Molten Ventures — Strong exits and stable NAV/share ex FX in H125

Molten Ventures (LSE: GROW)

Last close As at 01/11/2024

GBP3.40

−18.50 (−5.16%)

Market capitalisation

GBP634m

More on this equity

Research: Investment Companies

Molten Ventures — Strong exits and stable NAV/share ex FX in H125

Molten Ventures released its trading update for H125 (ending September 2024), expecting a c 3% NAV per share decline versus end-March 2024 to 644p, mostly due to c £30m negative foreign exchange effects (2% of opening gross portfolio value). As discussed in our September update note, Molten experienced a significant pick-up in exit activity, and collected £76m in cash proceeds in H125. Molten also announced that Martin Davis will step down after five years as the company’s CEO and will be succeeded with immediate effect by Ben Wilkinson, who has been Molten’s CFO for the last eight years. Andrew Zimmermann (finance director) will be appointed interim CFO. We also note that Molten’s shares re-entered the UK flagship top 250 index in the period. The shares now trade at a c 47% discount to NAV.

Milosz Papst

Written by

Milosz Papst

Head of Content, Investment Trusts

molten05

Investment Companies

Molten Ventures

Strong exits and stable NAV/share ex FX in H125

H125 trading update

Listed venture capital

01 November 2024

Price

340p

Market cap

£634m

Gross cash at end-September 2024

£82m

Shares in issue

186m

Code

GROW

Primary exchange

LSE

Secondary exchange

Euronext Dublin

Share price performance

Business description

Molten Ventures is a London-based venture capital (VC) firm that invests in the European technology sector. It has a portfolio of 118 investee companies and includes a range of funds (seed, EIS and VCT) within the group, as well as its flagship balance sheet VC fund.

Analysts

Milosz Papst

+44 (0)20 3077 5700

Dan Ridsdale

+44 (0)20 3077 5700

Molten Ventures is a research client of Edison Investment Research Limited

Molten Ventures released its trading update for H125 (ending September 2024), expecting a c 3% NAV per share decline versus end-March 2024 to 644p, mostly due to c £30m negative foreign exchange effects (2% of opening gross portfolio value). As discussed in our September update note, Molten experienced a significant pick-up in exit activity, and collected £76m in cash proceeds in H125. Molten also announced that Martin Davis will step down after five years as the company’s CEO and will be succeeded with immediate effect by Ben Wilkinson, who has been Molten’s CFO for the last eight years. Andrew Zimmermann (finance director) will be appointed interim CFO. We also note that Molten’s shares re-entered the UK flagship top 250 index in the period. The shares now trade at a c 47% discount to NAV.

Period
end

Plc cash*
(£m)

Gross portfolio value (£m)

NAV
(£m)

NAV/share
(p)

Discount/premium to NAV (%)**

03/23

22.9

1,370.7

1,194.1

780

(65)

09/23

24.6

1,298,6

1,124.2

735

(69)

03/24

57.0

1,378.9

1,250.7

662

(64)

09/24***

82

1,343

N/A

644

(37)

Note: *Includes restricted cash but not funds held on behalf of EIS/VCT investors. **Calculated based on share price at respective period-end. ***Based on Molten’s H125 trading update.

NAV stability supported by exits and up rounds

Molten highlighted a £20m fair value uplift at constant currency, assisted by exits at or slightly above carrying value and a modest net uplift in the fair value of its existing portfolio. We note that this reflects several recent funding rounds of Molten’s core holdings carried out at higher valuations versus prior rounds (eg ISAR Aerospace, ICEYE, RavenPack, Riverlane), as well as the secondary share sale of Revolut (see our previous note for details). Overall, Molten booked £110m of fair value increases, partly offset by reductions of £90m.

Well-positioned to pursue market opportunities

Molten’s significant realisation activity translated into a cash position of £82m at end-September 2024, providing it with a solid level of dry powder to pursue further attractively priced investments. We also note that the company recently secured a £180m three-year debt facility, consisting of a £120m term loan (drawn on day one) and a revolving credit facility of up to £60m. The completion of Molten’s exit from M-Files will bring total proceeds from exits so far in FY25 to £124m (or 9% of Molten’s opening gross portfolio value), ahead of earlier management guidance of £100m.

Molten invested £51m in H125, including c £19m in the secondary acquisition of c 97% of the Connect Ventures Fund I. The latter is a 2012 vintage fund holding minority positions in eight European businesses, with c 85% of the value attributable to Typeform (a provider of software solutions for surveys and forms) and Soldo (a payment and spend automation platform). A further £12m was invested via the EIS/VCT funds. In line with its recently updated capital allocation policy, the company completed a £10m share buyback programme in September 2024.

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General disclaimer and copyright

This report has been commissioned by Molten Ventures and prepared and issued by Edison, in consideration of a fee payable by Molten Ventures. Edison Investment Research standard fees are £60,000 pa for the production and broad dissemination of a detailed note (Outlook) following by regular (typically quarterly) update notes. Fees are paid upfront in cash without recourse. Edison may seek additional fees for the provision of roadshows and related IR services for the client but does not get remunerated for any investment banking services. We never take payment in stock, options or warrants for any of our services.

Accuracy of content: All information used in the publication of this report has been compiled from publicly available sources that are believed to be reliable, however we do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this report and have not sought for this information to be independently verified. Opinions contained in this report represent those of the research department of Edison at the time of publication. Forward-looking information or statements in this report contain information that is based on assumptions, forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable, and therefore involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of their subject matter to be materially different from current expectations.

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Investment in securities mentioned: Edison has a restrictive policy relating to personal dealing and conflicts of interest. Edison Group does not conduct any investment business and, accordingly, does not itself hold any positions in the securities mentioned in this report. However, the respective directors, officers, employees and contractors of Edison may have a position in any or related securities mentioned in this report, subject to Edison's policies on personal dealing and conflicts of interest.

Copyright: Copyright 2024 Edison Investment Research Limited (Edison).

Australia

Edison Investment Research Pty Ltd (Edison AU) is the Australian subsidiary of Edison. Edison AU is a Corporate Authorised Representative (1252501) of Crown Wealth Group Pty Ltd who holds an Australian Financial Services Licence (Number: 494274). This research is issued in Australia by Edison AU and any access to it, is intended only for "wholesale clients" within the meaning of the Corporations Act 2001 of Australia. Any advice given by Edison AU is general advice only and does not take into account your personal circumstances, needs or objectives. You should, before acting on this advice, consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. If our advice relates to the acquisition, or possible acquisition, of a particular financial product you should read any relevant Product Disclosure Statement or like instrument.

New Zealand

The research in this document is intended for New Zealand resident professional financial advisers or brokers (for use in their roles as financial advisers or brokers) and habitual investors who are “wholesale clients” for the purpose of the Financial Advisers Act 2008 (FAA) (as described in sections 5(c) (1)(a), (b) and (c) of the FAA). This is not a solicitation or inducement to buy, sell, subscribe, or underwrite any securities mentioned or in the topic of this document. For the purpose of the FAA, the content of this report is of a general nature, is intended as a source of general information only and is not intended to constitute a recommendation or opinion in relation to acquiring or disposing (including refraining from acquiring or disposing) of securities. The distribution of this document is not a “personalised service” and, to the extent that it contains any financial advice, is intended only as a “class service” provided by Edison within the meaning of the FAA (i.e. without taking into account the particular financial situation or goals of any person). As such, it should not be relied upon in making an investment decision.

United Kingdom

This document is prepared and provided by Edison for information purposes only and should not be construed as an offer or solicitation for investment in any securities mentioned or in the topic of this document. A marketing communication under FCA Rules, this document has not been prepared in accordance with the legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and is not subject to any prohibition on dealing ahead of the dissemination of investment research.

This Communication is being distributed in the United Kingdom and is directed only at (i) persons having professional experience in matters relating to investments, i.e. investment professionals within the meaning of Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (the "FPO") (ii) high net-worth companies, unincorporated associations or other bodies within the meaning of Article 49 of the FPO and (iii) persons to whom it is otherwise lawful to distribute it. The investment or investment activity to which this document relates is available only to such persons. It is not intended that this document be distributed or passed on, directly or indirectly, to any other class of persons and in any event and under no circumstances should persons of any other description rely on or act upon the contents of this document.

This Communication is being supplied to you solely for your information and may not be reproduced by, further distributed to or published in whole or in part by, any other person.

United States

Edison relies upon the "publishers' exclusion" from the definition of investment adviser under Section 202(a)(11) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and corresponding state securities laws. This report is a bona fide publication of general and regular circulation offering impersonal investment-related advice, not tailored to a specific investment portfolio or the needs of current and/or prospective subscribers. As such, Edison does not offer or provide personal advice and the research provided is for informational purposes only. No mention of a particular security in this report constitutes a recommendation to buy, sell or hold that or any security, or that any particular security, portfolio of securities, transaction or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person.

London │ New York │ Frankfurt

20 Red Lion Street

London, WC1R 4PS

United Kingdom

London │ New York │ Frankfurt

20 Red Lion Street

London, WC1R 4PS

United Kingdom

General disclaimer and copyright

This report has been commissioned by Molten Ventures and prepared and issued by Edison, in consideration of a fee payable by Molten Ventures. Edison Investment Research standard fees are £60,000 pa for the production and broad dissemination of a detailed note (Outlook) following by regular (typically quarterly) update notes. Fees are paid upfront in cash without recourse. Edison may seek additional fees for the provision of roadshows and related IR services for the client but does not get remunerated for any investment banking services. We never take payment in stock, options or warrants for any of our services.

Accuracy of content: All information used in the publication of this report has been compiled from publicly available sources that are believed to be reliable, however we do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this report and have not sought for this information to be independently verified. Opinions contained in this report represent those of the research department of Edison at the time of publication. Forward-looking information or statements in this report contain information that is based on assumptions, forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable, and therefore involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of their subject matter to be materially different from current expectations.

Exclusion of Liability: To the fullest extent allowed by law, Edison shall not be liable for any direct, indirect or consequential losses, loss of profits, damages, costs or expenses incurred or suffered by you arising out or in connection with the access to, use of or reliance on any information contained on this note.

No personalised advice: The information that we provide should not be construed in any manner whatsoever as, personalised advice. Also, the information provided by us should not be construed by any subscriber or prospective subscriber as Edison’s solicitation to effect, or attempt to effect, any transaction in a security. The securities described in the report may not be eligible for sale in all jurisdictions or to certain categories of investors.

Investment in securities mentioned: Edison has a restrictive policy relating to personal dealing and conflicts of interest. Edison Group does not conduct any investment business and, accordingly, does not itself hold any positions in the securities mentioned in this report. However, the respective directors, officers, employees and contractors of Edison may have a position in any or related securities mentioned in this report, subject to Edison's policies on personal dealing and conflicts of interest.

Copyright: Copyright 2024 Edison Investment Research Limited (Edison).

Australia

Edison Investment Research Pty Ltd (Edison AU) is the Australian subsidiary of Edison. Edison AU is a Corporate Authorised Representative (1252501) of Crown Wealth Group Pty Ltd who holds an Australian Financial Services Licence (Number: 494274). This research is issued in Australia by Edison AU and any access to it, is intended only for "wholesale clients" within the meaning of the Corporations Act 2001 of Australia. Any advice given by Edison AU is general advice only and does not take into account your personal circumstances, needs or objectives. You should, before acting on this advice, consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. If our advice relates to the acquisition, or possible acquisition, of a particular financial product you should read any relevant Product Disclosure Statement or like instrument.

New Zealand

The research in this document is intended for New Zealand resident professional financial advisers or brokers (for use in their roles as financial advisers or brokers) and habitual investors who are “wholesale clients” for the purpose of the Financial Advisers Act 2008 (FAA) (as described in sections 5(c) (1)(a), (b) and (c) of the FAA). This is not a solicitation or inducement to buy, sell, subscribe, or underwrite any securities mentioned or in the topic of this document. For the purpose of the FAA, the content of this report is of a general nature, is intended as a source of general information only and is not intended to constitute a recommendation or opinion in relation to acquiring or disposing (including refraining from acquiring or disposing) of securities. The distribution of this document is not a “personalised service” and, to the extent that it contains any financial advice, is intended only as a “class service” provided by Edison within the meaning of the FAA (i.e. without taking into account the particular financial situation or goals of any person). As such, it should not be relied upon in making an investment decision.

United Kingdom

This document is prepared and provided by Edison for information purposes only and should not be construed as an offer or solicitation for investment in any securities mentioned or in the topic of this document. A marketing communication under FCA Rules, this document has not been prepared in accordance with the legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and is not subject to any prohibition on dealing ahead of the dissemination of investment research.

This Communication is being distributed in the United Kingdom and is directed only at (i) persons having professional experience in matters relating to investments, i.e. investment professionals within the meaning of Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (the "FPO") (ii) high net-worth companies, unincorporated associations or other bodies within the meaning of Article 49 of the FPO and (iii) persons to whom it is otherwise lawful to distribute it. The investment or investment activity to which this document relates is available only to such persons. It is not intended that this document be distributed or passed on, directly or indirectly, to any other class of persons and in any event and under no circumstances should persons of any other description rely on or act upon the contents of this document.

This Communication is being supplied to you solely for your information and may not be reproduced by, further distributed to or published in whole or in part by, any other person.

United States

Edison relies upon the "publishers' exclusion" from the definition of investment adviser under Section 202(a)(11) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and corresponding state securities laws. This report is a bona fide publication of general and regular circulation offering impersonal investment-related advice, not tailored to a specific investment portfolio or the needs of current and/or prospective subscribers. As such, Edison does not offer or provide personal advice and the research provided is for informational purposes only. No mention of a particular security in this report constitutes a recommendation to buy, sell or hold that or any security, or that any particular security, portfolio of securities, transaction or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person.

London │ New York │ Frankfurt

20 Red Lion Street

London, WC1R 4PS

United Kingdom

London │ New York │ Frankfurt

20 Red Lion Street

London, WC1R 4PS

United Kingdom

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