When we make angel investments, the hope and expectation is that founders will keep us up to date with progress as the business moves forward. Sadly this is not always the case and especially so when things are not going according to plan.
Did you know that by registering for free at Companies House you can get details on any companies and follow them to receive alerts when new filings are made?
This should be the first thing you do when you make an investment in a new company! If you have not done it yet, you should register and follow all your current investments – here’s the link:
https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/
Available information includes the registered address and date of incorporation but more interesting could be:
1. New Directors being appointed and/or existing ones leaving for some reason
2. New issues of shares – interesting to see the price paid and how much was raised – the deadline for filing an SH01 is within one month of the date the shares were issued.
3. Company Accounts – frustratingly these are usually somewhat out of date as companies have 9 months after the end of the company’s financial year – but there is useful information nonetheless.
4. Confirmation Statement / Annual Return – see who else is on the cap table and how many shares they own (nb: you can’t see investors ‘inside’ a nominee).
5. Appointment of administrator – this is sadly the news that the company is likely shutting down but good to know for your loss relief claim.
If you have investments which are today valued well below the value you invested please reach out to us at www.pland.co or see a 2m video explainer on how we might help: