Praetura Growth VCT Bolsters War Chest with Share Issue

Praetura Growth VCT issues 758k new shares priced near NAV, raising funds to invest in young growth companies and enhance portfolio liquidity before the April tax deadline.

With the UK tax year drawing to a close, Praetura Growth VCT has moved to strengthen its financial position. The venture capital trust has successfully allocated a new tranche of shares, enhancing its liquidity to pursue portfolio growth in a competitive investment landscape.

Strategic Timing for Fundraising

The capital raise is strategically timed to coincide with the period leading up to the British tax year end on April 5th. Historically, this is when investor interest in Venture Capital Trusts peaks, as individuals seek to capitalize on available tax reliefs. For Praetura, the incoming capital provides crucial strategic flexibility, earmarked for securing liquidity and funding promising young growth companies.

Allocation and Pricing Details

In its latest update, the trust confirmed the allocation of 758,004 new ordinary shares. This issuance forms part of a broader share offer targeting up to £10 million, which carries the potential to be increased by a further £10 million should demand warrant it.

Pricing for the new shares was closely aligned with the trust's net asset value (NAV), which stands at 99.33 pence. The issue price ranged up to 100.35 pence. Following this allocation, the total number of shares in issue rises to approximately 8.87 million.

Trading of these new shares on the London Stock Exchange is expected to commence tomorrow, March 18, 2026.

Looking Ahead: Deployment Focus

As this tranche concludes, the focus for Praetura Growth VCT now shifts toward the effective deployment of the newly raised capital. The closing of the share offer is anticipated in April. The primary objective moving forward is to utilize these funds for targeted investments designed to drive long-term growth in the net asset value for shareholders.