Insights

We have a rich heritage of technology investing at August. It’s a high growth sector that has shown resilience through many economic cycles and the current Coronavirus crisis is no exception. Our current technology portfolio demonstrates continued growth in a time of uncertainty and reinforces why technology will continue to be a key pillar of August’s investment strategy as we deploy our fifth fund. This article explores five key technology trends we believe will be here to stay and areas we will passionately continue to back and identify exciting new investment opportunities.

The Easter Bank Holiday has been and gone, and with it a sense that the UK has navigated Phase 1 of COVID-19. The initial panic and dash-for-cash experienced in the first weeks of lockdown is abating to some degree. Lenders alongside the Government have continued to work through Phase 2 to bring to life promised support and funding for the many companies still facing huge financial stress from nullified revenues. As we all undergo the second round of lockdown, it is key to remain vigilant in the face of new challenges as we continue to navigate COVID-19. We do so now in the knowledge that potential economic and social norms will remain a mystery kept for a post-COVID world, the ‘new normal’.

The Government has worked exceptionally hard to provide an unprecedented level of support to businesses impacted by COVID-19. Industry experts are sharing their views and ideas and businesses are helping businesses as everyone bands together to navigate COVID-19. In part 3 of our 4-part series, we provide an overview of some of the external assistance available to SMEs, and the pros and cons that should be considered with these lines of support.

In part 1 of our 4 part article, we provided an overview on internal procedures, practices and “easy wins” that are benefitting our healthcare and nursery assets. In part 2, we explore the best-practices observed when it comes to reviewing financial performance and how good relationships with lenders can help provide additional breathing space to businesses during difficult times.

COVID-19 has highlighted the importance of certain industries in the UK as they step up to act as the front-line response to protecting the NHS and ensuring society can successfully hibernate through this unique period in time. The world and the economy as we know it does not look now as it did only 5 business days ago and is evolving every hour. In a 4-part article, August Equity will provide an overview of the key areas and practices providing support in our nursery and care assets.