,181		43,157
Current assets
Debtors		2,270		1,729		2,510
Cash at bank and in hand		8,018		10,290		6,082
		10,288		12,019		8,592
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year		(621)		(679)		(1,214)
Net current assets		9,667		11,340		7,378
Net assets		44,731		59,521		50,535
Capital and reserves
Called up share capital		118		120		117
Capital redemption reserve		4		58		4
Special reserve		49,523		21,904		50,483
Share premium account		1,398		31,726		-
Funds held in respect of shares not yet allotted		-		8		-
Revaluation reserve		(3,045)		5,696		93
Capital reserve – realised		1,382		3,943		4,127
Revenue reserve		(4,649)		(3,934)		(4,289)
Total equity Shareholders’ funds		44,731		59,521		50,535
Basic and diluted Net Asset Value per Share:
Ventures Share		50.1p		68.5p		59.4p
Healthcare Share		52.3p		71.7p		61.6p
AIM Share		100.7p		99.0p		101.1p
DSO D Share		2.7p		2.6p		2.6p
DP67 Share		25.4p		24.4p		24.8p

At 30 September 2023, there was an inter-share debtor/creditor of £313,000, which has been eliminated on aggregation.

Unaudited Balance Sheet
Analysed by Share pool

as at 30 September 2023

	As at 30 September 2023		As at 30 September 2022		As at 31 March 2023
Ventures Share pool	£’000		£’000		£’000
Fixed assets
Investments	21,702		32,596		27,758
Current assets
Debtors	1,205		523		925
Cash at bank and in hand	4,105		4,910		3,430
	5,310		5,433		4,355
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year	(365)		(288)		(730)
Net current assets	4,945		5,145		3,625
Net assets	26,647		37,741		31,383
Capital and reserves
Called up share capital	67		69		67
Capital redemption reserve	3		58		3
Special reserve	31,373		15,012		32,039
Share premium account	237		19,901		-
Funds held in respect of shares not yet allotted	-		1		-
Revaluation reserve	(1,830)		4,443		1,170
Capital reserve – realised	613		1,552		1,665
Revenue reserve	(3,816)		(3,295)		(3,561)
Total equity Shareholders’ funds	26,647		37,741		31,383

	As at 30 September 2023		As at 30 September 2022		As at 31 March 2023
Healthcare Share pool	£’000		£’000		£’000
Fixed assets
Investments	10,307		13,782		12,355
Current assets
Debtors	109		10		455
Cash at bank and in hand	2,172		2,596		860
	2,281		2,606		1,315
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year	(280)		(212)		(221)
Net current assets	2,001		2,394		1,094
Net assets	12,308		16,176		13,449
Capital and reserves
Called up share capital	29		29		28
Capital redemption reserve	1		-		1
Special reserve	15,101		6,877		15,395
Share premium account	1,161		9,132		-
Funds held in respect of shares not yet allotted	-		7		-
Revaluation reserve	(1,118)		1,881		(295)
Capital reserve – realised	(859)		(18)		177
Revenue reserve	(2,007)		(1,732)		(1,857)
Total equity Shareholders’ funds	12,308		16,176		13,449

AIM Share pool
Fixed assets
Investments	1,920		-		1,893
Current assets
Debtors	1		2		2
Cash at bank and in hand	826		2,689		850
	827		2,691		852
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year	(31)		(21)		(19)
Net current assets	796		2,670		833
Net assets	2,716		2,670		2,726
Capital and reserves
Called up share capital	3		3		3
Special reserve	2,673		-		2,673
Share premium account	-		(8)		-
Funds held in respect of shares not yet allotted	-		2,693		-
Revaluation reserve	120		-		93
Capital reserve – realised	(12)		-		-
Revenue reserve	(68)		(18)		(43)
Total equity Shareholders’ funds	2,716		2,670		2,726

	As at 30 September 2023		As at 30 September 2022		As at 31 March 2023
DSO D Share pool	£’000		£’000		£’000
Fixed assets
Investments	-		16		16
Current assets
Debtors	64		112		21
Cash at bank and in hand	167		87		176
	231		199		197
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year	(16)		(11)		(13)
Net current assets	215		188		184
Net assets	215		204		200
Capital and reserves
Called up share capital	8		8		8
Special reserve	422		423		422
Revaluation reserve	-		(258)		(258)
Capital reserve – realised	(214)		22		22
Revenue reserve	(1)		9		6
Total equity Shareholders’ funds	215		204		200

DP67 Share pool
Fixed assets
Investments	1,135		1,787		1,135
Current assets
Debtors	1,204		1,082		1,107
Cash at bank and in hand	748		8		766
	1,952		1,090		1,873
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year	(242)		(147)		(231)
Net current assets	1,710		943		1,642
Net assets	2,845		2,730		2,777
Capital and reserves
Called up share capital	11		11		11
Special reserve	(46)		(400)		(46)
Revaluation reserve	(217)		(370)		(617)
Capital reserve – realised	1,854		2,387		2,263
Revenue reserve	1,243		1,102		1,166
Total equity Shareholders’ funds	2,845		2,730		2,777

Statement of Changes in Equity
for the six months ended 30 September 2023

	Called up share capital		Capital redemption reserve	Special reserve	Share premium account	Funds held in respect of shares not yet allotted	Revaluation reserve	Capital reserve - realised	Revenue reserve	Total
Company	£’000		£’000	£’000	£’000	£’000	£’000	£’000	£’000	£’000
At 31 March 2022	113		58	24,063	29,284	7	6,995	3,769	(3,412)	60,877
Total comprehensive income		-	-	-	-	-	(6,448)	(331)	(877)	(7,656)
Transfer between reserves*	-		-	(2,540)	-	-	(454)	2,994	-	-
Unallotted shares	-		-	-	-	(7)	-	-	-	(7)
Transactions with owners
Dividend paid	-		-	-	-	-	-	(2,305)	-	(2,305)
Cancellation of share premium	-		(58)	31,785	(31,727)	-	-	-	-	-
Purchase of own shares	(4)		4	(2,825)	-	-	-	-	-	(2,825)
Issue of shares	8		-	-	2,500	-	-	-	-	2,508
Share issue costs	-		-	-	(57)	-	-	-	-	(57)
At 31 March 2023	117		4	50,483	-	-	93	4,127	(4,289)	50,535
Total comprehensive income		-	-	-	-	-	(3,138)	(2,745)	(360)	(6,243)
Transactions with owners
Dividend paid	-		-	(960)	-	-	-	-	-	(960)
Issue of shares	1		-	-	1,412	-	-	-	-	1,413
Share issue costs	-		-	-	(14)	-	-	-	-	(14)
At 30 September 2023	118		4	49,523	1,398	-	(3,045)	1,382	(4,649)	44,731

* A transfer of £nil (year ended 31 March 2023: £454,000) representing previously recognised realised gains and losses on disposal of investments during the period has been made between the Revaluation Reserve and the Capital reserve - realised. A transfer of £nil (year ended 31 March 2023: £2,540,000) representing the total of: realised losses on the disposal of investments, cumulative impairment losses, capital expenses and capital dividends in the period, has been made between the Capital Reserve - realised and the Special reserve.
        
Unaudited Statement of Cash Flows
for the six months ended 30 September 2023

	Ventures Share pool	Healthcare Share pool	AIM Share pool	DSO D Share pool	DP67 Share pool	Total
	£’000	£’000	£’000	£’000	£’000	£’000
Cash flow from operating activities
(Loss)/return on ordinary activities before taxation	(4,305)	(2,011)	(10)	15	68	(5,631)
Losses/(gains) on investments	3,899	1,772	(27)	(23)	-	5,009
(Decrease)/increase in creditors	(365)	59	12	3	11	(280)
(Increase)/decrease in debtors	(235)	6	1	(43)	(97)	(368)
Net cash outflow from operating activities	(1,006)	(174)	(24)	(48)	(18)	(1,270)
Corporation tax paid	-	-	-	-	-	-
Net cash outflow generated from operating activities	(1,006)	(174)	(24)	(48)	(18)	(1,270)
Cash flow from investing activities
Purchase of investments	(200)	-	-	-	-	(200)
Proceeds from disposal of investments	2,196	423	-	39	-	2,658
Proceeds from deferred consideration	114	195	-	-	-	309
Net cash inflow from investing activities	2,110	618	-	39	-	2,767
Net cash inflow/(outflow) before financing	1,104	444	(24)	(9)	(18)	1,497
Cash flows from financing activities
Issue of share capital	237	1,176	-	-	-	1,413
Cost of issue of share capital	-	(14)	-	-	-	(14)
Equity dividends paid	(666)	(294)	-	-	-	(960)
Net cash (outflow)/inflow from financing activities	(429)	868	-	-	-	439
Net change in cash	675	1,312	(24)	(9)	(18)	1,936
Cash and cash equivalents at start of the year	3,430	860	850	176	766	6,082
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the year	4,105	2,172	826	167	748	8,018
Cash and cash equivalents comprise
Cash at bank and in hand	4,105	2,172	826	167	748	8,018
Total cash and cash equivalents	4,105	2,172	826	167	748	8,018

Unaudited Statement of Cash Flows
for the six months ended 30 September 2022

	Ventures Share pool	Healthcare Share pool	AIM Share pool	DSO D Share pool	DP67 Share pool	Total
	£’000	£’000	£’000	£’000	£’000	£’000
Cash flows from operating activities
Return/(loss) on ordinary activities before taxation	1,670	(2,085)	(20)	(4)	(268)	(707)
(Gains)/losses on investments	(1,993)	1,876	-	27	107	17
(Decrease)/increase in creditors	(202)	(98)	-	(9)	23	(286)
Decrease/(increase) in debtors	1,278	623	602	(51)	136	2,588
Net cash inflow/(outflow) from operating activities	753	316	582	(37)	(2)	1,612
Corporation tax paid	-	-	-	-	-	-
Net cash inflow/(outflow) from operating activities	753	316	582	(37)	(2)	1,612
Cash flow from investing activities
Purchase of investments	(3,457)	(805)	-	-	-	(4,262)
Proceeds from disposal of investments	4,113	1,092	-	-	-	5,205
Net cash inflow from investing activities	656	287	-	-	-	943
Net cash inflow/(outflow) before financing	1,409	603	582	(37)	(2)	2,555
Cash flows from financing activities
Repurchase of shares	(551)	(243)	-	-	-	(794)
Issue of share capital	1,276	552	678	-	-	2,506
Cost of issue of share capital	(28)	(12)	(17)	-	-	(57)
Funds held in respect of shares not yet allotted	(1)	2	-	-	-	1
Equity dividends paid	(1,516)	(789)	-	-	-	(2,305)
Net cash (outflow)/inflow from financing activities	(820)	(490)	661	-	-	(649)
Net change in cash	589	113	1,243	(37)	(2)	1,906
Cash and cash equivalents at start of the year	4,321	2,483	1,446	124	10	8,384
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the year	4,910	2,596	2,689	87	8	10,290
Cash and cash equivalents comprise
Cash at bank and in hand	4,910	2,596	2,689	87	8	10,290
Total cash and cash equivalents	4,910	2,596	2,689	87	8	10,290

Notes to the Unaudited Financial Statements

1.    General Information

Thames Ventures VCT 2 plc (“the Company”) is a Venture Capital Trust established under the legislation introduced in the Finance Act 1995 and is domiciled in the United Kingdom and incorporated in England and Wales.

2.    Basis of accounting

The unaudited half-yearly financial results cover the six months to 30 September 2023 and have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in the statutory accounts for the year ended 31 March 2023, which were prepared in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard 102 (“FRS 102”) and the Statement of Recommended Practice “Financial Statements of Investment Trust Companies” issued in July 2022 (“SORP”).

3.  The Company has only one class of business and derives its income from investments made in shares, securities and bank deposits.


4.  The comparative figures are in respect of the six months ended 30 September 2022 and the year ended 31 March 2023 respectively.


5.  Net Asset Value per share at the period end has been calculated on the number of shares in issue at the period end as follows:

Ventures Shares*	53,236,858
Healthcare Shares*	23,555,015
AIM Shares	2,695,803
DSO D Shares	7,867,247
DP67 Shares	11,192,136

*Excludes Management Shares

6.  Return per share for the period has been calculated on the weighted average number of shares in issue in the period as follows:

Ventures Shares*	53,223,619
Healthcare Shares*	23,479,184
AIM Shares	2,695,803
DSO D Shares	7,867,247
DP67 Shares	11,192,136

*Excludes Management Shares

7.  The unaudited financial statements set out herein do not constitute statutory accounts within the meaning of Section 434 of the Companies Act 2006 and have not been delivered to the Registrar of Companies.


8.    Dividends

Six months ended 30 September 2023
	Pence per Share		Revenue £’000	Capital £’000	Total £’000
Ventures Shares
Paid			-	666	666
Final (year ended 31 March 2023)	1.25		-	666	666
Healthcare Shares
Paid			-	294	294
Final (year ended 31 March 2023)	1.25		-	294	294

9.  Reserves

	30 Sep 2023		30 Sep 2022		31 Mar 2023
	£’000		£’000		£’000
Capital redemption reserve	4		58		4
Special reserve	49,523		21,904		50,483
Share premium account	1,398		31,726		-
Funds held in respect of shares not yet allotted	-		8		-
Revaluation reserve	(3,045)		5,696		93
Capital reserve – realised	1,382		3,943		4,127
Revenue reserve	(4,649)		(3,934)		(4,289)
	44,613		59,401		50,418

The Revenue reserve, Special reserve and Capital reserve - realised are distributable reserves and are reduced by revaluation losses of £17.4 million. Distributable reserves at 30 September 2023 were £28.8 million.

10.    Fixed assets – investments

Liquidity investments			Quoted VC investments		Unquoted VC investments		Total
	£’000		£’000		£’000		£’000
Opening cost at 1 April 2023	6,798		4,403		40,774		51,975
Unrealised (losses)/gains at 1 April 2023	(1,743)		704		906		(133)
Unrealised foreign exchange gains at 1 April 2023	-		-		226		226
Realised losses arising on permanent fair value change at 1 April 2023	-		-		(8,911)		(8,911)
Opening fair value at 1 April 2023	5,055		5,107		32,995		43,157
Movements in the period:
Purchased at cost	-		-		450		450
Disposals – proceeds	-		(30)		(2,628)		(2,658)
– realised losses on disposals*	-		(14)		(2,778)		(2,792)
Unrealised foreign exchange gains	-		-		59		59
Unrealised losses*	(126)		(1,166)		(1,860)		(3,152)
Closing value at 30 Sept 2023	4,929		3,897		26,238		35,064
Closing cost at 30 Sept 2023	6,798		4,359		35,818		46,975
Unrealised losses at 30 Sept 2023	(1,869)		(462)		(3,672)		(6,003)
Unrealised foreign exchange gains at 30 Sept 2023	-		-		285		285
Realised losses arising on permanent fair value change at 30 Sept 2023	-		-		(6,193)		(6,193)
Closing value at 30 Sept 2023	4,929		3,897		26,238		35,064

*Losses on investments in the Income Statement include realised gains relating to the deferred consideration receipt from ADC Biotechnology Limited (£309,000).

*Losses on investments in the Income Statement also include unrealised gains which are a result of the deferred consideration debtor decrease of £45,000. The debtor movement reflects the recognition of amounts receivable in respect of DIA Imaging Analysis Limited (£103,000) and Imagen Limited (£156,000), offset by receipts in respect of ADC Biotechnology Limited (£309,000) and an FX uplift made against balances in respect of Efundamentals Group Limited (£5,000).

The fair value of investments is determined using the detailed accounting policy as shown in the audited financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2023. The Company has categorised its financial instruments using the fair value hierarchy as follows:

Level 1        Reflects financial instruments quoted in an active market (quoted companies, investment funds and fixed interest bonds);
Level 2        Reflects financial instruments that have prices that are observable either directly or indirectly; and
Level 3        Reflects financial instruments that use valuation techniques that are not based on observable market data (investments in unquoted shares and loan note investments).

	30 September 2023					31 March 2023
	Level 1	Level 2	Level 3	Total		Level 1	Level 2	Level 3	Total
	£’000	£’000	£’000	£’000		£’000	£’000	£’000	£’000
Liquidity investments	4,929	-	-	4,929		5,055	-	-	5,055
Quoted equity	3,897	-	-	3,897		5,107	-	-	5,107
Unquoted loan notes	-	-	2,013	2,013		-	-	2,013	2,013
Unquoted equity	-	-	24,225	24,225		-	-	30,982	30,982
	8,826	-	26,238	35,064		10,162	-	32,995	43,157

11. Risk and uncertainties

Under the Disclosure and Transparency Directive, the Board is required in the Company’s half-year results to report on the principal risks and uncertainties facing the Company over the remainder of the financial year.

The Board has concluded that the key risks facing the Company over the remainder of the financial period are as follows:

(i)      compliance risk of failure to maintain approval as a VCT;
(ii)      market, liquidity and counterparty risk associated with Private Equity investments; and
(iii)      investment risk associated with investing in small and immature businesses.

The Company’s compliance with the VCT regulations is continually monitored by the Manager, who reports regularly to the Board on the current position. The Company also retains Philip Hare & Associates LLP (“Philip Hare”) to provide regular reviews and advice in this area. The Board considers that this approach reduces the risk of a breach of the VCT regulations.

In order to make VCT qualifying investments, the Company has to invest in small businesses which are often immature. It also has a limited period in which it must invest the majority of its funds into VCT qualifying investments. The Manager follows a rigorous process in vetting and carefully structuring new investments, including taking a charge over the assets of the business wherever possible and, after an investment is made, closely monitoring the business.

12. Going concern

The Directors have reviewed the Company’s financial resources at the period end and conclude that the Company is well placed to manage its business risks.

The Board confirms that it is satisfied that the Company has adequate resources to continue in business for the foreseeable future. For this reason, the Board believes that the Company continues to be a going concern and that it is appropriate to apply the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements.

13. Contingent liability

As outlined in the Chairman’s Statement, since March 2022, the Company has used IBP Markets Limited ("IBP") as custodian for its quoted investments, with exposure across the Ventures, Healthcare and AIM Share classes. IBP is an FCA authorised and regulated wholesale broker, providing custody services and access to equity and fixed income securities for non-retail clients (which includes the Company). On 13 October 2023, the FCA published a supervisory notice under section 55L(3)(a) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, imposing certain restrictions on IBP.   On the same date, IBP applied to the High Court and special administrators were appointed. The special administrators have yet to publish an estimated outcome statement and therefore the full impact is currently unknown. The Manager is actively collaborating with the special administrators to reach a resolution and will communicate with Shareholders when further information becomes available.

The Manager is in regular dialogue with the special administrators. The outcome remains subject to change particularly as additional claims may be made on custody assets and client money and there remains a risk to the positions. However, considering the information made available to the Company at the date of this report, there is currently little indication that there will be a materially adverse impact to Shareholders with respect to the custody assets. The position with respect to client money remains to be determined, but total cash at IBP relates to the Healthcare Share pool and represented 0.2% of NAV as at 30 September.

14. The Directors confirm that, to the best of their knowledge, the Half-Yearly Report has been prepared in accordance with the “Statement: Half-Yearly Financial Reports” issued by the UK Accounting Standards Board as well as in accordance with FRS 104 Interim Financial Reporting, and the half-yearly financial report includes a fair review of the information required by:

1. DTR 4.2.7R of the Disclosure and Transparency Rules, being an indication of important events that have occurred during the first six months of the financial year and their impact on the condensed set of financial statements, and a description of the principal risks and uncertainties for the remaining six months of the year; and

2. DTR 4.2.8R of the Disclosure and Transparency Rules, being related party transactions that have taken place in the first six months of the current financial year and that have materially affected the financial position or performance of the entity during that period, and any changes in the related party transactions described in the last annual report that could do so.

15. Copies of the Half-Yearly Report will be sent to Shareholders shortly. Further copies can be obtained from the Company’s registered office or downloaded from
www.foresightgroup.eu/products/thames-ventures-vct-2-plc

End