The Thames Valley Investment Network (TVIN) acts as a bridge between investors seeking good investment opportunities and companies seeking outside equity investment from individual business angels, venture capital companies and investment funds.

The objective of the Network is to provide a means of communication between private investors and companies seeking investment capital in the small, high-growth potential business sector. The Network operates an information service, providing an opportunity for investors to meet entrepreneurs and companies seeking investment and enabling investors to receive information on investment opportunities of interest to them. The Network does NOT advise on the merits or risks of specific investment proposals. It is emphasised that the responsibility for the decision on specific investment lies with the parties concerned.

Potential investors should be aware that investment in new business carries high risks, as well as the possibility of high rewards. It is highly speculative and no established market exists for the trading of shares in private companies. Before investing in a project about which information is given, potential investors are strongly advised to take advice from a person authorised under 'the Act' who specialises in advising on investment of this kind.

TVIN would also wish to point out that companies or individuals seeking investment through the Network, must ensure that the information presented to potential investors is nether inaccurate or misleading. They are, accordingly, similarly advised to seek guidance from someone authorised under 'the Act'.

Self Certification for Private Investors under FSMA (2000)

In March 2005, after consultation with stakeholders, the Financial Services and Markets Act (2000) was amended to remove the requirement for business angels to gain certification as 'high net-worth' or 'sophisticated' investors through an FSA regulated third party such as an accountancy firm.

Instead, investors are now able to 'self-certify' by meeting simple criteria such as 'high net-worth' or 'sophisticated' investors and downloading, printing and signing a simple form, which can then be used in the same way as the certificates previously issued by FSA regulated third parties.

HMT has published an explanatory note to outline the changes to 'the Act' or contact the TVIN Network Manager to discuss self-certification further. The actual certificates for TVIN investors, are also available as 'high net-worth' or 'sophisticated' investor versions.