Kuber Ventures Appoints Advisor to Management Team

UK-based Kuber Ventures has appointed Brett Williams in an advisory role to the senior management team. Williams has acted as chief executive of both Skandia UK and Cofunds.

PRESS RELEASE

Kuber Ventures, the first full service multi-manager platform for EIS (Enterprise Investment Scheme) portfolios, today announces the appointment of Brett Williams in an advisory role to the senior management team.

Williams, who has acted as Chief Executive of both Skandia UK and Cofunds, brings extensive experience of mainstream platforms to the EIS space, which Kuber believes is at a similar level of maturity to the mutual funds platform market of a decade ago. This market increased almost threefold in 2011*, which Kuber and Williams largely attribute to the introduction of platforms, and he forsees a repeat of this growth in EIS.

The Kuber platform was launched by senior wealth management figures John Williams and Dermot Campbell in 2012 to meet the demand from advisers for simple access to EIS, which has become a greater focus for investors on the back of lacklustre returns in the mainstream funds market. Kuber reduces administration by streamlining the EIS application process, giving advisers access to consolidated performance and tax reporting to facilitate more meaningful communication with clients.

Brett Williams will bring his knowledge of the financial services industry to the senior management team in an advisory role. With over 30 years of experience, Williams was part of the Old Mutual team that acquired Skandia UK in 2006, an acquisition that led to his appointment as Chief Executive of Skandia UK. At Cofunds, he grew assets under administration from £13bn to £27bn in 18 months.

Alongside his Kuber role, Williams is also Managing Partner of the recently launched alternative investments company, Old Burlington Investments, which has an initial focus on EIS.

Brett Williams, Kuber Ventures said: “The launch of platforms a decade ago goes a long way to explaining the unprecedented growth in mutual funds. With traditional asset classes now delivering lacklustre returns, alternatives are increasingly important for investors to consider as part of a balanced portfolio. I look forward to working with Dermot, John and the rest of the experienced management team, to share my experience of the mutual funds world and to ensure Kuber takes full advantage of the EIS opportunity.”

Dermot Campbell, Managing Partner of Kuber Ventures commented: “Brett’s experience will be invaluable for the senior management team as we aim to position Kuber as the first choice for advisers when recommending EIS. We are looking forward to working with him as we grow the business. Following the Retail Distribution Review, financial advisers need more support with due diligence and administration when advising on investments. This is where the Kuber platform is essential, allowing investors to benefit from the investment returns of EIS, underpinned by tax incentives.”

Ends
Notes to Editors
*http://www.icifactbook.org/fb_ch5.html
Following changes introduced in April 2012, the annual allowable investment per investor in EIS qualifying companies was increased from £500,000 to £1m, the amount an EIS qualifying company can raise in a year was increased from £2 million to £5 million, the pre-investment balance sheet size of EIS qualifying companies increased from £7 million to £15 million and the number of employees from 50 to 250.

About Kuber Ventures
Kuber Ventures is the first multi-manager platform for comparing, reporting and investing in EIS portfolios, offering the advisory community a much simpler way to gain access to this alternative market for their clients. It also gives fund managers a more direct channel to a wider range of investors. The EIS investment managers on Kuber’s platform are pre-approved by independent due diligence Partner, Allenbridge Tax Shelter Consultants. Kuber Ventures is backed by private equity firm LW² which is owned by Brett Williams, Neil Lewis, Tim West and Tim Levy. LW² was established in 2011 specifically to back innovative businesses in the alternatives investment market.

The Kuber platform simplifies the investment process for financial advisers and investors alike, allowing access to a range of discretionary managers through one application process and making the administration, tax compliance and reporting manageable.

To speak to a spokesperson at Kuber Ventures, or for further information, please contact:
Kitty Parry, Founding Managing Director, at Templars on:
Email: kitty.parry@templars.co.uk
Tel: 0207 409 5238 or 07736 318413
Or
Sarah Tomlinson, Account Manager, at Templars on:
Email: sarah.tomlinson@templars.co.uk
Tel: 0207 409 5236 or 07825 867614

Kuber Ventures LLP [FRN 574987] is an Appointed Representative of Sturgeon Ventures LLP which are Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Services Authority