Unicorn AIM VCT
Applications open
Important Information - Venture Capital Trusts (VCTs) invest in small, early-stage, unlisted companies and are considered high-risk investments. It’s difficult to access your money in the short term and their value can go down as well as up so you could get back less than you put in. VCTs are long-term investments and should only be a consideration for experienced investors with larger portfolios. We suggest they form a small part of a diversified portfolio. This isn’t personal advice, if you’re unsure if VCTs are right for you, please consider taking advice. Tax rules can change, and their benefits depend on your individual circumstances.
About Unicorn AIM VCT
Unicorn AIM VCT invests predominantly in the shares of alternative investment market (AIM) quoted companies with the intention of maintaining a steady flow of dividend distributions to Shareholders from the income as well as capital gains generated by the portfolio.
Key facts
Started in November 2001
£228 million total assets under management (December 2025)
No specified dividend policy - dividends are variable and not guaranteed
Raising £20 million with an over-allotment facility of up to a further £15 million
Before applying you should read the Offer Document and Key Information Document. This contains helpful information about how the VCT works and is invested, but will also help you understand any further risks you should be aware of.
VCT offer details
Open to UK investors located and resident in the UK
Minimum application of £3,000, capped at a maximum of £200,000
Investors will receive a 2.25% initial rebate. This is paid as bonus shares
You must hold an HL Fund and Share Account to apply, you can open one during the application process
The offer price will be established through the issue.
Shares are allocated in tranches by the VCT manager during the offer period. There may be a few weeks until your shares are allotted.
Applications can close early and at short notice, especially if there is strong demand.
Any application in this VCT should be made on the basis of the Offer Document and any supplementary information issued by the VCT manager. The Offer Document and supporting documents are provided by Unicorn Asset Management, Hargreaves Lansdown has not authorised or approved them and is not responsible for their accuracy.
Ready to Invest?
Make sure you’ve read these key documents. They cover in more detail the risks and investment strategy of this VCT.
Example companies held by Unicorn AIM VCT
A communications and technology group that specialises in intranet software and strategic communication services.
Cohort plc is the parent company of seven businesses based in the United Kingdom, Australia, Germany and Portugal, providing a range of services and products for domestic and export customers in defence and related markets.
A UK-based independent manufacturer of natural sustainable feed additives for animal health, nutrition and biosecurity.
To see more detail on how the VCT invests, including why they’ve chosen certain companies check the Offer Document.
Past Performance
You can view the past performance data of this VCT on our factsheet. You’ll need to return to this page to place a deal. Past performance is not a guide to the future.
Costs and charges
| VCT manager initial charge: | 2.5% |
| Net initial charge: | 2.5% |
| Ongoing charge: | 2.4% |
| Performance fee: | 0% |
If you wish to sell your VCT, a £29 telephone charge will apply. You'll be charged 0.35% (capped at £12.50 per month) for holding VCTs in a Fund and Share account. Learn more about our charges.
Existing investors must hold their VCT shares in an HL Fund and Share Account to qualify for the discount.
Other incidental charges for buying and selling investments may apply. Details on this are available in the Offer Document and Key Information Document.
Full breakdown of charges
The following charges are based on an investment of £10,000 within a Fund and Share Account over 5 years assuming a 5% growth rate. We’ve used the initial charge including the HL saving, but no further discounts like early bird or existing investor discounts have been applied. The annual rebate is also not included.
Holders should also get income from the VCT, on which there's no charge from HL and so isn't included in these figures. The income you’ll receive isn't guaranteed and you could get back less than you invest.
| Management charge | £180.07 |
| Entry dealing charge | £0.00 |
| Exit dealing charges | £29.00 |
| Stamp duty (N/A) | £0.00 |
| Net initial charge (2.5%) | £250.00 |
| Ongoing charge (2.4%) | £1,225.38 |
| Transaction costs | £0.00 |
| Incidental charges | £0.00 |
| Total charges over 5 years | £1,684.44 |
| Average annual charge | 3.29% |
| Illustrative 5-year value | £10,829.26 |
| Illustrative 5-year value with no charges applied | £12,762.82 |
| Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4 | Year 5 | Total | |
| HL charges | £34.48 | £35.23 | £36.00 | £36.78 | £66.57 | £209.07 |
| Management charge | £34.48 | £35.23 | £36.00 | £36.78 | £37.57 | £180.07 |
| Entry dealing charge | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 |
| Exit dealing charges | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £29.00 | £29.00 |
| Investment charges | £484.65 | £239.76 | £244.97 | £250.31 | £255.70 | £1,475.38 |
| Stamp duty (N/A) | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 |
| Net initial charge (2.5%) | £250.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £250.00 |
| Net ongoing charge (2.4%) | £234.65 | £239.76 | £244.97 | £250.31 | £255.70 | £1,225.38 |
| Incidental charges | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 |
| Transaction costs | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 |
| Total charges over 5 years | £519.13 | £274.99 | £280.97 | £287.09 | £322.27 | £1,684.44 |
| Average annual charge | 5.26% | 2.73% | 2.73% | 2.73% | 3.00% | 3.29% |
| Illustrative 5 year value | £9,962.21 | £10,179.04 | £10,400.59 | £10,626.96 | £10,829.26 | £10,829.26 |
| Illustrative 5 year value with no charges applied | £10,500.00 | £11,025.00 | £11,576.25 | £12,155.06 | £12,762.82 | £12,762.82 |
The costs and charges shown are for illustration purposes only based on the assumptions presented. Total HL charges and 5 year HL charges also include a £29 exit dealing charge. Figures may not add up to the given total due to rounding.
Ready to Invest?
Make sure you’ve read these key documents. They cover in more detail the risks and investment strategy of this VCT.