DJ Molten Ventures Plc: Interim Results
Molten Ventures Plc (GROW; GRW)
Molten Ventures Plc: Interim Results
20-Nov-2024 / 07:00 GMT/BST
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Molten Ventures Plc
("Molten Ventures", "the Group" or the "Company")
INTERIM RESULTS FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024
Molten Ventures (LSE: GROW, Euronext Dublin: GRW), a leading venture capital firm investing in and developing
disruptive, high growth digital technology businesses, today announces its interim results for the six-month period
ended 30 September 2024.
Financial highlights
-- GBP1,343m* Gross portfolio value (31 March 2024: GBP1,379m)
-- GBP51m Cash invested in the period by the Company, and a further GBP12m from the managed EIS/VCT funds (six
months to 30 September 2023: GBP17m from Molten Ventures and GBP30m from the managed EIS/VCT funds)
-- GBP76m Cash proceeds from realisations (six months to 30 September 2024: GBP33m)
-- -1%* Gross portfolio fair value movement (six months to 30 September 2023: -4%)
-- GBP82m Consolidated Group cash (31 March 2024: GBP57m Company cash), and a further GBP40m available to invest
from the managed EIS/VCT funds (31 March 2024: GBP40m)
-- GBP1,205m Net assets (31 March 2024: GBP1,251m)
-- 646p NAV per share (31 March 2024: 662p)
-- <1% Operating costs (net of fee income) continue to be substantially less than the targeted 1% of
period-end NAV (31 March 2024: <1%)
*The above figures contain alternative performance measures ("APMs") - see the notes below for reconciliation of APMs to IFRS measures.
Highlights
. GBP76m in realisations which would rise to GBP124m following the anticipated post period completion of M-Files which remains subject to regulatory approval. This would surpass the guidance given at the 2024 full year results to realise proceeds in the region of GBP100m this financial year.
. Acquired a significant majority position for GBP19m in Connect Ventures Fund I, a 2012 fund vintage.
. Three primary new investments with one investment in transit made with a combined funding of GBP13m; GBP8m in twelve companies for follow-on deals; with a further GBP7m invested in Fund of Funds ("FoF") and GBP4m in Earlybird funds.
. Overarching composition of the portfolio remains balanced and well-funded, with portfolio companies transacting, in aggregate (via capital raise or secondary), more than GBP800m of capital during the last 12 months. Core companies ISAR Aerospace, ICEYE, RavenPack, Revolut and Riverlane, all raised capital or transacted at higher valuation rounds.
. Core Portfolio average forecast gross profit margins of 70% for the 2025 calendar year compared to 68% for the 2024 calendar year.
. Forecast weighted average revenue growth of the Core Portfolio of 71% for the 2024 calendar year and forecast to be 48% for the 2025 calendar year.
. Executing on capital allocation strategy, including completion of GBP10 million share repurchase programme in September 2024 utilising a proportion of realisation proceeds.
. Our ESG and Sustainability efforts continue to evolve, including our third disclosures to both CDP and PRI; providing tailored support to portfolio companies through 1:1 engagements; the distribution of our Sustainability Toolkit and continued financial support to new portfolio companies for their own emissions assessment and reduction efforts.
Ben Wilkinson, CEO at Molten Ventures, commented:
"Announcing today's results as CEO, for a period in which I was CFO, I am pleased to report that realisations have been a highlight in the first half of the year and we have already surpassed the guidance provided at our full-year results, further validating the quality of our portfolio and the robustness of our valuation methodology. Since IPO Molten has realised in excess of GBP600 million providing us with further capital to both support founders and grow and scale our business.
"We anticipate a more stable investment climate as visibility over the cost of capital improves, which should support stronger market valuations and increased fund deployment, both from private VCs and through our own capital. As interest rates stabilise, we expect to see more aligned views between buyers and sellers, leading to greater market activity. To realise this potential, we reaffirm our focus on our core business, driving strong investment returns for all stakeholders. I look forward to outlining my priorities in further detail at the full year."
Results presentation
A live webcast of the presentation including Q&A will be held today at 9.00am for analysts and will be available on https://brrmedia.news/GROW_HY25. Conference call details for the Q&A are available via Sodali.
In addition, Molten will provide a further presentation for retail investors via the Investor Meet Company platform at 10.00 on 22 November 2024. Existing and potential investors can sign up to Investor Meet Company for free via the link below.
https://www.investormeetcompany.com/molten-ventures-plc/register-investor
Half Year Report and Accounts
The Company's Half Year Report and Accounts for the six months ended 30 September 2024, will also be available to download from the Company's website at https://investors.moltenventures.com/investor-relations/plc/reports
The Company has also submitted its Half Year Report and Accounts for the six months ended 30 September 2024 to the UK National Storage Mechanism (available for inspection at: https://data.fca.org.uk/#/nsm/nationalstoragemechanism) and Euronext Dublin (available for inspection at https://direct.euronext.com/#/oamfiling).
This announcement constitutes the material required by DTR 6.3.5 to be communicated in unedited full text through a Regulatory Information Service.
Enquiries:
Molten Ventures plc
Ben Wilkinson (Chief Executive Officer) +44 (0)20 7931 8800
Andy Zimmermann (Interim Chief Financial Officer) ir@molten.vc
Deutsche Numis Securities
Joint Financial Adviser and Corporate Broker
Simon Willis +44 (0)20 7260 1000
Jamie Loughborough
Iqra Amin
Goodbody Stockbrokers
Joint Financial Adviser and Corporate Broker,
Euronext Dublin Sponsor
+44 (0) 20 3841 6202
Don Harrington
Tom Nicholson
William Hall
Sodali & Co.
Public relations +44 (0)7970 246 725
Elly Williamson molten@sodali.com
Jane Glover
About Molten Ventures
Molten Ventures is a leading venture capital firm in Europe, developing and investing in disruptive, high growth technology companies. We inject visionary companies with energy to help them transform and grow. This energy comes in many forms - capital, of course, but also knowledge, experience, and relationships. We believe it is our role to support the entrepreneurs who will invent the future, and that future is being built, today, in Europe.
As at 30 September 2024, Molten Ventures had a diverse portfolio with shareholdings in 100+ companies, 18 of which represent our Core Portfolio holdings and account for 61% of the Gross Portfolio Value. Our core companies include Revolut, Thought Machine, Coachhub, Form3, Aiven, Ledger and Aircall. We invest across four sectors: Enterprise Technology, Hardware and Deeptech, Consumer Technology, and Digital Health and Wellness, with highly experienced partners constantly looking for new opportunities in each. We look for high-growth companies operating in new markets, with aspirations for global expansion, strong IP, powerful technology, and strong management teams to deliver success. We also look for businesses with the potential to generate strong margins to ensure rapid, sustainable growth in substantial addressable markets.
Molten Ventures provides a unique opportunity for public market investors to access these fast-growing tech businesses, without having to commit to long term investments with limited liquidity. Since our IPO in June 2016, we have deployed over GBP1bn capital into fast growing tech companies and have realised over GBP600m to 30 September 2024.
For more information, go to https://investors.moltenventures.com/investor-relations/plc
Chief Executive's review
I am privileged to have the opportunity to continue the evolution of the business. Molten has a strong platform to build from for the next phase of growth, with a leading investment team that has a unique skillset to take the business forward.
Overview
Having stepped up as CEO at the time of our trading update for the six months to 30 September 2024, we are grateful to Martin for the critical role he has played in the development of Molten into the unique and leading business it is today. I am privileged to have the opportunity to continue the evolution of our business building upon my insight as CFO during the period. I will be supported by Andrew Zimmermann, our former Finance Director, who will take over as Interim CFO. Molten has a strong platform to build from for the next phase of growth, with a leading investment team supported by a strong platform that has a unique skillset to take the business forward. Our long track record of identifying and backing high-growth, globally disruptive technology companies demonstrates this expertise.
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The most salient feature of the six months is the significant acceleration in realisations, which has reached a value of GBP76 million and would rise to GBP124 million following the anticipated M-Files realisation subject to regulatory approval due in Q4, 2024. This surpasses our original guidance of realisations of GBP100 million for the full year, and has generated cash proceeds which will allow us to take advantage of further attractive opportunities. In our full-year results in June, we spoke about cautious optimism in the stabilising economic climate. This sentiment still prevails, with attractive entry pricing and an opportunity to deploy capital into the right deals, particularly in the secondary market. We remain well positioned to take advantage of the best opportunities as and when they arise.
The gross portfolio fair value uplift in the existing portfolio is modest, while we report a GBP36 million decline in total gross portfolio value, this is driven primarily by realisations exceeding the investment level of GBP51 million for the period and adverse foreign currency movements.
With the pace of innovation continuing to accelerate and companies remaining private for longer, Molten provides unrivalled access to high growth businesses through our listed, liquid structure at critical stages of their growth.
Market environment
Over the past six months, the global macroeconomic environment has continued to pose challenges, however, there are signs of improvement. Interest rates have begun to stabilise, easing inflationary pressures and signposting to a lowering cost of capital. There have been some signs of the M&A market recovering, along with venture capital firms raising private capital.
The venture capital investment market is not currently uniform, and from an investment perspective, we are observing the perceived top tier companies are commanding premium valuations, including the likes of Revolut and OpenAI, while capital is less readily available for the majority of companies.
Our Approach
We will continue to operate an aligned strategy across our three vehicles: the plc, and the managed EIS and VCT funds. Where investments qualify for EIS and VCT investment, this structure enables us to combine three capital pools to invest in the UK and Europe's most exciting technology companies in a risk-adjusted and tax-efficient manner for our respective investors. Our broad investment mandate and flexible listed model allow us to support businesses across various stages of growth, from early- stage innovation to more mature companies. This flexibility enables us to deploy capital strategically, both in primary and secondary investments, over a longer time horizon than traditional venture capital models.
Meanwhile, our brand, people, and Fund of Funds programme provide us with a broad pipeline of high-quality private technology companies across the UK and Europe. We track, screen, and engage with thousands of companies, targeting 15-30 new and follow-on investments annually. This disciplined investment process also extends to our secondary strategy, where we provide liquidity to later-stage funds, focusing on portfolios with near-term visibility on realisation opportunities.
Our unique listed platform and broad investment mandate enable us to identify opportunities and support businesses for the long-term building ownership stakes over time. We have a diversified portfolio of over 100 companies, with the top 18 comprising 61% of our gross portfolio value across sectors and stages, spanning the UK and Europe.
We will continue our focus on supporting the best founding teams in the most exciting technology sectors, supported by intelligent capital management. Our experienced team, with active board management of many of our portfolio companies, provides strategic guidance, access to networks, operational support to help them achieve their growth objectives and risk mitigation. To date, we have deployed over GBP1 billion in capital and realised over GBP600 million from successful exits, demonstrating our strong track record of value creation for investors.
Activity in the year
We will continue our focus on secondaries, as highlighted at the time of our fundraising in November 2023. This is a core component of our investment strategy, and remains a key driver of value creation.
Over the past six months, we have made significant further strides in this area, most notably with the September acquisition of a 97% stake in Connect Ventures Fund I. This fund, containing eight minority positions in European software companies, is driven by the standout performers Typeform and Soldo, which account for 85% of its value. This transaction represents an excellent example of how our secondary strategy allows us to acquire high-quality portfolios with near-term realisation potential at attractive valuations.
In addition, our investments in Seedcamp Fund III (completed in February 2024) and Forward Partners (completed in March 2024) are progressing well. These investments enable us to expand our portfolio into further tech subsectors and leverage our network to secure high- quality secondary opportunities.
Portfolio
Our portfolio companies have been active in the period, transacting, (via capital raise or secondary), more than GBP800 million of capital over the last 12 months. Our gross portfolio value table, included on page 23, highlights the fair value uplift of GBP20 million, excluding adverse foreign exchange movements of GBP30 million, which is the net of fair value uplifts totaling GBP110m and fair reductions of GBP90 million.
In August 2024, Revolut announced a secondary transaction via an employee share sale, implying a valuation of USD45 billion. Molten has recognised some of this secondary valuation uplift in line with our valuation policy, resulting in a fair value uplift of GBP62 million, bringing the total fair value to GBP124 million as commercial traction, product development and broadening customer base continues to be proven.
Our valuation of Thought Machine has decreased to a fair value of GBP63 million (31 Mar 2024: GBP99 million) in the period, while we have made a valuation adjustment linked to market multiples. This reflects the timing of implementing confirmed customer contracts which had not gone live at the valuation date. Our belief in the upside future value in the business remains as they bring on new customers and look to go live with significant accounts. We remain optimistic about the broader growth potential of the business and its potential to transform the traditional banking sector tech stack.
In June, ISAR Aerospace secured GBP220 million in its Series C funding round. This latest funding will enable ISAR to continue investing in the build-up and equipment for its series production. It is also being used to expand its manufacturing capabilities by building a larger, fully automated factory near Munich. ISAR is planning for its first test launch in Q4 2024, with the long-term goal to produce 40 launch vehicles per year, so they are positioned to serve the private and public sector demand for small and medium-sized satellites and satellite constellations in space. The fair value of ISAR is GBP23 million.
In July, RavenPack, a leading provider of big data analytics for hedge funds and banks, raised USD20 million during the period. This funding accelerated the development and launch of RavenPack's new AI platform, Bigdata.com. This is aimed to support decision-making for financial professions by offering instant insights and analytics based on real-time data sets and global economic trends. The fair value of RavenPack is GBP36 million.
Also in July, quantum computing company, Riverlane closed a USD75 million Series C round. This capital will allow Riverlane to scale its operations and meet growing global demand for Quantum Error Correction (QEC) technology, with the ambitious goal of achieving one million error-free quantum computer operations by 2026.
Ledger, a security for crypto hardware and crypto wallet, launched two new hardware wallets, Ledger Stax in May, featuring a curved E-Ink display and Ledger Flex in July, both designed to enhance user experience with touchscreen technology. We have recognised a fair value uplift of GBP4 million, bringing the gross fair value to GBP64 million.
All these companies are at the forefront of their fields, being just some examples from our portfolio, and the recent funding rounds across the portfolio, reflect strong investor confidence in their long-term prospects.
Realisations
Realisations have been a key highlight in the first half of the year. We have surpassed the guidance provided at our full-year results, achieving GBP76 million in realisations rising to GBP124 million, post-period, representing approximately 9% of our Gross Portfolio Value (GPV). These successful exits have been completed at or above holding value, further validating the quality of our portfolio and the robustness of our valuation methodology.
-- Graphcore via its acquisition by SoftBank delivering 0.9x multiple on invested capital
-- Perkbox acquired by Great Hill Partners delivering 1.3x multiple on invested capital
-- Endomag acquired by Hologic delivering 3.7x multiple on invested capital
-- M-Files pending regulatory approval is anticipated to deliver a 7.4x multiple on invested capital.
Overall, Molten's portfolio company exits are on course to represent a significant percentage of transactions across all EU VC-backed exits in 2024, demonstrating the high returns we continue to achieve through our active portfolio management and disciplined investment process.
Financial Position
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We remain in a strong financial position, with the resources necessary to continue supporting our portfolio and capturing new investment opportunities. In July, we secured a GBP180 million debt facility with J.P. Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. ("JPM") and HSBC Innovation Banking Limited ("HSBCIB") effective from 7 September 2024. This comprises a GBP120 million term loan drawn on day one and a revolving credit facility ("RCF") of up to GBP60 million, both with a three-year tenor, an extension to the previous GBP150 million facility with JPM and HSBCIB.
Our disciplined capital allocation policy ensures that we have the flexibility to deploy capital effectively as and when high quality opportunities arise, while maintaining strong liquidity headroom. Our GBP10m share buyback programme, as part of this, is now complete.
Our cash position, combined with the undrawn capacity of our revolving credit facility, gives us the ability to support our existing portfolio and continue making new investments.
Outlook
Looking ahead, we anticipate a stabilising investment climate as visibility over the cost of capital improves. We expect the market to support higher activity levels, and with the pace of technological innovation continuing to accelerate, this leaves Europe in a strong position to create the companies that are solving the biggest challenges we face as a society today.
Our core focus will remain on supporting our founders and driving strong investment returns for shareholders. This is an opportunity to further grow and scale into the next cycle of the market, which aligns with the potential for deeper pools of capital. To realise this potential, we will reaffirm our focus on our core business.
At Molten, we are well-positioned to capitalise on the current and anticipated market conditions. We remain focused on long-term value creation and are confident in our ability to deliver strong returns in the years to come.
Ben Wilkinson
Chief Executive Officer
Portfolio review
During the period, we delivered strong realisations to return cash proceeds to the balance sheet and provide additional capital to take advantage of further opportunities. We remain well diversified across our four key sectors and confident in our thesis-led, sectoral investment approach. Cash resource within the portfolio is a key focus and our portfolio remains well funded, with over 75% of the core portfolio having more than 12 months of cash runway, and over 50% with more than 24 months.
Portfolio valuations
The Gross Portfolio Value as at 30 September 2024 is GBP1,343 million, down from GBP1,379 million at 31 March 2024. This reflects investments made of GBP51 million, realisations of GBP76 million and a gross portfolio fair value decrease (including the impact of FX) of GBP11 million.
Excluding the impact of foreign currency movement, the portfolio fair value grew GBP20 million. Unfavourable foreign currency movements contributed a GBP30 million loss. Where there are declines in enterprise valuations within the portfolio, these are tempered by downside protection from preferred share classes. 98% of portfolio companies (directly held investments only) have downside protection, with 18% of the portfolio currently utilising this, meaning that fair value in impacted companies has not decreased in line with Enterprise Value decreases.
Our valuations process continues to follow the IPEV Guidelines and reflects relevant market movements in the period as they apply to our portfolio companies. Our portfolio companies expect to continue growing revenue, with weighted average forecast revenue growth in the Core Portfolio of 71% for the 2024 calendar year and 48% in 2025 calendar year.
The Core Portfolio is made up of 18 companies representing 61% of the Gross Portfolio Value. The Core Portfolio composition has evolved from the previous reporting period, following the successful realisations of Perkbox, Graphcore and Endomagnetics, and new entrants, in the shape of N26 and SimScale, which join from the emerging portfolio
Deployment
We have continued to exercise discipline around our investment process, deploying GBP51 million in the first half of the year, into new and follow-on investments, including a GBP19 million secondary investment to acquire 97% of Connect Ventures Fund I, a 2012 vintage.
New Companies*
During the period, we invested GBP13 million into new portfolio companies, including:
Company Stage Who they are?
SalesApe is an AI-powered sales assistant platform designed to help businesses manage lead
qualification, engagement, and conversion through automated, conversational AI agents. This
SALESAPE.AI Early platform integrates with various CRMs and messaging systems to engage new leads quickly, respond
across channels like email and SMS, and manage essential sales tasks such as pre-qualifying leads
and booking appointments for human sales agents.
OneData is a technology firm focused on streamlining and enhancing data management for businesses
through its AI-powered data products. OneData provides comprehensive solutions in areas like data
One Data Growth analytics, machine learning, business intelligence, and database design. OneData enables companies
to develop "data products" highly structured data packages that help bridge communication between
IT teams and business users, making it easier to derive insights and meet organisational goals.
Sightline Climate is a market intelligence platform focused on the emerging climate economy,
helping investors, corporations, and government entities make informed decisions on
Sightline climate-focused investments. Built on the success of the Climate Tech VC (CTVC) newsletter,
Climate Early Sightline provides an extensive database of solutions across key sectors like energy,
transportation, and carbon management. The platform allows users to track industry developments,
identify investment opportunities, and understand the commercialisation stages of various climate
technologies, such as carbon capture and alternative energy sources.
* Disclosed investments over GBP2 million
Follow-on*
We continue to support our existing portfolio as they grow, investing over GBP8 million in follow-ons during the period,
including those set out below:
Company Stage Who they are?
Schüttflix, is a digital marketplace transforming logistics for construction bulk materials like
Schüttflix Growth sand, gravel, and grit. Through its app, Schüttflix connects suppliers and carriers directly with
customers across various sectors, including road construction, civil engineering, and landscaping.
Molten first invested in 2021 as part of its Series A.
Manna is a drone delivery company focused on high-speed, eco-friendly, last-mile delivery
services. The company uses autonomous drones to deliver items like food, groceries, and
Manna Growth pharmaceuticals within minutes to suburban homes. Manna's drones fly at over 80 km/h, operate at
an altitude of 80 meters, and cover up to a 2-kilometer radius, enabling faster, quieter, and
safer delivery compared to traditional road-based options. Molten first invested in 2021 as part
of its Series A.
Makers is a technology education provider that trains individuals in software development,
offering a structured coding bootcamp focused on helping students transition into careers as
Makers Growth software engineers. Their program includes immersive training in full-stack development, web
technologies, and essential software engineering skills, emphasising both technical and
professional development to address the tech talent gap. Forward Partners, acquired by Molten
Ventures in March 2024, first invested in 2014.
*Disclosed investments over GBP1 million
Secondaries
Molten Ventures acquired 97% of the Connect Ventures Fund I for GBP19m. Connect Ventures Fund I is a 2012 vintage fund containing a portfolio of eight minority positions in businesses across Europe. Of these eight assets, c.85% of the value is driven by Typeform, a platform for forms and surveys, and Soldo, a payment and spend automation platform.
Molten has previously acquired secondary positions in Seedcamp Funds I, II & III, Earlybird DWES Funds IV and Earlybird Digital East Fund I. Molten's secondary strategy leverages its network in the venture capital market to provide liquidity to later life funds, with a focus on acquiring portfolios of high-quality assets with nearer term realisation opportunities. To date the Molten secondary strategy has in aggregate delivered 2.5x returns (multiple on invested capital).
Fund of Funds
Our Fund of Funds program continues to deliver valuable access to emerging companies and high-quality deal flow from top-tier seed and early-stage venture firms. The programme has current commitments to 79 funds. Total commitments as at 30 September 2024 were GBP133 million, of which GBP91 million has been drawn (GBP7 million in the period). This excludes our strategic commitments to Earlybird funds (in excess of GBP5 million) made outside of the Fund of Funds program.
Earlybird
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Since 2018, we have built a platform in partnership with Earlybird that allows us to continue to access earlier stage companies in Germany and Europe, with the benefit of Earlybird's expertise. This period, these funds, excluding those held within our Fund of Funds programme, drew down GBP4 million.
Realisation
During the period Molten realised GBP76 million, with a further GBP48 million expected from the sale of M-Files which,
subject to regulatory approval being obtained, would take the total to GBP124 million.
Company Who they are?
A medical technology company devoted to improving the global standard of care in breast cancer. Molten
Endomag realised a total return of GBP35 million at a 3.9x multiple on invested capital, modestly above the holding
value. Molten first invested in Endomag in July 2018, with investment from its balance sheet and EIS and
VCT funds. Follow-on funding was provided to support Endomag's continued growth in 2020.
An employee benefits and reward platform. Cash proceeds of approximately GBP18m were above the Molten
Perkbox holding value of GBP16m and delivered a 1.3x multiple on invested capital since Molten first invested in
2016. Further capital was invested to support the growth of Perkbox from 2017 to 2019 including by the
EIS funds. Perkbox was acquired by Great Hill Partners, a US-based private equity firm.
A machine intelligence semiconductor company, which develops Intelligent Processing Units ('IPUs').
Molten realised a total return of USD26m, broadly in line with its Group holding value, following
Graphcore Graphcore's acquisition by SoftBank. Molten first invested in Graphcore in 2016 as part of the company's
Series A and further supported the business in subsequent funding rounds including through the EIS funds.
At a 0.9x multiple on invested capital, the majority of the cost has been returned which demonstrates the
benefit of downside protection with preference shares.
An intelligent file management platform and leader in knowledge work automation using generative AI.
M-Files* Pending regulatory approval, this deal values Molten's stake at the 31 March 2024 holding value of GBP48
million and would deliver a 7.4x multiple on invested capital. Molten first invested in M-Files in its
Series A in 2013.
* Pending regulatory approval
Core portfolio highlights
The Molten Ventures Core Portfolio is made up of 18 companies representing 61% of the Gross Portfolio Value. New entrants to the Core consist of N26 and SimScale whilst Perkbox, Graphcore and Endomagnetics were realised in the period and therefore exited the core.
Note - narrative updates based on publicly available information from the Core Portfolio companies.
Aircall Location: Sector: Paris, France Enterprise Technology Aircall is a cloud-based customer phone and communication platform that is designed exclusively for sales and support teams. Its platform integrates with existing CRM systems and helpdesk tools that eliminates any need for desk phones, allowing company teams to be set up across several locations in an instant with an internet connection. During the period, Aircall accelerated AI integration, introducing sentiment analysis, automated call summaries, and real-time tagging to enhance customer insights and operational efficiency. The launch of Aircall Workspace consolidated communication channels and improved analytics, notably with refined Time to Answer metrics, supporting scalable, data-driven customer service improvements across finance and enterprise sectors. The telephony market has evolved and, with the introduction of VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol), Aircall drives value to its customers through actionable analytics, sentiment analysis and now AI applications. Aircall's integrations with CRMs and other lead generation-customer service integration applications has resulted in substantial benefits for its clients. Aircall's early adoption into the call centre market positions it as a pioneer in the space, having a deep longstanding customer relationships and expansion potential. Invested: Fair Value: GBP14m GBP64m UN Sustainable Development Goals Mapping: 8 9 Aiven Location: Sector: Helsinki, Finland Enterprise Technology Aiven is a multi-cloud managed service provider which hosts and manages open-source databases and messaging-system solutions on all major cloud platforms. Aiven's products are built using public cloud infrastructure such as Apache Kafka, Cassandra, Elasticsearch, M3 and PostgreSQL, supporting developers around the world with building new applications, without having to manage backend infrastructure. Aiven enhanced its AI capabilities with an AI-driven SQL Optimizer, streamlining query performance to reduce cloud costs and optimise workloads. Achieving AWS Data & Analytics Competency and expanding in Oracle Cloud, Aiven strengthens multi-cloud and open-source analytics, positioning itself as a key partner for AI and data-driven enterprise efficiency across scalable environments. Aiven also signed a three-year strategic collaboration agreement with Amazon Web Services (AWS), also achieving AWS Data and Analytics Competency status as it continues to build its strategic relationship with AWS. Aiven is a look-through investment held via Earlybird. Invested: Fair Value: GBP5m GBP72m UN Sustainable Development Goals Mapping: 8 9 CoachHub Location: Sector: Berlin, Germany Enterprise Technology CoachHub is a global digital coaching and talent development platform that helps organisations to create personalised, measurable, and scalable coaching programmes on a one-to- one basis for entire workforces and teams. Coaching sessions are based on scientific research and market insights led by behavioural scientists and global research leaders to maximise business impact and drive innovation. These are delivered via an AI-enabled technology platform and seamless user experience. The coaching journey is delivered by c. 3,500 business coaches across six continents in more than 80 languages. CoachHub advanced AI-driven coaching by integrating with Microsoft Teams, enabling seamless, personalised engagement through automated recommendations. The launch of "CoachHub Feedback" provides data-rich insights into employee development via multi-source feedback and behavioural tracking, aligning with their science-based coaching model. This strategic AI adoption underscores CoachHub's commitment to scalable, measurable workforce development. Coachhub's platform and offering meet the needs of a rapidly transforming and growing industry, where traditional formats are disrupted and where traditional formats are disrupted and new talent generations ask for more career development options. The business started in 2018 and is emerging to be a global category leader with an impressive blue chip customer base. Invested: Fair Value: GBP31m GBP90m UN Sustainable Development Goals Mapping: 4 11 Form3 Location: Sector: London, UK Enterprise Technology Form3 is a cloud native payments-as-a-service platform that designs, builds, and runs the technology that powers the future of payments. Removing reliance on outdated, complex and costly payments infrastructure through provision of a modern, real-time account-to-account payment platform, Form3's product is designed as a single-instance, multi-tenant architecture, meaning a single instance of the software supports multiple clients. When payment scheme rules change, banks face difficulties in adapting - Form3's technology once implemented is applied to all customers in realtime, seamlessly. Form3 expanded its account-to-account payments infrastructure by advancing its financial crime management capabilities, emphasising enhanced compliance and risk solutions integrated directly within its platform. These features align with the demand for robust, real-time transaction monitoring and fraud detection, a growing priority as financial services increasingly rely on rapid, cloud-based payment solutions. Form3 raised USD60 million in a Series C extension. This funding, supported by British Patient Capital and Visa, will fuel Form3's growth across the UK, Europe, and the U.S., reinforcing banks' transitions to cloud-based, real-time payment systems. Payment schemes and systems are largely regional and defined by currency, they are governed by a combination of Governments, central and commercial banks. All major payments schemes around the world are shifting into and/or are looking at building real-time schemes, which by design will require cloud-native software to support the implementation and continued maintenance. Invested: Fair Value: GBP30m GBP59m UN Sustainable Development Goals Mapping: 8 9 FintechOS Location: Sector: London, UK Enterprise Technology FintechOS is a global leader in high productivity fintech infrastructure and aims to simplify and accelerate the launch and service of innovative financial products. FintechOS achieves high speed product launches for major retail banks and
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insurance companies. These solutions give companies the ability to engage customers across new digital channels. With a low code/no code approach, their product facilitates interaction across technical and non-technical product teams at banks and insurers. In the period, FintechOS announced the completion of its USD60 million Series B+ investment round, co-led by Molten Ventures, to drive growth and profitability. FintechOS continued to develop its no-code/low-code financial technology platform by expanding its product features in loan customisation, and strengthened partnerships, including OTP Bank's digital SME solutions. These efforts aligned with continued platform enhancements and solidified FintechOS's position in digital finance transformation for banks and insurers worldwide. FintechOS's product is designed to prioritise speed to market. The repeal and replace legacy technology method works for certain types of banks, typically larger Tier 1 banks, where it takes many years and at high cost. However, for the vast majority of the banks and insurance market, their technology stacks remain an amalgamation and accumulation of technology. They require technology that can seamlessly integrate with their existing stack and enable them to innovate, which FintechOS helps to facilitate. Invested: Fair Value: GBP30m GBP29m UN Sustainable Development Goals Mapping: 8 9 Freetrade Location: Sector: Bristol, UK Consumer Technology Freetrade is a commission-free investment platform that allows users to buy and sell shares in companies and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) without paying any trading fees or commissions. Freetrade aims to make investing more accessible and affordable by eliminating the traditional trading commissions charged by many brokers. Freetrade focused on enhancing its UK services by withdrawing from the Swedish market, aiming for improved product development and user experience. The company announced the upcoming launch of Junior ISAs and Lifetime ISAs for 2025 and shifted away from cryptocurrency offerings. Engaging with its user community helped inform these changes, resulting in positive investor sentiment regarding Freetrade's strategic direction. Freetrade is the leading challenger broker in the UK. Freetrade positions itself as an investment platform designed to make investing more accessible and affordable for everyone, their mission is "to get everyone investing" by simplifying the process and offering commission-free trading. Invested: Fair Value: GBP14m GBP17m UN Sustainable Development Goals Mapping: 8 9 HiveMQ Location: Sector: Munich, Germany Hardware & Deeptech HiveMQ provides an enterprise messaging platform (MQTT) that enables reliable, scalable and secure connectivity for IoT devices to the cloud. The MQTT was designed for the fast, efficient and reliable bi-directional movement of data between device and the cloud allowing enterprises to connect, communicate, and control IoT data under real-world stress. From its roots in the automotive industry in Germany, HiveMQ has grown into other sectors and internationally. Leading brands choose HiveMQ to build smarter IoT projects, modernise factories, and create better customer experiences in use cases in automotive, energy, logistics, smart manufacturing, transportation, and more. In July, HiveMQ earned SOC 2 Type II compliance, reinforcing its commitment to secure, enterprise-grade solutions for handling sensitive IoT data. This certification is crucial for clients prioritising data security and compliance in IoT deployments. With an early mover advantage in MQTT, the de-facto IoT messaging standard, HiveMQ is well-positioned to capitalise on the rapidly growing USD2 trillion+ IoT market. Already generating significant revenue with over 130 Fortune 500 customers, HiveMQ has raised over EUR49 million from investors. Invested: Fair Value: GBP20m GBP23m UN Sustainable Development Goals Mapping 9 ICEYE Location: Sector: Espoo, Finland Hardware & Deeptech ICEYE is a commercial radar imaging satellite company that operates a synthetic-aperture radar (SAR) satellite constellation designed to deliver monitoring capabilities for any location on earth. Using SAR technology provides imaging services, designed to deliver frequent coverage, 24/7, to help clients resolve challenges in sectors such as maritime, disaster management, insurance, and finance. ICEYE's SAR satellites enable the company to develop unparalleled insights without the need for line-of-sight. ICEYE can see through clouds and offer more reliable data for their clients around the world, including some of the largest global insurance companies and governments. ICEYE has signed deals with the likes of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the US and the Australian Government to detect natural disasters like floods and bushfires. In August, ICEYE successfully launched four new SAR satellites. The new satellites further expand the world's largest SAR constellation, owned and operated by ICEYE. In September, ICEYE was selected by NASA to provide SAR data for its Commercial Smallsat Data Acquisition (CSDA) Program through a 5-year fixed-price, indefinite- delivery/ indefinite-quantity (IDIQ), multiple-award contract. Invested: Fair Value: GBP23m GBP40m UN Sustainable Development Goals Mapping: 9 13 Isar AeroSpace Location: Sector: Munich, Germany Hardware & Deeptech ISAR AeroSpace develops and builds launch vehicles to perform satellite launch operations. To disrupt the space industry by lowering the entry barriers to space and to make space access affordable and sustainable, ISAR is developing a fully in-house designed space launch vehicle. ISAR transports small- and medium- sized satellites, and satellite constellations, into Earth's orbit and beyond, contributing to humanity's progress and our planet's sustainable technological and economic development. In June, ISAR announced a significant extension of its Series C to EUR220m bringing total funding since its 2018 founding to over EUR400m. This followed the announcement in May of the establishment of a world-leading commercial launch vehicle production facility near Munich, Germany. In collaboration with the pan-European real estate company VGP Group, who will develop and build the facility, ISAR expect to be able to produce 40 spectrum launch vehicles per year in the future. ISAR is a look-through investment held via Earlybird. Invested: Fair Value: GBP4m GBP23m Ledger Location: Sector: Paris, France Hardware & Deeptech Ledger produces hardware wallets to store private crypto asse tkeys in a secure, offline environment. Hot wallets (crypto wallets connected to the internet) are susceptible to online attacks and Ledger's hardware wallets provide enhanced security to prevent fraudulent access to crypto assets digitally. Customers can integrate their Ledger device with 50+ software wallets. In addition to their hardware wallet product offering, Ledger has also built a full stack software platform to help customers buy, sell, swap, stake, and lend their crypto assets securely - the Ledger Live app provides a secure gateway to access dApps and blockchain apps, allowing users to manage their cryptocurrencies, finances, NFTs and crypto assets from one easy-to-use interface. Ledger launched two new hardware wallets, Ledger Stax in May, featuring a curved E-Ink display and Ledger Flex in July, both designed to enhance user experience with touchscreen technology. In conjunction with these products, Ledger introduced its Security Key app designed to facilitate passwordless authentication using passkeys. This app addresses common concerns about seed phrase management by integrating recovery options into familiar security tools. The company's innovative products, enable individuals and institutions to safely store, trade and grow their crypto holdings. Invested: Fair Value: GBP29m GBP64m UN Sustainable Development Goals Mapping: 8 M-Files Location: Sector: Austin, USA Enterprise Technology M-Files is an intelligent file management platform allowing its customers to organise their content to improve search efficiency, categorisation, and document security. From document creation and management to workflow automation, external collaboration, enterprise search, security, compliance, and audit trail, knowledge workers can increase productivity and unlock efficiencies with M-Files' industry-tailored solutions. Its metadata-driven document management platform enables knowledge workers to instantly find the right information in any context, and the platform connects to existing folder networks and uses AI to help best categorise information. A definitive agreement was reached for a majority recapitalisation investment led by Haveli Investments, a Texas based technology- focused private equity firm, and Bregal Milestone, a European software private equity firm. The
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recapitalisation, subject to regulatory approval, would provide a realisation for the entire Molten investment totalling GBP48m, which is in line with the Group holding value. Invested: Fair Value: GBP7m GBP48m UN Sustainable Development Goals Mapping: 8 N26 Location: Sector: Berlin, Germany Consumer Technology N26 is a leading European neobank focused on a mobile-first, streamlined banking experience. Fully licensed in Germany, N26 simplifies the account setup and verification process through video chat-based KYC, enhancing speed and accessibility. Its app offers robust personal finance tools, including spending insights, instant transfers, and location-based security features to millions of customers in 24 markets across Europe. N26 has raised c.EUR1.8 billion to date. In May, Germany's financial regulator, BaFin, lifted the cap on new customer onboarding, which had limited N26's monthly growth to 60,000 new customers per month. The restriction ceased from 1 June. In October, N26 launched its Stocks and ETFs trading feature across 12 new European markets, allowing customers to invest in popular U.S. and European assets directly through the app with competitive pricing and options for fractional shares. N26 is a look-through investment held via Earlybird. Invested: Fair Value: GBP11m GBP11m UN Sustainable Development Goals Mapping: 10 RavenPack Location: Sector: Marbella, Spain Enterprise Technology RavenPack is a leading provider of insights and technology for data-driven companies. The company's AI tools and products allow financial institutions (including the most successful hedge funds, banks, and asset managers in the world) to extract value and insights from large amounts of information to enhance returns, reduce risk, and increase efficiency by systematically incorporating the effects of public information on their models and workflows. RavenPack delivers structured analytics on published content from high-quality sources (including gated content) and over 40,000 web and social media sources, including news and information in 13 languages for local-level precision and global perspectives. RavenPack launched a new platform called Bigdata.com in October. This advanced AI platform is designed to transform financial research and decision-making by providing users with real-time insights from billions of financial documents. Bigdata.com allows users to interactively "chat" with data, create custom research tools, and automate tasks, significantly enhancing research efficiency. The launch was supported by a USD20 million investment led by GP Bullhound, and the platform has been in beta since July, already being utilised by over 40 major financial institutions. Molten has been invested in RavenPack since 2017 where we were the first institutional backers of the business. The team has been together for over 20 years and offers a truly differentiated data product focused on the financial services and buy side sector. Their high-quality client base of well-known investment banks and hedge funds have been using RavenPack data for many years to help optimise returns and understand market sentiment on companies around the world. With the rich nature of RavenPack's underlying data, they are leading the AI charge with respect to financial services and will undoubtedly be bringing more interesting products to market. Invested: Fair Value: GBP8m GBP36m UN Sustainable Development Goals Mapping: 8 Revolut Location: Sector: London, UK Consumer Technology Revolut is a global financial services company that specialises in mobile banking, card payments, money remittance, and foreign exchange. With 45+ million personal customers globally, Revolut's platform allows users to send money to 160+ countries, hold up to 36 currencies in the app, and spend in 150+ currencies. Revolut also boasts 500k+ business customers to date. Revolut's goal is for everyone to do all things money - spending, saving, investing, borrowing, managing, and more - in just a few taps. Revolut gained nearly 2 million customers in 2024, reaching a total of over 45 million globally, with 10 million in the UK alone. Revolut carried out a secondary share sale of employee stock options at an increased valuation to USD45 billion. In July, Revolut secured a banking license in the UK, which is a crucial step for its plans to offer a broader range of financial services, including traditional banking products. Revolut generates revenue from a variety of sources including interchange fees, foreign exchange spreads, trading commissions, premium subscription fees, and business account fees. This diversification, along with a focus on cross-selling products to existing customers, has enabled Revolut to achieve strong revenue growth. Invested: Fair Value: GBP11m GBP124m UN Sustainable Development Goals Mapping: 8 9 Riverlane Location: Sector: Cambridge, UK Hardware & Deeptech Riverlane is a quantum computing company that is building the Quantum Error Correction Stack (QEC) to comprehensively control all qubit types and correct the millions of data errors that prevent today's generation of quantum computers from achieving useful scale. Riverlane's customers are typically governments, quantum computer hardware companies and world-leading research labs. Riverlane made strides in quantum computing by securing a DARPA grant for its Quantum Benchmarking program, aimed at developing essential metrics for quantum performance. In July, the company introduced a three-year roadmap for its Deltaflow quantum error correction technology, targeting the achievement of one million error-free quantum operations by 2026, a crucial step toward surpassing classical supercomputing capabilities. Riverlane is collaborating with top universities and national labs to advance its QEC efforts, focusing on practical applications and fault tolerance. Riverlane are pioneering quantum computing company focused on developing the critical quantum error correction stack, including high-speed decoders, orchestration, and universal interfaces, to enable large-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computing in partnership with hardware makers. Invested: Fair Value: GBP5m GBP20m UN Sustainable Development Goals Mapping: 3 9 Schüttflix Location: Sector: Gütersloh, Germany Enterprise Technology Schüttflix is Europe's leading logistics platform and B2B marketplace for bulk construction materials and adjacent products in Europe. Bringing together partners from the whole industry - including materials sellers, waste disposers, transport carriers, and contractors - the app connects suppliers and carriers directly with customers, enabling the supply of materials and products on demand to professionals in relevant sectors, such as landscaping, gardening, civil engineering, and road construction. By providing a comprehensive overview of project details - such as materials ordered, prices, delivery dates, key carrier company contacts, and more - Schüttflix has laid the foundation for the digital evolution of construction industry logistics, and is on a mission to be the digital cornerstone of every construction project. Schüttflix secured EUR45 million in funding in August 2024 to enhance its construction technology platform. The investment, led by existing and new investors including FJ Labs and DEVK Insurance, aims to boost operational efficiencies and transparency in the construction supply chain. Schüttflix plans to use these resources for expansion into other European markets and to develop innovative digital products that address industry challenges. These initiatives reflect the company's commitment to transforming the construction landscape through enhanced digital solutions. The construction industry is under pressure to improve efficiency, reduce emissions, and adopt digital solutions. Schüttflix's platform provides key capabilities like paperless delivery documentation, live tracking, price comparison, and optimized route planning to help construction companies streamline operations and reduce waste. Invested: Fair Value: GBP24m GBP24m UN Sustainable Development Goals Mapping: 9 SimScale Location: Sector: Munich, Germany Enterprise Technology SimScale provides a High-Performance Computing (HPC) workbench that enables cloud-based engineering simulations. Unlike traditional solutions from legacy providers which are primarily on-premise, SimScale's platform is significantly more cost-effective (approximately 10x less per annual license), operates up to three times faster, and is easier to use without extensive training. Through its Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) model, SimScale offers a unified platform that supports real-time collaboration and automation for engineering simulations in the cloud. Since April, SimScale expanded its cloud-native simulation platform, introducing AI- driven enhancements for automotive design and new
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features in electromagnetics and structural analysis. The platform has now surpassed 600,000 users and was showcased at the IAA Transportation Trade Fair, where CEO David Heiny highlighted its role in transforming automotive design through accessible, real- time simulation. SimScale has developed the world's first cloud-native engineering simulation platform, empowering businesses to deliver higher- quality hardware products faster, more affordably, and at scale. By democratising access to simulation-currently available to just 1 in 25 engineers, with minimal reach in SMEs-SimScale overcomes the limitations of traditional simulation tools, which restrict widespread deployment and result in siloed usage. Invested: Fair Value: GBP10m GBP11m UN Sustainable Development Goals Mapping: 8 Thought Machine Location: Sector: London, UK Hardware & Deeptech Traditional banks face significant challenges due to fragmented, siloed information within their on-premise technology stacks. Thought Machine provides cloud-native core banking infrastructure to both incumbent and challenger banks. With an existing library of 200+ products, its cloud-native offering - including Vault Core (core banking platform) and Vault Payments (payments processing platform) - is designed to give banks total flexibility in designing products that are scalable. The company's technology provides an alternative, flexible, cloud-based solution that can be configured to provide product, user experience, operating model, or data analysis capability. Emerging as a global category leader in this space, Thought Machine's ability to build and deliver core banking transformations for Tier 1 banks and fintechs is world class. Thought Machine secured strategic partnerships, including with Mastercard as its first core banking partner, and collaborated with Quantifeed for private banking solutions. They successfully migrated Judo Bank's lending business and PayU's LazyPay service to their Vault platform. This period highlights Thought Machine's commitment to expanding its fintech footprint and enhancing its technology offerings. Invested: Fair Value: GBP37m GBP63m UN Sustainable Development Goals Mapping: 8
Financial review
The first half of the year saw stable performance from the portfolio, offset by currency headwinds. Strong delivery of exits has put Molten on track to surpass the guidance of GBP100 million in realisations that we gave at the time of the 2024 full year results.
The first half of the year saw a stable performance from the overall portfolio, offset by currency headwinds. Strong delivery of exits has put Molten on track to surpass the guidance of GBP100 million in realisations that we gave at the time of the 2024 full year results, with the M-Files exit due to complete, subject to final regulatory approval. This would take us to gross realisation proceeds of GBP124 million year to date, in line with our targeted realisations level of 10% of the Gross Portfolio Value through the cycle.
At 30 September 2024, balance sheet cash was GBP82 million, with the Extended Debt Facility of GBP120 million term loan and an undrawn revolving credit facility of up to GBP60 million providing further funding flexibility, subject to availability and certain drawing conditions.
Our evergreen balance sheet model has allowed us to use these facilities to maintain our strong capital position, while still deploying GBP51 million supporting the growth of our portfolio and providing capital to take advantage of secondary opportunities, such as our significant investment in Connect Ventures Fund I.
As at 30 September 2024, net assets stood at GBP1,205 million, a decrease of GBP47 million (3%) from 31 March 2024. This was primarily due to adverse currency movements outweighing a modest increase in the fair value of the portfolio, along with an increased deferred tax liability linked to fair value uplifts in the portfolio.
Operating costs net of fee income amounted to GBP5 million during the period and continue to be in line with the stated target of being less than 1% of NAV. We continue to build the third-party assets managed alongside the balance sheet, which will limit the cost drag on investment returns.
Although the interest rate environment has stayed higher for longer in response to inflationary pressures, this appears to be starting to ease, the valuation environment appears to be stabilising, and portfolio performance continues to be resilient.
Statement of financial position
Portfolio
The Gross Portfolio Value at 30 September 2024 was GBP1,343 million (GBP1,379 million at 31 March 2024). The Gross Portfolio Value is an APM (see Note 23) and a reconciliation from gross to net portfolio value, which is recognised in the condensed consolidated interim statement of financial position, is shown on page 29.
In the current environment, our focus has been to protect the value of the portfolio and to preserve our balance sheet capital, while continuing to take advantage of further investment opportunities. Investments of GBP51 million were made during the period, while cash proceeds from exits and sales of shares were received of GBP76 million, rising to GBP124 million pending the completion of M-Files, which remains subject to regulatory approval. The gross fair value movement on the portfolio was a reduction of GBP11 million, GBP30 million of which was from foreign exchange headwinds, offset by an increase of GBP20 million from positive fair value movements.
The fair value increase reflects the sentiment throughout the market, with market-leading companies still commanding a premium when raising capital. We are still seeing decreases in the valuation multiples of public companies through reduction in growth rates relating to the technology sector, which has impacted some of our portfolio holding valuations.
The Gross Portfolio Value is subject to adjustments for the fair value of any accrued carry and deferred tax liabilities that can arise at the investment vehicle level to generate the Net Portfolio Value of GBP1,260 million which is recognised at fair value through profit and loss ("FVTPL") in the condensed consolidated interim statement of financial position.
The net fair value movement on investments, excluding foreign exchange movements, of GBP20 million, is reflected in the condensed consolidated interim statement of financial position. Carried interest balances of GBP83 million are accrued to current and former employees and consultants of the Group based on the current fair value at the period-end, and deducted from the Gross Portfolio Value. The Gross Portfolio Value table below reconciles the Gross to Net Portfolio Values and the movements between 31 March 2024 to 30 September 2024. The percentage of Net Portfolio Value to Gross Portfolio Value is 94% (31 March 2024: 93%), which reflects the movement in carry balances in line with the movements of the portfolio.
Deferred tax liabilities arising on the investment portfolio at group level were GBP22 million (31 March 2024: GBP10 million) (see Note 12).
Valuation model
Molten's valuation model is a cornerstone of how we manage our portfolio. Our portfolio valuations process continues to follow the IPEV Guidelines which ensures our valuations are accurate and responsive to the evolving business environment.
Our valuation model benefits from the protective structure of preference shares, which shields us from downside risk while allowing us to capture significant upside during market recoveries. The governance surrounding our valuation process ensures objectivity, with external audits and validations adding further transparency and rigour to our approach.
This disciplined valuation strategy has been a key driver of our strong track record, enabling us to realise substantial value even in challenging market conditions, at or above NAV holding.
Total liquidity
Total available cash for the Group at 30 September 2024 was GBP142 million, including GBP60 million undrawn on the Company's revolving credit facility (31 March 2024: GBP117 million, including GBP60 million undrawn on the Company's revolving credit facility). In addition to the balance sheet liquidity, our managed EIS and VCT funds also have GBP44 million of cash available for investment as at 30 September 2024. The consolidated cash balance at 30 September 2024 was GBP82 million (31 March 2024: GBP57 million). During the period, we received cash proceeds from portfolio realisations of GBP76 million. This was offset by investments made during the period of GBP51 million, management fees, and operating costs.
Molten manages liquidity risk by maintaining adequate reserves with ongoing monitoring of forecast and actual cash flows. Capital resources are managed to ensure there is sufficient headroom for 18 months' rolling operating expenses.
Molten generated cash realisations of GBP76 million during the period, rising to GBP124 million following the anticipated post-period completion of M-Files, which remains subject to regulatory approval.
On the 26 July 2024, Molten commenced its share repurchase programme of up to GBP10 million, which completed on 23 September 2024. The programme was financed through existing cash resources, acquiring a total of 2,574,540 ordinary shares, which represents approximately 1.4% of the Company's issued share capital. For further information, please see Note 16(i).
Debt facility
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In July, the Group agreed an extension to the debt facility to a GBP180 million net asset value ("NAV") facility with J.P. Morgan Chase Bank N.A. London Branch and HSBC Innovation Bank Limited (the "Extended Debt Facility"), effective 7 September 2024. The Extended Debt Facility comprises a GBP120 million term loan and a revolving credit facility ("RCF") of up to GBP60 million, both on a three-year tenor, secured against various assets, LP interests and bank accounts in the Group.
Drawdown of the RCF component of the Extended Debt Facility is subject to a maximum loan to value ratio of 12.5%, whilst the interest rate remains at SONIA plus a margin of 5.5% per annum. The value of the portfolio will continue to be subject to periodic independent third-party valuation.
We have been compliant with all relevant financial covenants throughout the period and at period-end.
As at 30 September 2024, the GBP120 million term loan was fully drawn and the GBP60 million RCF was undrawn. The drawn amount is recognised in the condensed consolidated interim statement of financial position at 30 September 2024, offset by capitalised fees from the setup of the Extended Debt Facility, which are being amortised over its life. For further information, please see Note 15.
Andrew Zimmermann Interim Chief Financial Officer
Gross Portfolio Value table
Fair Value Movement Total Fair Value Cost of Multiple
of Investments Realisations in Fair Fair of Investment of Ownership
Investments investments Non-Investment foreign value Value investments 30-Sep-24 Invested interest
31-Mar-24 GBP'm GBP'm cash movements exchange movement movement 30-Sep-24 Cost range1
GBP'm GBP'm 30-Sep-24 GBP'm GBPm
GBP'm GBP'm 30-Sep-24
Revolut 65.1 - - - (3.7) 62.1 58.4 123.5 11.1 11.1x A
CoachHub 91.8 - - - (2.3) - (2.3) 89.5 31.3 2.9x C
Aiven 81.9 - - - (2.0) (8.3) (10.3) 71.6 4.6 15.6x B
Ledger 61.0 - - - (1.5) 4.4 2.9 63.9 28.5 2.2x B
Aircall 60.6 - - - (3.5) 6.5 3.0 63.6 14.3 4.4x B
Thought 99.2 - - - - (35.8) (35.8) 63.4 36.5 1.7x A
Machine
Form3 59.1 - - - - 0.2 0.2 59.3 30.1 2.0x B
M-Files 47.7 - - - (1.2) 1.9 0.7 48.4 6.5 7.4x B
ICEYE 42.8 - - - (2.4) (0.4) (2.8) 40.0 22.5 1.8x B
RavenPack 37.2 - - - (2.1) 1.0 (1.1) 36.1 7.5 4.8x D
FintechOS 29.6 - - - (0.7) - (0.7) 28.9 29.6 1.0x D
Schuttflix 22.1 2.3 - - (0.6) 0.2 (0.4) 24.0 23.8 1.0x B
HiveMQ 20.3 - - - (0.5) 3.0 2.5 22.8 20.2 1.1x B
ISAR AeroSpace 23.4 - - - (0.6) - (0.6) 22.8 4.1 5.6x A
Riverlane 15.9 - - - - 4.1 4.1 20.0 5.1 3.9x B
Freetrade 14.4 - - - - 2.9 2.9 17.3 14.0 1.2x B
N26 10.7 - - - (0.3) 0.5 0.2 10.9 10.6 1.0x B
SimScale 11.0 - - - (0.3) - (0.3) 10.7 9.9 1.1x B
Remaining 585.1 48.2 (75.8) - (8.6) (22.8) (31.4) 526.1 559.8 0.9x
Gross
Portfolio 1,378.9 50.5 (75.8) - (30.3) 19.5 (10.8) 1,342.8 870.0 1.5x
Value
Carry external (87.1) - - - - 4.4 4.4 (82.7)
Portfolio - - - - - - - -
deferred tax
Trading carry 0.3 - - - - - - 0.3
and co-invest
Non-investment - - - 8.5 - (8.5) (8.5) -
cash movement
Net Portfolio 1,292.1 50.5 (75.8) 8.5 (30.3) 15.4 (14.9) 1,260.4
value
1 Fully diluted interest categorised as follows: Cat A: 0-5%, Cat B: 6-10%, Cat C: 11-15%, Cat D: 16-25%, Cat E: > 25%.
Principal risks and uncertainties
A detailed explanation of the principal risks and uncertainties faced by the Group, the management and mitigation of those risks and uncertainties, and the Group's governance of risk management is disclosed in the Risk Management and Principal Risks sections (on pages 56 to 65) of the Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024.
The Audit, Risk and Valuations Committee has assessed the principal risks and uncertainties included in the Annual Report and determined that for the remaining six months of the financial year, the risks to which the Group will be exposed are expected to be substantially the same as described. In summary, those principal risks and uncertainties comprise strategic, business, operational and venture capital industry-specific risks.
Statement of Directors' Responsibilities
The Directors confirm that these unaudited condensed interim financial statements for the six months ended 30 September 2023 have been prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34, 'Interim Financial Reporting' (IAS 34) as adopted by the European Union, UK-adopted IAS 34, the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules sourcebook of the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority and the Transparency (Directive 2004/109/EC) Regulations 2007 (as amended) and the Central Bank of Ireland (Investment Market Conduct) Rules 2019, and that the Interim Management report includes a fair review of the information required by the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules ("DTR") 4.2.7R and 4.2.8R, namely:
-- An indication of important events that have occurred during the first six months and their impact on thecondensed set of financial statements, and a description of the principal risks and uncertainties for the remainingsix months of the financial year; and,
-- Material related-party transactions in the first six months and any material changes in the related-partytransactions described in the last annual report.
This responsibility statement was approved by the Board on 19 November 2024 and signed on its behalf by:
Ben Wilkinson Chief Executive Officer
Independent review report to Molten Ventures plc
Report on the condensed consolidated interim financial statements
Our conclusion
We have reviewed Molten Ventures plc's condensed consolidated interim financial statements (the "interim financial statements") in the Interim Report FY25 of Molten Ventures plc for the 6 month period ended 30 September 2024 (the "period").
Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention that causes us to believe that the interim financial statements are not prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34, 'Interim Financial Reporting' as adopted by the European Union, the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules sourcebook of the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority, the Transparency (Directive 2004/109/EC) Regulations 2007 (as amended) and the Central Bank of Ireland (Investment Market Conduct) Rules 2019.
The interim financial statements comprise:
-- the Condensed consolidated interim statement of financial position as at 30 September 2024;
-- the Condensed consolidated interim statement of comprehensive income for the period then ended;
-- the Condensed consolidated interim statement of cash flows for the period then ended;
-- the Condensed consolidated interim statement of changes in equity for the period then ended; and
-- the explanatory notes to the interim financial statements.
The interim financial statements included in the Interim Report FY25 of Molten Ventures plc have been prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34, 'Interim Financial Reporting' as adopted by the European Union, the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules sourcebook of the United Kingdom's Financial
Conduct Authority, the Transparency (Directive 2004/109/EC) Regulations 2007 (as amended) and the Central Bank of Ireland (Investment Market Conduct) Rules 2019.
Basis for conclusion
We conducted our review in accordance with International Standard on Review Engagements (UK) 2410, 'Review of Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity' issued by the Financial Reporting Council for use in the United Kingdom ("ISRE (UK) 2410"). A review of interim financial information consists of making enquiries, primarily of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters, and applying analytical and other review procedures.
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A review is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) and, consequently, does not enable us to obtain assurance that we would become aware of all significant matters that might be identified in an audit. Accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion.
We have read the other information contained in the Interim Report FY25 and considered whether it contains any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the information in the interim financial statements.
Conclusions relating to going concern
Based on our review procedures, which are less extensive than those performed in an audit as described in the Basis for conclusion section of this report, nothing has come to our attention to suggest that the directors have inappropriately adopted the going concern basis of accounting or that the directors have identified material uncertainties relating to going concern that are not appropriately disclosed. This conclusion is based on the review procedures performed in accordance with ISRE (UK) 2410. However, future events or conditions may cause the group to cease to continue as a going concern.
Responsibilities for the interim financial statements and the review
Our responsibilities and those of the directors
The Interim Report FY25, including the interim financial statements, is the responsibility of, and has been approved by the directors. The directors are responsible for preparing the Interim Report FY25 in accordance with the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules sourcebook of the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority, the Transparency (Directive 2004/109/EC) Regulations 2007 (as amended) and the Central Bank of Ireland (Investment Market Conduct) Rules 2019. In preparing the Interim Report FY25, including the interim financial statements, the directors are responsible for assessing the group's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the directors either intend to liquidate the group or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
Our responsibility is to express a conclusion on the interim financial statements in the Interim Report FY25 based on our review. Our conclusion, including our Conclusions relating to going concern, is based on procedures that are less extensive than audit procedures, as described in the Basis for conclusion paragraph of this report. This report, including the conclusion, has been prepared for and only for the company for the purpose of complying with the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules sourcebook of the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority, the Transparency (Directive 2004/109/EC) Regulations 2007 (as amended) and the Central Bank of Ireland (Investment Market Conduct) Rules 2019 and for no other purpose. We do not, in giving this conclusion, accept or assume responsibility for any other purpose or to any other person to whom this report is shown or into whose hands it may come save where expressly agreed by our prior consent in writing.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Chartered Accountants
London
19 November 2024
Condensed consolidated interim statement of comprehensive income
For the period ending 30 September 2024
Unaudited Period ended 30 Unaudited Period ended 30
Sep 2024 Sep 2023
Notes GBP'm GBP'm
Movements on investments held at fair value through 6 (14.9) (63.2)
profit or loss
Fee income 11.9 9.7
Total investment loss (3.0) (53.5)
Operating expenses
General administrative expenses (13.1) (10.8)
Depreciation and amortisation (0.1) (0.3)
Share-based payments - resulting from Company share (3.2) (2.5)
option scheme
Investment and acquisition costs - (0.1)
Total operating expenses (16.4) (13.7)
Loss from operations (19.4) (67.2)
Finance income 7 1.0 -
Finance expense 7 (6.8) (5.2)
Loss before tax (25.2) (72.4)
Income taxes (12.3) 0.2
Total comprehensive loss for the period (37.5) (72.2)
Loss per share attributable to owners of the parent:
Basic loss per weighted average share (pence) 8 (20) (47)
Diluted loss per weighted average share (pence) 8 (20) (47)
The notes below are an integral part of these condensed consolidated interim financial statements.
The notes below are an integral part of these condensed consolidated interim financial statements.
Condensed consolidated interim statement of financial position
As at 30 September 2024
Unaudited Audited
Notes 30 Sep 2024 31 Mar 2024
GBP'm GBP'm
Non-current assets
Intangible assets 10.3 10.4
Financial assets held at fair value through profit or loss 10 1,260.4 1,292.1
Property, plant and equipment 2.0 0.1
Total non-current assets 1,272.7 1,302.6
Current assets
Trade and other receivables 5.5 1.6
Cash and cash equivalents 82.2 57.0
Total current assets 87.7 58.6
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables (9.8) (9.1)
Financial liabilities 15 (0.3) -
Total current liabilities (10.1) (9.1)
Non-current liabilities
Deferred tax 12 (24.0) (11.7)
Provisions (0.9) (0.3)
Financial liabilities 15 (120.6) (89.4)
Total non-current liabilities (145.5) (101.4)
Net assets 1,204.8 1,250.7
Equity
Share capital 13 1.9 1.9
Share premium account 13 671.2 671.2
Own shares reserve 16(i) (20.4) (8.8)
Other reserves 16(ii) 77.9 74.7
Retained earnings 474.2 511.7
Total equity 1,204.8 1,250.7
Net assets per share (pence) 8 646 662
Diluted net assets per share (pence) 8 646 660
The condensed consolidated interim financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors for issue on 19 November 2024.
The notes below are an integral part of these condensed consolidated interim financial statements.
Ben Wilkinson
Chief Executive Officer
Molten Ventures plc registered number 09799594
Condensed consolidated interim statement of cash flows
for the period ending 30 September 2024
Unaudited Period ended 30 Unaudited Period ended 30
Notes Sep 2024 Sep 2023
GBP'm GBP'm
Cash flows from operating activities
Loss after tax (37.5) (72.2)
Adjustments to reconcile loss to net cash outflow in 17 33.5 69.2
operating activities
Purchase of investments 10 (50.5) (16.5)
Proceeds from disposals in underlying investment vehicles 10 75.8 32.6
Net loans made to underlying investment vehicles and 10 (8.5) (6.4)
Group companies
Net cash inflow from operating activities 12.8 6.7
Cash flows from investing activities
Property, plant and equipment (0.2) -
Net cash outflow from investing activities (0.2) -
Cash flows from financing activities
Loan proceeds 15 30.0 -
Fees paid on issuance of loan 15 (0.8) -
Interest paid (4.0) (4.8)
Acquisition of own shares 16 (11.6) -
Cost of acquisition of own shares (0.1) -
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Repayments of leasing liabilities 15 (0.1) (0.2) Net cash inflow/(outflow) from financing activities 13.4 (5.0) Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 26.0 1.7 Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period 57.0 22.9 Exchange differences on cash and cash equivalents (0.8) - Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period 82.2 24.6
The notes below are an integral part of these condensed consolidated interim financial statements.
Condensed consolidated interim statement of changes in equity
for the period ended 30 September 2024
Attributable to equity holders of the parent (GBP'm)
Period ended 30 September 2024 Notes Share Share Own shares Other Retained Total
(unaudited) capital premium reserve reserves earnings equity
Brought forward as at 1 April 2024 1.9 671.2 (8.8) 74.7 511.7 1,250.7
Comprehensive expense for the period
Loss for the period - - - - (37.5) (37.5)
Total comprehensive expense for the - - - - (37.5) (37.5)
period
Contributions by, and distributions to,
the owners:
Acquisition of treasury shares 16 - - (11.6) - - (11.6)
Options granted and awards exercised 14, - - - 3.2 - 3.2
16
Total contributions by and distributions - - (11.6) 3.2 - (8.4)
to the owners
Balance as at 30 September 2024 1.9 671.2 (20.4) 77.9 474.2 1,204.8
Attributable to equity holders of the parent (GBP'm)
Period ended 30 September 2023 Notes Share Share Own shares Other Retained Total
(unaudited) capital premium reserve reserves earnings equity
Brought forward as at 1 April 2023 1.5 615.9 (8.9) 33.3 552.3 1,194.1
Comprehensive income for the period
Loss for the period - - - - (72.2) (72.2)
Total comprehensive expense for the - - - - (72.2) (72.2)
period
Contributions by and distributions to the
owners:
Options granted and awards exercised 14 - - - 2.3 - 2.3
Total contributions by and distributions - - - 2.3 - 2.3
to the owners
Balance as at 30 September 2023 1.5 615.9 (8.9) 35.6 480.1 1,124.2
The notes in pages 32 to 54 are an integral part of these condensed consolidated interim financial statements.
Notes to the condensed consolidated interim financial statements
1. General information
Name of the Company Molten Ventures plc
LEI code of the Company 213800IPCR3SAYJWSW10
Domicile of Company United Kingdom
Legal form of the Company Public limited company
Country of incorporation England and Wales
Address of Company's registered office 20 Garrick Street, London WC2E 9BT
Principal place of business 20 Garrick Street, London WC2E 9BT
Description of nature of entity's operations and principal activities Venture capital firm
Name of parent entity Molten Ventures plc
Name of ultimate parent of Group Molten Ventures plc
Period covered by financial statements 1 April 2024-30 September 2024
Molten Ventures plc (the "Company") is a public limited company incorporated and domiciled in England and Wales. On 23
July 2021, the Company's ordinary shares were admitted to the premium listing segment of the Official List of the
Financial Conduct Authority and to trading on the London Stock Exchange's Main Market for listed securities, as well as
to the secondary listing of the Official List of the Irish Stock Exchange plc and to trading on the regulated market of
Euronext Dublin. Prior to this, between 15 June 2016 and 22 July 2021, the Company was listed on the London Stock
Exchange's AIM market and the Irish Stock Exchange's Euronext Growth market.
The Company is the ultimate parent company in which results of subsidiaries are consolidated in line with IFRS 10. The
condensed consolidated interim financial statements for the period ended 30 September 2024, and for the comparative
periods ending 31 March 2024 and 30 September 2023, comprise the condensed consolidated interim financial statements of
the Company and its subsidiaries (together, the "Group"). These condensed interim financial statements do not comprise
statutory accounts within the meaning of section 434 of the Companies Act 2006 and have been reviewed, not audited. The
Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024, which were unqualified audited accounts, were approved by
the Board of Directors on 11 June 2024 and delivered to the Registrar of Companies.
The condensed consolidated interim financial statements are presented in Pounds Sterling (GBP/GBP), which is the currency
of the primary economic environment in which the Group operates. All amounts are rounded to the nearest million, unless
otherwise stated.
2. Going concern assessment and principal risks
Going concern
The Group's primary sources of liquidity are the cash flows it generates from its operations, realisations of its
investments and borrowings. The primary use of this liquidity is to fund the Group's operations (including the purchase
of investments). Responsibility for liquidity risk management rests with the Board, which has established a framework
for the management of the Group's funding and liquidity management requirements.
The Group manages liquidity risk by maintaining adequate reserves and with ongoing monitoring of forecast and actual
cash flows. The Group has undertaken a going concern assessment and the latest assessment showed sufficient headroom
for liquidity for at least the next 12 months from the date of signing of these financial statements.
The assessment of going concern considered both the Group's current performance and future outlook, including:
. An assessment of the Group's liquidity and solvency position using a severe but plausible scenario to assess the
potential impact on the Group's operations and portfolio companies. This scenario includes (i) unpredictability of exit
timing, being no realisations throughout the Going Concern period; (ii) portfolio company valuations subject to change,
being a 25% decrease in GPV to assess the impact on covenant compliance; and (iii) the impact of an additional 2%
increase in interest rates to take SONIA to 6.95%. The Group manages and monitors liquidity regularly and continually
assesses investments, commitments, realisations, operating expenses, and receipt of portfolio cash income including
under stress scenarios ensuring liquidity is adequate and sufficient. As at the date of signing, the Directors believe
the Group has sufficient cash resources and liquidity, and is well placed to manage the business risks in the current
economic environment with the ability to utilise the Debt Facility as required.
. The Group has used the same severe but plausible scenario to test both financial and non-financial covenants as part
of the debt facility agreement, with no breaches identified.
After making enquiries and following challenge and review, the Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group
has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for 12 months from the date of approval of these financial
statements. For this reason, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements.
Principal risks
The Group has reviewed its exposure to its principal risks and concluded that these did not have a significant impact
on the financial performance and/or position of the Group for the period and as at 30 September 2024, respectively. For
further details on the Group's principal risks, as well as its risk management processes, please see the Management
Report to these accounts and the Risk Management and Principal Risks Section of the Annual Report and Accounts for the
year ended 31 March 2024.
3. Adoption of new and revised standards
i. Adoption of new and revised standards
No changes to IFRS have impacted this period's financial statements.
ii. Impact of standards issued not yet applied
No upcoming changes under IFRS are likely to have a material effect on the reported results or financial position.
Management will continue to monitor upcoming changes.
4. Significant accounting policies
Basis of preparation
These condensed consolidated interim financial statements for the six months ended 30 September 2024 have been prepared
in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34, 'Interim Financial Reporting' ("IAS 34") as adopted by the
European Union, UK-adopted IAS 34, the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules sourcebook of the United Kingdom's
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Financial Conduct Authority and the Transparency (Directive 2004/109/ EC) Regulations 2007 (as amended) and the Central
Bank of Ireland (Investment Market Conduct) Rules 2019.
The unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements for the six months ended 30 September 2024 were
approved by the Board of Directors on 19 November 2024.
The annual financial statements of the Group for the year ended 31 March 2024 were prepared in accordance with
UK-adopted International Accounting Standards ("IAS") and the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 as applicable to
companies reporting under those standards and International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") adopted pursuant to
Regulation (EC) No 1606/2002 as it applies in the European Union. Except as noted below, the condensed consolidated
interim financial statements have been prepared applying the accounting policies that were applied in the preparation
of the Group's published consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024.
a. Significant accounting policies
The condensed consolidated interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies
adopted by the Group's most recent Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024.
b. Basis of consolidation
The condensed consolidated interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the basis of
consolidation adopted by the Group's most recent Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024.
5. Critical accounting estimates and judgements
The Directors have made the following judgements and estimates that have had the most significant effect on the
carrying amounts of the assets and liabilities in the consolidated financial statements. The estimates and underlying
assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which
the estimate is revised, if the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods
if the revision affects both current and future periods. Actual results may differ from estimates. The key estimate,
(5) (a), and judgement, (5)(b), are discussed below. There have been no new critical accounting estimates and
judgements in the period ended 30 September 2024.
Estimate:
a. Valuation of unquoted equity investments at fair value through profit and loss
The Group invests into limited companies and Limited Partnerships, which are considered to be investment companies that
invest for the benefit of the Group. These investment companies are measured at fair value through profit or loss based
on their net asset value ("NAV") at the year-end. The Group controls these entities and is responsible for preparing
their NAV, which is mostly based on the valuation of their unquoted investments. The Group's valuation of investments
measured at fair value through profit or loss is, therefore, dependent upon estimations of the valuation of the
underlying portfolio companies.
The Group, through its controlled investment companies also invests in investment funds, which primarily focus on seed
investments. These investments are considered to be "Fund of Fund investments" for the Group and are recognised at
their NAV at the period-end date. These Fund of Fund investments are not controlled by the Group and some do not have
coterminous year-ends with the Group. To value these investments, management obtains the latest audited financial
statements or partner reports of the investments and discusses further movements with the management of the funds
following consideration of whether the funds follow the IPEV Guidelines.
Where the Fund of Funds hold investments that are individually material to the Group, management perform further
procedures to determine that the valuation of these investments has been prepared in accordance with the Group's
valuation policies for portfolio companies, as outlined below, and these valuations will be adjusted by the Group where
necessary based on the Group valuation policy for portfolio companies.
The estimates required to determine the appropriate valuation methodology of investments means there is a risk of
material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities. These estimates include whether to increase or
decrease investment valuations and require the use of assumptions about the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities
that are not readily available or observable.
The fair value of investments is established with reference to the IPEV Guidelines. An assessment will be made at each
measurement date as to the most appropriate valuation methodology.
The Group invests in early-stage and growth technology companies, through predominantly unlisted securities. Given the
nature of these investments, there are often no current or short-term future earnings or positive cash flows.
Consequently, although not considered to be the default valuation technique, the appropriate approach to determine fair
value may be based on a methodology with reference to observable market data, being the price of the most recent
transaction. Fair value estimates that are based on observable market data will be of greater reliability than those
based on estimates and assumptions and, accordingly, where there have been recent investments by third parties, the
price of that investment will generally provide a basis of the valuation.
If this methodology is used, its initial use and the length of period for which it remains appropriate to use the
calibration of last round price depends on the specific circumstances of the investment, and the Group will consider
whether this basis remains appropriate each time valuations are reviewed. In addition, the inputs to the valuation
model (e.g. revenue, comparable peer group, product roadmap, and other milestones) will be recalibrated to assess the
appropriateness of the methodology used in relation to the market performance and technical/product milestones since
the round and the Company's trading performance relative to the expectations of the round.
The Group considers alternative methodologies in the IPEV Guidelines, being principally price-revenue or price-earnings
multiples, depending upon the stage of the asset, requiring management to make assumptions over the timing and nature
of future revenues and earnings when calculating fair value. When using multiples, we consider public traded multiples
as at measurement date (30 September 2024 for this report) in similar lines of business, which are adjusted based on
the relative growth potential and risk profile of the subject company versus the market and to reflect the degree of
control and lack of marketability as well as considering company performance against milestones (e.g. financial/
technical/product milestones).
The equity values of our portfolio companies are generally assessed via the methodologies described above. For direct
investments, the equity values are run through their relevant waterfalls to assess the fair value of the investment to
Molten Ventures under the current value methodology. Other methodologies are considered if appropriate.
In all cases, valuations are based on the judgement of the Directors after consideration of the above and upon
available information believed to be reliable, which may be affected by conditions in the financial markets. Due to the
inherent uncertainty of the investment valuations, the estimated values may differ significantly from the values that
would have been used, had a ready market for the investments existed, and the differences could be material. Due to
this uncertainty, the Group may not be able to sell its investments at the carrying value in these financial statements
when it desires to do so, or to realise what it perceives to be fair value in the event of a sale. See Note 18 for
information on unobservable inputs used and sensitivity analysis on investments held at fair value through profit or
loss.
Judgement
b. Investment entity
The Group has a number of entities within its corporate structure and a judgement has been made regarding which should
be consolidated in accordance with IFRS 10, and which should not. The Group consolidates all entities where it has
control, as defined by IFRS 10, over the following:
. power over the investee to significantly direct the activities;
. exposure, or rights, to variable returns from its involvement with the investee; and
. the ability to use its power over the investee to affect the amount of the investor's returns.
The Company does not consolidate qualifying investment entities it controls in accordance with IFRS 10 and instead
recognises them as investments held at fair value through profit or loss. An investment entity, as defined by IFRS 10,
is an entity that:
. obtains funds from one or more investors for the purpose of providing those investor(s) with the investment
management services;
. commits to its investor(s) that its business purpose is to invest funds solely for returns from capital appreciation,
investment income, or both; and
. measures and evaluates the performance of substantially all of its investments on a fair value basis.
When judging whether an entity within the Group is an investment entity, the Group structure as a whole is considered.
As a Group, the investment entities have the characteristics of an investment entity. This is because the Group has:
. more than one investment;
. more than one investor;
. unrelated investors; and
. equity ownership interests.
6. Movements on investments held at fair value through profit or loss
Period ended 30 Sep Period ended 30 Sep
2024 2023
GBP'm GBP'm
Changes in unrealised losses on investments held at fair value through profit (10.1) (53.8)
or loss
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Changes in realised gains/ (losses) on investments held at fair value through 25.5 (4.4)
profit or loss
Net foreign exchange losses on investments held at fair value through profit (30.3) (5.0)
or loss
Total movements on investments held at fair value through profit and loss (14.9) (63.2)
7. Net finance expense
Period ended 30 Sep 2024 Period ended 30 Sep 2023
GBP'm GBP'm
Interest and expenses on loans and borrowings (6.8) (5.2)
Finance expense (6.8) (5.2)
Interest Income 1.0 -
Finance income 1.0 -
Net finance expense (5.8) (5.2)
8. Loss per share and net asset value
The calculation of basic earnings per weighted average share is based on the profit attributable to Shareholders and
the weighted average number of shares. When calculating the diluted earnings per share, the weighted average number of
shares in issue is adjusted for the effect of all dilutive share options and awards.
Basic loss per ordinary share
Loss after tax No. of shares Pence
GBP'm per
share
For the period ended 30 September 2024 (37.5) 188.5 (20)
For the period ended 30 September 2023 (72.2) 153.0 (47)
Diluted loss per ordinary share
Loss after tax No. of shares1 Pence
GBP'm per
share
30 September 2024 (37.5) 188.4 (20)
30 September 2023 (72.2) 153.5 (47)
1 The basic number of shares is 186.5 million, which has been adjusted for treasury shares of GBP2.6m. Please see Note
16 (i) for further details (period to 30 September 2023: 153.0 million). Diluted shares has been calculated to adjust
by the accounting for options of 0.04 million in the period (period to 30 September 2023: 0.5 million) to get to the
diluted number of shares of 188.4 million (period to 30 September 2023: 153.5 million).
Net asset value per share is based on the net asset attributable to Shareholders and the number of shares at the
relevant reporting date. When calculating the diluted earnings per share, the number of shares in issue at balance
sheet date is adjusted for the effect of all dilutive share options and awards.
Net asset value per ordinary share
Net assets No. of shares Pence
GBP'm per
share
As at 30 September 2024 1,204.8 186.5 646
As at 31 March 2024 1,250.7 189.0 662
Diluted net asset value per ordinary share
Net assets No. of shares2 Pence
GBP'm per
share
As at 30 September 2024 1,204.8 186.4 646
As at 31 March 2024 1,250.7 189.4 660
2 The basic number of shares is 186.5 million, which has been adjusted for treasury shares of GBP2.6m. Please see Note
16 (i) for further details (31 March 2024: 189.0 million). This has been adjusted to calculate the diluted number of
shares by accounting for options of 0.04 million in the year (31 March 2024: 0.4 million) to get to the diluted number
of shares of 188.4 million (31 March 2024: 189.4 million).
9. Significant holdings in undertakings other than subsidiary undertakings
For further details of other related undertakings within the Group, see Note 4 of these condensed consolidated interim
financial statements and Note 4(b) of the Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024.
Please see below details of investments held by the Group's investment companies, where the ownership percentage or
partnership interest exceeds 20%. These are held at fair value through the profit or loss in the condensed consolidated
interim statement of financial position.
Type of Interest FD category at
Name Address Principal activity shareholding reporting date/
partnership interest*
Earlybird GmbH & c/o Earlybird Venture Limited partnership pursuant to
Co. Capital, Maximilianstr. 14, which the Group holds certain Partnership 27%
Beteiligungs-KG 80539, München investments interest
IV
Earlybird Special c/o Earlybird Venture Limited partnership pursuant to Partnership
Opportunities LP Capital, Maximilianstr. 14, which the Group holds certain interest 35%
80539, München investments
Earlybird DWES c/o Earlybird Venture Limited partnership pursuant to Partnership
Fund VI GmbH & Capital, Maximilianstr. 14, which the Group holds certain interest 50%
Co. KG 80539, München investments
Ordinary
FintechOS Holding Amstelplein 1, 1096 HA Trading company Shares D
B.V Amsterdam, Netherlands Preference
shares
Ordinary
Outthink Limited 80 Cheapside, London, United Trading company Shares D
Kingdom, EC2V 6EE Preference
shares
14 Fenchurch Court, Bobby Ordinary
Plyable Ltd Fryer Close, Oxford, Trading company Shares D
England, OX4 6ZN Preference
shares
Ordinary
Driftrock Limited 124 City Road, London, Trading company Shares D
United Kingdom, EC1V 2NX Preference
shares
Ordinary
Ahauz Limited 10 Orange St Haymarket, Trading company Shares D
London, England, WC2H 7DQ Preference
shares
Unit 2f Zetland House, 5-25 Ordinary
Makers Academy Scrutton St, London, Trading company Shares E
Limited England, EC2A 4HJ Preference
shares
Ordinary
Lion Wolf Hart 7 Regal Lane, London, Trading company Shares E
Limited England, NW1 7TH Preference
shares
Connect Ventures 6th Floor 125 London Wall, Limited partnership pursuant to Partnership
One LP London, England, EC2Y 5AS which the Group holds certain interest E
investments
Realeyes Ordinary
(Holdings) 5 New Street Square, London, Trading company Shares E
Limited EX4A 3TW, GB Preference
shares
* Fully diluted interest categorised as follows: Cat A: 0-5%, Cat B: 6-10%, Cat C: 11-15%, Cat D: 16-25% and Cat E: >
25%
Details of the fair value of the core companies are detailed as part of the Gross Portfolio Value table in the
Financial Review.
10. Financial assets held at fair value through profit or loss
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The Group holds investments through the investment vehicles it manages. The investments are carried at fair value
through profit and loss. The Group's valuation policies are set out in detail in the Annual Report and Accounts for the
year ended 31 March 2024. The table below sets out the movement in the balance sheet value of investments from the
start to the end of the period, showing investments made, cash receipts and fair value movements.
Unaudited Audited
period ended year ended
30 Sep 2024 31 Mar 2024
GBP'm GBP'm
As at 1 April 1,292.1 1,277.0
Investments made in the period/year 50.5 65.3
Realisations from underlying investment vehicles (75.8) (38.9)
Carry external - 1.9
Non-investment cash movement 8.5 15.8
Movements in fair value of investments held at fair value through profit or loss (14.9) (29.0)
As at period-end 1,260.4 1,292.1
11. Operating Segments
IFRS 8, 'Operating Segments', defines operating segments as those activities of an entity about which separate
financial information is available and which are evaluated by the Chief Operating Decision Maker to assess performance
and determine the allocation of resources.
The Board of Directors have identified Molten's Chief Operating Decision Maker to be the Chief Executive Officer
("CEO"). The Group's investment portfolio engages in business activities from which it earns revenues and incurs
expenses, has operating results, which are regularly reviewed by the CEO to make decisions about resources and assess
performance, and the portfolio has discrete financial information available. The Group's investment portfolio has
similar economic characteristics, and investments are similar in nature. Dealflow for the investment portfolio is now
consistent across all funds (except for the Legacy funds - see below) and the Group's Investment Committee reviews and
approves (where appropriate) investments for all the investment portfolio in line with the strategy set by the Molten
Ventures plc Board of Directors. Although the managers of our EIS funds, VCT funds and plc funds have a separate
management committee, the majority of those sitting on the committees are consistent across all. Taking into account
the above points, and in line with IFRS 8, the investment portfolio (across all funds) has been aggregated into one
single operating segment.
Legacy funds - the legacy funds (Esprit Capital I Fund No 1 LP, and Esprit Capital IIIi Fund LP) continue to be managed
by the Group (Esprit Capital Partners LLP). These funds are in run-off. Although the investments held within these
funds are not consistent with the rest of the investment portfolio (although there has been some cross-over in the
past), they are similar in nature and the Group does not earn material revenue (neither is material expenditure
incurred) from the management of these funds, which would meet the quantitative thresholds set out in IFRS 8.
Management does not believe that separate disclosure of information relating to the legacy funds would be useful to
users of the financial statements.
The majority of the Group's revenues are not from interest, and Management does not primarily rely on net interest
revenue to assess the performance of the Group and make decisions about resource allocation. Therefore, the Group
reports interest revenue separately from interest expense.
The Group's management considers the Group's investment portfolio represents a coherent and diversified portfolio with
similar economic characteristics and as a result these individual investments have been aggregated into a single
operating segment. In the view of the Directors, there is accordingly one reportable segment under the provisions of
IFRS 8.
12. Deferred tax
Deferred tax is calculated in full on temporary differences under the balance sheet liability method using the tax rate
expected to apply when the temporary differences reverse. See breakdown below:
Unaudited as at 30 Sep 2024 Audited as at
31 Mar 2024
GBP'm GBP'm
Arising on share-based payments (1.6) (1.6)
Arising on co-invest and carried interest (0.4) (0.2)
Arising on the investment portfolio (22.0) (9.8)
Other timing differences - (0.1)
Deferred tax liability (24.0) (11.7)
As at 30 September 2024, the Group had tax losses carried forward of GBP2.9m (31 March 2024: GBP2.9m).
13. Share capital and share premium
Ordinary share capital
Number Pence GBP'm
Period ended 30 September 2024 - Allotted and fully paid
At the beginning of the period 189,046,450.0 1.0 1.9
At the end of the period 189,046,450.0 1.0 1.9
Ordinary share capital
Number Pence GBP'm
Year ended 31 March 2024 - Allotted and fully paid
At the beginning of the year 152,999,853 1.0 1.5
Issue of share capital during the year for cash1 21,261,548 1.0 0.2
Share-for-share exchange2 14,785,049 1.0 0.2
At the end of the year 189,046,450 1.0 1.9
1 In December 2023, the Company raised equity by issuing 21,261,548 new ordinary shares at 1 pence.
2 In March 2024, the Company exchanged 14,785,049 new ordinary shares as part of the Forward Partners Group Limited
acquisition.
Share premium
Unaudited period ended Audited year ended
Allotted and fully paid 30 Sep 2024 31 Mar 2024
GBP'm GBP'm
At the beginning of the period 671.2 615.9
Premium arising on the issue of ordinary shares - 57.1
Equity issuance costs - (1.8)
At the end of the period 671.2 671.2
14. Share-based payments
b/f 1 Granted Lapsed in Exercised c/f 30 Exercise Fair value per
Date of April in the the year in the Sep 2024 Vesting Price granted
grant 2024 year (No.) year (No.) (No.) period (pence) instrument
(No.) (No.) (pence)
28-Nov-16 499,320 - - - 499,320 3 years 355 64.1
11-Nov-17 120,000 - - - 120,000 3 years 530 89.3
28-Nov-17 306,384 - - - 306,384 3 years 387 70.9
Molten Ventures plc 2016
Company Share Option 30-Jul-18 650,750 - - - 650,750 3 years 492 152.9
Scheme ("CSOP")
12-Feb-19 546,868 - - - 546,868 3 years 530 67.8
29-Jun-20 200,000 - (200,000) - - 3 years 449 81.2
26-Jul-21 36,364 - - (4,566) 31,798 1 year 1 986.0
29-Jun-20 269,331 - - (14,198) 255,133 3 years 1 449.0
16-Jul-21 545,005 - (422,530) (2,838) 119,637 1 year 1 940.0
17-Jun-22 457,171 - (8,799) - 448,372 3 years 1 540.0
17-Jun-22 543,609 - - - 543,609 5 1 540.0
years*
Molten Ventures plc
Long-Term Incentive Plan 22-Jun-23 95,416 - (1,837) - 93,579 2 years 1 241.0
("LTIP")
22-Jun-23 113,453 - - - 113,453 2 years 1 447.0
23-Jun-23 2,344,779 - (22,933) - 2,321,846 3 years 1 274.0
19-Jun-24 - 803,099 - - 803,099 3 years 1 354.0
28-Jun-24 - 934,668 - - 934,668 3 years 1 322.0
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1-Sep-24 - 51,582 - - 51,582 3 years 1 357.0
17-Jun-22 211,110 - - - 211,110 2 years 1 540.0
Molten Ventures plc
Deferred Benefit Plan 22-Jun-23 44,058 - - - 44,058 2 years 1 241.0
("DBP")
19-Jun-24 - 174,070 - - 174,070 2 years 1 354.0
Total 6,983,618 1,963,419 (656,099) (21,602) 8,269,336
*This is a vesting period of three years and a further two-year holding period.
Set out below are summaries of the options granted under the plan
Unaudited period ended Audited year ended
30 Sep 2024 31 Mar 24
At the beginning of the period 6,983,618 4,689,148
Granted during the period/year 1,963,419 2,633,901
Lapsed in the period/year (656,099) (279,288)
Exercised during the period/year (21,602) (60,143)
As at period- /year-end 8,269,336 6,983,618
Both the CSOP, LTIP and DBP are, as of 30 September 2024, partly administered by the Molten Ventures Employee Benefit
Trust ("Trust"). The Trust is consolidated in these consolidated financial statements. The Trust may purchase shares
from the market and, from time to time, when the options are exercised, the Trust transfers the appropriate number of
shares to the employee or sells these as agent for the employee. The proceeds received, net of any directly
attributable transaction costs, are credited directly to equity. Shares held by the Trust at the end of the reporting
period are shown as own shares in the consolidated financial statements (see Note 16). Of the 21,602 options exercised
during the period, none were satisfied with new ordinary shares issued by Molten Ventures plc (six-month period ended
30 September 2023: 34,249 options exercised, no new ordinary shares issued). All outstanding options have been assessed
to be reportable as equity-settled.
The options granted under the LTIP have an exercise price of 1p per share and are subject to performance conditions for
directors. Additional share options awarded to employees under the LTIP also have an exercise price of 1p per share and
are subject to performance underpins, one of which is dependent on Group NAV.
The options awarded under the DBP also have an exercise price of 1p each and are subject to a two-year deferral period
before they can be exercised.
The fair value of the LTIP shares is valued using the Black-Scholes model, which includes a Monte Carlo simulation
model. A six-monthly review takes place of non-market performance conditions and, as at 30 September 2024, the best
estimate for expecting vesting of unvested share options is 52%.
FY24 bonus amounts were paid in cash for an amount up to 100% of each Director's salary, with the balance being paid in
the form of a deferred share award over a number of shares calculated based on the Volume Weighted Average Price per
share for the five trading days immediately prior to the date of grant. The deferral period under the bonus scheme is
two years from the date of the award.
Vesting is not subject to any further performance conditions (other than continued employment at the date of vesting).
The Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model has been used for valuation purposes.
The share-based payment charge for the period is GBP3.2 million (period ended 30 September 2023: GBP2.5 million).
15. Financial liabilities
Unaudited Audited
30 Sep 2024 31 Mar 2024
GBP'm GBP'm
Current liabilities
Leases (0.3) -
Total current financial liabilities (0.3) -
Non-current liabilities
Leases (1.4) -
Loans and borrowings (119.2) (89.4)
Total non-current financial liabilities (120.6) (89.4)
Total (120.9) (89.4)
The below table shows the changes in liabilities from financing activities.
Borrowings Leases
GBP'm GBP'm
As at 1 April 2023 (89.0) (0.3)
Payment of lease liabilities - 0.3
Drawdowns (38.0) -
Repayment of debt 38.0 -
As at 31 March 2024 (89.0) -
Recognition of liability from new lease - (1.8)
Payment of lease liabilities - 0.1
Drawdowns (30.0) -
Other charges - interest payments (presented as cash flows) 0.2 -
At 30 September 2024 (118.8) (1.7)
Loans and borrowings
In the period, the Company extended their facility agreement, effective from 7 September 2024, with J.P. Morgan Chase
Bank, N.A. ("JPM") and HSBC Innovation Banking Limited ("HSBCIB"), which may be used for Investment and corporate
purposes.
The Extended Debt Facility comprises a GBP120.0 million term loan ("Term Loan") drawn on day one and a revolving credit
facility ("RCF") of up to GBP60.0 million, both with a three-year tenor. Repayment date is September 2027, or both may be
extended by two 12-month periods subject to the lenders' willingness to extend and satisfaction of various conditions.
The headline interest rate applied on both the Term Loan and RCF remains at SONIA plus a "margin" of 5.50% per annum.
The Debt Facility is secured against various Group assets, LP interests and bank accounts in the Group.
Drawdown of the RCF component of the Extended Debt Facility is subject to a maximum loan to value ratio of 12.5%. The
Company's ability to satisfy its financial and non-financial covenants is dependent on the value of the investment
portfolio. The value of the portfolio will continue to be subject to periodic independent third-party valuation.
The Group incurred transaction fees of GBP0.8 million, which are presented within loans and borrowings on the statement
of financial position and are amortised over the life of the facility. Interest-related charges are reported in the
consolidated statement of comprehensive income as finance costs.
The Debt Facility contains financial and non-financial covenants, which the Company and certain members of the Group
must comply with throughout the term of the Debt Facility:
. Maintain a value to cost ratio of investments of at least 10% (1.10:1.00).
. Total financial indebtedness not to exceed 20% (10% on each utilisation; 12.5% in certain circumstances) of the value
of investments in the portfolio with adjustments for concentration limits (see below) together with the value of all
amounts held in specified bank accounts subject to the security package.
. Total aggregate financial indebtedness of the Company and certain members of the Group is not to exceed 35% (25% on
each utilisation) of the value of secured investments in the portfolio with adjustments for concentration limits
calculated by reference to specified assets and bank accounts subject to the security package.
. The Company and certain members of its Group must maintain a minimum number of investments subject to concentration
limits connected to sector, geography, joint or collective value, and/or listed status.
Failure to satisfy financial covenants may limit the Company's ability to borrow and/or also trigger events of default,
which in some instances could trigger a cash sweep on realisations and/or require the Company to cure those breaches by
repaying the Debt Facility (either partially or in full).
Period ended 30 Sep Year ended
2024 Period ended 30 Sep 2023
31 Mar 2024
GBP'm GBP'm GBP'm
Bank loan senior facility amount 180.0 150.0 150.0
SONIA Rate SONIA Rate SONIA Rate
Interest rate +5.5% +5.5% +5.5%
Drawn at balance sheet date (120.0) (90.0) (90.0)
Arrangement fees 0.8 0.8 0.6
Loan liability balance (119.2) (89.2) (89.4)
Undrawn facilities at balance sheet date 60.0 60.0 60.0
16. Own shares and other reserves
(i) Own shares reserve
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Own shares are shares held in Molten Ventures plc that are held by Molten Ventures Employee Benefit Trust ("Trust") and
shares in Molten Ventures plc repurchased as part of a share buyback programme during the period.
Shares held in Molten Ventures plc held by the Trust are for the purpose of issuing shares under the Molten Ventures
plc 2016 Company Share Options Plan, Long-Term Incentive Plan and Deferred Bonus Plan. Shares issued to employees are
recognised on a weighted average cost basis. The Trust holds 0.8% of the issued share capital at 30 September 2024.
On 26 July 2024, a share buyback programme was announced up to a maximum aggregate consideration of GBP10.0 million to
commence on the same day. On 23 September 2024, the programme was completed. The Company acquired a total of 2,574,540
ordinary shares, which represent approx. 1.4% of the Company's issued share capital at period-end. The average price
paid per ordinary share as part of the programme was GBP391p. The repurchased shares are held in treasury, with no plans
to cancel the shares. The fees charged for the share repurchase were GBP40k. The repurchased shares and directly
associated fees are recognised directly in equity.
Period
Period ended 30 Sep 2024 ended 30 Year ended 31 Mar 2024
Sep 2023
No. of shares No. of No. of shares
GBP'm shares GBP'm GBP'm
m m m
Opening balance (1.1) (8.8) (1.1) (8.9) (1.1) (8.9)
Acquisition of shares by the Trust (0.4) (1.6) - - - -
Acquisition of shares as part of the share buyback (2.6) (10.0) - - - -
programme
Disposal or transfer of shares by the Trust* - - - - - 0.1
Closing balance (4.1) (20.4) (1.1) (8.9) (1.1) (8.8)
* Disposals or transfers of shares by the Trust also include shares transferred to employees net of exercise price with
no resulting cash movements. Cash receipts in respect of sale of shares in the period ended 30 September 2024 were GBPNil
(year ending 31 March 2024: GBPNil).
(ii) Other reserves
The following table shows a breakdown of the "other reserves" line in the condensed consolidated interim statement of
financial position and the movements in those reserves during the period. A description of the nature and purpose of
each reserve is provided below the following tables.
Merger Share-based payments reserve - Share-based payments reserve Total
Period to 30 September relief resulting from Company share option resulting from acquisition of other
2024 reserve scheme subsidiary reserves
GBP'm GBP'm GBP'm GBP'm
Opening balance 50.0 13.9 10.8 74.7
Share-based payments - 3.2 - 3.2
Share-based payments -
exercised during the - - - -
period
Closing balance 50.0 17.1 10.8 77.9
Merger Share-based payments reserve - Share-based payments reserve Total
Period to 30 September relief resulting from Company share option resulting from acquisition of other
2023 reserve scheme subsidiary reserves
GBP'm GBP'm GBP'm GBP'm
Opening balance 13.1 9.4 10.8 33.3
Share-based payments - 2.5 - 2.5
Share-based payments -
exercised during the - (0.2) - (0.2)
period
Closing balance 13.1 11.7 10.8 35.6
Merger Share-based payments reserve - Share-based payments reserve Total
relief resulting from Company share option resulting from acquisition of other
Year to 31 March 2024 reserve scheme subsidiary reserves
GBP'm GBP'm GBP'm GBP'm
Opening balance 13.1 9.4 10.8 33.3
Share-based payments - 4.5 - 4.5
Share-for-share exchange 36.9 - - 36.9
Closing balance 50 13.9 10.8 74.7
Merger relief reserve
In accordance with the Companies Act 2006, a Merger Relief Reserve of GBP13.1 million (net of the cost of share capital
issued of GBP80,000) was created on the issue of 4,392,332 ordinary shares for 300 pence each in Molten Ventures plc as
consideration for the acquisition of 100% of the capital interests in Esprit Capital Partners LLP on 15 June 2016.
A Merger Relief Reserve of GBP36.9 million was created on the issue of 14,785,049 ordinary Shares of 250 pence each in
Molten Ventures plc as consideration for the acquisition of 100% of the capital interest in Forward Partners Group plc
on 14 March 2024.
Share-based payment reserve
Where the Group engages in equity-settled share-based payment transactions, the fair value at the date of grant is
recognised as an expense over the vesting period of the options. The corresponding credit is recognised in the
share-based payment reserve. Please see Note 14 for further details on how the fair value at the date of grant is
recognised.
17. Adjustments to reconcile operating loss to net cash outflow in operating activities
Period ended Period ended
30 Sep 2024 30 Sep 2023
GBP'm GBP'm
Adjustments to reconcile operating loss to net cash (outflow) in operating activities:
Revaluation of investments held at fair value through profit or loss 14.9 63.2
Depreciation and amortisation 0.1 0.3
Share-based payments - resulting from Company share option scheme 3.2 2.5
Finance income (1.0) -
Finance expense 6.8 5.2
Deferred tax expense 12.3 -
(Increase)/decrease in trade and other receivables and other working capital movements (3.9) 2.6
Increase/(decrease) in trade and other payables 1.1 (4.6)
Adjustments to reconcile operating loss to net cash outflow in operating activities: 33.5 69.2
Please see Note 15 for the changes in liabilities from financing activities.
18. Fair value measurements
i. Fair value hierarchy
This section explains the judgements and estimates made in determining the fair values of the financial instruments
that are recognised and measured at fair value in the financial statements. This section should be read with reference
to Notes 5a and 10. As outlined in Note 5a, valuation of unquoted equity investments at fair value through profit or
loss is a critical accounting estimate and actuals may differ from estimates. The Group has considered the impact of
ESG and climate-related risks on its portfolio, and consider these to be currently immaterial to the value of our
portfolio for six months to 30 September 2024 (year ending 31 March 2024: immaterial) and taking into consideration the
climate risk impact channels and their financial impact across the portfolio companies, however this will be monitored
each year to assess any changes. The Group recognised a number of climate-related opportunities within the portfolio
via our Climate Tech thesis. The inputs to our valuations are described in the sensitivities analysis table below, and
because these are more short-term in nature (e.g. forecast revenue for the current year applied to current market
multiples, and recent transactions), we do not currently see any material impacts on these inputs from the longer term
risks described in our TCFD report within the Annual Report for the year ended 31 March 2024 and, therefore, the values
as at 30 September 2024. We also recognise that, although the risks are not currently material, they could become
material in the medium- to long-term without mitigating actions, which are described within the TCFD section of the
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Strategic Report within our Annual Report for the year ended 31 March 2024. For further discussion of our
climate-related risks, please see our TCFD and Principal Risks sections of the Strategic Report in the Annual Report
for the year ending 31 March 2024.
The Group classifies financial instruments measured at fair value through profit or loss ("FVTPL") according to the
following fair value hierarchy prescribed under the accounting standards:
-- Level 1: inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that
the entity can access at the measurement date (30 September 2024; and 31 March 2024 for comparatives);
-- Level 2: inputs are inputs, other than quoted prices included within Level 1, that are observable for the
asset or liability, either directly or indirectly; and
-- Level 3: inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.
All financial instruments measured at FVTPL in both periods presented are financial assets relating to holdings in
high-growth technology companies. The Group invests in special purpose vehicles and limited partnerships that are
considered to be investment companies that invest in equities for the benefit of the Group. These are held at their
respective net asset values and, as such, are noted to be all Level 3 for both periods presented. For details of the
reconciliation of those amounts please refer to Note 10. The additional disclosures below are made on a look-through
basis and are based on the Gross Portfolio Value ("GPV"). In order to arrive at the Net Portfolio Value ("NPV"), which
is the value recognised as investments held at FVTPL in the statement of financial position, the GPV is subject to
deductions for the fair value of carry liabilities and adjustments for Irish deferred tax. UK deferred tax is
recognised in the consolidated statement of financial position as a liability to align the recognition of deferred tax
to the location in which it will likely become payable on realisation of the assets. For details of the GPV and its
reconciliation to the investment balance in the financial statements, please refer to the extract of the Gross
Portfolio Value table below:
Fair Value of Non Movement in Fair Value Fair Value
Investments31 Investments Realisations investment Foreign Movement in movement of
Investments Mar 2024 cash movement Exchange Fair Value 30 Sep Investments
GBP'm GBP'm 2024 30 Sep 2024
GBP'm GBP'm GBP'm GBP'm
GBP'm GBP'm
Gross
Portfolio 1,378.9 50.5 (75.8) - (30.3) 19.5 (10.8) 1,342.8
Value
Carry external (87.1) - - - - 4.4 4.4 (82.7)
Portfolio - - - - - - - -
deferred tax
Trading carry 0.3 - - - - - - 0.3
and co-invest
Non-investment - - - 8.5 - (8.5) (8.5) -
cash movement
Net Portfolio 1,292.1 50.5 (75.8) 8.5 (30.3) 15.4 (14.9) 1,260.4
Value
Fair Value Fair Value
Fair Value of Non Movement in movement of
Investments Investments Realisations investment Foreign Movement in Investments
Investments cash movement Exchange Fair Value 31 Mar
31 Mar 2023 GBP'm GBP'm 2024 31 March
GBP'm GBP'm GBP'm 2024
GBP'm GBP'm
GBP'm
Gross
Portfolio 1,370.8 65.3 (38.9) - (23.9) 5.6 (18.3) 1,378.9
Value
Carry external (94.9) - 1.9 - - 5.0 5.0 (87.1)
Portfolio - - - - - - - -
deferred tax
Trading carry 0.3 - - - - - - 0.3
and co-invest
Non-investment - - - 15.8 - (15.8) (15.8) -
cash movement
Net Portfolio 1,277.1 65.3 (37.0) 15.8 (23.9) (5.2) (29.1) 1,292.1
Value
Carry external - this relates to accrued carry that is due to former and current employees or managers external to the
Group. These values are calculated based on the reported fair value, applying the provisions of the limited partnership
agreements to determine the value that would be payable by the Group's investment entities to external managers and the
carried interest partnerships.
Portfolio deferred tax - this relates to tax accrued against gains in the portfolio to reflect those portfolio
companies where tax is expected to be payable on exits. This relates to Irish deferred tax only. UK deferred tax is
recognised in the consolidated statement of financial position as a liability to align the recognition of deferred tax
to the location in which it will likely become payable on realisation of the assets. These values are calculated based
on unrealised fair value of investments at the reporting date at the applicable tax rate.
Trading carry and co-invest - this relates to accrued carry that is due to the Group.
Non-investment cash movements - this relates to cash movements relating to management fees and other non-investment
cash movements to the subsidiaries held at FVTPL.
During the six months ending 30 September 2024, there were no transfers between the levels. The Group's policy is to
recognise transfers into, and out of, fair value hierarchy levels as at the end of the reporting period.
Fair value measurements Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
At 30 September 2024 GBP'm GBP'm GBP'm GBP'm
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss
Quoted investments - - - -
Unquoted investments being made up of: - - 1,342.8 1,342.8
Unquoted investments - enterprise technology - - 559.8 559.8
Unquoted investments - consumer technology - - 192.2 192.2
Unquoted investments - hardware and deeptech - - 261.4 261.4
Unquoted investments - digital health and wellness - - 30.0 30.0
Unquoted investments - other* - - 299.4 299.4
Total financial assets - - 1,342.8 1,342.8
Fair value measurements Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
At 31 March 2024 GBP'm GBP'm GBP'm GBP'm
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss
Quoted investments - - - -
Unquoted investments being made up of: - - 1,378.9 1,378.9
Unquoted investments - enterprise technology - - 567.4 567.4
Unquoted investments - consumer technology - - 147.5 147.5
Unquoted investments - hardware and deeptech - - 317.3 317.3
Unquoted investments - digital health and wellness - - 71.8 71.8
Unquoted investments - other* - - 274.9 274.9
Total financial assets - - 1,378.9 1,378.9
* "other" includes Fund of Funds investments and Earlybird investments where we do not perform a look-through
valuation. This differs from the analysis in the Strategic Report in the Annual Report for the year ended 31 March 2024
in order to align to valuation methodologies. Within that Strategic Report, additional Earlybird companies are included
within the sector analysis.
ii. Valuation techniques used to determine fair values
The fair value of unlisted securities is established with reference to the IPEV Guidelines. In line with the IPEV
Guidelines, the Group may base valuations on earnings or revenues where applicable, market comparables, calibrated
price of recent investment in the investee companies, or on net asset values of underlying funds ("NAV of underlying
funds"). An assessment will be made at each measurement date as to the most appropriate valuation methodology,
including that for investee companies owned by third-party funds that Molten Ventures plc invests in, and which are
valued on a look-through basis.
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Financial instruments, measured at fair value, categorised as Level 3 can be split into three main valuation
techniques:
. Calibrated price of recent investment;
. Revenue-multiple; and
. NAV of underlying fund.
Each portfolio company will be subject to individual assessment.
For a valuation based on calibrated price of recent investment, the recent round enterprise value is calibrated against
the equivalent value at period/year-end using a revenue-multiple valuation methodology as well as in relation to
technical/product milestones since the round and the company's trading performance relative to the expectations of the
round.
For a valuation based on a revenue-multiple, the main assumption is the multiple. The multiple is derived from
comparable listed companies or relevant market transaction multiples. Companies in the same industry and geography,
and, where possible, with a similar business model and profile are selected and then adjusted for factors including
liquidity risk, growth potential and relative performance.
Where the Group invests in Fund of Funds investments, the value of the portfolio will be reported by the fund to the
Group. The Group will ensure that the valuations comply with the Group policy and that they are adjusted with any cash
and known valuation movements where reporting periods do not align.
See also Note 5(a) within the Annual Report for the year ended 31 March 2024 where valuation policies are discussed in
more detail.
iii. Fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
The table below presents the changes in Level 3 items for the period ended 30 September 2024 and year ended 31 March
2024.
Level 3 valuations GBP'm
Opening balance at 1 April 2023 1,358.8
Investments 65.4
Losses (16.6)
Realisations (28.7)
Closing balance at 31 March 2024 1,378.9
Investments 50.5
Losses (10.8)
Realisations (75.8)
Closing balance at 30 September 2024 1,342.8
iv. Valuation inputs and relationships for fair value
The following table summarises the quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs used in Level 3
fair value measurements at 30 September 2024 and 31 March 2024:
Fair
value Sensitivity on Fair value Fair value
Valuation Sector Significant input* at 30 significant impact of impact of
technique Sep input sensitivities sensitivities
2024 (GBP'm) +10% (GBP'm) -10%
GBP'm
417.0 366.5 454.1
All
(FY24: (FY24: 289.8) (FY24: 363.4)
Calibrated round enterprise value - Pre 328.2)
and post year-end round enterprise values
have been calibrated with appropriate 246.4 212.9 255.9
Enterprise premiums and discounts taken to reflect
tech movements in publicly listed peer (FY24: (FY24: 112.2) (FY24: 131.8)
multiples, future revenue projections and 121.3)
timing risk. Premiums and discounts were 10% sensitivity
Calibrated applied to 81% (FY24: 75%) of the fair 20.0 applied to the 18.1 21.9
price of Consumer value of investments measured at premium and
recent tech calibrated price of recent investment. The (FY24: discount to last (FY24: 5.1) (FY24: 6.0)
investment range of premiums applied is 1%-51% (FY24: 5.7) round price.
24%-137%). The range of discounts taken is
2%-81% (FY24: 2-79%). The weighted average 129.2 120.5 149.5
Hardware & discount taken is 14% (FY24: 21%). Less
Deeptech discounts have been applied in the current (FY24: (FY24: 121.9) (FY24: 168.2)
year, reflecting calibration to the 146.6)
market.
Digital 21.4 15.0 26.8
health &
wellness (FY24: (FY24: 50.6) (FY24: 57.4)
54.6)
Revenue-multiples are applied to the
revenue of our portfolio companies to
determine their enterprise value. 538.7 601.0 496.4
Implied revenue-multiple - the portfolio 10% sensitivity
we have is diversified across sectors and applied to the
geographies and the companies which have revenue-multiple
valuations based on revenue-multiples have
a range of multiples of between 0.6x-16.9x (FY24: (FY24: 807.6) (FY24: 667.9)
(FY24: 1.2x-14.7x) and a weighted average 737.1)
multiple of 6.0x (FY24: 6.6x).
All Revenue - we select forward revenues from
our portfolio companies mostly with
reference to financial updates in their
board packs, adjusted where required in 601.0 496.4
the event we do not have forward-looking
information. 10% sensitivity
applied to the
The multiple range has remained consistent revenue of the
with the prior financial year to March portfolio
2024 but there has been a decrease to the company
weighted average multiple reflecting the (FY24: 807.6) (FY24: 667.9)
more significant weighting of larger
assets.
238.2 10% sensitivity 261.4 214.3
applied to the
(FY24: revenue-multiple (FY24: 450.4) (FY24: 376.6)
415.8)
Enterprise
tech 10% sensitivity 261.4 214.3
applied to the
Market revenue of the
comparables portfolio (FY24: 450.4) (FY24: 376.6)
company
172.1 10% sensitivity 196.5 164.4
applied to the
(FY24: revenue-multiple (FY24: 157.0) (FY24: 128.8)
141.9)
Consumer
tech 10% sensitivity 196.5 164.4
applied to the
revenue of the
portfolio (FY24: 157.0) (FY24: 128.8)
company
123.3 10% sensitivity 137.0 112.7
applied to the
(FY24: revenue-multiple (FY24: 179.4) (FY24: 148.6)
162.2)
Hardware &
Deeptech 10% sensitivity 137.0 112.7
applied to the
revenue of the
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DJ Molten Ventures Plc: Interim Results -18-
portfolio (FY24: 179.4) (FY24: 148.6)
company
5.1 10% sensitivity 6.1 5.0
applied to the
(FY24: revenue-multiple (FY24: 20.8) (FY24: 13.9)
Digital 17.2)
health &
wellness 10% sensitivity 6.1 5.0
applied to the
revenue of the
portfolio (FY24: 20.8) (FY24: 13.9)
company
387.1 425.8 348.4
All
(FY24: (FY24: 344.9) (FY24: 282.2)
313.5)
75.2 82.7 67.7
Enterprise
tech (FY24: (FY24: 33.4) (FY24: 27.3)
30.3)
- - -
Consumer NAV of funds, adjusted where required -
tech net asset values of underlying funds (FY24: 10% sensitivity (FY24: -) (FY24: -)
NAV of reported by the manager. These are -) applied to the
underlying reviewed for compliance with our policies adjusted NAV of
fund and are calibrated for any cash and known 9.1 funds 10.0 8.2
Hardware & valuation movements where reporting
Deeptech periods do not align. (FY24: (FY24: 9.3) (FY24: 7.6)
8.5)
Digital 3.4 3.8 3.1
health &
wellness (FY24: (FY24: -) (FY24: -)
-)
299.4 329.3 269.4
Other
(FY24: (FY24: 302.2) (FY24: 247.3)
274.7)
* There were no significant inter-relationships between unobservable inputs that materially affect fair values.
v. Valuations processes
The Audit, Risk and Valuations Committee is responsible for ensuring that the financial performance of the Group is
properly reported on and monitored. In addition to continuous portfolio monitoring through the Board positions held in
portfolio companies and the Investment Committee, a bi-annual strategy day is held every six months to discuss the
investment performance and valuations of the portfolio companies. The Investment Team leads discussions focused on
business performances and key developments, exit strategy and timelines, revenue and EBITDA progression, funding rounds
and latest capitalisation table, and valuation metrics of listed peers. Valuations are prepared every six months by the
Finance Team during each reporting period, with direct involvement and oversight from the CFO. Challenge and approvals
of valuations are led by the Audit, Risk and Valuations Committee every six months, in line with the Group's
half-yearly reporting periods.
19. Financial instruments risk
Financial risk management
Financial risks are usually grouped by risk type: market, liquidity and credit risk. These risks are discussed in
turn below.
Market risk - Foreign currency
A significant portion of the Group's investments and cash deposits are denominated in a currency other than
Sterling. The principal currency exposure risk is to changes in the exchange rate between GBP and USD/EUR.
Presented below is an analysis of the theoretical impact of 10% volatility in the exchange rate on Shareholder
equity.
Theoretical impact of a change in the exchange rate of +/-10% between GBP and USD/EUR would be as follows on
investments:
30 Sep 31 Mar 2024
Foreign currency exposures - Investments 2024
GBP'm GBP'm
Investments - exposures in EUR 625.1 650.8
10% decrease in GBP 694.5 723.1
10% increase in GBP 568.2 591.6
Investments - exposures in USD 320.5 275.7
10% decrease in GBP 356.1 306.3
10% increase in GBP 291.4 250.6
Certain cash deposits held by the Group are denominated in Euros and US Dollars. The theoretical impact of a
change in the exchange rate of +/-10% between GBP and USD/EUR would be as follows:
30 Sep 31 Mar 2024
Foreign currency exposures - Cash 2024
GBP'm GBP'm
Cash - exposures in EUR 13.4 4.5
10% decrease in EUR: GBP 12.2 4.1
10% increase in EUR: GBP 14.9 5.0
Cash - exposures in USD 19.8 6.3
10% decrease in USD: GBP 18.0 5.7
10% increase in USD: GBP 22.0 7.0
The combined theoretical impact on Shareholders' equity of the changes to revenues, investments and cash and cash
equivalents of a change in the exchange rate of +/- 10% between GBP and EUR/USD would be as follows:
30 Sep 31 Mar 2024
Foreign currency exposures - Equity 2024
GBP'm GBP'm
Shareholders' Equity 1,204.8 1,247.5
10% decrease in EUR: GBP/USD: GBP 1,084.3 1,134.1
10% increase in EUR: GBP/USD: GBP 1,325.3 1,386.1
Market risk - Price risk
Market price risk arises from the uncertainty about the future prices of financial instruments held in accordance
with the Group's investment objectives. It represents the potential loss that the Group might suffer through
holding market positions in the face of market movements. As stated in Note 5(a) and Note 18, valuation of
unquoted equity investments at fair value through profit or loss is a critical accounting estimate and actuals
may differ from estimates.
The Group is exposed to equity price risk in respect of equity rights and investments held by the Group and
classified on the statement of financial position as financial assets at fair value through profit or loss (Note
10). These equity rights are held mostly in unquoted high-growth technology companies and are valued by reference
to revenue or earnings multiples of quoted comparable companies (taken as at the period/year-end date), last
round price (calibrated against market comparable), or NAV of underlying fund, and also in certain quoted
high-growth technology companies - as discussed more fully in Note 5(a). These valuations are subject to market
movements. See Note 18 for more information on the fair value measurements applied.
The Group seeks to manage this risk by routinely monitoring the performance of these investments, employing
stringent investment appraisal processes.
Theoretical impact of a fluctuation in equity prices of +/-10% would be as follows:
Valuation methodology
NAV of underlying Calibrated price
Quoted equity Revenue-multiple fund of recent
investment
GBP'm -10% +10% -10% +10% -10% +10% -10% +10%
As at 30 September - - (50.2) 53.3 (38.7) 38.7 (41.1) 34.5
2024
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DJ Molten Ventures Plc: Interim Results -19-
As at 31 March 2024 - - (68.2) 71.9 (31.4) 31.4 (27.2) 29.3
Given the impact on both private and public markets from current market volatility, which could impact the
valuation of our unquoted and quoted equity investments, we further flexed by 20% in order to analyse the impact
on our portfolio of larger market movements. Theoretical impact of a fluctuation of +/- 20% would have the
following impact:
Valuation methodology
NAV of underlying Calibrated price
Quoted equity Revenue-multiple fund of recent
investment
GBP'm -20% +20% -20% +20% -20% +20% -20% +20%
As at 30 September - - (103.2) 104.1 (77.4) 77.4 (79.6) 70.5
2024
As at 31 March 2024 - - (138.5) 139.2 (62.7) 62.7 (54.7) 57.1
Liquidity risk
Cash and cash equivalents comprise of cash and short-term bank deposits with an original maturity of three months
or less held in readily accessible bank accounts. The carrying amount of these assets is approximately equal to
their fair value. Responsibility for liquidity risk management rests with the Board of Molten Ventures plc, which
has established a framework for the management of the Group's funding and liquidity management requirements. The
Group manages liquidity risk by maintaining adequate reserves and by continuously monitoring forecast and actual
cash flows. The utilisation of the debt facility and requirement for utilisation requests is monitored as part of
this process, the debt facility is not linked to the liquidity of the Group and further drawdowns on the debt
facility have been considered within the Going Concern assessment. For the contractual maturities of the Group's
liabilities see the below tables.
Contractual maturities Less Between Between Total Carrying
of liabilities (GBP'm) than contractual
at 30 September 2024 6 months 6-12 months 1 and 2 2 and 5 cash amount
years years flows
Trade and other (9.8) - - - (9.8) (9.8)
payables
Fees on facility - - - - (0.6) (0.6)
Facility and interest (5.1) (5.1) (5.1) (125.1) (140.4) (120.0)
Provisions - (0.9) - - (0.9) (0.9)
Current lease (0.1) (0.2) - - (0.3) (0.3)
liabilities
Non-current lease - - (0.4) (1.2) (1.6) (1.4)
liabilities
Total shown in the
statement of financial (15.0) (6.2) (5.5) (126.3) (153.0) (132.9)
position
Contractual maturities Less Between Between Total Carrying
of liabilities (GBP'm) than contractual
at 31 March 2024 6 months 6-12 months 1 and 2 2 and 5 cash amount
years years flows
Trade and other (9.0) (0.1) - - (9.1) (9.1)
payables
Fees on facility - - - - 0.6 0.6
Facility (5.0) (5.0) (95.0) - (105.0) (90.0)
Provisions - (0.3) - - (0.3) (0.3)
Current lease - - - - - -
liabilities
Non-current lease - - - - - -
liabilities
Total shown in the
statement of financial (14.0) (5.4) (95.0) - (113.8) (98.8)
position
Lease liabilities fall due over the term of the lease. The debt facility has a term of three years - For further
details, see Note 15. All other Group payable balances at balance sheet date and prior periods fall due for
payment within one year.
As part of our Fund of Funds, Earlybid, Irish Co-Invest and Molten SP I LLP strategy, we make commitments to
funds to be drawn down over the life of the fund. Projected drawdowns are monitored as part of the monitoring
process above.
Credit risk
Credit risk refers to the risk that a counterparty will default on its contractual obligations resulting in
financial loss. The Group is exposed to this risk for various financial instruments, for example by granting
receivables to customers and placing deposits. As part of the Group's investments, the Group invests in debt
instruments such as bridging loans and convertible loan notes (included within the investments held at FVTPL).
This is not included below as the risk is considered as part of the fair value measurement. The Group's trade
receivables are amounts due from the investment funds under management, or underlying portfolio companies. The
Group's maximum exposure to credit risk is limited to the carrying amount of trade receivables, cash and cash
equivalents, and restricted cash at each period-end is summarised below:
30 Sep 31 Mar
Classes of financial assets impacted by credit risk, carrying amounts 2024 2024
GBP'm GBP'm
Trade and other receivables 5.5 1.6
Cash at bank and on hand 82.2 57.0
Total 87.7 58.6
The Directors consider that expected credit losses relating to the above financial assets are immaterial for each
of the reporting dates under review as they are of good credit quality. In respect of trade and other
receivables, the Group is not exposed to significant risk as the principal customers are the investment funds
managed by the Group, and in these the Group has control of the banking as part of its management
responsibilities. Investments in unlisted securities are held within limited partnerships for which Esprit
Capital Partners LLP acts as manager, and, consequently, the Group has responsibility itself for collecting and
distributing cash associated with these investments. The credit risk of amounts held on deposit is limited by the
use of reputable banks with high-quality external credit ratings and, as such, is considered negligible. The
Group has an agreed list of authorised counterparties. Authorised counterparties and counterparty credit limits
are established within the parameters of the Group Treasury Policy to ensure that the Group deals with
creditworthy counterparties and that counterparty concentration risk is addressed. Any changes to the list of
authorised counterparties are proposed by the CFO after carrying out appropriate credit worthiness checks and any
other appropriate information, and the changes require approval from the Board. Cash at 30 September 2024 is held
with the following institutions (and their respective Moody's credit rating): (1) Barclays Bank plc (baa2); and
(2) HSBC UK Limited (Aa3).
Capital management
The Group's objectives when managing capital are to:
. safeguard their ability to continue as a going concern, so that they can continue to provide returns for
Shareholders and benefits for other stakeholders; and
. maintain an optimal capital structure.
The Group is funded through equity and debt at the balance sheet date. As at 30 September 2024, the Group has a
GBP120.0 million term loan which has been fully drawn and an undrawn revolving credit facility, see Note 15 for
further information.
In order to maintain or adjust the capital structure, the Group may make distributions to Shareholders, return
capital to Shareholders, issue new shares or sell assets between related parties or otherwise to manage cash.
Interest rate risk
The Group's interest rate risk arises from borrowings on the GBP180.0 million debt facility with JPM and HSBC,
which was entered into in September 2024 (and before this on the previous facility of GBP150.0 million, entered
into in September 2022). The term loan on the previous debt facility of GBP90.0 million was fully drawn and was
repaid on entering into the Extended Debt Facility, when the new term loan of GBP120.0 million was fully drawn
down. The Group's borrowings are denominated in GBP and are carried at amortised cost.
There has been one drawdown during the six-month period to 30 September 2024. Interest is charged at a rate of
SONIA plus 5.50% on the loan facility with JPM and HSBC. A balance of GBP120.0 million remains outstanding at
period-end. The interest charged on future drawdowns will fluctuate with the movements on SONIA.
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If the base rate (SONIA) had been 2.5% higher during the six-month period to 30 September 2024, the difference to
the condensed consolidated interim statement of comprehensive income would have been an increase in finance costs
of GBP1.2 million.
20. Related party transactions
The Group has various related parties stemming from relationships with Limited Partnerships managed by the Group, its
investment portfolio, its advisory arrangements/Directors' fees (Board seats) and its key management personnel.
Key management personnel compensation
Key management personnel are those persons having authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling
the activities of the Group, and are considered to be the Directors of the Company listed on pages 70 and 71 of the
Annual Report for the year ended 31 March 2024.
Period ended 30 Sep Period ended 30 Sep
2024 2023
GBP'm GBP'm
Wages and salaries 1.3 1.8
Social security contributions and similar taxes 0.2 0.3
Carried interest paid - 0.6
Total 1.5 2.7
During the six-month period to 30 September 2024, employees of Molten Ventures plc, including key management personnel,
were granted and exercised share options - see Note 14 for further details.
Transactions with other related parties
In addition to key management personnel, the Company has related parties in respect of its subsidiaries and other
related entities.
On 30 March 2022, Molten Ventures plc entered into an agreement with Softcat plc to provide Molten Ventures plc with
fractional CIO services. Karen Slatford was both the Chair of Softcat plc's Board and was Chair of Molten Ventures
plc's Board at the time of entering the agreement until 17 January 2023. During the period, fees of GBPNil have been
recognised in relation to the services (30 September 2023: GBPNil).
Management fees
Fees are received by the Group in respect of the EIS and VCT funds as well as unconsolidated structured entities
managed by Esprit Capital Partners LLP, which is consolidated into the Group. The EIS funds are managed by Encore
Ventures LLP under an Investment Management Agreement; Encore Ventures LLP is a consolidated subsidiary of the Group.
Molten Ventures VCT plc is managed under an Investment Management Agreement by Elderstreet Investments Limited, which
is a consolidated subsidiary of the Group. Management fees are received by the Group in respect of these contracts. See
Note 4(b) for further information on consolidation.
Period ended 30 Sep Period ended
Management fees recognised in the statement of comprehensive 2024 30 Sep 2023
income resulting from related party transactions
GBP'm GBP'm
Management fees from unconsolidated structured entities 7.5 7.1
Management fees from EIS and VCT funds 2.8 3.0
Directors' fees
Administration fees for the provision of director services are received where this has been agreed with the portfolio
companies. These amounts are immaterial. At times, expenses incurred relating to Director services can be recharged to
portfolio companies - these are also immaterial. Molten Ventures does not exercise control or management through any of
these non-executive positions.
Carry payments
No carry payments were made during the period to 30 September 2024. Carry was paid to 15 beneficiaries in the period
ending 30 September 2023 and year ending 31 March 2024, of which the below was to related parties. Carry payments were
made in respect of Esprit Capital III LP and Esprit Capital IV LP to key management personnel in the periods presented.
Period ended Period ended Year ended
30 Sep 2024 30 Sep 2023 31 Mar 2024
Carry payments - 0.6 0.6
Performance fees
Performance fees have not been paid during the period by the EIS and VCT funds to Encore Ventures LLP. At 30 March
2024, GBP0.1 million was unpaid (30 September 2023: GBP0.1 million).
Period ended Period ended Year ended
30 Sep 2024 30 Sep 2023 31 Mar 2024
Performance fees 0.1 0.1 0.1
Unconsolidated structured entities
The Group has exposure to a number of unconsolidated structured entities as a result of its venture capital investment
activities.
The Group ultimately invests all funds via a number of limited partnerships and some via Molten Ventures plc's wholly
owned subsidiaries, Molten Ventures (Ireland) Limited and Molten Ventures Holdings Limited. These are controlled by the
Group and not consolidated, but they are held as investments at fair value through profit or loss on the consolidated
statement of financial position in line with IFRS 10 (see the 31 March Annual Report for further details and for the
list of these investment companies and limited partnerships). The material assets and liabilities within these
investment companies are the investments, which are held at FVTPL in the consolidated accounts. The Group has a
beneficial interest to these assets since the acquisition and as such holds them as investments at fair value through
profit or loss.
As at As at
30 31
Name of Registered office Activity Holding Country Sep Mar
undertaking 2024 2024
GBP'm GBP'm
Limited partnership
Esprit 20 Garrick Street, London pursuant to which the
Investments WC2E 9BT Group and Molten Ventures 89% England 10.5 10.6
(1)(B) LP FoF I LP hold Fund of Fund
investments
Limited partnership
Esprit 20 Garrick Street, London pursuant to which the
Investments WC2E 9BT Group and Molten Ventures 89% England 47.8 51.3
(2) (B) LP FoF I LP hold Fund of Fund
investments
Esprit Limited Partnership
Investments 20 Garrick Street, London pursuant to which the 100% England - -
(2) (B) (i) WC2E 9BT Group makes certain
LP investments (dormants)
Molten
Ventures 32 Molesworth Street, Investment entity 100% Ireland 686.9 951.4
(Ireland) Dublin 2 Ireland
Limited
Esprit Limited Partnership
Capital III 20 Garrick Street, London pursuant to which the 100% England 29.4 32.8
LP WC2E 9BT Group makes certain
investments
Esprit Limited Partnership
Capital IV 20 Garrick Street, London pursuant to which the 100% England 8.2 8.9
LP WC2E 9BT Group makes certain
investments
c/o Maples Corporate Limited Partnership
DFJ Europe Services Limited at PO Box pursuant to which the Cayman
X LP 309, Ugland House, Grand Group makes certain 100% Islands 2.6 3.2
Cayman, KY1-1104, Cayman investments
Islands
Limited partnership
Esprit 20 Garrick Street, London pursuant to which the
Investments WC2E 9BT Group and Molten Ventures 100% England 101.6 147.3
(1) LP FoF I LP hold Fund of Fund
investments
Limited partnership
Esprit 20 Garrick Street, London pursuant to which the
Investments WC2E 9BT Group and Molten Ventures 100% England 686.9 761.8
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(2) LP FoF I LP hold Fund of Fund
investments
Molten Intermediate Company and
Ventures 20 Garrick Street, London Qualifying Asset Holding 100% England 101.3 85.0
Holdings WC2E 9BT Company ("QAHC")
Limited
Molten Limited Partnership
Ventures 20 Garrick Street, London pursuant to which the 100% England 39.0 29.8
Investments WC2E 9BT Group makes certain
LP investments
Molten Limited partnership under
Ventures 20 Garrick Street, London the Group's management 50% England 15.1 14.5
FoF I LP WC2E 9BT which makes Fund of Fund
investments
Molten Limited partnership under
Ventures 20 Garrick Street, London the Molten Group's
Investments WC2E 9BT management which makes 56% England 9.9 3.5
(Ireland) Irish domiciled
LP investments
Esprit Limited Partnership
Investments 20 Garrick Street, London pursuant to which the 100% England 202.2 160.5
(2) (B) WC2E 9BT Group makes certain
(ii) LP investments
Forward Limited Partnership
Partners 1 20 Garrick Street, London pursuant to which the 100% England 9.5 11.4
LP WC2E 9BT Group makes certain
investments
Forward Limited Partnership
Partners II 20 Garrick Street, London pursuant to which the 100% England 50.8 46.8
LP WC2E 9BT Group makes certain
investments
Forward Limited Partnership
Partners 20 Garrick Street, London pursuant to which the 100% England 4.8 6.8
III LP WC2E 9BT Group makes certain
investments
Molten Ventures (Ireland) Limited invests via the following limited partnerships: Esprit Investments (1) LP, Esprit
Investments (2) LP, Esprit Capital IV LP, and Esprit Capital III LP.
Molten Ventures Holdings Limited invests in or via the following limited partnerships: Molten Ventures Investments LP,
Molten Ventures FoF I LP, Esprit Investments (2)(B)(ii) LP, and Molten Ventures Investments (Ireland) LP.
The investments balance in the consolidated statement of financial position also includes investments held by
consolidated entities.
The Group also co-invests or historically co-invested with a number of limited partnerships (see Note 4(b) for further
details). The exposure to these entities is immaterial.
Vested but unrealised carried interest of GBP0.6m is recognised by the Group via Encore I Founder LP (14.5% aggregate
carry LP interest) and Esprit Capital III Carried Interest LP (2.2% aggregate carry LP interest).
21. Capital commitments
The Group makes commitments to Fund of Funds (including funds invested in as part of our partnership with Earlybird) as
part of its investment activity, which will be drawn down as required by the funds over their investment period.
Contractual commitments for the following amounts have been made as at 30 September 2024 but are not recognised as a
liability on the consolidated statement of financial position:
30 Sep 2024 31 Mar 2024
GBP'm GBP'm
Undrawn capital commitments 63.6 84.1
Total capital commitments 311.7 316.5
Total fair value to the Group of these seed funds (including Earlybird) is GBP292.5 million of investments (31 March
2024: GBP312.3 million).
22. Ultimate controlling party
The Directors of Molten Ventures plc do not consider there to be a single ultimate controlling party of the Group.
23. Alternative Performance Measures ("APM")
The Group has included the APMs listed below in this report as they highlight key value drivers for the Group and, as
such, have been deemed by the Group's management to provide useful additional information to readers of this report.
These measures are not defined by IFRS and should be considered in addition to IFRS measures.
Gross Portfolio Value ("GPV")
The GPV is the gross fair value of the Group's investment holdings before deductions for the fair value of carry
liabilities and any deferred tax. The GPV is subject to deductions for the fair value of carry liabilities and deferred
tax to generate the net investment value, which is reflected on the consolidated statement of financial position as
financial assets held at FVTPL. Please see Note 18 for a reconciliation to the net investment balance. This table also
shows the Gross to Net movement, which is 94% in the current year calculated as the net investment value (GBP1,260.4
million) divided by the GPV (GBP1,342.8 million). The table reflects a Gross fair value movement of GBP10.8 million, on an
opening balance of GBP1,378.9 million, which is a (1)% percentage change on the 31 March 2024 GPV. This is described in
the report as the Gross fair value decrease/increase.
Net Portfolio Value ("NPV")
The NPV is the net fair value of the Group's investment holdings after deductions for the fair value of carry
liabilities and any deferred tax from the GPV. The NPV is the value of the Group's financial assets classified at "fair
value through profit or loss" on the statement of financial position.
NAV per share
The NAV per share is the Group's net assets attributable to Shareholders divided by the number of shares at the
relevant reporting date. See the calculation in Note 8. Please see further details relating to the calculation of the
Net Portfolio Value in Note 18.
Net fair value movement
This is the fair value movement as calculated by dividing the fair value movement, excluding foreign exchange
movements, by the opening Gross Portfolio Value at the relevant period.
Gross fair value movement
This is the fair value movement as calculated by dividing the fair value movement, including foreign exchange
movements, by the opening Gross Portfolio Value at the relevant period.
Platform AuM
The latest available fair value of investments held at FVTPL and cash managed by the Group, including funds managed by
Elderstreet Investments Limited, Encore Ventures LLP, and Esprit Capital Partners LLP. This includes a deduction for
Molten Ventures plc operating costs budget for the year.
Operating costs as a % of period/year end NAV
This is the operating costs, net of fee income and exceptional items divided by the period/year-end NAV.
24. Subsequent events
There are no post balance sheet events requiring comment.
Glossary
In this report, where the context permits, the expressions set out below shall bear the following meaning:
"Act" the UK Companies Act 2006.
"AIM" AIM, the market of that name operated by the London Stock Exchange.
"Audit, Risk and the Audit, Risk and Valuations Committee of the Board.
Valuations Committee"
"AUM" assets under management.
"BoE" Bank of England.
"BVCA" British, Private Equity & Venture Capital Association.
"Company" or "Molten Molten Ventures plc (formerly Draper Esprit plc), a company incorporated in
Ventures" or "Plc" England and Wales with registered number 09799594 and having its registered
office at 20 Garrick Street, London WC2E 9BT.
"Core Portfolio" or the companies that generally represent highest fair value to Molten, which
"Core Portfolio account for approximately 61% of the overall portfolio value based on fair
Companies" values as at 30 September 2024.
"DEF" or "Digital East Digital East Fund 2013 SCA SICAR.
Fund"
"Directors" or "Board" the directors of the Company from time to time.
"Earlybird Growth Earlybird Growth Opportunities Fund I GmbH & Co. KG.
Opportunities fund"
"Earlybird Fund IV" Earlybird GmbH & Co. Beteiligungs-KG IV.
"Earlybird Fund VI" Earlybird DWES Fund VI GmbH & Co. KG.
"Earlybird Fund VII" Earlybird DWES Fund VII GmbH & Co. KG.
The EIS funds managed by Encore Ventures LLP (Co. Reg. No. OC347590), which
"EIS" sits outside of the Group under the management of Encore Ventures. EIS funds
being Enterprise Investment Scheme under the provisions of Part 5 of the
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Income Tax Act 2007.
Elderstreet Investments Limited, a private company limited by shares
"Elderstreet" incorporated in England and Wales under registration number 01825358 with
its registered office at 20 Garrick Street, London WC2E 9BT.
DFJ Esprit Angels' EIS Co-Investment Fund, DFJ Esprit Angels' EIS
"Encore Funds"/"EIS Co-Investment II, DFJ Esprit EIS. III, DFJ Esprit EIS IV, Draper Esprit EIS
funds" 5, Molten Ventures EIS, Molten Ventures KI EIS 23/24 and each an "Encore
Fund".
Encore Ventures LLP, a limited liability partnership incorporated in England
"Encore Ventures" and Wales under the registration number OC347590, which sits outside of the
Group under the management of Encore Ventures, with its registered office at
20 Garrick Street, London WC2E 9BT.
"ESG" Environmental, Social and Governance.
Esprit Capital Partners LLP, a limited liability partnership incorporated in
"Esprit Capital"/"ECP" England and Wales under the registration number OC318087 with its registered
office at 20 Garrick Street, London WC2E 9BT, the appointed managing vehicle
of Molten Ventures plc.
"Euronext Dublin" the trading name of the Irish Stock Exchange Plc.
the UK Financial Conduct Authority.
"FCA"
"Fund of Funds" seed and early stage funds invested in by the Group.
the increase or decrease in the fair value of the portfolio of investee
"Gross Portfolio fair companies held by funds controlled by the Company before accounting for
value movement" deferred tax (via Molten Ventures (Ireland) Limited), external carried
interest and amounts co-invested.
Gross Portfolio Value is the value of the portfolio of investee companies
"Gross Portfolio Value" held by funds controlled by the Company before accounting for deferred tax,
external carried interest and amounts co-invested.
the Company and its subsidiaries from time to time and, for the purposes of
"Group" this document, including Esprit Capital and its subsidiaries and subsidiary
undertakings.
"HMRC" HM Revenue & Customs.
Forward Partners Group Limited, a private company limited by shares
incorporated in
"Forward Partners" England and Wales under registration number 13244370 with its registered
office at
20 Garrick Street, London WC2E 9BT.
"HSBC" HSBC Innovation Bank Limited.
"IFRS" or "IFRSs" International Financial Reporting Standards, as adopted for use in the
European Union.
"IPO" initial public offering
"IPEV Guidelines" the International Private Equity and Venture Capital Valuation Guidelines,
as amended from time to time.
"IRR" the internal rate of return.
"Investment Committee" the Investment Committee of ECP.
"Investment Team" the Partnership Team and Platform Team as described on the Company's
website.
"JPM" J.P. Morgan Chase Bank N.A. London Branch
"Main Market" the London Stock Exchange plc's main market for listed securities and the
regulated market of Euronext Dublin.
the value, as at any date, of the assets of the Company and/or Group after
"Net Asset Value"/"NAV" deduction of all liabilities determined in accordance with the accounting
policies adopted by the Company and/or Group from time to time.
the value of the portfolio of investee companies held by funds controlled by
"Net Portfolio Value" the Company after accounting for deferred tax, external carried interest and
amounts co-invested and recognised on the statement of financial position.
"Ordinary Shares" ordinary shares of GBP0.01 pence each in the capital of the Company.
"PricewaterhouseCoopers" PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, a limited liability partnership registered in
or "PwC" England and Wales with registered number OC303525 and having its registered
office at 7 More London Riverside, London SE1 2RT.
"SONIA" is the Sterling Overnight Index Average, an interest benchmark administered
by the Bank of England.
"Shareholder" Shareholders of Molten Ventures plc
"TCFD" Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures.
"VC" Venture Capital.
the VCT fund of Molten Ventures VCT plc (Co. Reg. No.03424984), which sits
"VCT"/"VCT funds" outside of the Group under the management of Elderstreet. VCT being Venture
Capital Trusts under the provisions of Part 6 of the Income Tax Act 2007.
Status of announcement
Neither the contents of the Company's website nor the contents of any website accessible from hyperlinks on the Company's website (or any other website) is incorporated into, or forms part of, this announcement.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dissemination of a Regulatory Announcement, transmitted by EQS Group. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
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ISIN: GB00BY7QYJ50 Category Code: IR TIDM: GROW; GRW LEI Code: 213800IPCR3SAYJWSW10 OAM Categories: 1.2. Half yearly financial reports and audit reports/limited reviews Sequence No.: 360097 EQS News ID: 2033695 End of Announcement EQS News Service =------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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(END) Dow Jones Newswires
November 20, 2024 02:00 ET (07:00 GMT)
