Ask the Experts
Q&A with Alicia Taylor at Pembroke VCT
“VCT investors aren’t searching for perfection. They’re looking for founders who understand their market, their numbers, and the risks that come with growth.”
In this latest Women of Influence Ask the Experts feature, we spoke with Alicia Taylor, Investment Director at Pembroke VCT, about what Venture Capital Trust investors really look for, and where founders most often misjudge the process.
The conversation touched on:
What VCTs are designed to do, and why they play a distinct role in funding early-stage UK businesses.
The characteristics investors look for first, from the strength of the founding team to the scalability of the business model.
Why traction, metrics, and evidence of product–market fit matter more than polished storytelling.
The sectors VCTs typically back, and the regulatory constraints that can rule businesses out early.
Common reasons opportunities are turned down, including lack of differentiation, weak unit economics, or simple lack of strategic fit.
How valuations and deal structures are approached, and what founders should realistically expect in terms of equity, governance, and investor involvement.
What founders can do to stand out, from early relationship-building to being transparent about risk and challenges.
No two raises follow the same path. But understanding how VCT investors think, and preparing with that lens in mind, can make the difference between a fast rejection and a constructive, long-term conversation.
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