Puma AIM VCT debuts as First New AIM-Focused VCT in 18 Years
Deal News | May 14, 2025 | Puma Capital Group
Puma Investments has launched the Puma AIM VCT plc (LON: PAIM) on the London Stock Exchange, marking the first new AIM-focused VCT in 18 years. The launch is based on extensive feedback from the adviser and wealth management communities and aims to provide compelling returns through investments in AIM-traded companies. The VCT focuses on scale-up companies with strong commercial propositions and experienced management in their sectors. Led by Investment Director Dr. Stuart Rollason, Puma's investment team brings over 50 years of AIM market expertise. The team includes Daniel Cane and Joseph Cornwall, noted for their previous roles at Toscafund Asset Management and Gore Browne Investment Management, respectively. The VCT's independent board further enhances its capacity to drive returns, featuring experienced professionals like Jonathan Di-Stefano and Lynn Drummond. The VCT's first investment is in Quantum Base plc, a company at the forefront of quantum science and authentication standards.
Sectors
- Financial Services
- Capital Markets
- Technology
Geography
- United Kingdom – The London Stock Exchange, where the VCT is launched, is based in the UK, and many of the companies and individuals mentioned operate within the UK business and investment landscape.
Industry
- Financial Services – The article is centered on the launch of a venture capital trust (VCT), which is a key investment vehicle in the financial services sector, focusing on investments in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
- Capital Markets – The launch involves the trading of the Puma AIM VCT on the London Stock Exchange, a crucial platform for capital markets activities.
- Technology – The article mentions Quantum Base plc, a company utilizing quantum science for new authentication standards, highlighting the role of technology in this investment.
Financials
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Puma Investments | PE Firm | Company | The private equity firm responsible for launching the Puma AIM VCT on the London Stock Exchange. |
| Puma AIM VCT plc | Target Company | Company | The newly launched venture capital trust focusing on investments in AIM-listed companies. |
| Quantum Base plc | Portfolio Company | Company | A quantum science firm developing new global standards in authentication, backed by the Puma AIM VCT. |
| Dr. Stuart Rollason | Investment Director | Person | Leader of Puma's investment team with extensive experience in the AIM market. |
| Daniel Cane | Investment Director | Person | Part of Puma's investment team, with a background at Toscafund Asset Management. |
| Joseph Cornwall | Investment Manager | Person | Member of the investment team with experience from Gore Browne Investment Management. |
| Jonathan Di-Stefano | Independent Chair | Person | Chair of the Puma AIM VCT’s independent board with a background in AIM-listed real estate companies. |
| Lynn Drummond | Independent Director | Person | Member of the independent board with extensive experience in pharmaceuticals and life sciences. |
| Lancaster University | Selling Company | Institution | The institution from which Quantum Base plc spun out, leveraging discoveries by Professor Robert Young. |