Investing in tomorrow's most
promising science.
Annual Report and Audited
Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2022
Registered number: 66847 
US$326.1M
Ordinary NAV
(2021: US$363.0M)
+47.6%
Ordinary NAV growth since inception
(+64.4%)
-10.2%
Ordinary NAV per share growth YTD
(2021: -9.9%)
US$7.0M
Cash / cash equivalents
(2021: US$6.5M)
US$1.54
NAV per Ordinary Share
(2021: US$1.71)
+16.4%
Total shareholder return
1
since admission
(2021: +71.2%)
-32.0%
Total shareholder return
1
YTD
(2021: -5.3%)
US$1.21
Price per Ordinary Share
2
(2021: US$1.78)
Financial highlights
31 December 2022 Highlights
1 Total shareholder return is an alternative performance measure (APM).
For more information, please refer to APM definitions table on page 107.
2 The share price at 29 March 2023 was US$1.06.
70.9%
Of NAV invested in core
portfolio companies
(2021: 66.4%)
Portfolio highlights
39
Core portfolio companies
(2021: 42)
25
Privately-held
portfolio companies
(2021: 25)
3
New core portfolio companies
added in the year
(2021: 21)
14
Publicly-listed
portfolio companies
(2021: 17)
68%
Of core portfolio companies have
productsin clinical stage programs
(2021: 67%)
RTW Venture Fund Limited is a life
sciences and investment innovation
fund. Through the Group’s capital
and the Investment Manager’s
expertise we’re powering
breakthroughs in biotech and
medtech that will transform the
wellbeing of people around the world.
01 // STRATEGIC REPORT
Highlights 01
RTW at a Glance 02
The RTW Difference 04
Chairman’s Statement 06
Report of the Investment Manager 08
Our Long-Term strategy 21
Our Strategy in Action 22
Our Business Model 26
Operational and Financial Review
for the Year 28
Our Key Performance Indicators 30
Risk Management 32
Principal and Emerging Risks and
Uncertainties 34
Longer Term Viability Statement 37
Section 172 38
ESG: Environmental, Social
and Governance Topics 40
02 // GOVERNANCE
Biographies of Directors 44
Report of the Directors 46
Corporate Governance Report 49
Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities 54
Directors’ Remuneration Report 55
Report of the Audit Committee 58
03 // CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS
Independent Auditor’s Report 63
Consolidated Statement of Assets
andLiabilities 67
Consolidated Condensed Schedule
ofInvestments 68
Consolidated Statement of Operations 78
Consolidated Statement of Changes
in Net Assets 79
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows 81
Notes to the Consolidated Financial
Statements 82
Read more online
rtwfunds.com
04 // ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
General Company Information –
Investment Objective and
Investment Policy 101
Glossary 103
Alternative Performance Measures 107
AIFMD Disclosures 108
Schedule of Key Service Providers 109
Defined terms used in the Annual Report
are defined in the Glossary.
01
Strategic Report Governance Report Financial Statements Additional Information
THE UK & EUROPEAN MARKET
We have identified and invested in exceptional British
and European scientific assets. We look to contribute
to these biotech ecosystems by engaging in creation or
ongoing development of new companies around promising
early-stage assets by partnering with universities and
in-licensing academic programs and by providing financial
and human capital to entrepreneurs to advance scientific
programs in development.
Our culture
Members of
the RTW team
76
2021: 77
Collaboration
We leverage collective intellect
Progress
From research to innovation to reality
Humility
The hunger to learn and improve
Tenacity
We find the pathway to success,
no matter the obstacles
Rigour
Obsessing over science & the data
Leadership
The courage to shape a better future
Our new brand
Last year we updated the Company’s
visual identity and logo to better reflect
the firm we are today: a leading global
life sciences investment and innovation
firm. Our new logo represents deep
thinking, humility, science, collaboration,
and people. Our aim with this new
branding is to embed our culture,
purpose, and vision more fully into our
communications with our stakeholders.
Our Long-Term
Strategy,
page 21
Learn more
about us in our
culture video
Learn more
about this in our
purpose video
RTW at a Glance
Germany, Spain, Switzerland
and the Nordic countries:
Rocket Pharmaceuticals
Netherlands and Belgium:
argenx, uniQure, ProQR,
iTeos Therapeutics
UroGen Pharma,
BrainsWay
JiXing
Our global reach
US
EUROPE
CHINA
UK
ISRAEL
RTW Global investments
Powering breakthrough
therapies that transform
the lives of millions
OUR PURPOSE
Global life science is more vibrant than ever. Exciting ideas.
Visionary entrepreneurs. Full of potential tocreate life-changing
medicines. Ourgoal is to make sure they do.
RTW Headquarters RTW future offices
Every day, our team’s priority is to
unlock value by advancing early-stage
scientific development and delivering
innovative therapies to patients in need.
At the core of our business is a set of
guiding principles that shape every
aspect of RTW.
THE US MARKET
RTW has a core focus on the US, with deep coverage
ofopportunities from academia to mid-size public
companies. We apply a full range of deal execution
and company building capabilities.
THE CHINA MARKET
We capture commercialisation opportunities in China by
investing across the venture capital life cycle: from new
company formation to IPO and by bringing successful,
innovative drugs to Chinese patients.
Immunocore
Strategic Report Governance Report Financial Statements Additional Information
0302
The RTW difference
We connect experience,
skills and data to bring
hidden opportunities
into focus
We are focused on identifying transformative
assets with growth potential across the life
sciences sector. Our approach is driven by
applying deep scientific expertise with a
long-term investment horizon.
DEEP RESEARCH
We delve deeper into the
science and data to spot
the things others miss.
With breakthrough investing, conviction
is everything. Ours is rooted in
meticulous research.
Opportunities. Potential. Errors. Risks.
They are easily unseen or overlooked,
which is why we rarely give the
consensus a free pass. Instead, we
analyse. We scrutinise. We obsess.
Applying the unique, repeatable
research approach we’ve fine-tuned
over years of successful life sciences
innovation. Combining the best data,
technology, and scientific insight to
unlock possibilities.
SELECTIVE
Dissecting opportunities with
pinpoint precision. We are not
afraid to commit.
Questioning assumptions. Finding
the answers – whatever it takes.
We cast a wide net, but only the
best biopharmaceutical and medical
technology assets pass the test –
those with the highest probability of
becoming commercially viable products,
and those with the greatest potential
to revolutionise treatment outcomes
for patients.
When we invest, we go all in: our capital,
our time, our hearts and minds. So we
choose our partners carefully, those
who, like us, care less about quick wins
– and more about lasting legacies.
KNOWLEDGE
Investment. Science. Business.
You need all these lenses to see
the bigger picture.
It’s this combination of knowledge
and experience that gives us our edge.
Collaboration is the thread that runs
through everything we do. Expert
doctors, academics, and drug
developers. Seasoned venture
capitalists and investment bankers.
Experienced lawyers, data scientists
and company operators.
We work as one team, applying collective
intellect to spark ideas, solve problems,
avoid pitfalls, strengthen strategies, and
build successful companies around
brilliant people.
FLEXIBLE SOLUTIONS
We have the flexibility to
support companies in the
right way, at the right time.
Drug development rarely follows a linear
path. Every journey’s unique. Whatever
the ups and downs, twists and turns,
wehave the skills to solve problems
andaccelerate progress. From providing
capital and infrastructure to advance
promising academic programs, to
forming new companies. To taking them
public. Creative and practical. We thrive
on building pathways where there are
none. Paving the way for scientists
and entrepreneurs to bring life-changing
therapies to the patients who need them.
LONG-TERM PARTNERS
Close collaborators and
committed partners –
every step of the way.
Bringing new therapies to patients
is a long journey. Audacious dreams.
Heart-breaking setbacks. Electrifying
triumphs. We are here through it all.
Fully invested in the success of our
partners and companies – because
their success is our success.
It’s why we are hands-on. Going further
than many other investors can. Using
our medical and scientific expertise to
accelerate research. And sharing our
business, legal and banking insights to
help commercial operations flourish.
We choose partners who are as
passionate about revolutionising
medicine as we are.
PEOPLE
It’s a people business. Directing
shared passions toward the
same goal.
Healthcare innovation is hard work.
Easy wins are few and far between.
Those who succeed are the ones who
never lose sight of why it matters. The
true believers. The team players. The no
quitters. These are the people we love
working with. And the people we are.
We come from many different
backgrounds, but we’re united in our
purpose to improve the lives of the
people around us. We believe this
diversity is our greatest strength.
Because as we invest in and champion
each other, we all achieve so much more.
6
Competitive
advantages
Strategic Report Governance Report Financial Statements Additional Information
0504
06
Chairman’s Statement
William Simpson
Chairman
Building disruptive
companies through
innovative investing
The valuation metrics of the sector
and our portfolio are truly compelling by
historic standards, with many companies
developing great potential therapies
trading at a fraction of long-term
valuation norms.
RTW Venture Fund Limited (the
“Company”), passed its third anniversary
since admission to the London Stock
Exchange (“LSE”) on 30 October 2022.
Since admission, the Company’s NAV per ordinary share
hasgrown by +48% and it has outperformed its relevant
benchmarks through good times for the sector and, recently,
through bad. Despite a -10% decline in NAV this year, I am
pleased to say that the Group (including the Company’s
newwholly-owned subsidiary) outperformed the smaller
capitalisation Russell 2000 Biotech Index by approximately
20% as we begin to witness the early stages of a recovery
forthe sector, which I am confident that we are very well
positioned to capture.
2022 Overview
After the flood comes the drought. 2021 was a record-breaking
year for private and public biotech financing activity. Then 2022
saw IPOs fall to the lowest levels in ten years and follow-on
financings return to 2016 levels, which is when the sector
experienced a significant drug pricing panic. This yearsaw
actual drug pricing reform as part of the Inflation Reduction
Act, which was signed into US federal law in August. At a sector
level there is no impact on revenue growth potential through
2026, which limits its impact on equities today, and in fact
resolves significant policy uncertainty. However, there are
likelyto be some unintended consequences that will need
careful navigation.
As a result, of the decline in IPOs, the Group’s cadence
of new investments and IPOs also slowed, albeit not as
dramatically as the sector as a whole. During 2022, the
Groupadded three portfolio companies, Lenz Therapeutics,
Mineralys and Apogee Therapeutics, and exited six core public
portfolio companies, Athira, Biomea, iTeos, Pyxis, Pulmonx,
and Landos and one core private position, RTW Royalty
Holdings 1 (Mavacamtem). In total, the exits crystallised a
c.+1.8% contribution to NAV. Two private portfolio companies,
Cincor and Third Harmonic Bio successfully went public and
one, Orchestra BioMed, announced its intention to combine
with RTW’s Health Sciences Acquisitions Corporation 2,
a deal which subsequently completed in January 2023.
The private portfolio is well funded and fairly valued and a
sector bear market from February 2021 to June 2022 has
created significant opportunities for a skilled investor, such
asRTW, that has both scale of scientific resources and
understanding, together with extensive capital markets
experience and solutions to outpace their less experienced
and less-resourced rivals.
The Investment Manager believes that there remains
significant demand for reliable capital to support the
discovery and development of scientific innovation, and that
there is an opportunity to grow their footprint in the UK and
EU as an active local participant in the biotech ecosystem.
The Investment Manager therefore intends to seek additional
ways of growing demand for the Company’s shares with the
ambition of restoring a premium valuation that can lead to
the growth of the Group and its portfolio. This growth would
assist in the financing of an exciting pipeline of new ideas,
based upon the Group’s strategy of founding, investing, and
supporting companies developing next-generation therapies
and technologies that can significantly improve patients’ lives.
Accordingly, the Board expects the Group to continue to
achieve a strong performance over the long term and create
value for shareholders.
2023 AGM
The Company will hold its Annual General Meeting on
21 June 2023 to review the annual results and provide
portfolio updates.
We would like to dedicate a part of the meeting to address
questions from our shareholders. At the present time, we
anticipate holding it at Royal Chambers, St Julian’s Avenue,
StPeter Port, Guernsey. We encourage our shareholders to
share their questions here and we will endeavour to answer
as many as we can: RTWVentureFund@rtwfunds.com.
On behalf of the Board, I would like to express my gratitude
for your continued support and wish you all the best for 2023.
William Simpson
Chairman of the Board of Directors
RTW Venture Fund Limited
30 March 2023
which the Company was formerly classified as for U.S. tax
purposes. A number of custodians effecting transactions
inthe Company's Ordinary Shares informed the Company’s
shareholders that, as a result of the imposition of a new U.S.
withholding tax obligation, they would no longer hold or deal
with the Ordinary Shares if the Company continued to be
classified as a PTP. This likely led to some selling pressure on
the shares as the 1 January 2023 deadline approached until
the Company changed its tax status on 1 December, which was
subsequently ratified by an EGM held on 19 December 2022.
We thank our shareholders for their support through this and
are pleased that the share price has recovered significantly
since. We are optimistic that it will continue to do so with
further NAV accretion in an improving market environment.
Outlook
Public market valuations are still near historic lows, while
innovation remains at an all-time high. The valuation metrics
of the sector and our portfolio are truly compelling by historic
standards, with many companies developing great potential
therapies trading at a fraction of long-term valuation norms.
At the end of the period, the Group had thirty-eight core
portfolio companies, of which twenty-five were privately held
and thirteen were publicly listed. All core portfolio companies
were initiated as private investments by the Investment
Manager including three company creations. The core portfolio
represented c. 71% of NAV at the end of the reporting period,
up from 66% at the end of 2021. For the balance of the portfolio,
to mitigate any drag on performance due to excess cash awaiting
deployment into new private assets, the Group invests in a
portfolio of listed companies selected by the Investment
Manager to be representative of positions that are also held in its
other investment funds. At the end of the reporting period, this
represented c. 29% of NAV, down from 37% at the end of 2021.
In the year ended 31 December 2022, the NAV declined by
-10.2% % from US$363.0 million or US$1.71 per Ordinary
Share to US$326.1 million or US$1.54 per Ordinary Share.
The main detractor to the NAV was the markdown in Ji Xing
(c. -2.2% contribution), after the IPO was delayed due to
market conditions, despite a positive operating performance.
The mark to market share price performance of Prometheus
Biosciences (c. +9.1% contribution) and the realised gain in
RTW Royalty Holdings 1 (c. +4.9% contribution), following the
successful sale to Bristol Myers Squibb, were two outstanding
results in a year that saw the Russell 2000 Biotechnology
Index decline by 32.0%. Since admission, the Company’s NAV
per Ordinary Share has appreciated by 47.6% against a -5.3%
decline for the Russell 2000 Biotechnology Index. By any
standard, this is a commendable and consistent degree of
outperformance and testament to the Investment Manager’s
robust business model and expertise.
The Company’s share price fell to a discount to NAV this
yearas did those of many of our investment company peers,
especially those that provide growth financing to private
companies. This was, perhaps, exacerbated by a change in U.S.
tax regulation affecting publicly traded partnerships (PTPs),
Strategic Report Governance Report Financial Statements Additional Information
07
09
Since its listing on the London Stock
Exchange in October 2019, the Group has
grown the NAV attributable to Ordinary
Shareholders from US$168.0 million to
US$326.1 million by a combination of
investment returns and the issue
ofadditional Ordinary Shares.
The NAV per Ordinary Share has grown 47.6% from $1.04
to $1.54 as of 31 December 2022. Since admission to the
year-end, the share price has lagged NAV growth, returning
+16.4%, as the shares fell, albeit by much less than the wider
market as represented by the Russell 2000 Biotechnology
Index this year.
RTW Investments, LP (the “Investment Manager”, “us”, “we”),
a leading global healthcare-focused investment firm with a
strong track record of supporting companies developing
life-changing therapies, created the Company as an
investment fund focused on identifying transformative assets
with high growth potential across the biopharmaceutical and
medical technology sectors. Driven by our deep scientific
expertise and a long-term approach to building and
supporting innovative businesses, we invest in companies
developing transformative next-generation therapies and
technologies that can significantly improve patients’ lives.
Together we are harnessing
the potential to accelerate
the revolution in medicine
Roderick Wong, MD
Managing Partner
RTW Venture Fund Limited
Year-end
reporting period
(01/01/2022-31/12/2022)
Previous Year-end
reporting period
(01/01/2021-31/12/2021)
Admission
(30/10/2019)
to 31/12/2022
Ordinary NAV – start of period US$363.0 million US$375.3 million US$168.0 million
Ordinary NAV – end of period US$326.1million US$363.0 million US$326.1million
NAV per Ordinary Share – start of period US$1.71 US$1.96 US$1.04
NAV per Ordinary Share – end of period US$1.54 US$1.71 US$1.54
NAV movement per Ordinary Share -10.2% -12.8% 47.6%
Price per Ordinary Share – start of period US$1.78 US$1.88 US$1.04
Price per Ordinary Share – end of period US$1.21 US$1.78 US$1.21
Share price return
(i)
-32.0% -5.3% 16.4%
Benchmark returns
(ii)
Russell 2000 Biotech -31.3% -26.9% -5.3%
Nasdaq Biotech -10.9% -0.6% 24.7%
(i) Total shareholder return is an alternative performance measure.
(ii) Source: Capital IQ.
Report of the Investment Manager
Table 1. Financial Highlights
Executive summary
Strategic Report Governance Report Financial Statements Additional Information
08
Report of the Investment Manager
continued
As of 31 December 2022, approximately 71% of the portfolio
was invested in the core portfolio (private and public), a 5%
increase versus 31 December 2021. Within that, the mix
changed slightly. Core private exposure stands at 25% of
NAV,a 3% reduction on last year, while core public exposure
increased by 10% to 46%. We define core public companies as
companies that were initially added to our portfolio as private
investments, reflecting the key focus of the Company’s
strategy. Our investment approach is defined as full life cycle
and, therefore, involves retaining our private investments well
beyond their IPO, hence our core portfolio consists of both
privately-held and publicly-listed companies.
Approximately 29% of the Company’s NAV is currently
invested in other publicly listed companies in lieu of holding
cash for future private investments. This portfolio of assets
has been carefully selected by us, matching, on a pro-rated
basis, the long investments held in our other funds. The
investments represented in this portfolio are similarly
categorised as innovative biotechnology and medical
technology companies developing and commercialising
potentially disruptive and transformational products.
The -10.2% reduction in NAV during 2022 was largely driven
by the “other public” portfolio’s (-9.3% contribution), which
declined roughly in line with the Russell 2000 Biotech Index.
The core portfolio made a small positive contribution to NAV
with the core public portfolio contributing +0.2% and the core
private portfolio detracting -0.1%. Within our core private
portfolio we crystallised gains of +4.9% of NAV when RTW
Royalty Holdings sold Mavacamten to Bristol Myers Squibb.
New portfolio
companies
12
(2021: 36)
These gains were offset by write-downs across the majority
of our private portfolio based on declining public market
comparables. The positive return of the core portfolio, in
ayear when small cap biotech companies, particularly newly
public ones, performed very poorly, highlights the selectivity
of our process, quality of our investments and value of our full
life cycle approach. Income and Expense (offset by both the
mark to market on the Performance Allocation Share for the
period from 1 January 2022 through 30 November 2022 and
Non-Controlling Interest for the period from 1 December
2022 through 31 December 2022) make up the balance of
returns (-0.7% contribution).
Core portfolio breakdown
Our 2022 new investments
0.4% NAV 
*
Lenz
Therapeutics
Clinical stage biopharma
company developing treatments
for presbyopia
0.3% NAV 
*
Mineralys
Therapeutics
Clinical stage biopharma
company developing treatments
for hypertension
0.6% NAV 
*
Apogee
Therapeutics
Pre-clinical biopharma company
developing treatments for
inflammation
On listing, the Company’s core portfolio included six
companies, four of which were developing clinical-stage
therapeutics and two medtech companies developing
transformative devices.
* On 31 December 2022
As of 31 December 2022, the portfolio was diversified across
treatment modalities, therapeutic focus, and the clinical stage
of programs (Figure 2A-C). While the portfolio remains
dominated by US-based companies (Figure 2D), we are
committed to adding UK and EU-based scientists and
companies in an effort to support the best assets across
Figure 2. Core portfolio breakdown, by (A) modality, (B) therapeutic focus, (C) clinical stage and
(D)geography as of 31 December 2022
the globe and foster local biotech ecosystems. By
constructing the portfolio in such a way, investors can gain
exposure to the most innovative parts of a highly specialised
sector with the explosive potential of companies such as
Prometheus Biosciences (which we expand on below).
The Group now has thirty-eight core portfolio companies
having added three new companies in 2022 alongside seven
disposals. Core portfolio companies added in 2022 are
listed below.
1 Small Molecule
2 Medtech
3 Gene Therapy
4 Antibody
5 Cell Therapy
6 Targeted Protein
Degradation
7 Spec Pharma
A) Modality
1 Inflammation
2 Oncology
3 Cardiovascular
4 Neurology
5 Opthalmology
6 Rare Disease
7 Pulmonary
8 Gastrointestinal
9 Orthodontic
10 T1 Diabetes
B) Therapeutics Focus
1 Commercial
2 Pivotal
3 Phase 3
4 Phase 2
5 Phase 1
6 Preclinical
1 US & Canada
2 UK & EU
3 China
D) GeographyC) Clinical Stage
Figure 1. Performance drivers as of 31 December 2022
Decrease
Increase
2022 Contributors to Ordinary NAV (%)
9.1%
4.9%
2.7%
1.0%
0.4%
-0.3%
0.1%
-3.2%
-0.2%
-0.3%
-2.2%
-9.3%
-3.4%
-0.7%
-15.0%
10.0%
15.0%
5.0%
0%
-5.0%
-10.0%
20.0%
Prometheus Bio
RTW Royalty
Holdings (Mava)
Immunocore
Ventyx
RTW Royalty
Holdings (Urogen)
Core private –
valuation up or flat
Core private –
valuation down
Cincor
Third Harmonic
Tarsus
Avidity
Milestone
Monte Rosa
GH Research
Rocket
Tenaya
C4 Therapeutics
Ji Xing
Operating expenses
and osets
"Other" public
positions
Exited core
public positions
-0.6%
-0.6%
-0.7%
-1.1%
-1.8%
-2.0%
-2.1%
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
1
2
3
4
5
6
1
2
3
Strategic Report Governance Report Financial Statements Additional Information
1110
Key updates for Core Portfolio Companies during 2022:
Portfolio performance and updates
The Company’s NAV has significantly outperformed
biotech benchmarks since admission on 30 October
2019,returning +47.6% versus -5.3% and +24.7% for
theRussell 2000 Biotechnology Index and the Nasdaq
Biotechnology Index, respectively. This marks the third
consecutive full year of outperformance against the
morecomparable Russell 2000 Biotechnology Index.
However, the Company’s share price has lagged NAV, returning
+16.4% since admission after a -32.0% return in 2022 compared
with a -31.1% return for the Russell 2000 Biotechnology Index in
2022 and -10.9% for the Nasdaq Biotechnology Index in 2022.
Having trade d ata premium for most of the time from
admission to 31December 2021, the shares fell to a discount in
2022 alongside most investment companies that have exposure
togrowth stage private companies.
Core portfolio
companies
39
(2021: 42)
Source: Capital IQ
Figure 3. RTW NAV per Ordinary Share vs. RTW.L Share Price and Benchmarks
as of 31 December 2022
JAN
FEB APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
Cincor Pharma
announced pricing of its IPO at US$16.00
per share, raising US$193.6 million and
beginning to trade on Nasdaq Global
Market under ticker “CINC”.
Magnolia Medical Technologies
raised US$46 million in a follow-on
cross-over round where RTW served
as a co-lead investor. Ovid Amadi, PhD,
Senior Analyst at RTW joins Magnolia’s
Board of Directors.
Ji Xing
announced an exclusive licensing agreement with
Lenz Therapeutics to develop and commercialise
LNZ100 and LNZ101 for the treatment of presbyopia
in Greater China. As a part of the transaction, Lenz
Therapeutics has also become the latest addition to
the Company’s portfolio.
Mavacamten
the underlying asset of RTW Royalty Holdings 1
received FDA approval. Soon after, the Company sold
its stake in the royalty to Bristol Myers Squibb for a
significant gain.
Beta Bionics
The Company and other affiliated funds
of the Investment Manager participated
in a follow-on Series C financing round in
Beta Bionics.
Mineralys
Therapeutics
The Company and other
affiliated funds of the
Investment Manager
participated in a Series
B financing round in
Mineralys Therapeutics,
a clinical-stage biopharma
working on hypertension.
Orchestra BioMed
announced a strategic collaboration with
Medtronic, the closing of US$110 million
private equity financing round, and plans
to list on Nasdaq through a merger
with RTW sponsored Health Sciences
Acquisitions Corporation 2.
Immunocore
announced a PIPE financing round that
RTW participated in and then announced
continued success in the commercial
launch of Kimmtrak for uveal melanoma.
Third Harmonic Bio
announced the pricing of its IPO at
US$17.00 per share, raising US$185.3
million and beginning to trade on Nasdaq
Global Market under ticker “THRD”.
Avidity Biosciences
announced an FDA partial clinical hold
on new participant enrolment in its lead
program for myotonic dystrophy.
Cincor Pharma
shared positive Phase 2 data for its
hypertension program.
Ventyx Biosciences
shared positive Phase 1 data for its
TYK2 program for autoimmune and
inflammatory conditions.
Rocket
Pharmaceuticals
presented a positive data
update on its LADI clinical
trial. Then, in December,
it provided an update
on its Danon program,
stating that the company
anticipates starting a
pivotal clinical trial in
H1’23.
Mineralys
Therapeutics
shared positive Phase 2
data for its hypertension
program.
Rocket Pharmaceuticals
shared positive top line data for its
registrational gene therapy program for
Leukocyte Adhesion Deficiency-I (LAD-I), a
rare genetic disorder of immunodeficiency
in young children.
Tarsus Pharmaceuticals
shared positive data in the second
Phase 3 trial for their blepharitis demodex
treatment. The company filed a New Drug
Application (“NDA”) with the FDA
in September.
C4 Therapeutics
shared Phase 1 first-in-human clinical
data for its targeted protein degradation
program in multiple myeloma that
unfortunately had limited efficacy and
needed to refine its treatment regimen.
Immunocore
received an FDA approval for Kimmtrak
(tebentafusp), its first-in-class T-cell
therapy for the treatment of uveal
melanoma.
Beta Bionics
shared results of the multi-center
randomised Insulin-Only Bionic Pancreas
Pivotal Trial for Type 1 diabetes patients
at the American Diabetes Association
(“ADA”) conference. The trial met key
endpoints and showed consistent mean
HbA1c reductions across various patient
subgroups.
Apogee Therapeutics
The Group announced a US$2 million
investment in Apogee Therapeutics,
which is working on developing best-in-
class medicines for immunological and
inflammatory diseases. RTW co-lead the
Series B round.
Ventyx Biosciences
Takeda announced the acquisition
of Nimbus’ TYK2-targeting drug, providing
a positive read-through for RTW Venture
Fund Ltd.’s holding in Ventyx Biosciences,
which is also advancing a TYK2-targeting
therapy.
Prometheus Biosciences
reported positive Phase 2 data for its
antibody therapy for inflammatory diseases,
suggesting a best-in-class profile.
Cincor Pharma
announced the failure of its Phase 2
trial of baxdrostat for uncontrolled
hypertension by missing a statistically
significant difference between its
treatment and placebo arms.
Third Harmonic Bio
announced the discontinuation of its
Phase 1b study for the treatment of
chronic inducible urticaria.
Avidity Biosciences
announced a positive clinical update on
its proof-of-concept Phase 1 trial for is
antibody-siRNA therapy.
Immunocore
shared first in human data
on its PRAME program.
CLINICAL
MILESTONES
FINANCING AND
COMMERCIAL
DEVELOPMENTS
Oct 22
Jun 22
Oct 21
Feb 21
Jun 20
Oct 19
Feb 20
Oct 20
Jun 21
Feb 22
$2.50
Nasdaq Biotech Index
$2.25
$2.00
$1.75
$1.50
$1.25
$1.00
$0.75
`$0.50
Russell 2000 Biotech Index RTW VF NAV RTW Share Price
RTW VF NAV & RTW.L Share price USD
150%
125%
100%
75%
50%
25%
0%
25%
50%
Index Returns %
Strategic Report Governance Report Financial Statements Additional Information
1312
Report of the Investment Manager
continued
15
Portfolio Holding Initial Investment Valuation/Exit Date MOC
1
XIRR
1
Holding Period
(yrs)
Inivata
2
24/12/2020 18/06/2021 2.62 635.5% 0.5
Prometheus Biosciences 30/10/2020 31/12/2022 14.05 268.6% 2.2
RTW Royalty Holdings 1 
2
13/11/2020 30/12/2022 3.38 129.6% 2.1
Ventyx Biosciences 26/02/2021 31/12/2022 3.36 110.8% 1.8
Iteos Therapeutics 
2
24/03/2020 17/03/2022 3.63 108.2% 2.0
Frequency Therapeutics 
2
17/07/2019 23/03/2021 2.79 85.3% 1.7
HSAC 2 17/07/2020 31/12/2022 4.31 83.0% 2.5
Athira Pharma 
2
29/05/2020 30/06/2022 1.65 56.8% 2.1
Immunocore 13/08/2019 31/12/2022 2.83 39.5% 3.4
Avidity Biosciences 08/11/2019 31/12/2022 2.42 32.5% 3.1
Prometheus Laboratories 31/12/2020 31/12/2022 1.41 18.9% 2.0
RTW Royalty Holdings 2 05/05/2021 31/12/2022 1.32 18.8% 1.7
Mineralys 01/06/2022 31/12/2022 1.08 14.6% 0.6
Pulmonx Corporation 
2
17/04/2020 04/11/2022 1.31 13.1% 2.6
Acelyrin 20/10/2021 31/12/2022 1.12 11.6% 1.2
Ji Xing Pharmaceuticals 10/02/2020 31/12/2022 1.11 7.4% 2.9
Encoded Therapeutics 12/06/2020 31/12/2022 1.18 6.8% 2.6
Magnolia Medical 02/07/2021 31/12/2022 1.05 4.8% 1.5
Tarsus Pharma 24/09/2020 31/12/2022 1.05 2.1% 2.3
Nikang Therapeutics 09/09/2020 31/12/2022 1.03 1.6% 2.3
Numab Therapeutics 07/05/2021 31/12/2022 1.02 1.4% 1.7
Ancora Heart 20/01/2021 31/12/2022 1.01 1.0% 1.9
Apogee Therapeutics 15/11/2022 31/12/2022 1.00 0.0% 0.1
Neurogastrx 25/06/2021 31/12/2022 0.99 -0.3% 1.5
Milestone Pharma 23/07/2020 31/12/2022 0.96 -1.9% 2.4
Lenz Therapeutics, Inc. 13/04/2022 31/12/2022 0.99 -2.0% 0.7
Artiva Biotherapeutics 23/02/2021 31/12/2022 0.94 -3.4% 1.9
Nuance Biotech 07/12/2020 31/12/2022 0.92 -4.1% 2.1
Kyverna 09/11/2021 31/12/2022 0.95 -4.3% 1.1
Beta Bionics 28/06/2019 31/12/2022 0.86 -5.0% 3.5
C4 Therapeutics 02/06/2020 31/12/2022 0.88 -5.8% 2.6
Orchestra Biomed 28/06/2019 31/12/2022 0.86 -7.5% 3.5
Cincor Pharma 22/09/2021 31/12/2022 0.90 -7.6% 1.3
Lycia Therapeutics 02/09/2021 31/12/2022 0.89 -8.3% 1.3
Artios Pharma 27/07/2021 31/12/2022 0.87 -9.1% 1.4
Biomea Fusion 
2
23/12/2020 24/01/2022 0.89 -10.2% 1.1
GH Research Ireland 09/04/2021 31/12/2022 0.79 -12.9% 1.7
Umoja Biopharma 09/06/2021 31/12/2022 0.78 -14.5% 1.6
RTW Holdings LLC (Yarrow) 14/05/2021 31/12/2022 0.88 -16.2% 1.6
Monte Rosa Therapeutics 12/03/2021 31/12/2022 0.73 -16.2% 1.8
Swift Health Systems 27/08/2021 31/12/2022 0.74 -20.1% 1.3
Landos Biopharma 
2
09/08/2019 02/11/2022 0.08 -55.0% 3.2
Tenaya Therapeutics 17/12/2020 31/12/2022 0.16 -59.1% 2.0
Alcyone Therapeutics 08/06/2021 31/12/2022 0.25 -66.2% 1.6
Pyxis Oncology 
2
08/03/2021 08/07/2022 0.22 -70.5% 1.3
Third Harmonic Bio, Inc. 17/12/2021 31/12/2022 0.26 -73.1% 1.0
Visus Therapeutics 26/01/2021 31/12/2022 0.00 -99.4% 1.9
Average 1.54 23.0% 1.88
1 Alternative Performance Measure
2 Exited the position
Table 2. Performance of all private and core public portfolio
investments since inception as of 31 December 2022
Share price at
admission
Share price at
31December 2022
Share price
return %
Rocket Pharmaceuticals US$14.00 US$19.57 +39.8%
Table 3. Performance of Rocket Pharmaceuticals from admission to 31 December 2022
Portfolio grouping % of NAV
Core private 24.6%
Core public 46.3%
“Other” public 29.8%
Cash, due to/from brokers, other (including liabilities such as other payables and accrued expenses) -0.7%
Total 100.0%
As of 31 December 2022, our top five holdings in the “other public” portfolio were:
• 4.2% of NAV in Argenx (ticker: “ARGX”), a commercial stage multi-pipeline immunology company;
• 1.8% of NAV in Axsome Therapeutics (ticker: “AXSM”) a commercial staged biotech focused on CNS treatments;
• 1.7% of NAV in Masimo Corporation (ticker: “MASI”) a global medtech company focused on patient monitoring;
• 1.5% of NAV in PTC Therapeutics (“PTCT”), a biotech company developing therapies for rare genetic diseases;
• 1.4% of NAV in Ultragenyx Pharmaceuticals (ticker: “RARE”) a biopharma company addressing rare diseases.
We expect to deploy the capital invested in “other public” assets into private companies as the opportunities arise.
Table 4. NAV capital breakdown as of 31 December 2022
Portfolio Company
% of Company’s
net assets
Private
1
/
Public
2
Company’s %
shareholding
Valuation of
Company’s
investment in US$
YTD
P&L US$
Prometheus Bio 15.2% Public <1% $52,760,400 $33,198,288
Rocket 13.5% Public <5% $46,982,775 -$6,604,656
Immunocore 7.4% Public <1% $25,908,924 $9,935,999
Ji Xing
4
7.3% Private <15% $25,225,606 -$8,036,798
Avidity 4.2% Public <5% $14,502,829 -$1,268,910
RTW Royalty Holdings (Urogen) 4.0% Private <20% $14,074,846 $1,510,287
Ventyx 2.3% Public <1% $8,025,353 $3,454,534
Beta Bionics 1.6% Private <5% $5,633,890 -$766,537
Orchestra 1.3% Private <5% $4,490,264 -$500,961
NiKang 1.3% Private <5% $4,416,891 -$227,399
Ancora 1.2% Private <5% $4,163,943 $9,122
Tars us 0.9% Public <1% $3,169,037 -$2,050,561
GH Research 0.9% Public <1% $2,981,309 -$4,174,446
Milestone
5
0.8% Public <5% $2,871,141 -$2,125,030
Umoja 0.7% Private <1% $2,540,152 -$852,790
Magnolia 0.7% Private <5% $2,403,543 $95,829
Encoded 0.7% Private <1% $2,364,636 -$1,872,579
Cincor 0.6% Public <1% $2,175,674 -$683,084
Apogee Therapeutics 0.6% Private <1% $2,102,903 $0
Numab Therapeutics AG 0.5% Private <1% $1,768,384 $49,888
Acelyrin 0.5% Private <1% $1,650,669 $179,485
Nuance 0.5% Private <1% $1,622,898 -$148,311
Neurogastrx 0.5% Private <1% $1,612,974 -$8,329
Kyverna 0.4% Private <1% $1,455,105 -$74,908
Lenz Therapeutics 0.4% Private <5% $1,449,836 -$21,412
Monte Rosa 0.4% Public <1% $1,402,744 -$2,361,254
Alcyone
4
0.4% Private <5% $1,280,484 -$3,820,806
Mineralys 0.3% Private <1% $1,119,555 $85,324
Lycia 0.3% Private <1% $1,008,626 -$122,674
RTW Holdings, LLC (Yarrow)
4
0.3% Private <5% $1,001,854 -$133,869
C4 Therapeutics 0.3% Public <1% $926,459 -$7,565,568
Tenaya 0.3% Public <1% $881,791 -$7,331,469
Artiva 0.3% Private <1% $880,074 -$298,454
Artios 0.2% Private <1% $675,895 -$98,421
Swift Health 0.2% Private <1% $649,150 -$228,531
Third Harmonic 0.1% Public
3
<1% $347,952 -$1,088,132
Prometheus Labs 0.1% Private <1% $186,504 $54,524
Visus 0.0% Private <1% $149 -$2,352,170
Pulmonx 0.0% Public <1% $27 -$896,517
1 Valuations for private portfolio companies on a fair value basis as of 31 December 2022.
2 The valuations of public positions have been calculated using their market capitalisation as at 31 December 2022.
3 In accordance with its valuation policy, the Group applies a discount to its investments in private portfolio companies which become public portfolio companies that
are subject to customary post-IPO lock-up provisions. The valuation policy also includes Level 1 securities purchased at or after portfolio company IPO.
4 Excludes convertible note.
5 Includes pre-funded warrants.
Table 5. Overview of core portfolio companies’ valuations and Company shareholding on 31 December 2022
Strategic Report Governance Report Financial Statements Additional Information
14
Report of the Investment Manager
continued
1716
Nov-17
Dec-18
Dec-19
Nov-16
Nov-15
Oct-14
Oct-13
Sep-11
Sep-08
Aug-06
Jul-04
Jul-02
Jun-00
Jun-98
Jul-96
Jun-97
Jun-99
Jun-01
Jul-03
Aug-05
Aug-07
Sep-09
Sep-10
Oct-12
May-18
Jun-19
Jun-20
Dec-20
Dec-21
Jun-21
Jul-22
May-17
May-16
May-15
Apr-14
Apr-12
Mar-09
Feb-07
Jan-05
Jan-03
Dec-00
Dec-98
Dec-96
Dec-97
Dec-99
Jan-02
Jan-04
Feb-06
Feb-08
Mar-10
Mar-11
Apr-13
9,000
8,000
7,000
6,000
5,000
4,000
3,000
2,000
1,000
0
Mar ‘00 – Mar ‘03
-85% peak to trough
Aug ‘08 – Mar ‘09
-46% peak to trough
Jul ‘15 – Feb ‘16
-52% peak to trough
Feb – Mar 2020
-38% peak to trough
Aug – Dec 2018
-33% peak to trough
Feb ‘21 – May ‘22
-70 % peak to trough
2014
2015
2016
2022
2013
2012
2019
2020
2021
2018
2017
2011
2010
2008
2005
2003
2001
1999
1997
1995
1994
1996
1998
2000
2002
2004
2006
2007
2009
Number of deals
Value ($B)
100
80
60
40
20
0
Number of deals
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
Value ($B)
Volume of deals
worth over
US$500 million
totaled
$58B
(2021: $52B)
Portfolio company
1
RTW representative on the board
Alcyone Piratip Pratumsuwan
Ji Xing Rod Wong, Peter Fong
Magnolia Ovid Amadi
Nikang Rod Wong
Rocket Rod Wong, Gotham Makker, Naveen Yalamanchi
Yarrow Rod Wong, Peter Fong
1 In aggregate these represented 23% of the NAV of the Group at 31 December 2022
Summary of top fifteen core portfolio companies as of 31 December 2022:
As of 31 December 2022, the Group’s core portfolio included thirty-eight companies comprised of pre-clinical to commercial stage biotechnology
companies, companies developing traditional small molecule pharmaceuticals, and med-tech companies developing or commercializing transformative
devices. We selected the Group’s portfolio companies based upon our rigorous assessment of scientific and commercial potential, opportunities to
positively impact value, and with regard to the valuation of the assets at the time of investment. The table below includes the top fifteen portfolio
companies at the end of the reporting period.
Table 6. RTW representation on portfolio companies’ boards
Portfolio Company Therapeutic Area Clinical Stage Description
Expected
Catalyst % NAV
Prometheus Bio Inflammation Phase 2 Precision medicine company focused on IBD, a chronic
inflammatory disease of GI tract with the lead antibody
program against TL1A.
Data updates
in Q2 2023
15.2%
Rocket Rare Disease Phase 2 Gene therapy platform company for rare paediatric
diseases. Four clinical programs for Fanconi anaemia,
Danon, LAD, and PKD.
Data updates
in H1 2023
13.5%
Immunocore Oncology Commercial T-cell receptor therapy company focused on oncology
and infectious disease. Lead program for uveal
melanoma.
Launch
updates in H1
2023
7.4%
Ji Xing Cardiovascular,
Ophthalmology
Phase 3 NewCo focused on acquiring rights for innovative
therapies for development and commercialisation in
China.
Series D in H2
2023
7.3%
Avidity Myotonic
Dystrophy
Phase 1 Antibody conjugated RNA medicines company. Lead
program for myotonic dystrophy, a degenerative
disease with no therapy.
Data updates
in Q2 2023
4.2%
RTW Royalty Holdings
(Urogen)
Oncology Commercial Royalty as a part of RTW-Urogen deal based on
revenues of both Jelmyto and UGN‐102.
– 4.0%
Ventyx Autoimmune Phase 2 Clinical stage biotech advancing a promising
immunology pipeline for autoimmune and inflammatory
diseases.
Data updates
in Q2 2023
2.3%
Beta Bionics Type 1 Diabetes Pivotal Closed-loop pancreatic system for automated and
autonomous delivery of insulin.
– 1.6%
Orchestra Cardiovascular Pivotal Medical device company focused on developing products
for the treatment of coronary artery disease and
hypertension.
Data updates
in H1 2023
1.3%
NiKang Oncology Phase 1 Biotech using a structure-based design to develop
innovative small molecules against promising molecular
targets in oncology.
Data updates
in H1 2023
1.3%
Ancora Cardiovascular Pivotal Medical device company dedicated to developing
products which target dysfunction of the left ventricle,
the underlying cause of heart failure.
– 1.2%
Tars us Ophthalmology Phase 3 Clinical stage biotech developing first-in-class
therapeutics for ophthalmic conditions.
PDUFA Aug
25, 2023
0.9%
GH Research CNS Phase 2 Clinical stage biotech developing therapies to manage
mental disease.
– 0.9%
Milestone Cardiovascular Phase 3 Clinical stage company developing interventions for
tachycardias.
FDA filing H2
2023
0.8%
Umoja Oncology Preclinical Preclinical stage biotech company developing cell
therapies in cancer. The lead program is focused on B
cell malignancies.
– 0.7%
Table 7. RTW Venture Fund core portfolio – Top fifteen positions as of 31 December 2022
Sector review and outlook
We already knew that 2021 was an historic year for small cap
biotech. The Russell 2000 Biotech Index finished -27%, behind
only 2008’s -31% and 2002’s -54%. Then 2022 tied 2008 for
second from the bottom, with a drop of -31%, a rare two
down years in a row. As a result, the absolute number and
percentage of companies trading at less than 1x market
capitalisation to cash remains near historic highs (37%). This
is despite some meaningful advances in biotech innovation,
most importantly Biogen/Eisai’s lecanemab for Alzheimer’s.
Funding for smaller public companies is scarce. The IPO
market is at its lowest level in a decade and follow-on offerings
declined for the second year in a row, back to the lowest level
since 2016’s drug pricing panic. In sharp contrast, big was
beautiful this year. The NYSE Arca Pharmaceutical Index
(DRG) finished +5% on the year. In fact, the 36% performance
gap between large and small cap therapeutics adds to last
year’s 50% gap, totaling the largest outperformance for
pharma since 1997-98. Investors are setting aside long-term
risks (most notably Medicare price negotiation and patent
cliffs beginning in 2026) and are placing high value on
recession-resistant near-term growth, which pharma is
delivering with its own innovation breakthrough, the Glp1s.
The Glp1s are the first class of medicines to deliver
meaningful weight loss with an attractive safety profile,
andearly sales momentum suggests the potential to create
one of, if not the largest drug class in history. Eli Lilly and
Novo Nordisk have surpassed Pfizer and Merck as the
secondand third largest biopharma companies, thanks
tothesuccess of Mounjaro and Rybelsus.
The large-cap-weighted Nasdaq Biotech Index lost -11% in
2022. Companies with consistent growth, or those who can
plug pharma patent holes with de-risked blockbuster potential
have been first to recover. Overall, we believe this is consistent
with a biotech recovery that is in its earliest innings.
A year ago, our optimism for 2022 stemmed from
expectations for a return to normalcy at the FDA, clarity
ondrug pricing, increased M&A, and the historically large
performance gap between biotech and the broader markets.
The 2022 volume (of deals worth over US$500 million) totaled
US$58 billion, a nice pick-up from 2021’s US$52 billion, the
lowest in the past eight years. Pharma (DRG +5%) and large
cap biotech (NBI -11%) significantly outperformed the broader
market and (S&P500 -19%), narrowing the performance gap.
In sum, we have seen significant progress against each of
these items. Unfortunately, small caps have so far been left
behind (Russell 2000 Biotechnology Index -31% and XBI -26%),
and our concentration here has correspondingly affected
2022 NAV performance.
Russell 2000 biotechnology industry index value
US Biotech IPOs (1994–2022)
Strategic Report Governance Report Financial Statements Additional Information
Report of the Investment Manager
continued
2014
2015
2016
2022
2013
2012
2019
2020
2021
2018
2017
2011
2010
2008
2005
2003
2001
1999
1997
1995
1993
1994
1996
1998
2000
2002
2004
2006
2007
2009
NME Approvals
Approval Rate (1st Action)
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
Approval Rate %
2014
2015
2016 2022
2013
2012
2019 2020 20212018
2017
2011
2010
VC Funding
Follow On
IPO
Royalty
$50
$40
$30
$20
$10
$0
FDA approved
novel new drugs
37
(2021: 50)
Drugs from
new modalities
13
(2021: 9)
After the last two years, we think investors have priced in
failure for much of the wave of companies that experienced
setbacks after going public too early. Of the IPO classes of
2020-2021, the average performance is -37% and -50%, with
74% trading below cash. Notable breakthroughs in the past
year have only minimally improved sentiment. This includes
several potential first-in-class therapies for blockbuster
markets. In addition to Biogen and Eisai’s Alzheimer’s
breakthrough, Axsome is launching the first new class of
oral antidepressants in over half a century, Karuna reported
positive Phase 3 schizophrenia data for a first-in-class
muscarinic receptor directed therapy, and Madrigal reported
the first successful Phase 3 study ever conducted for fatty
liver disease.
In total, the FDA approved 37 novel new drugs (two of
which came from RTW portfolio companies: Kimmtrak from
Immunocore and Camzyos (mavacamten) from RTW Royalty
Holdings 1). This is down from last year’s 50 and likely reflects
an FDA that has struggled post-COVID. Importantly, however,
drugs from new modalities continue to increase: 13 vs 9 last
year. It includes an impressive four gene therapies (vs zero
last year), two bispecifics, an RNAi, mRNA, cell therapy, ADC,
radiotherapy, and the first ever TCR and microbiome
therapies. With innovation from new modalities continuing to
mature and accelerate, we think the swing of the sentiment
pendulum from optimism to pessimism for small companies
creates asymmetric opportunity in front of future potential
breakthroughs. Importantly, several of our core early-stage
therapeutic companies that have suffered either alongside
other small caps or due to their own setbacks remain key
positions in the portfolio. Those that have cleared our
re-underwriting efforts have made operational progress
this past year and many are nearing their next value inflection
points. We like the asymmetric risk reward in front of these
more mature data readouts in 2023.
Recent cases suggest that the market environment may be
increasingly more likely to reward strong data. In December,
positive data translated to significant moves for Madrigal
Pharmaceuticals (+320%), and our own Prometheus
Biosciences (+167%) and Avidity (+91%).
We continue to expect M&A to accelerate given patent
expiries and headwinds from the Inflation Reduction Act of
2022 in the second half of the decade, growing pharma cash
balances, small company cost of capital, and lower valuations.
This should help drive better performance for the sector,
which has never been down three years in a row.
Executing on our strategy
We are scientists and entrepreneurs who aspire to change
the lives of patients through innovation, and our mission is
at the heart of everything we do. We power breakthrough
therapies that transform the lives of millions. True value
realisation from transformative products takes time, and in
order to capture that value, it is critical to be involved in and
invested in such companies throughout the various stages of
their development. As a full life cycle investor, we recognise
the importance of providing growth capital along with the
support of an experienced team, if and when it is needed, at
any critical inflection point in an asset’s life cycle. Scientific
development rarely follows a linear path, which is why we are
always thinking about the optimal way to support a company.
This can be achieved through providing growth capital,
creative financing solutions, capital markets expertise, or
guidance through investing our time and sharing our collective
experience as directors and stewards of tomorrow’s most
exciting and disruptive companies.
Our full life cycle approach and broad offering of financial
solutions for investee companies allows us to capture a
diverseopportunity set. In the first half, this was most clearly
demonstrated when we sold our royalty stake in Mavacamten,
the underlying asset of RTW Royalty Holdings 1, to Bristol Myers
Squibb soon after the drug had achieved the primary endpoint
of its Phase 3 trials, achieving a greater than 3x return on our
initial investment in November 2020. We originally acquired
the royalty asset as part of a multi-solution transaction with
Cytokinetics, a promising mid-stage cardiovascular company,
which also included an equity investment, a regional partnering
deal with Ji Xing, and future clinical trial funding. It was a
ground-breaking transaction because, as a single counterparty,
we were able to move quickly to simplify and de-risk the
execution of a process that would otherwise have taken much
longer with the involvement of multiple partners. We believe
that we are the only investment manager who could have
accomplished what we did.
In the second half of the year, our second SPAC, Health
Sciences Acquisitions Corporation 2, announced a proposed
combination with Orchestra BioMed, one of the Group’s
coreprivate holdings. The combination subsequently closed
after year-end and, on 27 January 2023, Orchestra started
trading on Nasdaq Global Market under the ticker “OBIO”.
Simultaneously, the company cemented a strategic
collaboration with Medtronic, a global leader in medical
technology, services and solutions, to develop its “BackBeat
Cardiac Neuromodulation Therapy” as a potential integrated
treatment for cardiac pacemaker patients. We always
believed that Orchestra had promising data and a leadership
team with an exceptional track record of bringing novel
medical technologies to market; now they have that, a new
partnership with a global leader and the financial resources
tohelp accelerate their clinical development and position them
for commercial success. In our opinion, this deal validates our
view on and approach to SPACs, which is that they can be an
especially useful tool to bring public-ready companies to the
next stage of their life cycle when the capital markets are
temporarily closed for business.
Our global reach continues to expand with new offices
opened in London and Shanghai. In China, our NewCo Ji Xing,
continues to build out its clinical pipelines with the addition of
an exclusive licensing agreement with Lenz Therapeutics for
their LNZ100 and LNZ101 treatments for presbyopia. As part
of the transaction, Lenz Therapeutics also became the latest
addition to the Group’s portfolio, underlining the value of our
multi-asset approach. In London, we have continued to support
the development of Immunocore with our participation in a
US$140 million PIPE (Private Investment in Public Equity)
alongside a small handful of other investors in July. As a firm,
we have been supporting Immunocore since their Series A in
2015 and we are proud to be part of a significant UK success
story as the company received FDA approval in January for
Kimmtrak (tebentafusp), its first-in-class T-cell therapy for
the treatment of uveal melanoma, which subsequently
surpassed most people’s expectations on its commercial
launch. We expect to receive clinical updates from their
highly promising PRAME (Preferentially Expressed Antigen
of Melanoma) program, which could be a blockbuster drug,
in 2023.
From a science perspective, our primary areas of focus
remain in genetic medicines, rare diseases, small molecules,
targeted oncology, medical technologies, antibodies, and next
generation antibody therapies. Our science-led, full life cycle
approach was clearly demonstrated this year by Prometheus
Biosciences’ transformational data from their Phase 2 studies
in ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. The company’s
Anti-TL1A antibody is a new mechanism of action in
inflammatory bowel disease (“IBD”) which also leverages
companion diagnostics that may enable a more personalised
and effective treatment for patients suffering from the
condition. With best-in-disease efficacy against existing,
commercially validated, mechanisms of action, we believe
Prometheus is set up to capture a significant portion of the
multibillion-dollar IBD market. On the heels of the Phase 2
data, Prometheus successfully raised US$500 million in a
follow-on financing to advance into Phase 3 development.
Wehave been following the company for several years, starting
in February 2020 when we observed proof-of-concept data
from Pfizer, which alerted us to the possibilities of the TL1A
mechanism of action. After further scrutinizing the science
and gaining a better understanding of its companion
diagnostic platform (something which Pfizer was not
considering at the time), we co-led the crossover financing
in November 2020 when they raised US$130 million ahead
of anchoring their IPO and US$220 million raise in March 2021
at a US$660 million valuation. Prometheus’ market cap now
stands at US$5.5 billion.
None of this is possible without a sound foundation. Our
foundation, or core, is built on our rigorous assessment of the
best private market investment opportunities, which then go
on to realise their ultimate value in the public markets. We
have always been highly selective in this area, focusing only
on companies with well-founded science and attractive
commercial opportunities. We are now benefiting from this
discipline in a challenging capital markets environment as our
private portfolio is a reasonable size and is well funded.
Figure4 shows a breakdown of the approximate cash runway
of our core private companies that have negative cash flow.
Ofthe twenty-four companies that do so, the average cash
runway (at current burn rates) is around three years, which
gives them the time to focus on their clinical development
until the funding markets normalise. Of the six companies
with less than one year of runway, two are RTW NewCos,
sothat is by design. Of the remaining four, only two are in
achallenging financial position.
FDA Drugs Approval Trend (1993-2022)
US Biopharma funding by type each year ($B/year)
Figure 4. Core private portfolio – approximate
cash runway as of 31December 2022
1 <12M approx. cash runway
2 12M-17M approx. cash runway
3 18M-23M approx. cash runway
4 >24M approx. cash runway
1
2
3
4
Privately-held
portfolio
companies
25
(2021: 25)
Strategic Report Governance Report Financial Statements Additional Information
1918
Report of the Investment Manager
continued
Support through full
life cycle investment
A key part of our competitive advantage is the ability to determine at what point in a
company’s life cycle we should support the target asset or pipeline. As a full life cycle
investor, we can provide growth capital, creative financing solutions, capital markets
expertise, or guidance through investing our time and sharing our collective experience
as directors and stewards of tomorrow’s most exciting and innovative companies.
Taking a long-term full life cycle approach and having a true evergreen structure enables
us to avoid the pitfalls and structural constraints of venture-only or public-only vehicles.
Our focus is on becoming the best investors and company builders we can be, delivering
exceptional results to shareholders and making a positive impact on patients’ lives.
Our Strategy
in Action
page 25
Identify transformational
innovations
We have developed expertise through our comprehensive study of industry and
academic efforts in targeted areas of significant innovation. Thanks to the genome,
there is more clarity around the causes of disease. Coupled with exciting new
modalities that can address genetic diseases in a targeted way, drug innovation
is accelerating.
Our Strategy
in Action
page 22
Build new companies around
promising academic licences
We developed repeatable internal processes combining technology and manpower
tocomprehensively cover critical drivers of innovation globally. We seek to identify
biopharmaceutical and medical technology assets, ascertained through rigorous
scientific analysis that have a high probability of becoming commercially viable products
and can dramatically change the course of treatment and in some cases bring effective
and/or full curative outcomes to patients.
We have the capabilities to partner with universities and in-license academic
programs, by providing capital and infrastructure to entrepreneurs to advance
scientific programs. Particularly working in rare diseases, often areas with little
existing research and treatment options, means that forming a rare disease-
focused company is a way of shining a light on this space and creating a roadmap
to eventually developing a curative treatment.
Our Strategy
in Action
page 23
Our Strategy
in Action
page 24
Engage in deep research
to unlock value
1
2
3
4
Reflecting their challenged positions, these two companies,
Alcyone and Visus, were written down by RTW’s Valuation
Committee to the tune of -75% and -99%, respectively,
through 2022. Figure 5 shows the 2022 valuation changes for
all the core private holdings in the portfolio on 31 December
2022. It is important to note that this does not include the
value realisations from RTW Royalty Holdings 1 or the changes
arising from Cincor’s or Third Harmonic’s IPOs. Last year, we
marked down seventeen of the privates we now hold by an
average of 23% and marked up seven by an average of 12%.
Apogee Therapeutics’ valuation remained unchanged as we
only invested in December 2022. 70% of the markdowns
wereprimarily driven by changes to relative comparables or
market-based inputs. On the other hand, 71% of the markups
were primarily driven by idiosyncratic company performance
or a financing or transaction. Our Valuation Committee, which
includes an expert internal team, takes a fair value approach
to marking our private portfolio, doing so on a monthly basis,
with the involvement of multiple third-party valuation
companies, with the goal of ensuring there are no surprises
for our investors. The Board reviews and challenges these
valuations in two semi-annual meetings.
In summary, the private portfolio is in good shape and we
havebeen active and fair in our valuation of the individual
holdings. This foundation provides us with the capacity and
the confidence to continue to back our existing holdings
should they need it and make new investments as the
opportunities arise.
Figure 5. Core private portfolio on 31 December 2022 – year to date valuation changes
We believe there is a significant demand for reliable capital
providers such as ourselves, to continue to support scientific
innovation and the development of transformative therapies
for patients. We expect the portfolio’s sector split to remain
close to 80% biopharmaceutical assets and 20% medical
technology assets. In line with prior prospectus guidance,
weanticipate two-thirds of the new investments willbe
madein mid- to later-stage venture companies and one-third
focused on active company building around the discovery and
development or licensing and distribution ofpromising assets.
Key portfolio company events post period end
• In January 2023, Cincor Pharma entered into an
agreement to be acquired by AstraZeneca for a total
deal value of US$1.8 billion, a 206% premium to the prior
closing market value.
• In January 2023, Orchestra BioMed combined with RTW’s
HSAC 2 and started trading on Nasdaq Global Markets
under the ticker symbol “OBIO”.
• On 9 February 2023, Mineralys Therapeutics announced
pricing of its IPO by offering 12 million shares at US$16.00
per share. The shares began trading on Nasdaq Global
Market on 10 February 2023 under ticker “MLYS”. Since
IPO, Mineralys Therapeutics shares have traded down 7.2%
as of 29 March.
• On 28 March 2023, Milestone Therapeutics announced
a$125m strategic financing from the Investment Manager
tosupport Milestone’s operations into mid-2025, including
etripamil NDA submission and launch in PSVT.
RTW Investments, LP
30 March 2023
Our long-term strategy is anchored in identifying sources
of transformational innovations by engaging in deep scientific
research and a rigorous idea generation process, which is
complemented with years of investment, company building,
transactional, and legal expertise.
Swift Health
Encoded
Alcyone
Visus
Artiva
Umoja
Ji Xing
Artios
RTW Holdings,
LLC (Yarrow)
Nuance
Kyverna
Neurogastrx
Ancora
Magnolia
Acelyrin
Prometheus
Labs
RTW Investments
Mineralys
Numab
Therapeutics AG
Apogee
Lenz
Therapeutics
NiKang
Orchestra
Lycia
Beta Bionics
Performance
Financing / Transaction
Comps / Market
Financial Distress
-120%
40%
20%
0%
-20%
-40%
-60%
-80%
-100%
Transforming the
lives of millions
Our Long-Term Strategy
Strategic Report Governance Report Financial Statements Additional Information
2120
Report of the Investment Manager
continued
Learn more about Avidity Biosciences
www.aviditybiosciences.com
The need
It is estimated that about 40,000 Americans suffer from
myotonic dystrophy, a rare genetic muscular dystrophy with
no approved treatment options for patients and their families.
Mission
Avidity is developing antibody oligonucleotide conjugate
(AOC™) therapeutics, which combines the tissue selectivity
ofmonoclonal antibodies and the precision of oligonucleotide-
based therapeutics to overcome barriers to the delivery of
oligonucleotides and target genetic drivers of disease.
Status
In December, Avidity Biosciences announced a positive
clinical update on its proof-of-concept Phase 1 trial for AOC
1001, its antibody-siRNA therapy, for myotonic dystrophy.
Thecompany is also expanding its pipeline in other rare
muscle disorders such as Facioscapulohumeral Muscular
Dystrophy, Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and others.
Next milestone
Avidity is expected to share AOC 1001 Phase 1 clinical
progress in H1 2023.
Identify transformational
innovations
RTW focuses on identifying
transformational innovations across
the life sciences space, specifically
backing scientific programs that have
the potential to disrupt the prevailing
standard of care in their respective
disease areas.
Our strategy in action
Learn more about Prometheus Biosciences
www.prometheusbiosciences.com
The need
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory
condition of the GI tract. The pathology of the disease is mixed
and without a definitive cause, therefore it represents an area
of a high unmet need for a large proportion of patients.
Prometheus Biosciences is developing an antibody targeting
TL1A, a novel target in IBD. RTW has been an investor in
Prometheus since the firm co-led the company’s crossover
financing US$130 million raise in 2020.
Mission
Prometheus is a biotechnology company developing novel
therapeutic and companion diagnostic product candidates
for the treatment of immune-mediated diseases, starting with
IBD. Its transformational approach brings the power of big
data to immune biology, changing lives through patient-centric
drug design.
Status
In December 2022, Prometheus shared positive Phase 2
clinical data for ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease clinical
trials with a successful use of companion diagnostic in IBD.
The data suggests a best-in-class profile for an IBD therapy.
Next milestone
Prometheus is expected to present further clinical data
updates from its Phase 2 trials in IBD in H1 2023.
Our team is comprised of individuals
withmedical and advanced scientific
training and legal and banking experience,
enabling a deeply differentiated approach
to research, idea generation and
strategicinvestment.
NAV
15.2%
(2021: 5.6%)
NAV
4.2%
(2021: 4.3%)
Portfolio company
ownership
<5%
(2021: <5%)
Portfolio company
ownership
<5%
(2021: <5%)
Engage in deep research
to unlock value
Strategic pillar: Strategic pillar:
1 2
Strategic Report Governance Report Financial Statements Additional Information
2322
JX08: Demodex blepharitis
Danon Disease (AAV)
Leukocyte Adhesion Deficiency (LVV)
BAG3-Associated Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Fanconi Anaemia (LVV)
Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency (LVV)
PKP2-Associated Dilated Cardiomyopathy
OMECAMTIV MECABRIL: HfrEF
AFICAMTEN: nHCM
ETRIPAMIL: PSVT
AFICAMTEN: oHCM
AFICAMTEN: HfpEF
ETRIPAMIL: Atrial fibrillation (Afib)
OC-01: Dry eye disease
OC-02: Dry eye disease
LNZ100/101: Presbyopia
ASO TECHNOLOGY
DiscoveryCompany Preclinical Phase 1 Phase 2 Phase 3
Build new
companies
We engage in new company formation
around promising academic licences
and beyond. We have the capabilities to
partner with universities and in-license
academic programs, by providing capital
and infrastructure to entrepreneurs to
advance scientific programs. We are well-
placed to offer support to early-stage life
sciences companies and NewCos.
Company creation:
Our strategy in action
continued
Support through full
life cycle investment
Drug development is not a linear
process. There are advancements
and setbacks and we are structured
to maximise value creation at any
point beginning with company
creation to late-stage venture and
into publicly traded markets. We let
the fundamentals and not market
movements dictate our investment.
The need
Orchestra BioMed is a biomedical innovation company
accelerating high-impact technologies to patients. Its
flagship product candidates include BackBeat Cardiac
Neuromodulation Therapy™ (CNT™) for the treatment of
hypertension, a significant risk factor for death worldwide,
and Virtue® Sirolimus AngioInfusion™ Balloon (SAB) for the
treatment of atherosclerotic artery disease, the leading
cause of mortality worldwide. The Company has been
invested in Orchestra Biomed since the time of its listing
on LSE in 2019.
Mission
Orchestra Biomed’s partnership-enabled business model
focuses on forging strategic collaborations with and licensing
patented technologies to leading medical device companies
to drive successful global commercialisation of product
candidates we develop. The company focuses on advancing
promising therapeutic solutions, such as BackBeat CNT
and Virtue SAB, through late-stage clinical research and
regulatory approvals, while our partners focus on leveraging
their commercial expertise and existing infrastructure to
bring our product candidates to global markets quickly
and efficiently.
Status
In July 2022, Orchestra Biomed announced its plans to
list on Nasdaq through a merger with Health Sciences
Acquisitions Corporation 2 (HSAQ), an RTW-sponsored
SPAC. The RTW team has been delighted to support
Orchestra in a turbulent public markets environment and
provide an alternative path to becoming a public company.
Next milestone
The business merger occurred in January 2023 with
Orchestra Biomed trading on Nasdaq under ticker “OBIO”.
The transaction had negligible P&L impact as we had
anticipated a successful completion in our 31 December
2022 NAV.
Learn more about Orchestra Biomed
www.orchestrabiomed.com
NAV
1.3%
2021: 0.6%
Portfolio company
ownership
<1%
2021: <1%
Strategic pillar: Strategic pillar:
3 4
Strategic Report Governance Report Financial Statements Additional Information
2524
26
Our Business Model
Shaping tomorrow’s most
disruptive companies
What we need to create value
Experienced
team
A collaborative team of doctors,
academics, and drug developers
coupled with seasoned venture
capitalists, investment bankers,
lawyers and company operators
with a strong culture of compliance.
Full life cycle
investing
Taking a long-term, full life cycle
approach and having a true
evergreen structure helps us
avoidthe structural constraints of
venture-only or public-only vehicles.
Global reach
Great science takes place
everywhere in the world. Our
priority is to unlock value by
advancing early-stage scientific
development and delivering
innovative therapies to patients
inneed.
Scientific rigour
Our research process combines
wide data-gathering with deep
analysis to identify the most
compelling assets, technologies,
and modalities with the best
chance of reaching patients.
We power breakthrough
therapies that transform
the lives of millions
I
d
e
n
t
i
f
y
I
n
v
e
s
t
S
u
p
p
o
r
t
Value createdHow we create value
Identify transformative assets with high growth potential across the
biopharmaceutical and medical technology sectors. Driven by our deep
scientific understanding and long-term approach to supporting innovative
businesses, we invest in companies developing next-generation therapies
and technologies that can significantly improve patients’ lives.
Identify transformational
innovations and unmet needs
We focus on identifying transformational innovations and
unmet needs across the life sciences space, specifically
backing scientific programs that have the potential to
disrupt the prevailing standard of care in their
respective disease areas.
Invest in deep research
and long-term relationships
We believe in developing long-term relationships
with great entrepreneurs and scientists who are as
passionate about medicine as we are and working
closely with our peers to support companies at any
stage of their life cycle.
Support through full
life cycle investment
A key part of our competitive advantage is the ability
todetermine at what point in a company’s life cycle we
should support the target asset or pipeline. As a full life
cycle investor, we can provide growth capital, creative
financing solution, capital markets expertise, or guidance
through investing our time and sharing our collective
experience as leaders of tomorrow’s most exciting and
disruptivecompanies.
Our Strategy
in Action
page 22
Our Strategy
in Action
page 24
Our Strategy
in Action
page 25
We are full life cycle investors creating
value and offering support at any stage,
from academic programs all the way to
mature publicly traded companies.
RTW Charitable Foundation
Founded as the Charitable Foundation arm of RTW,
RTWCF partners with organisations conducting disease
research and championing humanitarian causes.
Number of
humanitarian grants
10
(2021: 9)
8 COVID Recovery grants in NYC, 1 STEM
education grant in NYC (BioEYES), and 1
emergency response grant for Ukraine (Razom).
Portfolio companies
We support teams through the inevitable setbacks
that occur when introducing a first-in-class or
disruptive therapy.
NAV deployed into core
portfolio companies
70.9%
(2021: 66%)
Shareholders
Privileged access to private markets
and bespoke negotiated opportunities.
NAV per ordinary share
growth since inception
+47.6%
(2021: 38.1%)
Total shareholder return
since admission
+16.3%
(2021: 71%)
Patient benefits
Innovation is the best medicine. We believe solving
unmet patients’ needs is the best way to create value.
Core portfolio
companies with clinical
stage programs
25/39
(2021: 34/42)
Drugs commercialised
by our 10 most successful
investments since inception
11
(2021: 10)
Strategic Report Governance Report Financial Statements Additional Information
27
Leading with innovative
asset creation
Market capitalisation
The Company’s market capitalisation declined from
US$378million at 31 December 2021 to US$257 million at
31December 2022. The Company issued no shares during
theyear and did not repurchase any shares so the decline in
the market capitalisation of its shares is solely attributable
tothe decline in the Company’s share price.
Ordinary NAV
The Ordinary NAV of the Company declined from
US$363million to US$326 million during the year. The
maindriver of the decline was the share price performance
ofpublicly-listed portfolio companies within the Group’s
portfolio as realised gains from the sale of private investments
were offset by fair value write downs of the remaining private
investments. The majority of the private portfolio’s fair value
(excluding royalty investments) is made up of convertible
preferred stock and convertible notes, which offers a degree
of downside protection given their senior positioning in the
capital structure. Additionally, in thelast three months
before year end, the majority of the private investment
valuations were updated by independent third-party valuers.
An approximate attribution of the Group’s performance
is provided below:
Private Core Realised Gain +4.9%
Private Core Mark to Market -5.2%
Public Core Mark to Market +0.1%
Other Public Mark to Market -9.3%
Income, Expense and Other Offsets
1
-0.7%
Net Performance -10.2%
1 Other Offsets are both the mark to market on the Performance
Allocation Share for the period from 1 January 2022 through
30November 2022 and Non-Controlling Interest for the period
from 1 December 2022 through 31 December 2022.
Highlights
Understand our
Key Performance
Indicators
page 30
Market Capitalisation as of 31 Dec 2022
Ordinary NAV as of 31 Dec 2022
Premium to NAV discount as of 31 Dec 2022
Ongoing charges as of 31 Dec 2022
NAV per Ordinary Share
The -10.2% decline in NAV per Ordinary Share was driven by
the decline in the Company’s ordinary NAV as the number of
shares in issue did not change during the year.
Premium / discount
The Company’s shares traded on average at a c. 12% discount
due to reduced market demand for growth and venture
capital assets during the reporting period. At the year-end,
the Company’s Ordinary Shares were trading at a 21.2%
discount to NAV (2021: 4.1% premium to NAV; 2020: 4.1%
discount to NAV).
Total return to shareholders
based on ordinary NAV
As the Company has not paid dividends, the negative total
return for the year of -10.2% (2021: -12.8%) equates to the
decline in NAV per Ordinary Share. There was no performance
allocation triggered during the reporting period as the total
shareholder return based on ordinary NAV movements
was negative.
Total return to shareholders
based on share price
The negative share price return of -32.0% in the year
compared to the NAV movement of -10.2% was the result
of a decline in demand for growth companies that are not
currently profitable as interest rates increased in the US
and UK. Investors also assumed that private companies within
venture capital portfolios would be subject to substantial
market-based valuation adjustments leading to a cyclical
widening of share price discounts. Companies with the highest
proportion of private growth assets experienced the most
significant widening.
Ongoing charges
The Group’s ongoing charges ratio is 1.92%, calculated in
accordance with the AIC recommended methodology, which
excludes non-recurring costs and interest payable and uses
the average NAV in its calculation.
$257M
$326M
-21.2%
1.92%
$378M
$363M
+4.1%
1.73%
$360M
$375M
-4.1%
1.96%
2022
2022
2022
2022
2021
2021
2021
2021
2020
2020
2020
2020
Strategic Report Governance Report Financial Statements Additional Information
2928
Operational and Financial Review for the Year
Our Key Performance Indicators
Measuring our performance
The Board has identified the following
indicators for assessing the Group’s annual
performance in meeting its objectives:
Percent of NAV invested in
core portfolio companies
Non-financial
KPIs
Geographic & therapeutically
diversified portfolio
Active and robust pipeline
Level of capital deployment into
core portfolio companies
Measures the Group’s commitment
to invest in best-in-class science and
innovative assets worldwide
Delivers transformational new
treatments and medical devices
to patients in need
• Level of capital deployment
and investment pace, as well as
availability of funds to be deployed
into new portfolio companies or for
follow-on investments into existing
portfolio companies
• Continue to diversify within
life sciences sector, looking for
opportunities globally and also
support local biotech ecosystems
• Balance and breadth of the
pipeline across all clinical stages
• Data readouts and progress
through multiple clinical stages
• Commercial opportunity and
competitive landscape
NAV invested in core portfolio
71%
(2021: 66%)
Deployed into core portfolio
companies
Therapeutic areas addressed
10
(2021: 10)
Core portfolio companies’ focus spans
multiple therapeutic areas, treatment
modalities and geographies
Portfolio companies have leading
programs in a clinical stage
68%
(2021: 67%)
Capturing a spectrum of early-stage
Phase 1 to late stage Pivotal
Identify transformative assets with
high growth potential across the
biopharmaceutical and medical
technology sectors
Continue investing in and supporting
companies developing next generation
therapies and technologies that can
significantly improve patients’ lives
Progress towards delivering
transformational treatments to
patients in areas of high unmet need
1
Identify
2
Engage
3
Build
4
Support
1
Identify
2
Engage
3
Build
4
Support
1
Identify
2
Engage
3
Build
4
Support
3
The Investment Manager
relies on key personnel
5
Exposure to global political
and economic risks
6
Clinical Development
& Regulatory Risks
5
Exposure to global political
and economic risks
6
Clinical Development
& Regulatory Risks
5
Exposure to global political
and economic risks
6
Clinical Development
& Regulatory Risks
7
Imposition of pricing controls
Financial KPIs
NAV Growth Total shareholder return Premium/discount to NAV
Performance Performance of the portfolio
companies and cash management
strategy net of all fees and costs
Delivering value to the shareholders The level of supply and demand
for the Company’s shares
Key factors • Portfolio performance and
progression through clinical trials
• Cash management
• Capital pool and deployment
• Scientific and financial risks
• Portfolio performance
• Liquidity of RTW.L shares
• General market sentiment
(in order of impact at year end)
• The percentage of private growth
assets within the Group’s portfolio
• Portfolio performance
• Liquidity of the Company’s shares
• Governance
Progress Ordinary NAV
-10.2%
(2021: -12.8%)
During the reporting period this was
largely driven by public companies’
share price performance
Return
-32.0%
(2021: -5.3%)
Premium/discount to NAV
-12%
(2021: 10%)
(Average during the year)
Future intent Achieve superior long-term capital
appreciation; target an annualised
total return of 20% over the
medium term
Achieve superior long-term capital
appreciation; target an annualised
total return of 20% over the
medium term
Return to par or a premium to NAV
such that total shareholder returns
more closely match NAV performance
Link to
strategy
1
Identify
2
Engage
3
Build
4
Support
1
Identify
2
Engage
3
Build
4
Support
1
Identify
2
Engage
3
Build
4
Support
Link to
principal risks
1
Failure to achieve
investment objective
5
Exposure to global political
and economic risks
6
Clinical Development
& Regulatory Risks
1
Failure to achieve
investment objective
5
Exposure to global political
and economic risks
6
Clinical Development
& Regulatory Risks
1
Failure to achieve
investment objective
5
Exposure to global political
and economic risks
Strategic Report Governance Report Financial Statements Additional Information
3130
Applying deep scientific
expertise with a long-term
investment horizon
Risk management
Risk management structure
Board of Directors
Risk management leadership
RTW Team
Risk management is integral to the investment process and financial management Implementing
and monitoring risk controls; risk reporting
Audit Committee
Reviews and monitors the risk framework
Other advisors
Risk identification; risk reporting
Portfolio companies’ management teams
Risk identification and mitigation
Risk appetite
The Board is willing to accept a level of risk in managing
our business to achieve our strategic goals. As part of the
risk framework, the Board sets the risk appetite in relation
to each of the principal and emerging risks and monitors
the actual risk against that. Where a risk is approaching or
moves to the higher end of what the Board deems to be
acceptable, the Board will consider the actions being taken
to manage it. This year the Audit Committee carried out
a detailed review of the defined risk types, to ensure they
continue to reflect the understanding of the Board and
accurately reflect the risks we take. Following that review
the Audit Committee recommended to the Board that the
risk appetite remained appropriate, and the Board has
accepted that recommendation.
Principal and
Emerging Risks
andUncertainties
page 34
Our long-term strategy is anchored
inidentifying transformative assets
withhigh growth potential across
thebiopharmaceutical and medical
technology sectors.
Driven by our deep scientific understanding and a long-term
approach to supporting innovative businesses, we invest
incompanies developing next-generation therapies and
technologies that can significantly improve patients’ lives.
With this significant opportunity also comes risk.
Our risk framework is overseen by the Audit Committee
under delegation from the Board. Multiple parties contribute
to managing risk, including the Board, the RTW team, and the
Group’s other advisers.
Risk framework
Our risk framework begins with the Investment Policy,
andthe Board, which oversees the Company’s operation in
accordance with the Investment Policy and the process to
ensure a robust assessment of principal and emerging risks
and potential future risks, and receives an update at each
Board meeting. A risk register is maintained that sets out
our principal and emerging risks and how we mitigate them.
The RTW team is responsible for day-to-day operation and
oversight of the risk framework. The RTW team has a culture
of transparency, ensuring that any developments are shared
and addressed effectively with the benefit of input from the
whole team, and reported to the Board where appropriate.
We rely on having highly experienced personnel to support
and manage issues as they arise.
The Audit Committee oversees and monitors the risk
framework, including reviewing the risk register to ensure
itproperly captures the principal and emerging risks,
overseeing the framework for identifying risks (including
potential future risks), reviewing the ongoing operation
andeffectiveness of our control environment to manage
theprincipal and emerging risks we face, and ensuring that any
actions identified are taken forward by the RTW and Elysium
teams as appropriate. This review process provides a focus
todrive continuous improvement in our riskprocesses.
Identifying principal and emerging risks
We evaluate our principal and emerging risks on an ongoing
basis using both top-down and bottom-up inputs. We also
continuously assess future risks that could have a potential
impact. During the year the Board and the Investment
Manager had ongoing discussions to consider current and
potential risks of the Group. The discussions also generated
insights into a range of potential emerging risks and have
helped to focus attention on additional areas for monitoring
by the Board and the Investment Manager.
The RTW team carries out a bottom-up review, considering
each of our life science companies and our internal operations,
both as a specific exercise and on an ongoing basis through
regular monitoring of our portfolio companies. In doing this
wedraw on the underlying assessments by the management
teams of each of our life science companies. These inputs
arebrought together in our risk register, which is reviewed
bythe Audit Committee in detail each year. The principal and
emerging risks identified by the Board are set out on pages 34
to 36. These have not substantially changed in the last year,
although COVID-19 is no longer considered to be a principal
risk of the Group. The Board also monitors future risks that
may arise, including the longer-term risks of changes to US
pharmaceutical drug pricing and US FDA productivity.
Strategic Report Governance Report Financial Statements Additional Information
3332
5
Exposure to global political and economic risks
Principal and Emerging Risks and Uncertainties
Principal risks and
how we mitigate them
Risk description Risk control measure Profile
1
Failure to achieve investment objective
2
Counterparty Risk
The Group’s target return on net assets is not guaranteed
and may not be achieved.
The Group has the potential to be exposed to the
creditworthiness of trading counterparties in OTC
derivatives contracts, its prime broker in the event of
re-hypothecation of its investments and any counterparty
where collateral or cash margin is provided or where cash
is deposited in the normal course of business.
The Board will monitor and supervise the Group’s
performance, compared to the target return, similar
investment funds and broader market conditions. Where
performance is unsatisfactory, the Board will discuss the
appropriate response with the Investment Manager.
Strategic link
3
Build
4
Support
The Group uses Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley and Bank
ofAmerica Merrill Lynch, JP Morgan and Jefferies as prime
brokers and Cowen, UBS, Bank of America Merrill Lynch,
Goldman Sachs, Jefferies, and Morgan Stanley as ISDA
counterparties. To monitor counter party risk, the
Investment Manager monitors fluctuations in share prices,
percentage changes in daily, monthly, and annual 5-year CDS
spreads and S&P credit ratings. If a counterparty group share
price moves up or down in excess of 20%, the trader at the
Investment Manager is alerted immediately. In case of an
alert, the trader notifies RTW’s Chief Compliance Officer.
There has been no disruption in operations with the Group’s
counterparties to date. The Group’s bankers are an offshore
branch of Barclays Bank PLC and are also included in the
Investment Manager’s CDS monitoring program.
Operational
Investment
Strategic link
1
Identify
2
Engage
3
Build
4
Support
Decreasing
3
The Investment Manager relies on key personnel
The Investment Manager relies on the founder of RTW,
Roderick Wong M.D. Roderick Wong is a key figure at the
Investment Manager and is extensively involved in
investment decisions.
In the event that Roderick Wong was to no longer work for
the Investment Manager or was incapacitated, the Board is
able to terminate the Investment Management Agreement
within 180 days if a suitable replacement has not been found
and would consider whether it was appropriate to wind up the
Group and return capital to shareholders, or to appoint a new
Investment Manager.
Governance /reputational
Strategic link
1
Identify
2
Engage
3
Build
4
Support
4
Portfolio Companies may be subject to litigation
Portfolio Companies may be subject to product liability
claims. Such liability claims would have a direct financial
impact and may impact market acceptance even if
ultimately rebutted.
Strategic link
1
Identify
2
Engage
3
Build
4
Support
The Investment Manager’s due diligence process includes
considering the risk that innovative therapies may have
unforeseen side effects, based on the Investment Manager’s
extensive sector knowledge and experience, published
research, and publicly available information.
Stable
Stable
Risk description Risk control measure
External Risks
It is anticipated that approximately 75% of investments
will be in US companies or licensing agreements with US
institutions and 25% of investments will be made outside
of the US. The Group’s investments will be exposed to
foreign exchange, and global political, economic, and
regulatory risks.
The Investment Manager has extensive experience
transacting across the global healthcare marketplace
and will be responsible for identifying relevant events
and updating the investment plans appropriately.
Strategic link
2
Engage
3
Build
4
Support
Stable
Under the FCA’s Disclosure Guidance and
Transparency Rules the Directors are
required to identify the material risks to
which the Group is exposed, and the steps
taken to mitigate those risks.
The Group has five categories of risks
in its risk register namely:
• Investment Risks
• Operational Risks
• Governance/Reputational Risks
• External Risks
• Emerging Risks
New drugs, medical devices and procedures are subject
toextensive regulatory scrutiny before approval, and
approvals can be revoked.
The Investment Manager’s due diligence process includes
a rigorous process of assessing preclinical and clinical
assets and their probabilities of success to become an
approved product utilizing scientific, clinical, commercial
and regulatory benchmarks. Additionally, the Investment
Manager’s process of evaluation includes assessing the
likely attitude of regulators towards a potential new
therapy. The due diligence will also consider the unmet
need of the disease and whether the therapy offers
advantages over the current standard of care.
7
Imposition of pricing controls for clinical products and services
8
Inflation
Portfolio Company products may be subject to price
controls, price gouging claims and other pricing regulation
in the US and other major markets; or government
healthcare systems may be the major purchasers of
theproducts.
The unprecedented level of fiscal and monetary stimulus
that has been applied to the global economy has caused
US inflation to surge to a 40-year high and resulted in
sharp falls in the share prices of technology firms without
current earnings.
While future political developments cannot be reliably
forecast, the Investment Manager’s due diligence process
includes an assessment of political risk, and the likely
acceptability of the investee’s pricing intentions.
The creation of value through innovation in the
biotechnology sector outweighs the singular and/or
short-term adjustment to valuation levels arising from
changes in discount rates as a result of rising inflation. The
Investment Manager holds investments that have current
earnings and cash-flows and has significant exposure to
Phase 3 products which have a high probability of achieving
cash-flows in the near-term. Whilst the pace of interest
rate rises has moderated in reaction to reductions in US
inflation it is not possible to say that this risk is reducing
yet as inflationary pressures remain.
6
Clinical Development & Regulatory Risks
Strategic link
1
Identify
2
Engage
3
Build
4
Support
Strategic link
1
Identify
2
Engage
3
Build
4
Support
Strategic link
3
Build
4
Support
Stable
Stable
Stable
Stable
Strategic Report Governance Report Financial Statements Additional Information
3534
Realising a robust
and resilient company
Assessing the prospects of the Company
The corporate planning process is underpinned by
scenariosthat encompass a wide spectrum of potential
outcomes. These scenarios are designed to explore the
resilience of the Group to the potential impact of significant
risks set out below.
The scenarios are designed to be severe but plausible and
take full account of the availability and likely effectiveness
ofthe mitigating actions that could be taken to avoid or
reduce the impact or occurrence of the underlying risks
andwhich would realistically be open to management in the
circumstances. In considering the likely effectiveness of such
actions, the conclusions of the Board’s regular monitoring and
review of risk and the Investment Manager’s internal control
systems, as discussed on page 52, is taken into account.
The Board reviewed the impact of stress testing the
quantifiable risks to the Group’s cash flows as detailed in
riskfactors 1-5 in the previous pages and concluded that
theGroup, would have sufficient working capital to fund
itsoperations in the following extreme scenario:
(1) The Group incurred NAV losses of 39% of NAV over
athree-year period ending 28 February 2026.
(2) No new capital was raised.
(3) US$45 million of private investments were funded
fromcash and by selling public portfolio investments.
To provide some context for this scenario, the NASDAQ
Biotech Index was in a 26% drawdown at the end of February
and the additional 39% drawdown that we have modelled
simulates a total drawdown of approximately 55% which has
only been exceeded on a rolling 3-year basis once in the life
ofthe index in Q1 2003 at the end of the technology bubble.
The Board considers that this stress testing-based
assessment of the Group’s prospects is reasonable in
thecircumstances of the inherent uncertainty involved.
The period over which we
confirm longer term viability
Within the context of the corporate planning framework
discussed above, the Board has assessed the prospects of
theGroup over a three-year period ending 28 February 2026.
Whilst the Board has no reason to believe the Group will not
be viable over a longer period, given the inherent uncertainty
involved, the period over which the Board considers it
possible to form a reasonable expectation as to the Group’s
longer-term viability, based on the stress testing scenario
planning discussed above, is the three-year period to
February 2026. This period is used for the Investment
Manager’s business plans and has been selected because
itpresents the Board and therefore readers of the Annual
Report with a reasonable degree of confidence whilst still
providing an appropriate longer-term outlook.
Confirmation of longer term viability
The Board confirms that it has carried out a robust
assessment of the emerging and principal risks facing
theGroup, including those that would threaten its business
model, future performance, solvency or liquidity. Based upon
the robust assessment of the principal and emerging risks
facing the Group and its stress testing-based assessment
ofthe Group’s prospects, the Board confirms that it has
areasonable expectation that the Group will be able to
continue in operation and meet its liabilities as they fall
dueover the period to February 2026.
On behalf of the Board
William Simpson
Chairman of the Board of Directors
RTW Venture Fund Limited
30 March 2023
Longer Term Viability Statement
Principal and emerging risks and uncertainties
continued
Decreasing
9
Ukraine war
The ongoing war in Ukraine has led to the imposition of
harsh sanctions on Russia and substantial restrictions
onthe ability to transact in Russian securities and trade
with Russian companies. These sanctions and the
corresponding impact on commodity and transport
costshave weighed on the global economy.
The Investment Manager has confirmed that the Group
has no direct or indirect exposure to Russian securities
orassets.
External Risks (continued)
Strategic link
1
Identify
2
Engage
3
Build
4
Support
Risk description Risk control measure Profile
Stable
Emerging Risks
10
Availability of capital
Funding for early stage venture companies through smaller
public companies is much reduced in comparison to recent
years. The IPO market is at its lowest level in a decade and
follow-on offerings declined for the second year in a row,
back to the lowest level since 2016’s drug pricing panic.
The Russell 2000 Biotech Index of listed LifeSci companies
has declined for a second year in a row to give a cumulative
drawdown of 49.8%, with the 69.9 % fall from 8 February
2021 to 11 May 2022 approaching the worst in recent
decades, being the 84.7% decline from 6 March 2000 to
11March 2003. With a record number of companies trading
at less than 1x their cash balances, the market appears to
believe that not all companies will survive. With reduced
availability of capital allocation to the sector, in particular
through the absence of generalist investors, there may
bethe risk that not all sponsors have enough capital to
support the continued financing of all investees.
The Investment Manager is a long-standing full life cycle
investor in the sector, in many instances supplying
commercial expertise and advice to investees in addition
tosupporting successive financing rounds. The Investment
Manager is experienced in identifying potential in companies
that have strong fundamentals at attractive valuations that
create an asymmetric and attractive risk/reward profile. The
Board formally reviews the financing status of the Group’s
private portfolio with the Investment Manager at least twice
each year at Board meetings. 25% of the Group’s NAV is
exposed to private companies of which only one quarter will
need refinancing within the next 12 months and most of
these companies have re-financing plans in place. Out of
these six private companies (amounting to 6.25% of NAV)
two are RTW NewCos, so that is by design. Approximately
29% of the Group’s NAV is currently invested in other
publicly listed companies in lieu of holding cash for future
private investments with a further 46% of NAV invested in
core publicly listed holdings that could also be sold. The
Group has no net borrowings. The Group therefore retains
significant access to sources of liquid capital to enable it to
support investees for the foreseeable future.
11
Liquidity risk
Many investees are not yet at a stage of their life cycle
where they are inherently cash-generative and enjoy
stable, predictable free cash-flow. They have typically
raised significant amounts of cash which are then held in
bank deposits and liquid securities to meet operational
requirements until their next planned capital raising round
or IPO. In recent weeks there have been several high-
profile bank failures, some of which, but not all, are to some
extent attributable directly or indirectly to rising policy
interest rates and rising long-term yields in response to
sustained inflationary pressures. To the extent that
investees keep their cash on deposit at such banks, there
is a risk that they may suffer a partial or total loss of their
capital and suffer a consequent liquidity crisis threatening
their ability to continue their planned development.
The Investment Manager closely monitors counterparty
exposures in its portfolio companies. Exposures to recent
bank failures have been minimal in that four portfolio
companies totalling 1.68% of Group NAV had some
exposure to Silicon Valley Bank. Portfolio companies will
typically manage their treasury functions on a prudent
basis, spreading exposure over several counterparties
thereby avoiding catastrophic losses from any single
failure. Where the Investment Manager becomes aware of
significant risk concentration it will engage with investees
to encourage more prudent diversification. The Board also
notes that, to date, regulators have ensured that no
depositors have lost funds in such banking failures
although it recognises that this may not necessarily
beachieved in the future.
Stable
Increasing
Strategic Report Governance Report Financial Statements Additional Information
3736
Section 172
Close collaborators
and committed partners
Shareholders
Service providers
Portfolio companies
Community &
environment
The Group engages with its shareholders through the issuance
of regular portfolio updates in the form of RNS announcements
and quarterly factsheets.
The Group provides in-depth commentary on the investment
portfolio, corporate governance and corporate outlook in its
Annual and Interim Reports and financial statements.
In addition, the Group, through its brokers and Investment
Manager, undertakes regular roadshows to meet with existing and
prospective investors to solicit their feedback, understand any areas
of concern, and share forward looking investment commentary.
The Board receives quarterly feedback from its brokers in
respect of investor engagement and investor sentiment.
The Group has identified its key service providers and on an
annual basis undertakes a review of performance based on
a questionnaire through which italso seeks feedback.
Furthermore, the Board and its sub-committees engage
regularly with its service providers on a formal and
informalbasis.
The Group will also regularly review all material contracts
for service quality andvalue.
The Investment Manager engages on a regular basis with its
portfolio companies in order to conduct regular on-going due
diligence and to meet obligations if the Investment Manager
holds a board seat.
The Group aims to minimise its environmental footprint.
The Group does not anticipate any material impact to its
business model fromclimate change.
RTW Charitable Foundation represents an extension of
the Investment Manager’s mission. Its research process
helps RTW identify important causes of human suffering
and introduces the firm to individuals and organisations
trying to make a difference.
Continued access to capital is vital to the Group’s
longer term growth objectives, and therefore,
in line with its objectives, the Group seeks to
maintain shareholder satisfaction through:
• Positive risk-adjusted returns
• Continuous communication of portfolio updates
The Group does not have any direct employees;
however, it works closely with a number of
service providers (the Investment Manager,
Administrator, Sub-Administrator, Corporate
Secretary, auditor, third party valuation agent,
brokers and other professional advisers).
The independence, quality and timeliness of
theirservice provision is critical to the success
ofthe Group.
The Group is currently invested in 39 Core
Portfolio Companies.
Climate change impact
The Company does not have any direct employees.
RTW Charitable Foundation
RTW Charitable Foundation was created by the
Investment Manager with the vision to work towards
a world free of ultra-rare disease. The Foundation
funds research of rare conditions that do not attract
significant outside investment due to limited
commercial opportunity
Section 172 of the Companies Act 2006
applies directly to UK domiciled companies.
Nonetheless the AIC Code requires that the
matters set out in section 172 are reported
on by all companies, irrespective of domicile,
provided this does not conflict with local
company law.
Stakeholder group
In the financial year the Group issued:
• 10 portfolio updates by way of RNS
• 12 monthly NAV announcements by way of RNS
• Fact sheets on a quarterly basis
• Annual and Interim Reports
Through its roadshows and broker outreach, the Group
has met with 75+ investors / prospective investors.
The feedback given by the service providers is used to review
the Group’s policies and procedures to ensure open lines of
communication, and operational efficiency.
Honesty, fairness and integrity of the management teams
oftheportfolio companies are vital to the long-term success
ofthe Group’s investments.
The Group and the Directors minimise air travel by making
maximum use of video conferencing for Company related matters.
To research grant recipients, RTW Charitable Foundation
offers not only financial support, but also guidance gleaned from
the experience of the Investment Manager in drug development
and company building.
Beyond research, RTW Charitable Foundation offers support
to humanitarian causes, initiatives that raise disease awareness
and programs with direct patientimpact.
Benefits of engagements
Section 172 recognises that directors are responsible for acting in a way
that they consider, in good faith, is the most likely to promote the success
of the Group for the benefit of its shareholders as a whole. In doing so, they
are also required to consider the broader implications of their decisions
and operations on other key stakeholders and their impact on the wider
community and the environment. Key decisions are those that are either
material to the Group or are significant to any of the Group’s key
stakeholders. The Group’s engagement with key stakeholders and the
key decisions that were made or approved by the Directors during the
year are described below.
Methods of engagement
Strategic Report Governance Report Financial Statements Additional Information
3938
ESG: Environmental, Social and Governance Topics
Responsible investing
The Board has directed the Group to
initiate an ESG assessment in 2023, to
planfor forecasted regulatory measures,
including the United Kingdom’s proposed
Sustainability Disclosure Requirements, and
pave the way for reporting of the Group’s
ESG considerations to shareholders.
The Group does not have direct employees or physical
office space, and most of its activities are performed by other
organisations. Therefore, the Group’s carbon footprint should
be relatively small because it does not directly contribute to
fuel combustion or any other greenhouse gas emissions.
Three of the four Directors, as well as the Administrator,
Company Secretary are all based in Guernsey where Board
meetings are held, thus reducing the environmental impact of
long commutes and flights. The Group’s ESG assessment will
also address indirect impacts on ESG factors.
The Investment Manager’s operations are highly
concentrated in its primary office space located in a building
that is LEED Gold Certified based on, among other things,
thesustainability of its location, water efficiency, energy and
atmosphere characteristics, use of materials and resources,
indoor environmental quality, and innovation. The Investment
Manager espouses a strong culture of compliance, risk
management and ethical behaviour. It aims to always act in the
best interests of shareholders, employees and stakeholders.
Its corporate code of ethics addresses the largest areas of
risk pertaining to the alternative asset management industry,
including but not limited to conflicts of interest, anti-bribery,
employee investing, insider trading and political contributions.
Furthermore, it seeks to ensure that investments do not
leadto negative impacts on public health or well-being or
contribute to human or labour rights violations, corruption,
serious environmental harm or other actions which may be
perceived to be unethical. It seeks long-term investment
partners that evidence equivalent professional and ethical
rigour. The Investment Manager is wholly-owned by minority
and/or female shareholders.
Virtual meetings
held instead to
reduce air travel
Harlem Event
Responsible investing
The Board believes that acting and investing responsibly
is a necessary foundation for the long-term sustainability
ofinvestment success. The Investment Manager’s stated
mission, to power breakthrough therapies that transform
the lives of millions, is an approach to investing that is
inherently socially conscious. Its team of scientists and
researchers work tirelessly to find treatments and potentially
cures for diseases and conditions in order to improve quality
of life across the globe. As a guiding principle, it prioritises
overall positive impact on patients and long-term meaningful
outcomes to society and believes this is the foundation
of the Group’s success.
RTW Charitable Foundation
The Investment Manager created the RTW Charitable
Foundation (“RTWCF”) with its vision to work towards a world
free of ultra-rare disease. It was founded at the intersection
ofscientific progress and humanitarian effort. While working
to improve human health on a global scale is an inspiring
undertaking, the RTWCF brings hope to those with conditions
so rare that they do not attract significant outside investment
due to the limited potential for commercial opportunity.
RTWCF’s mission is to power rare disease research, medical
innovation and humanitarian collaborations to improve the
health of underserved communities.
It is able to provide capital, manpower, and logistical support
to help scientists push projects forward. In addition, it aims to
contribute to advocacy, disease awareness and direct support
of organisations and communities in New York City.
RTWCF provides research grant recipients financial support
as well as guidance gleaned from the Investment Manager’s
experience in drug development and company building.
NICE day of
action in Queens
Areté Afterchool
program COVID
CASE STUDY
Building education access
Areté Education designs interactive afterschool and summer
programs to teach students in the South Bronx about
leadership skills, wellness, diverse career paths, and arts
& culture.
During the pandemic, children living in temporary housing had
limited access to education when schools moved to remote
learning. With RTWCF’s support, Areté Education created the
Areté Hope Network Program to provide direct assistance to
families struggling during the pandemic.
Eighteen students and families with unstable housing
received stipends, groceries, hotspots, laptops, and
mentoring to improve children’s attendance rates and
academic performance.
Students’ engagement and attendance improved
dramatically: all students in warning groups labeled
“chronically absent” or “severely chronically absent”
movedout of those warning groups during the intervention.
Ninety-three percent of participants had attendance rates
of 80% or higher including 50% with perfect attendance
through the course of the program.
Each of our days of action have
been really inspirational and
powerful, it is a way to feel
connected. We are really hands
on, doing the work physically not
just mentally or through spirit.
We combine all of these elements
on our journey at work to make
adifference.
CASE STUDY
Improving vaccine access
In August 2021, some NYC neighbourhoods had less than
35% of residents fully vaccinated, when the city average was
roughly 55%.
The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
found that distrust in government and drug companies
created hesitancy in vaccine uptake.
We say this often — RTWCF was one of the first to support
our recovery efforts and helped pave the way to our impact
and reimagined programs. We’re excited to reach new
heights together.
New Immigrant Community Empowerment (NICE) supports
immigrant workers and their families by advocating for
workplace safety and rights, providing skills training, and
connecting families with resources. During the pandemic,
NICE expanded their services to include food access, vaccine
support, and financial assistance. RTWCF partnered with
NICE to distribute 10,000 meal and grocery packages,
conduct comprehensive community outreach around
COVID-19 vaccination safety, and throw a Vaccine Access
Block Party. In 2021, NICE helped over 5,000 people access
COVID vaccines by translating appointment registration
documents, educating people on the vaccine, and
accompanying people to appointments.
Strategic Report Governance Report Financial Statements Additional Information
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02 // GOVERNANCE
44 Biographies of Directors
46 Report of the Directors
49 Corporate Governance Report
54 Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities
55 Directors’ Remuneration Report
58 Report of the Audit Committee
Governance
Report
The Board has overall responsibility for maximising the
Company’s success by directing and supervising the
affairs of the business and meeting the appropriate
interests of shareholders and relevant stakeholders,
while enhancing the value of the Company and also
ensuring the protection of investors.
Strategic Report Governance Report Financial Statements Additional Information
4342
Biographies of Directors
Paul Le Page
Independent
Non-Executive Director
William Simpson
Chairman and Independent
Non-Executive Director
Resident
Committees
Board meetings
attended
Appointed
Guernsey, British Isles
2 October 2019
Chair of the Management Engagement Committee
Member of the Audit Committee
Member of the Nomination Committee
Member of the Remuneration Committee
9/9 9/9
Guernsey, British Isles
2 October 2019
Chair of the Audit Committee
Member of the Nomination Committee
Member of the Remuneration Committee
Member of the Management Engagement Committee
Roles and
responsibilities
William Simpson is the Chairman and an independent director
based in Guernsey providing services to investment and other
financial services companies. William has over 30 years’
experience within the financial services industry. He
previously practiced law in the course of which he advised
onthe establishment of a wide range of investment funds
andrelated matters. William graduated in law from Leeds
University and first qualified as an English barrister.
Williamisa member of the Guernsey Bar. William also holds
directorships at Ninety One Premier Funds PCC Limited,
Handelsbanken Alternatives Fund Limited, AHL Strategies
PCC Limited, Man AHL Diversified PCC Limited and Alpha
Real Trust Limited.
Paul Le Page is a former executive Director and Senior
Portfolio Manager of FRM Investment Management Limited,
asubsidiary of Man Group, and holds non-executive
directorships at a number of London Stock Exchange listed
investment funds. Mr. Le Page is Audit Committee Chair of
Bluefield Solar Income Fund Limited and was previously Audit
Committee Chair of UK Mortgages Limited, Thames River
Multi Hedge PCC Limited and Cazenove Absolute Equity
Limited. Mr. Le Page has 19 years’ Audit Committee chair
experience within the closed end investment fund sector and
has a broad-based knowledge of the global investment industry
and product structures. Mr Le Page graduated from University
College London and later received an MBA from Heriot Watt
University. He originally qualified as a Chartered Engineer and
led the development of clinical diagnostic instrumentation and
software and robotic sample preparation equipment prior to
commencing a career in finance. In addition to Bluefield Solar
Income Fund Limited his other directorships include
TwentyFour Income Fund Limited and Highbridge Tactical
Credit Fund Limited, all of which are listed on the Premium
Segment of the London Stock Exchange.
Our collective power builds
success around brilliant ideas
Stephanie Sirota
Non-Executive Director
William Scott
Independent
Non-Executive Director
9/9 9/9
Guernsey, British Isles
3 October 2019
Chair of the Nomination Committee
Chair of the Remuneration Committee
Member of the Audit Committee
Member of the Management Engagement Committee
–
Non-UK resident
2 October 2019
William Scott has served continuously as an independent
non-executive director of a number of London-listed
investment companies and funds for 20 years and has been
involved in the sector more widely for nearly four decades.
From 2003 to 2004, Mr. Scott worked as Senior Vice
President with FRM Investment Management Limited,
subsequently part of Man Group. Previously (from
1989‐2002), Mr. Scott was a portfolio manager and latterly
adirector at Rea Brothers (which became part of the Close
Brothers group in 1999 and where he was a director of Close
Bank Guernsey Limited) and before that was an Assistant
Investment Manager with the London Residuary Body
Superannuation Scheme (1987-1989). Mr. Scott graduated
inphysics from the University of Edinburgh in 1982 and is
aChartered Accountant having qualified with Arthur Young
(now EY) in 1987. Mr. Scott also holds the Securities Institute
Diploma and is a Chartered Fellow of the Chartered Institute
for Securities & Investment. He is also a Chartered Wealth
Manager. His other directorships include Axiom European
Financial Debt Fund Limited and Worsley Investors Limited,
both of which are listed on the Premium Segment of the
London Stock Exchange.
Stephanie A. Sirota, serves as a Partner and Chief Business
Officer at RTW Investments, LP. Ms. Sirota is responsible
forstrategy and oversight of the firm’s business development,
strategic partnerships, communications, and investor
relations. Her background in investment banking and expertise
in financial markets has helped position the firm as both a
partner to life sciences companies and a steward of investors’
capital. She also manages RTW’s relationships with key
partners including banks, academic institutions, corporations,
investors, and NGOs and has led the firm’s entry into the UK
and European markets. Prior to joining the Investment
Manager, from 2006 to 2010, she served as a director at
Valhalla Capital Advisors, a macro and commodity investment
manager. From 2000 to 2003, Ms. Sirota worked in the New
York and London offices of Lehman Brothers, where she
advised on various mergers & acquisitions, IPOs, and capital
market financing transactions. She began her career on the
Fixed Income trading desk at Lehman Brothers, structuring
derivatives for municipal issuers from 1997 to 1999. Ms. Sirota
graduated with honours from Columbia University and also
received a Master’s Degree from the Columbia Graduate
School of Journalism. She serves as Co-Chairman of the
Council of the Phil at the New York Philharmonic and as
President of RTW Charitable Foundation.
Strategic Report Governance Report Financial Statements Additional Information
4544
Report of the Directors
Report of the Directors
Principal activities
Further information on the principal activities of the Group
can be found on pages 101 to 102.
Business review
A review of the Group’s business and its likely future
development is provided in the Chairman’s Statement on
pages 6 to 7. The underlying investments of the Group are
reviewed in the Investment Manager’s Report on pages 8 to 20.
Results and distributions
The results of the Group for the year are shown in the
audited statement of operations on page 78.
The Net Asset Value of the Group as at 31 December 2022
was US$347.9 million (2021: US$387.4 million).
For the year ended 31 December 2022, the Group recorded
anet total return based on NAV per share of -10.2 per cent
(2021: -12.8 per cent).
No dividends or distributions were paid during the years
ended 31 December 2022 and 31 December 2021. The
Company does not anticipate paying any dividends on its
Ordinary Shares, as it intends to re-invest proceeds received
from Portfolio Company sales or distributions. There have
been no changes in the Company’s dividend policy from that
disclosed in the Prospectus published by the Company on
14October 2019.
Change of status for US federal tax purposes
from PTP to a corporation
On 1 December 2022 the Company changed its status for U.S.
federal tax purposes from a “publicly traded partnership” or
“PTP” to a corporation. The change in status caused it to be
treated as a “passive foreign investment company” or a “PFIC.”
This change was necessitated by recent changes to U.S. tax
legislation that came into effect on 1 January 2023. Under this
new legislation, custodians holding shares in companies
treated as publicly traded partnerships would incur new
withholding tax obligations. A number of custodians effecting
transactions in the Company’s Ordinary Shares informed the
Company that, as a result of this new U.S. withholding tax
obligation, they would no longer hold or deal with the Ordinary
Shares if the Company continued to be treated as a publicly
traded partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes. This
would have had a material adverse impact on the Company’s
shareholders and the functioning of the market in its shares
and consequently the Board decided to file documentation
with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service to change the
Company’s tax status to a corporation for U.S. purposes.
Related to the making of the tax election, the Company
carried out a reorganisation of the arrangements pursuant
towhich an affiliate of the Investment Manager is allocated
itsshare of the investment performance generated by the
Company. Pursuant to this, the Company established a new
wholly-owned subsidiary, RTW Venture Fund Operating
Limited, to which it has transferred its right to the profits
and losses attributable to the Company’s portfolio of assets.
The Directors of the Subsidiary are the same as the Directors
of the Company. This reorganisation had no economic impact
on shareholders and was effected solely for the purpose of
ensuring that the share of the investment performance
generated by the Company which is allocable to an affiliate of
the Investment Manager receives the same treatment for U.S.
federal tax purposes as would have been the case if no tax
election by the Company had been compelled by the change
inU.S. tax law.
The previous Articles of Incorporation of the Company
reflected the status of the Company prior to the tax election
as a PTP. Accordingly, the tax election made by the Board is
inconsistent with, and amounted to a technical breach of, the
provisions of those Articles. Consequently, a circular was
published by the Company, pursuant to which shareholders
were asked (a) to ratify the decision of the Board to make the
tax election; and (b) to approve the adoption of new Articles,
which were updated to reflect the U.S. federal tax status of
the Company following completion of the tax election and the
reorganisation. At an Extraordinary General Meeting of the
Company held on 19 December 2022, Shareholders approved
resolutions to approve the Company’s change of Articles of
Incorporation and the change to the Company’s tax status,
with effect from 1 December 2022.
As part of the reorganisation, the Investment Management
Agreement was amended to provide services to the Subsidiary.
There was no change to the investment management fee, but
the Performance Allocation Share held by RTW Venture
Performance LP was surrendered in exchange for a New
Performance Allocation Share issued by the Subsidiary. The
New Performance Allocation Share issued by the Subsidiary
has identical terms to the original Performance Allocation
Share issued by the Company (see Note 9).
Capital Structure
The Company is an authorised closed-ended Guernsey
investment company with registered number 66847. The
Company’s Ordinary Shares are listed on the Official List
ofthe FCA and to trading on the Premium Segment of the
London Stock Exchange plc’s Main Market under the ticker
symbols RTW (USD quote) and RTWG (GBP quote).
The Board believes the Premium Segment of the Main Market
is the most appropriate platform for the continued growth of
the Group by increasing RTW Venture Fund’s profile,
broadening its shareholder register, adding Sterling
denomination, and facilitating the Group’s eligibility for
inclusion in the FTSE UK Index Series.
As at 31 December 2022, the Company’s issued share capital
was 212,389,138 Ordinary Shares (2021: 212,389,138 Ordinary
Shares and 1 Performance Allocation Share). There are no
shares held in treasury.
More on results
for the year
page 67
Section 172
page 38
Chairman's
Statement
page 06
Investment
Manager’s report
page 08
Directors’ dealings in shares
The Company has adopted a share dealing code for the Board
and will seek to ensure compliance by the Board with the
terms of the share dealing code. The share dealing code is
compliant with the UK Market Abuse Regulation.
Relations with shareholders
The Board welcomes shareholders’ views and places great
importance on communication with its shareholders. The
Company’s Annual General Meeting provides a forum for
shareholders to meet and discuss issues with the Directors
ofthe Company. The Chairman and other Directors are also
available to meet with shareholders at other times, if
required. In addition, the Company maintains a website which
contains comprehensive information (www.rtwfunds.com/
venture-fund), including company notifications, share
information, financial reports, monthly NAVs, investment
objectives and policy, investor contacts and information on
the Board and corporate governance.
Further information on relations with shareholders and other
stakeholders can be found in Engaging with Stakeholders
(Section 172) on pages 38 to 39.
Annual General Meeting
The Annual General Meeting (“AGM”) of the Company will be
held on 21 June 2023 at 1
st
Floor, Royal Chambers, St Julian’s
Avenue, St Peter Port, Guernsey GY1 3JX. Details of the
resolutions to be proposed at the AGM, together with
explanations, appear in the Notices of Meetings which are
being sent to shareholders in due course.
Members of the Board, including the Chairman and the Audit
Committee Chairman, will be in attendance at the AGM and
will be available to answer shareholder questions.
Shareholdings of the Directors
Directors’ shareholdings in the Company are disclosed in the
Directors’ Remuneration Report.
Directors’ appointment, tenure and
re-election, and Directors’ remuneration
Directors’ appointment, tenure and re-election and
Directors’remuneration are disclosed in the Directors’
Remuneration Report.
The Directors hereby submit the annual report and audited
consolidated financial statements for the Group for the
year ended 31December 2022.
Further issues of shares will only be made if the Directors
determine such issues to be in the best interests of
shareholders and the Group as a whole. Relevant factors in
making such determination include net asset performance,
share price rating, perceived investor demand and any
regulatory restrictions. In the case of further issues of
Ordinary Shares (or sales of Ordinary Shares from treasury),
such Ordinary Shares will only be issued at prices that are not
less than the prevailing NAV per Ordinary Share announced as
of the end of the immediately preceding month in which such
Ordinary Shares are being issued.
Authority to issue shares
Subject to the Company’s Articles of Incorporation, the
Directors have the power to issue an unlimited number
ofshares.
Authority to buy back shares
The current authority of the Company to make market
purchases of up to 31,837,132 Ordinary Shares (being 14.99
per cent. of the issued Share Capital) as authorised at the
AGM of the Company on 21 June 2022. At the AGM scheduled
to take place on 21 June 2023, the Board will seek to renew
such authority. Any buy back of Ordinary Shares will be made
subject to the Companies Law and within any guidelines
established from time to time by the Board and the making
and timing of any buy backs will be at the absolute discretion
of the Board and not at the option of the shareholders.
Ordinary Shares will only be repurchased at a price which,
after repurchase costs, represents a discount to the Net
Asset Value per Ordinary Share and where the Directors
believe such purchases will enhance shareholder value. Such
purchases will also only be made in accordance with the
Listing Rules of the UK Listing Authority which provide that
the price to be paid must not be more than 5 per cent above
the average of the middle market quotations for the Ordinary
Shares for the five business days before the shares are
purchased unless previously advised to shareholders.
In accordance with the Company’s Articles and Companies
Law, up to 10 per cent. of the Company’s Ordinary Shares
may be held as treasury shares. The Company has not held
any Ordinary Shares in treasury at any time.
Major Shareholders
As at 31 December 2022 and 29 March 2023, insofar as is known to the Company, the following parties were interested, directly
or indirectly, in 5 per cent. or more of the Ordinary Shares in issue:
Shareholder
Shareholding
(Ordinary Shares) % Holding Nature of Holding
Bluestem Partners, LP 34,093,156 16.05 Direct
Roderick Wong 29,593,872 13.93 Indirect
Ducasse Group Limited 18,361,456 8.65 Direct
Details of the voting rights can be found in Note 9.
Details of voting
rights
page 96
Principal and
emerging risks
and uncertainties
page 34
Longer Term
Viability
Statement
page 37
Strategic Report Governance Report Financial Statements Additional Information
4746
Report of the Directors
continued
Articles of Incorporation
The Company’s Articles may only be amended by special
resolution of the shareholders.
Key service providers
Independent auditor
KPMG Channel Islands Limited (“KPMG”) has been appointed
to serve as the Company’s auditor. In such capacity, the
auditor is responsible for auditing and expressing an opinion
on the consolidated financial statements of the Group in
accordance with applicable law and auditing standards.
Investment Manager
The Directors are responsible for the determination of
the Group’s investment policy and have overall responsibility
for the Group’s business activities. The Group and the
Investment Manager have entered into the Investment
Management Agreement (as amended, supplemented or
modified from time to time), pursuant to which the
Investment Manager has been appointed as the Group’s
investment manager and has been delegated the authority
and responsibility to manage the Group’s investment
portfolio. The fees payable to the Investment Manager and
the impact of the Group’s restructuring on the Investment
Management Agreement are disclosed in Note 10.
Administrator and Sub-Administrator
On 1 February 2021, Elysium Fund Management Limited
was appointed as Administrator, with responsibility for the
administration, corporate secretarial, corporate governance
and compliance services. From 1 February 2021 Morgan
Stanley Fund Services USA LLC was appointed to serve as
the Group’s Sub-Administrator.
Corporate Brokers
On 11 February 2022, Merrill Lynch International (BofA
Securities) was appointed as corporate broker and financial
adviser to the Group. BofA Securities and J.P. Morgan
Cazenove have been appointed to act as joint brokers for
theGroup.
Change of control
There are no agreements that the Group considers
significant and to which the Company is party that would take
effect, alter or terminate upon change of control of the Group
following a takeover bid.
Principal and emerging risks and uncertainties
The Group’s assets consist of investments in promising
therapies and technologies in the pharmaceutical industry.
There is inherent uncertainty in the long-term viability of
developing biopharmaceutical technologies and whether these
technologies can translate scientific theory into commercially
viable business opportunities. Its principal and emerging risks
are therefore related to the particular circumstances of the
businesses in which it is invested. The Group seeks to
mitigate these risks through active asset management
initiatives and carrying out due diligence work on potential
targets before entering into any investments.
Each Director is aware of the risks inherent in the Group’s
business and understands the importance of identifying,
evaluating and monitoring these risks. The Board has adopted
procedures and controls that enable it to manage these risks
within acceptable limits and to meet all of its legal and
regulatory obligations.
The Board considers the process for identifying, evaluating
and managing any significant risks faced by the Group on an
on-going basis and these risks are reported and discussed at
Board meetings. It ensures that effective controls are in place
to mitigate these risks and that a satisfactory compliance
regime exists to ensure all applicable local and international
laws and regulations are upheld. Particular attention has been
given to the effectiveness of controls to monitor liquidity risk,
asset values and counterparty exposure.
For each material risk, the likelihood and consequences are
identified, management controls and frequency of monitoring
are confirmed and results reported and discussed at the
quarterly Board meetings and through updating of the
Group’s risk matrix. An extraction of the highest rated risks
post mitigation forms the basis of the Principal and Emerging
Risks and Uncertainties disclosure in the Strategic Report on
pages 34 to 36.
The financial risks of the Group are discussed in Note 8 to the
consolidated financial statements.
The Group’s other risk factors are fully discussed in the
Company’s prospectus, available on the Group’s website
(www.rtwfunds.com/venture-fund) and should be reviewed
byshareholders.
Going concern
In forming a view on whether the Company is a going concern,
the Directors have considered the following factors:
• A three-year stressed cash-flow forecast prepared by the
Investment Manager for the purposes of assessing viability;
• A viability and going concern memorandum from the
Investment Manager on the Company’s business model and
operations (please see the Longer Term Viability
Statement on page 37);
• The Group’s ability to access liquidity from liquid
investments and to raise additional capital both during and
after the current financial year-end.
After making enquiries and given the nature of the Group and
its investments, the Directors are satisfied that it is appropriate
to continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the
consolidated financial statements, and, after due consideration,
the Directors consider that the Company is able to continue for
the foreseeable future.
On behalf of the Board
William Simpson
Chairman
30 March 2023
Corporate Governance
Report
The Board recognises the value of sound corporate governance
and, in particular, has regard to the requirements of the UK
Code (available from the FRC’s website, www.frc.org.uk).
The Company is a registered closed-ended investment
scheme pursuant to the POI Law and the Registered
Collective Investment Schemes Rules 2021 issued by the
GFSC. The GFSC Code applies to all companies that hold a
licence from the GFSC under the regulatory laws or which are
registered or authorised as Collective Investment Schemes,
which includes the Company. The GFSC has stated in the
GFSC Code that companies which report against the UK
Code or the AIC Code are deemed to meet the GFSC code,
and need take no further action.
The Company’s prospectus dated 14 October 2019 stated
that the Company will be in compliance with the UK Code.
The Company is a member of the AIC and the Board of the
Company has accordingly considered, and resolved to follow,
the principles and recommendations of the AIC Code
(available from the AIC’s website, www.theaic.co.uk).
The AIC Code addresses all the principles set out in the
UK Code, as well as setting out additional principles and
recommendations on issues that are of specific relevance
to investment companies such as the Company. The Board
considers that reporting against the principles and
recommendations of the AIC Code (which incorporates the
UK Code) provides better information to shareholders whilst
meeting the requirements of the GFSC Code.
For the reasons set out in the preamble to the UK Code, the
Board considers certain of these provisions are not relevant to
the position of the Group as an externally managed investment
group. In particular, all of the Group’s day-to-day management
and administrative functions are outsourced to third parties.
As a result, the Group has no chief executive or any executive
directors, employees or internal operations and has therefore
not reported further in respect of these provisions.
The Directors recognise the value of the AIC Code and have
taken appropriate measures to ensure that the Group has
complied and continues to comply, as far as possible given
the Group’s size and nature of the business, with the AIC
Code, except as set out below:
Senior Independent Director - Provision 14 of the AIC Code
states a Board should consider appointing one independent
non-executive Director to be the Senior Independent
Director. Having taken into account its small size and that
the Chairman and two of the other three Directors are each
similarly independent and non-executive, the Board considers
it unnecessary to appoint such a Senior Independent Director.
All members of the Board are available to shareholders if they
have unresolved concerns.
The Board is aware of the Hampton-Alexander Review
target to have 33% of FTSE board positions held by women
by 2020 and notes that it currently only achieves 25% female
representation. The future growth of the Board will be linked
to the growth of the Group’s shareholder base as the Board is
mindful of the need to manage the Group’s fixed costs whilst
it is relatively small. Both gender and ethnic diversity factors
will be considered by the Board when making any new
appointments or replacing current Board members.
The Board and its Committees
The Board monitors developments in corporate governance
to ensure the Board remains aligned with best practices,
especially with respect to the increased focus on diversity
(see the Directors’ Remuneration Report).
The Directors of the Company at the date of this report are
William Simpson (Chairman and Chair of the Management
Engagement Committee), Paul Le Page (Chair of Audit
Committee), William Scott (Chair of the Nomination and
Remuneration Committee) and Stephanie Sirota. The Board
believes the current Board members have the appropriate
qualifications, experience and expertise to manage the Group.
The Director’s biographies can be found on pages 44 to 45.
The Board meets at least on a quarterly basis. The dates
for each scheduled meeting are planned at the beginning
of the year and confirmed in writing in accordance with the
Company’s Articles of Incorporation. Meetings for urgent
issues may be and are convened at short notice if all Directors
are informed. In addition to formal Board and/or committee
meetings and, to the extent practicable and appropriate,
the Directors maintain close contact with each other, the
Investment Manager and the Administrator, by email and
conference calls, for the purpose of keeping themselves
informed about the Group’s activities. The Board requires
information to be supplied in a timely manner by the
Administrator and other advisors in a form and of a quality
appropriate to enable it to discharge its duties.
The Board has delegated certain responsibilities to its
Audit Committee, Management Engagement Committee
and Nomination and Remuneration Committee (together the
“Committees”). Given the size and nature of the Board it is
felt appropriate that all independent Directors are members
of the Committees.
The roles and responsibilities of the Committees are set out
in the terms of reference and are summarised on page 50.
Biographies
ofDirectors
page 44
Strategic Report Governance Report Financial Statements Additional Information
4948
Corporate Governance Report
continued
Nomination and Remuneration Committee
The Nomination and Remuneration Committee is chaired by
William Scott. The committee currently consists of William
Scott, William Simpson and Paul Le Page. The Nomination
andRemuneration Committee meets at least once a year
pursuant to its terms of reference, which are available on
theCompany’s website www.rtwfunds.com/venture-fund.
Further information of the Nomination and Remuneration
Committee, Board diversity and Directors’ remuneration are
provided in the Directors’ Remuneration Report on pages 55
to 57.
Board performance and evaluation
In accordance with Provision 26 of the AIC Code, the Board is
required to undertake a formal and rigorous evaluation of its
performance on an annual basis. Such an evaluation of the
performance of the Board as a whole and the Chairman is
carried out under the mandate of the Board in the form of
self-appraisal questionnaires and a detailed discussion to
determine effectiveness and performance in various areas as
well as the Directors’ continued independence.
The performance and effectiveness of the Directors is
assessed annually having regard to the specific responsibilities
of each Director as described in their service agreements.
To date, the Board has not engaged in the use of an external
facilitator. The Directors believe that the current mix of skills,
experience, ages and length of service of the Directors is
appropriate to the requirements of the Group. With any new
Director appointment to the Board, induction training will
beprovided.
Directors’ conflicts of interest
All of the Directors are non-executive. William Simpson and
William Scott are directors of a number of funds managed by
members of the Man group of companies. Paul Le Page was
employed by Man Group until 31 December 2019 and was a
director of the investment managers of those funds. None
ofthe Directors were responsible for the appointment of
theothers, the decision in respect of which was made by
anindependent party. Having considered the information
disclosed above, the Board have concluded that William
Simpson, Paul Le Page, and William Scott remain independent
under provision 10 of the AIC Code. The Board considers
Messrs Simpson, Le Page and Scott as independent of
eachother and free from any business or other relationship
that could materially interfere with the exercise of their
independent judgment. The Board when taken as a whole is
independent of the Investment Manager. Ms Sirota is a Board
representative of the Investment Manager and is therefore
not considered independent.
Items are discussed and, as appropriate, matters are
endorsed, approved or recommended to the Board by
theCommittees. The chairman of each of the Committees
provides the Board with a summary of the main discussion
points at the Committee meetings and any decisions made
bythe Committee along with any recommendations which
require Board approval.
The Board may also delegate certain functions to other
parties; in particular the Directors may delegate to the
Investment Manager. However, the Directors retain
responsibility for exercising overall control and supervision
ofthe Investment Manager. Matters reserved for the Board
include, amongst others, approval and oversight of the
Group’s investment activities by ensuring that the Group has
complied with its investment restrictions. The Board also
reviews the performance of the Group against its target
return (as defined in the Prospectus) and, in light of the
current market conditions, considers the strategy taken by
the Investment Manager. Approval of the Annual and Interim
Reports, announcements, and dividends are also reserved for
the Board.
Audit Committee
The Audit Committee is chaired by Paul Le Page with formally
delegated duties and responsibilities within written terms
ofreference, which are available on the Company’s website
www.rtwfunds.com/venture-fund. Further information on
theAudit Committee isincluded in the Report of the Audit
Committee on pages58to 61.
Management Engagement Committee
The Management Engagement Committee is chaired by
William Simpson. The committee currently consists of William
Simpson, William Scott and Paul Le Page. The Management
Engagement Committee meets at least once a year pursuant
to its terms of reference, which are available on the
Company’s website www.rtwfunds.com/venture-fund.
The Management Engagement Committee provides a
formalmechanism for the review of the performance of the
Company’s advisers, including the Investment Manager. It
carries out this review through consideration of a number of
objective and subjective criteria and through a review of the
terms and conditions of the advisers’ appointments with the
aim of evaluating performance, identifying any weaknesses and
ensuring value for money for the Company’s shareholders.
Directors’
Remuneration
Report
page 55
Board meeting attendance
The Board meets at least four times a year, with further ad hoc Board and Board Committee meetings as required. Between
meetings, there is regular contact with the Secretary and the Company’s Brokers, as necessary.
The attendance record of the Directors for the year is set out below:
Director
Scheduled
Board Meetings
(1)
Audit
Committee Meetings
Management
Engagement
Committee Meetings
Nomination and
Remuneration
Committee Meetings
William Simpson 9/9 5/5 1/1 1/1
Paul Le Page 9/9 5/5 1/1 1/1
William Scott 9/9 5/5 1/1 1/1
Stephanie Sirota
(2)
9/9 n/a n/a n/a
(1) One ad hoc Board meeting that was held in the year has not been included in this total.
(2) Ms Sirota is not a member of the Audit Committee, Management Engagement Committee or Nomination and Remuneration Committee,
however from time to time she is invited to attend and did so at all such meetings held during the year.
The Chairman of the Board must be independent and is
appointed in accordance with the Company’s Articles of
Incorporation. Mr Simpson’s independence is evaluated
annually and he is considered to be independent because he:
• has no direct or indirect current or historical employment
with the Investment Manager; and
• has no current directorships in any other entities (other
than the Company and Subsidiary) for which the
Investment Manager provides services.
Duties and responsibilities
The Board has overall responsibility for maximising the
Company’s success by directing and supervising the affairs
ofthe business and meeting the appropriate interests of
shareholders and relevant stakeholders, while enhancing
thevalue of the Company and also ensuring the protection
ofinvestors. A summary of the Board’s responsibilities is
asfollows:
• statutory obligations and public disclosure;
• strategic matters and financial reporting;
• risk assessment and management including reporting,
compliance, governance, monitoring and control; and
• other matters having a material effect on the Company.
The Board is responsible to shareholders for the overall
management of the Group. The Board has adopted a
Schedule of Matters Reserved for the Board which sets out
the particular duties of the Board, which demonstrates the
seriousness with which it takes its fiduciary responsibilities.
Such reserved powers include decisions relating to the
determination of investment policy and approval of changes
instrategy, capital structure, statutory obligations and
publicdisclosure, and entering into any material contracts
bythe Group.
The Directors have access to the advice and services of the
Administrator, which is responsible to the Board for ensuring
that Board procedures are followed and that it complies with
the Companies Law and applicable rules and regulations of
the GFSC and the LSE. Where necessary, in carrying out their
duties, the Directors may seek independent legal or other
professional advice and services at the expense of the Group.
As a result of the use of professional service providers and
the nature of the Group’s operations, the Group does not
have any employees.
The Group maintains appropriate Directors’ and Officers’
liability insurance in respect of legal action against its Directors.
The Board’s responsibilities for the Annual Report are set out
in the Directors’ Responsibilities Statement on page 54. The
Board is also responsible for issuing appropriate Interim
Reports and other price-sensitive public reports.
The primary focus at Board meetings is to review the Group
strategy, investment performance and associated matters
such as share price discount/premium, investor relations,
peer group information, gearing and industry issues and to
consider recommendations from the Audit Committee and
other committees of the Board, as appropriate.
Biographies
ofDirectors
page 44
Directors’
Responsibilities
Statement
page 54
Strategic Report Governance Report Financial Statements Additional Information
5150
Report of the
Audit Committee
page 58
Corporate Governance Report
continued
Listing requirements
Following Initial admission to the SFS on 30 October
2019 and subsequent admission to trading on the Premium
Segment ofthe London Stock Exchange, the Company
became subject to the Prospectus Rules, the Disclosure
Guidance and Transparency Rules (as implemented in the UK
through theFinancial Services and Markets Act 2000 of the
United Kingdom, as amended), the Market Abuse Regulation
and theadmission and disclosure standards of the London
StockExchange.
Since admission to the SFS and subsequent admission
to trading on the Premium Segment of the London Stock
Exchange, the Company has complied with the applicable
Listing Rules.
Common Reporting Standard
and Tax Reporting Requirements
The Common Reporting Standard, formerly the Standard
for Automatic Exchange of Financial Account Information,
became effective on 1 January 2016. CRS is an information
standard for the automatic exchange of information
developed by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation
and Development. CRS is a measure to counter tax evasion
and it builds upon other information sharing legislation, such
as FATCA, the UK-Guernsey Intergovernmental Agreement
for the Automatic Exchange of Information, and the European
Union Savings Directive. Under the UK-Guernsey IGA, certain
disclosure requirements may be imposed in respect of certain
shareholders in the Group who are, or are entities that are
controlled by one or more, residents of the United Kingdom.
In addition, under FATCA, the Group is required to make
certain disclosures and reports to further compliance with
the legislation’s requirements. It is the Group’s policy to
comply with applicable requirements under CRS, the
UK-Guernsey IGA and FATCA.
AIFMD
The Directors have considered the impact of AIFMD on the
Group and its operations. The Company is a non-EU domiciled
Alternative Investment Fund and the Investment Manager has
been appointed as the Group’s non-EU AIFM. As the Group is
managed by a non-EU AIFM, only a limited number of provisions
of AIFMD apply. The Investment Manager has made the
notifications or applications and received, where relevant,
approvals for the marketing of the Ordinary Shares to
“professional investors” (as defined in AIFMD) in the
UnitedKingdom.
Internal control and financial reporting
The Directors acknowledge that they are responsible for
establishing and maintaining the Company’s system of
internal control and reviewing its effectiveness. Internal
control systems are designed to manage rather than
eliminate the failure to achieve business objectives and can
only provide reasonable but not absolute assurance against
material misstatements or loss. The Directors review all
controls including operations, compliance and risk
management. The key procedures which have been
established to provide internal control are:
• The Board monitors the actions of the Group and
undertakings of any external consultant as appointed by
the Group at regular Board meetings and is given frequent
updates on developments arising from the operations and
strategic direction of the underlying investee companies.
The Board has also delegated administration and company
secretarial services to the Administrator; however, it
retains accountability for all functions it delegates.
• The Board clearly defines the duties and responsibilities
of the Group’s agents and advisers and appointments are
made by the Board after due and careful consideration.
The Board monitors the ongoing performance of such
agents and advisers and will continue to do so.
• The Administrator maintains a system of internal
control on which they report to the Board. The Board has
reviewed the need for an internal audit function and has
decided that the systems and procedures employed by the
Administrator provide the assurance that a sound system
of risk management and internal control should, which
safeguards shareholders’ investment and the Group’s
assets. An internal audit function specific to the Group
is therefore considered unnecessary.
The systems of control referred to above are designed to
ensure effectiveness and efficient operation, internal control
and compliance with laws and regulations. In establishing the
systems of internal control, regard is given to the materiality
of relevant risks, the likelihood of costs being incurred and
costs of control.
The need for an internal audit function is discussed in the
Report of the Audit Committee.
The UK Modern Slavery Act
The Board conducts the business of the Group ethically
andwith integrity, and has a zero-tolerance policy towards
modern slavery in all its forms. As the Group has no
employees, all of its Directors are non-executive and all its
functions are outsourced, there are no further disclosures
tobe made in respect of employees and human rights. The
Board notes that the companies in which the Group invests
directly or indirectly may have employee, community, human
rights or social impacts of which the Board has no visibility
orcontrol.
Litigation
So far as the Directors are aware, no litigation or claim
ofmaterial importance is pending or threatened against
theGroup.
On behalf of the Board
William Simpson
Chairman
30 March 2023
Anti-Bribery and Corruption Policy
The Board has a zero-tolerance approach to instances of
bribery and corruption and has reiterated its commitment
to carry out business fairly, honestly and openly. Accordingly,
it expressly prohibits any Director or associated persons,
when acting on behalf of the Group, from accepting, soliciting,
paying, offering or promising to pay or authorise any payment,
public or private, in the United Kingdom or abroad to secure
any improper benefit for themselves or for the Group.
The Investment Manager has also adopted a zero-tolerance
approach to instances of bribery and corruption. The Board
insists on strict observance with these same standards by
its service providers in their activities for the Group.
Criminal Finances Act
The Board has a zero-tolerance commitment to preventing
persons associated with it from engaging in criminal
facilitation of tax evasion. The Board expects the same of its
service providers and will not work with service providers
that it knows do not demonstrate the same zero-tolerance
commitment to preventing persons associated with it from
engaging in criminal facilitation of tax evasion.
Environment, Employees, Human Rights
and Social Matters
The Group has an investment management contract with the
Investment Manager. The Group has no employees and all of
its Directors are non-executive, with day-to-day activities
being carried out by third party service providers. There
are therefore no disclosures to be made in respect of its
employees. Further, because the Group is a closed-ended
investment group with no employees, its environmental
impact is minimal. The Board notes that the companies in
which the Group invests directly or indirectly may have an
environmental, employee, human rights or social impact of
which the Board has no visibility or control.
Strategic Report Governance Report Financial Statements Additional Information
5352
Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities
Statement of Directors’
Responsibilities
The Directors are responsible for preparing the Annual
Report and consolidated financial statements in accordance
with applicable law and regulations.
The Companies Law requires the Directors to prepare
financial statements for each financial year. Under that law,
the Directors have elected to prepare the consolidated
financial statements in accordance with accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States of America and
applicable law.
Under the Companies Law, the Directors must not approve
the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they
give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Group
and of its profit or loss for that period. In preparing these
consolidated financial statements, the Directors are
requiredto:
• Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them
consistently;
• Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable,
relevant and reliable;
• State whether applicable accounting standards have been
followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and
explained in the consolidated financial statements;
• Assess the Group’s and the Company’s ability to continue
as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters
related to going concern; and
• Use the going concern basis of accounting unless
liquidation is imminent.
The Directors confirm that they have complied with
theaboverequirements in preparing the consolidated
financial statements.
The Directors are responsible for keeping proper accounting
records that are sufficient to show and explain the Group’s
transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any
time the financial position of the Company and of the Group
and enable them to ensure that its financial statements
comply with the Companies (Guernsey) Law, 2008. They are
responsible for such internal control as they determine is
necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements
that are free from material misstatement, whether due to
fraud or error, and have general responsibility for taking such
steps as are reasonably open to them to safeguard the assets
of the Company and of the Group and to prevent and detect
fraud and other irregularities.
The Directors are responsible for the maintenance and
integrity of the corporate and financial information included
on the Company’s website (www.rtwfunds.com/venture-fund).
Legislation in Guernsey governing the preparation and
dissemination of financial statements may differ from
legislation in other jurisdictions.
Responsibility Statement
The Directors who hold office at the date of approval of this
Director’s Report confirm that so far as they are aware, there
is no relevant audit information of which the Group’s auditor
is unaware, and that each Director has taken all the steps he
ought to have taken as a director to make himself or herself
aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that
the Group’s auditor is aware of that information.
We confirm that to the best of our knowledge:
• the consolidated financial statements, prepared in
accordance with US GAAP, give a true and fair view of
theassets, liabilities, financial position and profit or loss
ofthe Group;
• the Strategic Report contained in the Annual Report
includes a fair review of the development and performance
of the business and the position of the Group together
with a description of the principal risks and uncertainties
that they face;
• the Annual Report and audited consolidated financial
statements, taken as a whole, are fair, balanced and
understandable and provide the information necessary for
shareholders to assess the Group’s performance, position,
business model and strategy; and
• the Annual Report and audited consolidated financial
statements includes information required by the FCA for
the purpose of ensuring that the Group complies with the
provisions of the Listing Rules and the Disclosure Guidance
and Transparency Rules of the FCA.
The responsibility statement was approved by the Board
ofDirectors on 30 March 2023 and was signed on behalf
ofthe Board.
On behalf of the Board
William Simpson Paul Le Page
Chairman Director
30 March 2023 30 March 2023
Directors’ Remuneration
Report
The Nomination and Remuneration Committee has been
established to consider the appointment and reappointment of
Directors and ensure that the Company maintains fair and
appropriate remuneration policies and controls. The Nomination
and Remuneration Committee comprises all the independent
Directors of the Company and is chaired by William Scott.
The Company is not required to present a Directors’
Remuneration Report, and whilst this report does not
purportto meet all of the requirements of a typical listed
UKcompany’s Directors’ Remuneration Report, it has been
provided as the Directors believe that it may be useful to users
of this annual report and consolidated financial statements.
The Group has no employees and hence no executive
directors. Directors do not have service contracts, but are
appointed under letters of appointment, copies of which are
available upon request from the Company Secretary and will
be available for inspection at the AGM.
Regarding nomination, the Nomination and Remuneration
Committee’s remit is to review regularly the structure, size
and composition of the Board, to give full consideration to
succession planning for Directors, to keep under review the
leadership needs of the Group and be responsible for
identifying and nominating for the approval of the Board
candidates to fill Board vacancies as and when they arise.
Board diversity
No specific diversity parameters have been set as the Board
believes that all appointments should be made on merit and
taken in the context of skills, knowledge and experience
required for an effective Board. However, it is the Group’s
policy to give careful consideration to issues of Board balance
and diversity when making new appointments.
The Board believes the current Board members have the
appropriate qualifications, experience and expertise to manage
the Group. The Director’s biographies can be found on pages
44 and 45.
Tenure policy
Each Director retires at each AGM subsequent to his or her
appointment and is eligible for re-election by the shareholders
at such AGM.
A Director who retires at an AGM may, if willing to continue to
act, be elected or re-elected at that meeting. If, at a general
meeting at which a Director retires, the shareholders neither
re-elect that Director nor appoint another person to the
Board in their place, the retiring Director shall, if willing to
act, be deemed to have been re-elected unless at the general
meeting it is resolved not to fill the vacancy or unless a
resolution for the re-election of the Director is put to the
meeting and not passed.
In accordance with the AIC Code, if and when any Director has
been in office (or upon re-election would at the end of that
term, be in office) for more than nine years, or in the case of
the Chairman ten years, the Company will consider whether
there is a risk that such Director might reasonably be deemed
to have lost independence through such long service.
The Chairman, Mr Le Page and Ms Sirota have been members
of the Board since their appointment on 2 October 2019. Mr
Scott was appointed on 3 October 2019.
Termination policy
Should a Director not be re-elected by shareholders, or
retires from office under the Articles of Incorporation, the
appointment shall be terminated with immediate effect and
without compensation.
A Director may resign at any time by notice in writing to the
Board in accordance with the Articles of Incorporation.
The Company may terminate a Director’s appointment with
immediate effect should the Director have:
• Committed any serious breach or (after warning in writing)
any repeated or continued material breach of their
obligations to the Group; or
• Been guilty of any act of dishonesty, fraud or serious
misconduct or any conduct which (in the reasonable
opinion of the Board) tends to bring the Director or Group
into disrepute.
Succession policy
The Board gives full consideration to succession planning,
including the succession of the Chairman and Directors in the
course of its work, taking into account the challenges and
opportunities facing the Group, and what skills and expertise
are therefore needed on the Board in the future.
Biographies
of Directors
page 44
Strategic Report Governance Report Financial Statements Additional Information
5554
Directors’ Remuneration Report
continued
ensure that the Group maintains the ability to pay competitive
fees and attract and retain high calibre Directors. The increase
also provides appropriate headroom to accommodate any future
market-based adjustments to Directors’ fees and increases to
the size and composition of the Board. The Board does not
expect to utilise the full amount of the proposed Fee Cap in the
short to medium term and there is no intention to adjust the
remuneration of existing Board members except where future
reviews identify a material change of duties, or benchmarking
against comparable investment companies indicates that such
changes are appropriate to remain in line with market levels.
In setting the level of each non-executive Director’s fee, the
Board had regard to: the time commitments expected; the
level of skill and experience of each Director; and the current
market and levels of companies of similar size and complexity.
Following this evaluation, the Board determined that the fees
set out in this remuneration policy were appropriate.
Under the terms of their appointments as non-executive
Directors, the Directors are entitled to the following
annualfees:
William Simpson GBP 50,000
Paul Le Page GBP 40,000
William Scott GBP 35,000
Stephanie Sirota US$42,000
All of the Directors are also entitled to be paid all reasonable
expenses properly incurred by them in attending general
meetings, Board or committee meetings or otherwise in
connection with the performance of their duties. The Board
may determine that additional remuneration may be paid,
from time to time, to any one or more Directors in the event
such Director or Directors are requested by the Board to
perform extra or special services on behalf of the Group.
The Directors do not participate in any discussions relating
to their own fee, which is determined by the other Directors.
The Group does not pay any remuneration to the Directors
for loss of office.
On termination of the appointment, Directors shall only
be entitled to such fees as may have accrued to the date
of termination, together with reimbursement in the normal
way of any expenses properly incurred prior to that date.
Overboarding policy
To ensure that each Director has sufficient time to meet
their responsibilities to the Group, the Board has adopted an
overboarding policy which outlines its expectations regarding
the time commitments of the Directors.
Should a Director wish to take on an additional external
directorship of a London listed, or equivalent, company,
or is anticipating a significant increase in time commitment
of an existing appointment, details must be provided to the
Chairman (or, if the Chairman is taking on the external
directorship, the Chairman of the Audit Committee) for
approval prior to accepting the external directorship or
additional time commitment.
The Director should:
• Confirm that the external directorship or change
in time commitment is not in conflict with the Group;
• Provide an estimate of the time commitment required;
• Confirm that they have sufficient surplus capacity to
meet their commitments to the Group; and
• Confirm that no commercial conflict of interest is likely
to arise or be perceived to arise.
To assist in the Chairman’s decision, on an ongoing basis,
at each Board meeting, the Directors disclose their other
directorships at each quarterly meeting of the Company.
Remuneration policy
The Directors shall be remunerated at such a rate as the
Directors shall determine provided that the aggregate amount
of such fees shall not exceed US$500,000 per annum. At the
Company’s AGM held on 21 June 2022, in accordance with
Article 28.1.1 of the Company’s Articles, shareholders approved
to increase the total aggregate amount of Directors’ fees that
may be paid in any financial year (“Fee Cap”) by US$200,000,
from US$300,000 to US$500,000 (or the applicable currency
equivalent thereof). The increase in the Fee Cap took effect from
the date of the AGM. The previous Fee Cap of US$300,000 was
approved by shareholders at the time of the IPO of the Company
and its listing on the SFS in October 2019. The Company has
subsequently moved the listing of its shares to the Premium
Segment of the Official List. The Board is conscious that it needs
to ensure that it has the right skills and experience appointed to
the Board to best support the Group’s growth and its strategic
plans and priorities over coming years. Accordingly, the Board
sought to increase the Fee Cap to US$500,000 in order to
Annual report on remuneration
Service contracts obligations and payment on loss of office
No Director has a service contract with the Group and, as such, no Director is entitled to compensation payments upon
termination of their appointment or loss of office.
Total remuneration paid to each Director
During the year ended 31 December 2022 the US Dollar equivalent of Directors’ remuneration that was paid was as follows:
31 December 2022
(US$)
31 December 2021
(US$)
William Simpson 53,889 68,941
Paul Le Page 43,111 55,153
William Scott 37,722 48,259
Stephanie Sirota 42,000 42,000
Total 176,722 214,353
All of the above remuneration relates to fixed annual fees. The remuneration of each of the Directors other than Ms Sirota is
fixed in Pounds Sterling (as set out in the first table on the previous page) and the US Dollar equivalent set out above may vary
in accordance with fluctuations in the Pounds Sterling/US Dollar exchange rate.
Directors are not eligible for bonuses, share options or long-term incentive schemes or other performance-related benefits.
There are no pension arrangements in place for the Directors of the Company. Accordingly, there were no other items in the
nature of remuneration, pension entitlements or incentive scheme arrangements which were paid or accrued to the Directors
during the year.
Directors’ shareholdings in the Company
Directors of the Company and their beneficial interests in the Company as at 31 December 2022 are detailed below:
Director
Number of Shares
% Holding
31 December 2022
% Holding
31 December 202131 December 2022 31 December 2021
William Simpson 200,000 150,000 0.09 0.07
Paul Le Page 128,000 103,000 0.06 0.05
William Scott 305,003 150,000 0.14 0.07
Stephanie Sirota 1,010,000 1,000,000 0.48 0.47
On behalf of the Board
William Scott
Chairman of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee
30 March 2023
Strategic Report Governance Report Financial Statements Additional Information
5756
Report of the Audit Committee
Report of the
Audit Committee
Composition
The Audit Committee, chaired by Paul Le Page, operates
within clearly defined terms of reference which include all
matters indicated by DTR 7.1 and the AIC Code. Its other
members are William Simpson and William Scott. The
Chairman of the Group is a member of the Audit Committee
but does not chair it. His membership of the Audit Committee
is considered appropriate due to: the lack of perceived
conflict; the small size of the Board; and because the
Directors consider that he acts in a non-executive capacity
and continues to be independent.
Only independent Directors can serve on the Audit
Committee, and members of the Audit Committee must have
no current links with the Group’s external auditor and must
be independent of the Investment Manager. The Audit
Committee can request the attendance of the Investment
Manager, the auditors or any service provider at its meetings.
The Board has taken note of the requirement that at least
one member of the Audit Committee should have recent and
relevant financial experience and is satisfied that the Audit
Committee is properly constituted in that respect, with all
members being highly experienced and, in particular one
member is a chartered accountant.
The performance of the chairman of the Audit Committee
isreviewed on an annual basis and the membership of the
Audit Committee and its terms of reference are kept under
regular review.
Paul Le Page
Independent Non-Executive Director
Chair of the Audit Committee
Member
Meetings
attended
Paul Le Page
Independent Non-Executive Director
5/5
William Simpson
Chairman and Independent
Non-Executive Director
5/5
William Scott
Independent Non-Executive Director
5/5
I present the Audit Committee’s report
for financial year ended 31 December
2022, setting forth the Audit Committee’s
structure, duties, andactivities during
thereporting period.
Responsibilities
The Audit Committee is the formal forum through which the
external auditor reports to the Board of Directors. The
objectivity of the external auditor is reviewed by the Audit
Committee, which also reviews the terms under which the
external auditor is appointed to perform non-audit services
and the fees paid to the external auditor or their affiliated
firms overseas.
The main duties of the Audit Committee are:
• Giving full consideration and recommending to the Board
for approval of the contents of the Interim Report and
Annual Report and reviewing the external auditor’s report
thereon;
• Reviewing the scope, results, cost effectiveness,
independence and objectivity of the external auditor;
• Reviewing the draft valuations of the Group’s investments
prepared by the Investment Manager, and making a
recommendation to the Board on the valuation of the
Group’s investments;
• Reviewing and recommending to the Board for approval of
the audit, audit related and non-audit fees payable to the
external auditor and the terms of their engagement;
• Reviewing and approving the external auditor’s plan for the
annual audit and interim review;
• Reviewing the appropriateness of the Group’s accounting
policies;
• Ensuring the standards and adequacy of the service
providers’ control systems;
• Reviewing and considering the UK Code, the AIC Code and
the FRC Guidance on Audit Committees; and
• Reviewing the risks facing the Group and monitoring the
risk matrix.
The Audit Committee is required to report its findings to the
Board, identifying any matters on which it considers that
action or improvement is needed, and make
recommendations on the steps to be taken.
The external auditor is invited to attend the Audit Committee
meetings at which the Interim Reports and Annual Reports
are considered and at which they have the opportunity to
meet with the Audit Committee without representatives of
any other service provider or consultant being present at
least once a year.
Financial reporting
The primary role of the Audit Committee in relation to
financial reporting is to review with the Administrator,
Sub-Administrator, any external consultant as appointed by
the Investment Manager and the external auditor, the
appropriateness of the Interim Reports and Annual Reports,
concentrating on, amongst other matters:
• the quality and acceptability of accounting policies and
practices;
• the clarity of the disclosures and compliance with financial
reporting standards and relevant financial and governance
reporting requirements;
• material areas in which significant judgements have been
applied or there has been discussion with both any
external consultant as appointed by the Investment
Manager and the external auditor;
• whether the Annual Report, taken as a whole, is fair,
balanced and understandable and provides the information
necessary for shareholders to assess the Group’s
performance, business model and strategy; and
• any correspondence from regulators in relation to the
Group’s financial reporting.
To aid its review, the Audit Committee considers reports
from the Investment Manager and any external consultant as
appointed by the Investment Manager and also reports from
the external auditor on the outcomes of its interim review
and annual audit.
Meetings
The Audit Committee meets no less than twice a year in
Guernsey, at such other times as the Audit Committee
Chairman shall require, and meets the external auditor at least
once a year in Guernsey. The Audit Committee met seven
times in the year ended 31 December 2022 (2021: five times).
The matters discussed at these meetings were:
• Review of the terms of reference of the Audit Committee
to confirm that they are appropriate to the business of the
Audit Committee and the current regulatory environment
in which the Group operates;
• Semi-annual reviews of the valuations of the Group’s
investments;
• Review of the accounting policies and format of the
consolidated financial statements;
• The relationship with the external auditor;
• Discussion and approval of the fee for the external audit;
• Discussion and review of the audit plan;
• Review and consideration of viability model;
• Review of compliance with the AIC Code of Corporate
Governance;
• Review of the related party register;
• Consideration of the requirement for an internal audit function;
• Consideration of and recommendations to the Board
regarding the appointment of third-party service providers
and the adequacy of their arrangements; and
• Review of the Group’s key risks and internal controls.
Board
experiences
page 44
Directors’
responsibilities
page 54
Strategic Report Governance Report Financial Statements Additional Information
5958
Report of the Audit Committee
continued
Investment Manager and key service providers. The matrix
has also been reviewed with the Investment Manager in light
of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and was used to form the basis
of the Company’s principal and emerging risk disclosures in
the Strategic Report on page 34.
Appointment of the external auditor
KPMG has been appointed as the statutory external auditor
of the Company since the Company re-domiciled from
Delaware to Guernsey on 2 October 2019. The Audit
Committee held meetings with KPMG before the start of the
audit to discuss formal planning and to discuss any possible
issues, along with the scope of the audit and appropriate
timetable. Informal meetings have also been held with the
Chairman of the Audit Committee in order that the Chairman
is kept up to date with the progress of the audit and formal
reporting requirement by the Audit Committee.
The objectivity of the external auditor is reviewed by the
Audit Committee, which also reviews the terms under which
the external auditor may be appointed to perform non-audit
services. The Audit Committee reviews the scope and results
of the audit, its cost effectiveness and the independence and
objectivity of the external auditor, with particular regard to
any non-audit work that the external auditor may undertake
and the level of fees associated to this non-audit work. In
order to safeguard external auditor independence and
objectivity, the Audit Committee ensures that audit related,
non-audit, or advisory services provided by the external
auditor do not conflict with its statutory audit responsibilities.
Audit related services will generally only cover reviews of
interim financial statements and capital raising work. Any
non-audit services conducted by the external auditor outside
of the reviews of interim financial statements requires the
consent of the Audit Committee before being initiated.
The fees paid by the Group to KPMG during the last two
years were as follows:
2022 2021
Audit fee GBP 246,300 GBP 168,000
Review of interim financial
statements
GBP 46,575 GBP 41,000
Other non-audit services
(1)
– GBP 62,500
Total GBP 292,875 GBP 271,500
(1) During the year ended 31 December 2021, KPMG was paid a
reporting accountant fee for its work on the migration of the
Company’s shares to the Official List of the FCA and to trading
onthe Premium Segment of the London Stock Exchange plc’s
Main Market.
The external auditor may not undertake any work for the
Company in respect of the following matters – preparation
ofthe financial statements, preparation of valuations used
infinancial statements, provision of investment advice,
takingmanagement decisions or advocacy work in
adversarialsituations.
The Audit Committee reviews the scope and results of
the audit, its cost effectiveness and the independence and
objectivity of the auditor, with particular regard to the level
ofnon-audit fees. During the year ended 31 December 2021,
Primary area of judgement
The Audit Committee determined that the key risk
of misstatement of the Group’s consolidated financial
statements related to the valuation of investment in
securities, at fair value, in the context of the judgements
necessary to evaluate current fairvalues.
As outlined in Note 2 to the consolidated financial
statements of the Group, the total carrying value of the
Group’s investments in securities at fair value as at 31
December 2022 was US$350.1 million (2021: US$409.2
million), of which US$85.9 million (2021: US$92.9 million)
related to private company investments. Market quotations
are available for those financial assets that are listed and
traded and have an active market quote.
For private company investments, the value of the Group’s
investments is based on the value of the relevant underlying
investee companies as determined by the Investment
Manager. The valuation of the Group’s private and restricted
investments, the methodology used for the year end
valuation, and the constitution of the Investment Manager’s
Valuation Committee were discussed with the Investment
Manager and with the external auditor at an Audit Committee
meeting held on 26 January 2023, and the Independent Valuer,
as appointed by the Investment Manager, carries out a
valuation semi-annually on the private company investments.
The Group values investment in private investment
companies using the net asset values provided by the
administrators of the private investment companies
concerned as a practical expedient. The Group applies the
practical expedient to its private investment companies on
an investment-by-investment basis and consistently with the
Group’s entire position in a particular investment, unless it is
probable that the Group will sell a portion of an investment
at an amount different from the NAV of the investment.
The Audit Committee has reviewed the valuation papers
prepared by the Investment Manager. The Investment
Manager confirmed to the Audit Committee that the
valuation methodology had been applied consistently during
the year. After reviewing the scope and results of the work
ofthe external auditor, the Audit Committee concluded that
they had not identified any material errors or inconsistencies.
The external auditor explained the results of its audit work
onthe valuations, including its challenge of management’s
underlying projections, the economic assumptions, and prices
used. On the basis of its audit work, there were no material
adjustments proposed to those valuations as approved by
theAudit Committee.
Internal audit
The Audit Committee shall consider at least once a year
whether there is a need for an internal audit function.
Currently, the Audit Committee does not consider there to be
a need for an internal audit function, given that there are no
employees in the Group and all outsourced functions are with
parties who have their own internal controls and procedures.
The Audit Committee worked with the Administrator and the
Investment Manager to structure a risk matrix for the Group,
which considered the controls applied by the Board, the
KPMG was also engaged as reporting accountant in
connection with the Company’s migration to the Premium
Segment, which is a permissible service under the FRC Ethical
Standards for a company’s auditor to undertake. The Audit
Committee considers KPMG to be independent of the Group
and that the provision of such non-audit services is not a
threat to the objectivity and independence of the conduct
ofthe audit as appropriate safeguards are in place.
To fulfil its responsibility regarding the independence of
the external auditor, the Audit Committee considered:
• audit personnel in the audit plan for the current year;
• a report from the external auditor describing its
arrangements to identify, report and manage any
conflicts of interest; and
• the extent of non-audit services provided by the
external auditor.
To assess the effectiveness of the external auditor,
the Audit Committee reviewed:
• the external auditor’s fulfilment of the agreed audit plan
and variations from it;
• reports highlighting the findings that arose during the
course of the audit; and
• feedback from the Investment Manager, Administrator,
Sub-Administrator, and any external consultant as
appointed by the Investment Manager in evaluating
the performance of the audit team.
The Audit Committee is satisfied with KPMG’s effectiveness
and independence as external auditor having considered the
degree of diligence and professional scepticism demonstrated
by them. Having carried out the review described above and
having satisfied itself that the external auditor remains
independent and effective, the Audit Committee has
recommended to the Board that KPMG be reappointed
as external auditor for the year ending 31 December 2023.
Annual Report
The Audit Committee members have each reviewed this
Annual Report and earlier drafts of it in detail, comparing its
content with their own knowledge of the Company, reporting
requirements and shareholder expectations. Formal meetings
of the Audit Committee have also reviewed the Annual Report
and its content and have received reports and explanations
from the Company’s service providers about the content
and the financial results. The Audit Committee has concluded
that the Annual Report, taken as a whole, is fair, balanced and
understandable, and that the Board can reasonably and with
justification make the statement of Directors’ responsibilities
on page 54.
Key activities of the Audit Committee
During the course of the year ended 31 December 2022, the
Audit Committee undertook a number of projects in addition
to its regular duties and reviewed a number of the Investment
Manager’s policies relating to issues such as portfolio liquidity
management and allocation of capacity in private investments.
The Audit Committee noted a substantial decline in the level
of corporate activity within the financial year in the Biotech
sector which led to an increased emphasis on the use of public
market comparatives for valuing the Group’s private
investments. The Committee has been pleased to note that
this has led to more frequent adjustments in the valuations of
the Group’s private positions within the Investment Manager’s
monthly valuation committee meetings. The Committee has
also encouraged the Investment Manager’s valuation team and
the Company’s auditors to engage regularly throughout the
year so that they have early sight of changes to policies and
models as they occur.
During the year, the Audit Committee worked with the
Investment Manager to summarise the extensive and detailed
valuation reporting that it receives to ensure that the Board
remains focused on key issues as the portfolio grows. The
Committee also worked with the Investment Manager to
improve the frequency of the reporting that it receives in the
light of increased levels of market volatility. The Committee
now receives monthly reporting of both material public and
material private valuation changes within the Group’s portfolio.
The fact that the Company achieved a realised gain on the sale
of the Mavacamten Royalty from its core private portfolio to
Bristol Myers Squibb gave the Audit Committee additional
comfort that the Investment Manager adopts a reasonable
valuation policy.
Tightening financial conditions have also led to the Committee
placing an increased emphasis on liquidity risk management
both within the Group’s underlying investments and within the
Group’s portfolio structure. The cash runway summaries for
our private portfolio highlight the fact that the vast majority
of our companies will not need to raise funding in the next 12
months, with over 75% of our core private portfolio financed
for at least the next two years. The Audit Committee has also
considered the ability of the Group to meet future funding
requirements and notes that with only 25% of NAV invested in
core private positions that the Group has a significant reserve
of potential dry powder at its disposal in its public portfolio.
The Committee also considered the ability of the Group to
meet capital funding requirements for its portfolio companies
as part of the viability assessment using the NBI index as a
proxy for the performance of its public portfolio. We concluded
that the Group should be sufficiently well financed to more
than double its allocation to private investments even if the
NBI index incurs a peak to trough loss of a similar magnitude
to that suffered in the technology crash at the start of the
millennium over the next three years.
In addition, to the above activities the Audit Committee
sought independent legal advice on the financial reporting
requirements for the Company’s newly formed subsidiary and
also worked with the auditors to ensure that the Company has
a robust and fair pricing structure for the Company’s audit.
On behalf of the Audit Committee,
Paul Le Page
Chairman of the Audit Committee
30 March 2023
Strategic Report Governance Report Financial Statements Additional Information
6160
03 // CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
63 Independent Auditor’s Report
67 Consolidated Statement of Assets
and Liabilities
68 Consolidated Condensed Schedule of
Investments
78 Consolidated Statement of Operations
79 Consolidated Statement of Changes
in Net Assets
81 Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
82 Notes to the Consolidated Financial
Statements
Our opinion is unmodified
We have audited the consolidated financial statements
ofRTWVenture Fund Limited (the “Company”) and its
subsidiary (together, the “Group”), which comprise the
consolidated statement of assets and liabilities including
theconsolidated condensed schedule of investments as
at31December 2022, the consolidated statements of
operations, changes in net assets and cash flows for the year
then ended, and notes, comprising significant accounting
policies and other explanatory information.
In our opinion, the accompanying
consolidated financial statements:
• give a true and fair view of the financial position of the
Group as at 31 December 2022, and of the Group’s financial
performance and cash flows for the year then ended;
• are prepared in accordance with U.S. generally
accepted accounting principles (“US GAAP”); and
• comply with the Companies (Guernsey) Law, 2008.
Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International
Standards on Auditing (UK) (“ISAs (UK)”) and applicable law.
Independent Auditor’s Report to the
Members of RTW Venture Fund Limited
Consolidated
Financial
Statements
Our responsibilities are described below. We have fulfilled
our ethical responsibilities under, and are independent of
the Company and Group in accordance with, UK ethical
requirements including the FRC Ethical Standard as required
by the Crown Dependencies’ Audit Rules and Guidance. We
believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is a sufficient
and appropriate basis for our opinion.
Key audit matters: our assessment
of the risks of material misstatement
Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional
judgement, were of most significance in the audit of the
consolidated financial statements and include the most
significant assessed risks of material misstatement (whether
or not due to fraud) identified by us, including those which
had the greatest effect on: the overall audit strategy; the
allocation of resources in the audit; and directing the efforts
of the engagement team. These matters were addressed in
the context of our audit of the consolidated financial
statements as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon,
and we do not provide a separate opinion on these matters.
In arriving at our audit opinion above, the key audit matter
was as follows (unchanged from 2021):
The risk Our response
Valuation of
investments in
securities, at fair value
$350,125,577; (2021:
$409,179,507)
Refer to the Report of
the Audit Committee
on pages 58 to 61,
theConsolidated
Condensed Schedule
of Investments as at
31December 2022 on
pages 68 to 72, note 1
fair value significant
accounting policies
and note 2 fair value
measurements
disclosures.
Basis:
The Group’s investment portfolio
represents the most significant balance
on the consolidated statement of assets
and liabilities and is the principal driver of
the Group’s net asset value (2022: 101%;
2021: 106%). The investment portfolio is
composed of publicly quoted and private
unquoted life science investments
(together the “Investments”).
Publicly quoted life science investments,
representing 75.4% of the fair value of
Investments, are valued using third party
data sources.
Private unquoted life science investments,
representing 24.6% of the fair value of
Investments, are valued using recognised
valuation methodologies, including option
pricing models.
The Investment Manager utilises an
Independent Valuer to assist them in their
determination of the fair value of certain
private unquoted life science investments.
Risk:
The valuation of the Group’s Investments
is considered a significant area of our
audit, given that it represents the
majority of the net assets of the Group.
The valuation risk of the private unquoted
life science investments incorporates
both a risk of fraud and error given the
significance of the estimates and
judgements that are involved in the
determination of their fair value.
Our audit procedures included, but were not limited to:
Controls evaluation:
We assessed the design and implementation of the Investment Manager’s review
control in relation to the valuation of private unquoted life science investments.
Challenging managements’ Investments valuation, including
the use of our KPMG valuation specialists, as applicable:
For all Investments we assessed the appropriateness of the valuation methodology used
to estimate fair value.
Publicly quoted life science investments
For publicly quoted life science investments, we independently priced 100% by fair value
to third party data sources.
Private unquoted life science investments
For a value driven selection of the private unquoted life science investments we
performed the following procedures, as applicable:
• Obtained and read the valuation memorandums produced by the Investment Manager;
• Assessed the objectivity, capabilities and competency of the Independent Valuer. We
considered the scope of their engagement and methodology applied by the Independent
Valuer in performing their work. We obtained and assessed their findings and
considered the impact, if any, on our audit work;
• Agreed the price of investments acquired during the year to supporting documentation
such as purchase agreements, funding draw down requests and bank statements. We
performed public searches for contradictory or dis-confirming evidence to challenge
both the absence or appropriateness of fair value movements since acquisition;
• For those private unquoted life science investments valued using valuation models, such
as option pricing models, with the use of our own valuation specialists, we assessed and
challenged the key assumptions used by comparing them to available market information
and corroborated key inputs to supporting documentation;
• Considered market transactions in close proximity to the year-end and assessed their
appropriateness as being representative of fair value; and
• For the sole private investment company life science investment we obtained
independent confirmation, from the administrator of that private investment company,
of the net asset value per share and reconciled these to the net asset value used in the
Group’s valuation. Further we obtained the coterminous audited financial statements for
the private investment company to corroborate the net asset value per share used. We also
evaluated the accounting framework and accounting policies applied and considered the
impact, if any, of the issued audit opinion therein.
Assessing disclosures:
We also considered whether the Group’s financial statement disclosures in relation to the
use of estimates and judgements regarding the fair value of investments in securities and
the Company’s investment valuation policies adopted and the fair value disclosures, in
notes 1 and 2 respectively, are in accordance with US GAAP.
63
Strategic Report Governance Report Financial Statements Additional Information
62
Independent Auditor’s Report to the Members of RTW Venture Fund Limited
continued
Our application of materiality and
an overview of the scope of our audit
Materiality for the consolidated financial statements as
awhole was set at $6.9m, determined with reference to
abenchmark of group net assets of $347.9m, of which it
represents approximately 2% (2021: 2%).
In line with our audit methodology, our procedures on
individual account balances and disclosures were performed
to a lower threshold, performance materiality, so as to reduce
to an acceptable level the risk that individually immaterial
misstatements in individual account balances add up to a
material amount across the consolidated financial statements
as a whole. Performance materiality for the Group was set at
75% (2021: 75%) of materiality for the consolidated financial
statements as a whole, which equates to $5.2m. We applied
this percentage in our determination of performance
materiality because we did not identify any factors indicating
an elevated level of risk.
We reported to the Audit Committee any corrected or
uncorrected identified misstatements exceeding $0.35m, in
addition to other identified misstatements that warranted
reporting on qualitative grounds.
Our audit of the Group was undertaken to the materiality
level specified above, which has informed our identification of
significant risks of material misstatement and the associated
audit procedures performed in those areas as detailed above.
The group team performed the audit of the Group as if it was
a single aggregated set of financial information. The audit was
performed using the materiality level set out above and
covered 100% of total group revenue, total group profit
before tax, and total group assets and liabilities.
Going concern
The directors have prepared the consolidated financial
statements on the going concern basis as they do not
intend to liquidate the Group or the Company or to cease
their operations, and as they have concluded that the Group
and the Company’s financial position means that this is
realistic. They have also concluded that there are no material
uncertainties that could have cast significant doubt over their
ability to continue as a going concern for at least a year from
the date of approval of the consolidated financial statements
(the “going concern period”).
In our evaluation of the directors’ conclusions, we considered
the inherent risks to the Group and the Company’s business
model and analysed how those risks might affect the Group
and the Company’s financial resources or ability to continue
operations over the going concern period. The risks that we
considered most likely to affect the Group and the Company’s
financial resources or ability to continue operations over this
period was the availability of capital to meet operating costs
and other financial commitments.
We considered whether this risk could plausibly affect the
liquidity in the going concern period by comparing severe, but
plausible downside scenarios that could arise from this risk
against the level of available financial resources indicated by
the Group and the Company’s financial forecasts.
We performed procedures including:
• identifying journal entries and other adjustments to test
based on risk criteria and comparing any identified entries
to supporting documentation;
• incorporating an element of unpredictability in our audit
procedures; and
• assessing significant accounting estimates for bias
Further detail in respect of valuation of private unquoted life
science investments is set out in the key audit matter section
of this report.
Identifying and responding to risks of material
misstatement due to non-compliance with laws
and regulations
We identified areas of laws and regulations that could
reasonably be expected to have a material effect on the
consolidated financial statements from our sector experience
and through discussion with management (as required by
auditing standards), and from inspection of the Group’s
regulatory and legal correspondence, if any, and discussed
with management the policies and procedures regarding
compliance with laws and regulations. As the Group is
regulated, our assessment of risks involved gaining an
understanding of the control environment including the
entity’s procedures for complying with regulatory
requirements.
The Group is subject to laws and regulations that directly
affect the consolidated financial statements including
financial reporting legislation and taxation legislation and
we assessed the extent of compliance with these laws and
regulations as part of our procedures on the related financial
statement items.
The Group is subject to other laws and regulations where the
consequences of non-compliance could have a material effect
on amounts or disclosures in the consolidated financial
statements, for instance through the imposition of fines or
litigation or impacts on the Group and the Company’s ability
to operate. We identified financial services regulation as being
the area most likely to have such an effect, recognising the
regulated nature of the Group’s activities and its legal form.
Auditing standards limit the required audit procedures to
identify non-compliance with these laws and regulations to
enquiry of management and inspection of regulatory and legal
correspondence, if any. Therefore if a breach of operational
regulations is not disclosed to us or evident from relevant
correspondence, an audit will not detect that breach.
Context of the ability of the audit to detect
fraud or breaches of law or regulation
Owing to the inherent limitations of an audit, there is an
unavoidable risk that we may not have detected some
material misstatements in the consolidated financial
statements, even though we have properly planned and
performed our audit in accordance with auditing standards.
For example, the further removed non-compliance with laws
and regulations is from the events and transactions reflected
in the consolidated financial statements, the less likely the
inherently limited procedures required by auditing standards
would identify it.
We considered whether the going concern disclosure in note 1 to
the consolidated financial statements gives a full and accurate
description of the directors’ assessment of going concern.
Our conclusions based on this work:
• we consider that the directors’ use of the going concern
basis of accounting in the preparation of the consolidated
financial statements is appropriate;
• we have not identified, and concur with the directors’
assessment that there is not, a material uncertainty
related to events or conditions that, individually or
collectively, may cast significant doubt on the Group and
the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern for
the going concern period; and
• we have nothing material to add or draw attention to in
relation to the directors’ statement in the notes to the
consolidated financial statements on the use of the going
concern basis of accounting with no material uncertainties
that may cast significant doubt over the Group and the
Company’s use of that basis for the going concern period,
and that statement is materially consistent with the
consolidated financial statements and our audit knowledge.
However, as we cannot predict all future events or conditions
and as subsequent events may result in outcomes that are
inconsistent with judgements that were reasonable at the
time they were made, the above conclusions are not a
guarantee that the Group and the Company will continue
in operation.
Fraud and breaches of laws
and regulations – ability to detect
Identifying and responding to risks of material
misstatement due to fraud
To identify risks of material misstatement due to fraud
(“fraud risks”) we assessed events or conditions that could
indicate an incentive or pressure to commit fraud or provide
an opportunity to commit fraud. Our risk assessment
procedures included:
• enquiring of management as to the Group’s policies
and procedures to prevent and detect fraud as well as
enquiring whether management have knowledge of any
actual, suspected or alleged fraud;
• reading minutes of meetings of those charged with
governance; and
• using analytical procedures to identify any unusual
or unexpected relationships.
As required by auditing standards, and taking into account
possible incentives or pressures to misstate performance and
our overall knowledge of the control environment, we perform
procedures to address the risk of management override of
controls, in particular the risk that management may be in
a position to make inappropriate accounting entries, and
the risk of bias in accounting estimates such as valuation of
private unquoted life science investments. On this audit we do
not believe there is a fraud risk related to revenue recognition
because the Group’s revenue streams are simple in nature
with respect to accounting policy choice, and are easily
verifiable to external data sources or agreements with little
or no requirement for estimation from management. We did
not identify any additional fraud risks.
In addition, as with any audit, there remains a higher risk of
non-detection of fraud, as this may involve collusion, forgery,
intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of
internal controls. Our audit procedures are designed to
detect material misstatement. We are not responsible for
preventing non-compliance or fraud and cannot be expected
to detect non-compliance with all laws and regulations.
Other information
The directors are responsible for the other information. The
other information comprises the information included in the
annual report but does not include the consolidated financial
statements and our auditor’s report thereon. Our opinion on
the consolidated financial statements does not cover the
other information and we do not express an audit opinion
or any form of assurance conclusion thereon.
In connection with our audit of the consolidated financial
statements, our responsibility is to read the other
information and, in doing so, consider whether the other
information is materially inconsistent with the consolidated
financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit,
or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If, based on
the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a
material misstatement of this other information, we are
required to report that fact. We have nothing to report
in this regard.
Disclosures of emerging and principal
risks and longer term viability
We are required to perform procedures to identify whether
there is a material inconsistency between the directors’
disclosures in respect of emerging and principal risks and the
viability statement, and the consolidated financial statements
and our audit knowledge. We have nothing material to add or
draw attention to in relation to:
• the directors’ confirmation within the Longer Term
Viability Statement (page 37) that they have carried out
a robust assessment of the emerging and principal risks
facing the Group, including those that would threaten its
business model, future performance, solvency or liquidity;
• the emerging and principal risks disclosures describing
these risks and explaining how they are being managed
or mitigated;
• the directors’ explanation in the Longer Term Viability
Statement (page 37) as to how they have assessed the
prospects of the Group, over what period they have done
so and why they consider that period to be appropriate,
and their statement as to whether they have a reasonable
expectation that the Group will be able to continue in
operation and meet its liabilities as they fall due over
the period of their assessment, including any related
disclosures drawing attention to any necessary
qualifications or assumptions.
We are also required to review the Longer Term Viability
Statement, set out on page 37 under the Listing Rules. Based
on the above procedures, we have concluded that the above
disclosures are materially consistent with the consolidated
financial statements and our audit knowledge.
6564
Strategic Report Governance Report Financial Statements Additional Information
Independent Auditor’s Report to the Members of RTW Venture Fund Limited
continued
Corporate governance disclosures
We are required to perform procedures to identify whether
there is a material inconsistency between the directors’
corporate governance disclosures and the consolidated
financial statements and our audit knowledge.
Based on those procedures, we have concluded that each of
the following is materially consistent with the consolidated
financial statements and our audit knowledge:
• the directors’ statement that they consider that the
annual report and consolidated financial statements
takenas a whole is fair, balanced and understandable, and
provides the information necessary for shareholders to
assess the Company’s position and performance, business
model and strategy;
• the section of the annual report describing the work of the
Audit Committee, including the significant issues that the
audit committee considered in relation to the financial
statements, and how these issues were addressed; and
• the section of the annual report that describes the review
of the effectiveness of the Company’s risk management
and internal control systems.
We are required to review the part of Corporate Governance
Statement relating to the Company’s compliance with the
provisions of the UK Corporate Governance Code specified by
the Listing Rules for our review. We have nothing to report in
this respect.
We have nothing to report on other matters on which we
are required to report by exception
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters
where the Companies (Guernsey) Law, 2008 requires us to
report to you if, in our opinion:
• the Company has not kept proper accounting records; or
• the consolidated financial statements are not in agreement
with the accounting records; or
• we have not received all the information and explanations,
which to the best of our knowledge and belief are
necessary for the purpose of our audit.
2022 2021
ASSETS:
Investments in securities, at fair value (cost at 31 December 2022: $259,472,596; 31 December 2021: $271,421,062) 350,125,577 409,179,507
Derivative contracts, at fair value (cost at 31 December 2022: $2,614,659; 31 December 2021: $2,348,062) 21,467,649 10,983,574
Cash and cash equivalents 6,966,168 6,484,057
Due from brokers 22,195,456 12,323,965
Receivable from unsettled trades 439,798 200,695
Other assets 345,750 191,565
TOTAL ASSETS 401,540,398 439,363,363
LIABILITIES:
Securities sold short, at fair value (proceeds at 31 December 2022: $15,407,927; 31 December 2021: $9,620,981) 12,438,334 9,318,393
Derivative contracts, at fair value (proceeds at 31 December 2022: nil; 31 December 2021: $nil) 8,926,743 3,310,833
Due to brokers 25,823,016 38,019,859
Payable for unsettled trades 5,561,560 492,007
Accrued expenses 866,756 861,545
TOTAL LIABILITIES 53,616,409 52,002,637
TOTAL NET ASSETS 347,923,989 387,360,726
NET ASSETS attributable to Ordinary Shares (shares at 31 December 2022: 212,389,138;
31 December 2021: 212,389,138) 326,079,521 363,040,222
NET ASSETS attributable to Non-Controlling Interest 21,844,468 –
NET ASSETS attributable to Performance Allocation Shares (shares at 31 December 2022: 0;
31 December 2021: 1) – 24,320,504
NAV per Ordinary Share 1.5353 1.7093
The audited consolidated financial statements of the Group were approved and authorised for issue by the Board of Directors on 30 March 2023 and
signed on its behalf by:
William Simpson Paul Le Page
Chairman Director
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities
as at 31 December 2022 and 31 December 2021
(Expressed in United States Dollars)
Respective responsibilities
Directors’ responsibilities
As explained more fully in their statement set out on page
54, the directors are responsible for: the preparation of the
consolidated financial statements including being satisfied
that they give a true and fair view; such internal control as
they determine is necessary to enable the preparation of
consolidated financial statements that are free from material
misstatement, whether due to fraud or error; assessing the
Group and Company’s ability to continue as a going concern,
disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern;
and using the going concern basis of accounting unless
liquidation is imminent.
Auditor’s responsibilities
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about
whether the consolidated financial statements as a whole are
free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or
error, and to issue our opinion in an auditor’s report. Reasonable
assurance is a high level of assurance, but does not guarantee
that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always
detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements
can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if,
individually or in aggregate, they could reasonably be expected
to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis
of the consolidated financial statements.
A fuller description of our responsibilities is provided on the
FRC’s website at www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities.
The purpose of this report and restrictions on its use by
persons other than the Company’s members as a body
This report is made solely to the Company’s members, as
a body, in accordance with section 262 of the Companies
(Guernsey) Law, 2008. Our audit work has been undertaken
so that we might state to the Company’s members those
matters we are required to state to them in an auditor’s
report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent
permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility
to anyone other than the Company and the Company’s
members, as a body, for our audit work, for this report,
or for the opinions we have formed.
Dermot Dempsey
For and on behalf of KPMG Channel Islands Limited
Chartered Accountants and Recognised Auditors
Guernsey
30 March 2023
6766
Strategic Report Governance Report Financial Statements Additional Information
Consolidated Financial Statements
Descriptions Number of Shares Cost Fair Value
Percentage
of Net Assets
Investments in securities, at fair value
Common stocks
United States
Healthcare
Prometheus Biosciences, Inc. 670,916 6,802,058 52,946,904 15.22
Rocket Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 2,400,755 8,188,796 46,982,775 13.50
Others* 124,096,539 118,157,365 33.96
Total United States 139,087,393 218,087,044 62.68
Netherlands
Healthcare 4,368,486 5,345,551 1.54
Ireland
Healthcare 4,099,988 2,981,309 0.86
Canada
Healthcare 3,275,323 1,012,216 0.29
British Virgin Islands
Healthcare 547,564 997,552 0.29
China
Healthcare
Ji Xing Pharmaceuticals Ltd. 541,205 216,482 600,738 0.17
Cayman Islands
Financials 254,581 257,459 0.07
Healthcare 188,880 194,370 0.06
Total Cayman Islands 443,461 451,829 0.13
Bermuda
Healthcare 260,330 208,004 0.06
Belgium
Healthcare 165,629 32,919 0.01
Total common stocks 152,464,656 229,717,162 66.03
* No individual investment security or contract constitutes greater than 5 percent of net assets.
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
Consolidated Condensed Schedule of Investments
as at 31 December 2022
(Expressed in United States Dollars)
Descriptions
Number
of Shares Cost Fair Value
Percentage
of Net Assets
Investments in securities, at fair value (continued)
Convertible preferred stocks
United States
Healthcare* 44,011,844 38,108,351 10.95
China
Healthcare
Ji Xing Pharmaceuticals Ltd. 10,599,945 14,824,185 16,433,316 4.73
Others 1,771,209 1,622,898 0.47
Total China 16,595,394 18,056,214 5.20
Switzerland
Healthcare 1,729,518 1,768,384 0.51
Ireland
Healthcare 116,545 117,696 0.03
Total convertible preferred stocks 62,453,301 58,050,645 16.69
American depository receipts
United Kingdom
Healthcare
Immunocore Holdings plc 453,985 11,440,789 25,908,924 7.45
Others 1,064,820 813,170 0.23
Total United Kingdom 12,505,609 26,722,094 7.68
Netherlands
Healthcare 8,996,563 9,918,906 2.85
Ireland
Healthcare 893,338 961,567 0.28
Sweden
Healthcare 339,248 528,539 0.15
Israel
Healthcare 372,743 98,985 0.03
Total American depository receipts 23,107,501 38,230,091 10.99
* No individual investment security or contract constitutes greater than 5 percent of net assets.
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
Consolidated Condensed Schedule of Investments (continued)
as at 31 December 2022
(Expressed in United States Dollars)
6968
Strategic Report Governance Report Financial Statements Additional Information
Consolidated Financial Statements
Descriptions Number of Shares Cost Fair Value
Percentage
of Net Assets
Investments in securities, at fair value (continued)
Investment in private investment companies
Ireland
Healthcare 11,814,933 14,074,846 4.04
Total investment in private investment companies 11,814,933 14,074,846 4.04
Convertible notes
China
Healthcare
Ji Xing Pharmaceuticals Ltd. 762,474 7,624,737 8,191,552 2.35
United States
Healthcare 2,007,468 1,861,281 0.53
Total convertible notes 9,632,205 10,052,833 2.88
Total investments in securities, at fair value 259,472,596 350,125,577 100.63
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
Descriptions Cost Fair Value
Percentage
of Net Assets
Derivative contracts – assets, at fair value
Equity swaps
United States
Healthcare 16,781,963 4.83
British Virgin Islands
Healthcare 2,097,803 0.60
Ireland
Healthcare 206,563 0.06
Total equity swaps 19,086,329 5.49
Warrants
Canada
Healthcare 1,939,543 1,858,925 0.53
United States
Healthcare 674,517 522,337 0.15
Cayman Islands
Financials 599 58 0.00
Total warrants 2,614,659 2,381,320 0.68
Total derivative contracts – assets, at fair value 2,614,659 21,467,649 6.17
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
Consolidated Condensed Schedule of Investments (continued)
as at 31 December 2022
(Expressed in United States Dollars)
Consolidated Condensed Schedule of Investments (continued)
as at 31 December 2022
(Expressed in United States Dollars)
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Consolidated Financial Statements
Descriptions Proceeds Fair Value
Percentage
of Net Assets
Securities sold short, at fair value
Common stocks
United States
Healthcare 14,521,155 11,500,094 3.31
Netherlands
Healthcare 293,711 221,800 0.06
Cayman Islands
Financials 96,480 98,829 0.03
Healthcare 46,260 89,072 0.03
Total Cayman Islands 142,740 187,901 0.06
Total common stocks 14,957,606 11,909,795 3.43
American depository receipts
Sweden
Healthcare 450,321 528,539 0.15
Total American depository receipts 450,321 528,539 0.15
Total securities sold short, at fair value 15,407,927 12,438,334 3.58
Descriptions Fair Value
Percentage
of Net Assets
Derivative contracts – liabilities, at fair value
Equity swaps
United States
Healthcare 7,041,281 2.02
Index 1,860,052 0.54
Total United States 8,901,333 2.56
Israel
Healthcare 25,410 0.01
Total derivative contracts – liabilities, at fair value 8,926,743 2.57
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
Descriptions Number of Shares Cost Fair Value
Percentage
of Net Assets
Investments in securities, at fair value
Common stocks
United States
Financials 108,150 106,527 0.03
Healthcare
Prometheus Biosciences, Inc. 740,564 5,396,652 21,850,828 5.64
Rocket Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 2,364,728 6,223,376 51,622,012 13.33
Others* 131,292,813 177,272,154 45.76
Materials 45,415 9,801 0.00
Total United States 143,066,406 250,861,322 64.76
Ireland
Healthcare 4,099,989 7,155,755 1.85
Netherlands
Healthcare 3,339,207 4,302,049 1.11
Canada
Healthcare 4,400,407 2,573,859 0.66
China
Healthcare
Ji Xing Pharmaceuticals Ltd. 541,205 216,482 844,280 0.22
British Virgin Islands
Healthcare 226,450 689,080 0.18
Cayman Islands
Financials 422,961 414,583 0.11
Healthcare 104,050 103,530 0.03
Total Cayman Islands 527,011 518,113 0.14
Bermuda
Healthcare 260,330 262,413 0.07
Belgium
Healthcare 207,840 146,096 0.04
Switzerland
Healthcare 106,002 83,035 0.02
Total common stocks 156,450,124 267,436,002 69.05
* No individual investment security or contract constitutes greater than 5 percent of net assets.
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
Consolidated Condensed Schedule of Investments
as at 31 December 2021
(Expressed in United States Dollars)
Consolidated Condensed Schedule of Investments (continued)
as at 31 December 2022
(Expressed in United States Dollars)
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Consolidated Financial Statements
Descriptions
Number
of Shares Cost Fair Value
Percentage
of Net Assets
Investments in securities, at fair value (continued)
Convertible preferred stocks
United States
Healthcare* 35,924,442 39,402,135 10.17
China
Healthcare
Ji Xing Pharmaceuticals Ltd. 10,599,945 14,824,184 24,793,386 6.40
Others 1,771,209 1,771,209 0.46
Total China 16,595,393 26,564,595 6.86
Switzerland
Healthcare 1,704,186 1,693,165 0.44
Ireland
Healthcare 116,545 132,819 0.03
Total convertible preferred stocks 54,340,566 67,792,714 17.50
Exchange traded funds
United States
Index
SPDR S&P 500 ETF TRUST 67,579 26,216,888 32,097,322 8.28
Total exchange traded funds 26,216,888 32,097,322 8.28
Investment in private investment companies
Ireland
Healthcare 11,814,933 13,068,663 3.37
United States
Healthcare 8,234,839 10,013,859 2.59
Total investment in private investment companies 20,049,772 23,082,522 5.96
* No individual investment security or contract constitutes greater than 5 percent of net assets.
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
Descriptions Cost Fair Value
Percentage
of Net Assets
Investments in securities, at fair value (continued)
American depository receipts
United Kingdom
Healthcare 7,368,293 12,033,889 3.11
Netherlands
Healthcare 3,786,165 3,962,050 1.02
Ireland
Healthcare 893,338 1,085,120 0.28
Sweden
Healthcare 438,397 388,133 0.10
Israel
Healthcare 372,855 308,578 0.08
China
Healthcare 549,132 202,418 0.05
Singapore
Healthcare 231,809 67,036 0.02
Total American depository receipts 13,639,989 18,047,224 4.66
Convertible bonds
United States
Healthcare 723,723 723,723 0.18
Total convertible bonds 723,723 723,723 0.18
Total investments in securities, at fair value 271,421,062 409,179,507 105.63
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
Consolidated Condensed Schedule of Investments (continued)
as at 31 December 2021
(Expressed in United States Dollars)
Consolidated Condensed Schedule of Investments (continued)
as at 31 December 2021
(Expressed in United States Dollars)
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Consolidated Financial Statements
Descriptions Cost Fair Value
Percentage
of Net Assets
Derivative contracts – assets, at fair value
Equity swaps
United States
Healthcare 5,442,939 1.41
British Virgin Islands
Healthcare 2,128,260 0.55
Netherlands
Healthcare 4,225 0.00
Total equity swaps 7,575,424 1.96
Warrants
Canada
Healthcare 1,939,543 3,077,816 0.79
United States
Healthcare 407,920 329,865 0.09
Cayman Islands
Financials 599 469 0.00
Total warrants 2,348,062 3,408,150 0.88
Total derivative contracts – assets, at fair value 2,348,062 10,983,574 2.84
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
Descriptions Proceeds Fair Value
Percentage
of Net Assets
Securities sold short, at fair value
Common stocks
United States
Healthcare 8,526,920 8,330,314 2.15
Materials 56,309 9,801 0.00
Total United States 8,583,229 8,340,115 2.15
Netherlands
Healthcare 278,805 324,576 0.09
Cayman Islands
Financials 96,480 97,018 0.03
Switzerland
Healthcare 106,146 83,035 0.02
Total common stocks 9,064,660 8,844,744 2.29
American depository receipts
Sweden
Healthcare 462,836 388,133 0.10
China
Healthcare 93,485 85,516 0.02
Total American depository receipts 556,321 473,649 0.12
Total securities sold short, at fair value 9,620,981 9,318,393 2.41
Descriptions Fair Value
Percentage
of Net Assets
Derivative contracts – liabilities, at fair value
Equity swaps
United States
Healthcare 3,223,278 0.83
Ireland
Healthcare 52,601 0.01
Israel
Healthcare 34,954 0.01
Total derivative contracts – liabilities, at fair value 3,310,833 0.85
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
Consolidated Condensed Schedule of Investments (continued)
as at 31 December 2021
(Expressed in United States Dollars)
Consolidated Condensed Schedule of Investments (continued)
as at 31 December 2021
(Expressed in United States Dollars)
7776
Strategic Report Governance Report Financial Statements Additional Information
Consolidated Financial Statements
2022 2021
Investment income
Interest (net of withholding taxes of $nil; 31 December 2021: $nil) 635,860 363,673
Dividends (net of withholding tax rebate of $123,149; 31 December 2021: tax expense $123,894) 332,103 294,027
Other 1,199,296 –
Total investment income 2,167,259 657,700
Expenses
Management fees 3,751,464 4,813,854
Professional fees 1,008,629 1,070,317
Interest 779,988 215,606
Research costs 742,738 237,984
Audit fees 329,557 288,254
Administrative fees 312,003 330,834
Directors’ fees 176,722 214,353
Listing fees – 936,615
Other expenses 357,429 346,867
Total expenses 7,458,530 8,454,684
Net investment income/(loss) (5,291,271) (7,796,984)
Realised and change in unrealised gain/(loss) on investments, derivatives and foreign currency transactions
Net realised gain/(loss) on securities and foreign currency transactions 8,357,014 41,280,297
Net change in unrealised gain/(loss) on securities and foreign currency translation (44,355,779) (99,115,160)
Net realised gain/(loss) on derivative contracts (2,748,269) (1,648,961)
Net change in unrealised gain/(loss) on derivative contracts 4,601,568 2,936,018
Net realised and unrealised gain/(loss) on investments, derivatives and foreign currency transactions (34,145,466) (56,547,806)
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations (39,436,737) (64,344,790)
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
Consolidated Statement of Operations
For the year ended 31 December 2022 and 31 December 2021
(Expressed in United States Dollars)
Ordinary Share
Class
Performance
Allocation Share
Class
Tot al
Shareholders’
Funds
Non-Controlling
Interest
Net assets, beginning of year 363,040,222 24,320,504 387,360,726 –
Operations
Net investment income/(loss) (5,291,271) – (5,291,271) –
Net realised gain/(loss) on securities and foreign currency transactions 8,357,014 – 8,357,014 –
Net change in unrealised gain/(loss) on securities and foreign currency translation (44,355,779) – (44,355,779) –
Net realised gain/(loss) on derivative contracts (2,748,269) – (2,748,269) –
Net change in unrealised gain/(loss) on derivative contracts 4,601,568 – 4,601,568 –
Performance Allocation 4,359,551 (4,359,551) – –
Income/(loss) attributable to Non-Controlling Interest (1,883,515) – (1,883,515) 1,883,515
Net change in net assets resulting from operations (36,960,701) (4,359,551) (41,320,252) 1,883,515
Capital transactions
In-kind transfer – (19,960,953) (19,960,953) 19,960,953
Net change in net assets resulting from capital transactions – (19,960,953) (19,960,953) 19,960,953
Net change in net assets (36,960,701) (24,320,504) (61,281,205) 21,844,468
Net assets, end of year 326,079,521 – 326,079,521 21,844,468
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Net Assets
For the year ended 31 December 2022
(Expressed in United States Dollars)
7978
Strategic Report Governance Report Financial Statements Additional Information
Consolidated Financial Statements
Ordinary Share
Class
Performance
Allocation Share
Class
Tot al
Shareholders’
Funds
Net assets, beginning of year 375,281,126 37,330,803 412,611,929
Operations
Net investment income/(loss) (7,796,984) – (7,796,984)
Net realised gain/(loss) on securities and foreign currency transactions 41,280,297 – 41,280,297
Net change in unrealised gain/(loss) on securities and foreign currency translation (99,115,160) – (99,115,160)
Net realised gain/(loss) on derivative contracts (1,648,961) – (1,648,961)
Net change in unrealised gain/(loss) on derivative contracts 2,936,018 – 2,936,018
Performance Allocation 8,035,379 (8,035,379) –
Net change in net assets resulting from operations (56,309,411) (8,035,379) (64,344,790)
Capital transactions
Issuance of Ordinary Shares (net of issuance costs of $222,883) 44,068,507 – 44,068,507
Performance Allocation distribution – (4,974,920) (4,974,920)
Net change in net assets resulting from capital transactions 44,068,507 (4,974,920) 39,093,587
Net change in net assets (12,240,904) (13,010,299) (25,251,203)
Net assets, end of year 363,040,222 24,320,504 387,360,726
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Net Assets
For the year ended 31 December 2021
(Expressed in United States Dollars)
2022 2021
Cash flows from operating activities
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations (39,436,737) (64,344,790)
Adjustments to reconcile net change in net assets resulting from operations to net cash provided by/(used in)
operating activities:
Net realised (gain)/loss on securities and foreign currency transactions (8,357,014) (41,280,297)
Net change in unrealised (gain)/loss on securities and foreign currency translation 44,355,779 99,115,160
Net realised (gain)/loss on derivative contracts 2,748,269 1,648,961
Net change in unrealised (gain)/loss on derivative contracts (4,601,568) (2,936,018)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents 149,875 –
Purchases of investments in securities (116,361,329) (202,925,739)
Proceeds from sales of investments in securities 127,814,762 119,715,056
Proceeds from securities sold short 27,488,465 15,049,848
Payments for securities sold short (12,916,667) (5,416,866)
Proceeds from derivative contracts 1,971,402 (784,778)
Payments for derivative contracts (4,986,268) (1,466,746)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Other assets (154,185) (66,990)
(Receivable from)/payable for unsettled trades 4,830,450 830,880
Due to brokers (12,196,843) 37,658,827
Accrued expenses 5,211 331,475
Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities 10,353,602 (44,872,017)
Cash flows from financing activities
Net proceeds from issuance of shares – 44,068,507
Performance Allocation distribution – (4,974,920)
Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities – 39,093,587
Net change in cash and cash equivalents 10,353,602 (5,778,430)
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, beginning of the year 18,808,022 24,586,452
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, end of the year 29,161,624 18,808,022
At 31 December 2022, the amounts categorised in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash include the following:
Cash and cash equivalents 6,966,168 6,484,057
Due from brokers 22,195,456 12,323,965
Total 29,161,624 18,808,022
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information
Cash paid during the year for interest 724,317 250,980
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
For the year ended 31 December 2022 and 31 December 2021
(Expressed in United States Dollars)
8180
Strategic Report Governance Report Financial Statements Additional Information
Consolidated Financial Statements
1. Nature of operations and summary of significant accounting policies
RTW Venture Fund Limited (the “Company”) is a publicly listed Guernsey non-cellular company limited by shares. The Company was originally incorporated
in the State of Delaware, United States of America, and re-domiciled into Guernsey under the Companies Law on 2 October 2019 with registration number
66847 on the Guernsey Register of Companies. On 30 October 2019, all of the issued Ordinary Shares of the Company were listed and admitted to trading
on the Specialist Fund Segment of the London Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol: RTW. Subsequently, on 6 August 2021, the Company’s Ordinary
Shares were admitted to trading on the Premium Segment of the London Stock Exchange with the additional ticker symbol: RTWG denoting the Sterling
price. The original ticker, RTW, continues to denote the US Dollar price.
On 1 December 2022 the Company changed its status for U.S. federal tax purposes from a publicly traded partnership to a corporation. The Group believes
that the change in status will cause it to be treated as a passive foreign investment company. This change has been necessitated by recent changes to U.S.
tax legislation due to come into effect from 1 January 2023. The Company established a new wholly owned subsidiary, RTW Venture Fund Operating Limited
(the “Subsidiary” or “OpCo”), to which it has transferred its right to the profits and losses attributable to the Group’s portfolio of assets. This reorganisation
will have no economic impact on shareholders. All the income and expenses of the Subsidiary are consolidated with the income and expenses of the Group.
The Group seeks to use equity capital (from the net proceeds of any share issuance or, where appropriate, from the net proceeds of investment divestments
or other related profits) to provide seed and additional growth capital to the private investments. To mitigate cash-drag, the uninvested portion is invested
across public stocks largely replicating the public stock portfolios of RTW’s existing US-based funds. The Group focuses on creating, building, and supporting
world-class life sciences, biopharmaceutical and medical technology companies. The Group’s investment objective is to generate attractive risk-adjusted
returns through investments in securities, both equity and debt, long and short, of companies with a focus on the pharmaceutical sector.
Pursuant to an investment management agreement, the Group is managed by RTW Investments, LP, a Delaware limited partnership, to provide the
Group with discretionary portfolio management, risk management services and certain other services. The Investment Manager is an investment
adviser registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940.
Basis of presentation
The consolidated financial statements are expressed in United States Dollars. The consolidated financial statements which give a true and fair view
and have been prepared in accordance with US generally accepted accounting principles (“US GAAP”) and are in compliance with the Companies
(Guernsey) Law, 2008. The entities comprised within the Group are investment companies and follow the accounting and reporting guidance in
Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946, Financial Services – Investment Companies.
The Directors considered that it is appropriate to adopt a going concern basis of accounting in preparing the consolidated financial statements. In
reaching this assessment, the Directors have considered a wide range of information relating to present and future conditions including the balance
sheets, future projections, cash flows and the longer-term strategy of the business.
Principles of consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include accounts of the Company consolidated with the accounts of the Subsidiary. All inter-group balances
have been eliminated upon consolidation. The Subsidiary is incorporated in Guernsey.
Non-Controlling Interest
An affiliate of the Investment Manager, RTW Venture Performance LP, holds an interest in the Subsidiary. At 31 December 2022, the Non-Controlling
Interest of $21,844,468 represents the in-kind transfer on 1 December 2022 of $19,960,953 and mark to market of $1,883,515 for the period from
1December 2022 through 31 December 2022. The Non-Controlling Interest will capture both Performance Allocation and mark to market movements
on the New Performance Allocation Share held by RTW Venture Performance LP in the Subsidiary. For the year ended 31 December 2022, the entirety
of the income/(loss) attributable to Non-Controlling Interest was comprised of mark to market movements.
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash
Cash represents cash deposits held at financial institutions. Cash equivalents include short-term highly liquid investments of sufficient credit quality
that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash and have original maturities of three months or less. Cash equivalents are carried at cost plus
accrued interest, which approximates fair value. Cash equivalents are held for the purpose of meeting short-term liquidity requirements, rather than
for investment purposes. As at 31 December 2022 and 31 December 2021, the Group had no cash equivalents.
Restricted cash is subject to a legal or contractual restriction by third parties as well as a restriction as to withdrawal or use, including restrictions
that require the funds to be used for a specified purpose and restrictions that limit the purpose for which the funds can be used. The Group considers
cash pledged as collateral for securities sold short, cash collateral posted with counterparties for derivative contracts and further amounts due from
brokers to be restricted cash, as outlined in Note 3.
Fair value - definition and hierarchy
Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (i.e. the ‘exit price’) in an orderly transaction
between market participants at the measurement date.
In determining fair value, the Group uses various valuation techniques. A fair value hierarchy for inputs is used in measuring fair value that maximizes the use
of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the most observable inputs are to be used when available. Observable
inputs are those that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Group.
Unobservable inputs reflect the Group’s assumptions about the inputs market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on the best
information available in the circumstances. The fair value hierarchy is categorised into three levels based on the inputs as follows:
Level 1 – Valuations based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Group has the ability to access.
Valuation adjustments are not applied to Level 1 investments. Since valuations are based on quoted prices that are readily and regularly available
in an active market, valuation of these investments does not entail a significant degree of judgement.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2022
(Expressed in United States Dollars)
1. Nature of operations and summary of significant accounting policies (continued)
Fair value - definition and hierarchy (continued)
Level 2 - Valuations based on inputs, other than quoted prices included in Level 1, that are observable, either directly or indirectly.
Level 3 - Valuations based on inputs that are unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement.
Investments in private investment companies measured using net asset value as a practical expedient are not categorized in the fair value hierarchy.
The availability of valuation techniques and observable inputs can vary from investment to investment and is affected by a wide variety of factors,
including the type of investment, whether the investment is new and not yet established in the marketplace, and other characteristics particular to the
transaction. To the extent that valuation is based on models or inputs that are less observable or unobservable in the market, the determination of fair
value requires more judgement. Those estimated values do not necessarily represent the amounts that may be ultimately realised due to the occurrence
of future circumstances that cannot be reasonably determined. Because of the inherent uncertainty of valuation, those estimated values may be
materially higher or lower than the values that would have been used had a ready market for the investments existed. Accordingly, the degree of
judgement exercised by the Group in determining fair value is greatest for investments categorised in Level 3. In certain cases, the inputs used to
measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, for disclosure purposes, the level in the fair value hierarchy within
which the fair value measurement falls in its entirety is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
Fair value is a market-based measure considered from the perspective of a market participant rather than an entity-specific measure. Therefore, even
when market assumptions are not readily available, the Group’s own assumptions are set to reflect those that market participants would use in pricing
the asset or liability at the measurement date. The Group uses prices and inputs that are current as of the measurement date, including periods of
market dislocation. In periods of market dislocation, the observability of prices and inputs may be reduced for many investments. This condition could
cause an investment to be reclassified to a lower level within the fair value hierarchy.
Fair value – valuation techniques and inputs
Investments in securities and securities sold short
Listed investments
The Group values investments in securities including exchange traded funds and securities sold short that are freely tradable and are listed on a
national securities exchange or reported on the NASDAQ national market at their closing sales price as of the valuation date. To the extent these
securities are actively traded and valuation adjustments are not applied, they are categorised in Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. Securities traded
on inactive markets or valued by reference to similar instruments or where a discount may be applied are categorised in Level 2 or 3 of the fair value
hierarchy. A discount for lack of marketability based on the 180-day restriction period under SEC Rule 144 is applied for investments that the Group
purchases prior to an IPO and that subsequently begin trading on the NASDAQ national market.
Unlisted investments
Unlisted investments are valued at fair value by the Directors following a detailed review and appropriate challenge of the valuations proposed by the
Investment Manager. As part of their valuation process, the Investment Manager engages an Independent Valuer to challenge their assessed fair value on
certain unlisted investments. The Investment Manager’s unlisted investment valuation policy applies to techniques consistent with the IPEV Guidelines.
The valuation techniques applied are either a market-based approach, an income approach such as discounted cash flows, or where available, a
net asset value practical expedient approach. The IPEV Guidelines recognise that the price of a recent transaction, if resulting from an orderly
transaction, generally represents fair value as at the transaction date and may be an appropriate starting point for estimating fair value at subsequent
measurement dates. Consideration is given to the facts and circumstances as at the subsequent measurement date including changes in the market
and/or performance of the investee company. Milestone analysis is used where appropriate to incorporate operational progress at the investee
company level. In addition, a trigger event such as a subsequent round of financing by the investee company would influence the market technique
used to calibrate fair value at the measurement date.
The market approach utilizes guideline public companies relying on projected revenues to derive an indicative enterprise value. Due to the nature of
the investments, being in the early stages of development, the projected revenues are used as a proxy for stable state revenue. A selected multiple
is then applied based on the observed market multiples of the guideline public companies. To reflect the risk associated with the achievement of the
projected revenues and the early development stage of each of the investments, the indicative enterprise value is discounted at an appropriate rate.
The income approach utilizes the discounted cash flow method. Projected cash flows for each investment are discounted to determine an assumed
enterprise value.
Where applicable, the indicative enterprise value has been determined using a back-solve model based on the pricing of the most recent round of financing.
The internal rate of return for each investment is compared to the selected venture capital rate applied in the market approach to assess the reasonableness
of the indicated value implied by each financing round. The derived enterprise value is allocated to the equity class on either a fully diluted basis or using an
option pricing model. The resulting indicative value on a per share basis is then multiplied by the number of shares to derive the fair market value.
American depository receipts
The Group values investments in American depositary receipts that are freely tradable and are listed on a national securities exchange or reported onthe
NASDAQ national market at their last reported sales price as of the valuation date. These investments are categorised in Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.
83
Strategic Report Governance Report Financial Statements Additional Information
82
Consolidated Financial Statements
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
For the year ended 31 December 2022
(Expressed in United States Dollars)
1. Nature of operations and summary of significant accounting policies (continued)
Fair value – valuation techniques and inputs (continued)
Convertible bonds
Convertible bonds are recorded at fair value using valuation techniques based on observable inputs. These instruments are generally categorised in Level
2 of the fair value hierarchy. In instances where significant inputs are unobservable, convertible bonds are categorised in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
Convertible notes
The Group values investments in convertible notes in accordance with the unlisted investments section above. As of 31 December 2022,
these investments are all categorised in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
Convertible preferred stock
The Group values Level 1 investments in convertible preferred stock that are listed on a national securities exchange at their closing sales price as of
the valuation date. Level 3 investments in convertible preferred stock are valued in accordance with the unlisted investments section above. As of 31
December 2022, these investments are categorised in Level 1 and Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
Investment in private investment companies
The Group values investment in private investment companies using the net asset values provided by the underlying private investment companies
asa practical expedient. The Group applies the practical expedient to its private investment companies on an investment-by-investment basis and
consistently with the Group’s entire position in a particular investment, unless it is probable that the Group will sell a portion of an investment at an
amount different from the net asset value of the investment.
Private investment in public equity
Private investment in public equity (“PIPE”) cannot be offered for sale to the public until the issuer complies with certain statutory or contractual requirements.
The Group generally values PIPE at a discount to similar publicly traded companies to the extent the restriction is specific to the security. The Group considers
the type and duration of the restriction, but in no event does the valuation exceed the listed price on any major securities exchange. PIPE is generally
categorized in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. However, to the extent that significant inputs used to determine liquidity discounts are unobservable, PIPE
may be categorized in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. As of 31 December 2022 and 31December 2021, there were no open PIPE positions (2021: nil).
Derivative contracts
Equity swaps
Equity swaps may be centrally cleared or traded on the over-the-counter market. The fair value of equity swaps is calculated based on the terms of
the contract and current market data, such as changes in fair value of the reference asset. The fair value of equity swaps is generally categorised in
Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
Warrants
Warrants that are listed on major securities exchanges are valued at their last reported sales price as of the valuation date. The fair value of over-the-
counter (“OTC”) warrants is determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, a valuation technique that follows the income approach. This
pricing model takes into account the contract terms (including maturity) as well as multiple inputs, including time value, implied volatility, equity prices,
interest rates and currency rates. Warrants are categorised in all levels of the fair value hierarchy.
Fair value – valuation processes
The Group establishes valuation processes and procedures to ensure that the valuation techniques are fair and consistent, and valuation inputs
are supportable. The Group designates the Investment Manager’s Valuation Committee to oversee the entire valuation process of the Group’s
investments. The Valuation Committee comprises various members of the Investment Manager, including those separate from the Group’s portfolio
management and trading functions, and reports to the Board.
The Valuation Committee is responsible for developing the Group’s written valuation processes and procedures, conducting periodic reviews of the
valuation policies, and evaluating the overall fairness and consistent application of the valuation policies.
The Investment Manager’s Valuation Committee meets on a monthly basis or more frequently, as needed, to determine the valuations of the Group’s
Level 3 investments. Valuations determined by the Valuation Committee are required to be supported by market data, third-party pricing sources,
industry-accepted pricing models, counterparty prices or other methods they deem to be appropriate, including the use of internal proprietary
pricing models.
The Group periodically tests its valuations of Level 3 investments by performing back-testing. Back-testing involves the comparison of sales proceeds
of those investments to the most recent fair values reported and, if necessary, uses the findings to recalibrate its valuation procedures.
On a regular basis, the Group engages the services of a third-party valuation firm, the Independent Valuer, to perform an independent review of the
valuation of the Group’s Level 3 investments and the Group may adjust its valuations based on the recommendations from the Investment Manager’s
Valuation Committee.
Translation of foreign currency
Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into United States Dollar amounts at the year-end exchange rates. Transactions
denominated in foreign currencies, including purchases and sales of investments, and income and expenses, are translated into United States Dollar
amounts on the transaction date. Adjustments arising from foreign currency transactions are reflected in the consolidated statement ofoperations.
1. Nature of operations and summary of significant accounting policies (continued)
Fair value – valuation techniques and inputs (continued)
The Group does not isolate that portion of the results of operations arising from the effect of changes in foreign exchange rates on investments from
fluctuations arising from changes in market prices of investments held. Such fluctuations are included in net realised and change in unrealised gain/
(loss) on securities, derivatives and foreign currency transactions in the consolidated statement of operations.
Reported net realised gain/(loss) from foreign currency transactions arise from sales of foreign currencies; currency gains or losses realised between
the trade and settlement dates on securities transactions; and the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest, and foreign withholding
taxes recorded on the Group’s books and the United States Dollar equivalent of the amounts actually received or paid.
Net change in unrealised gain/(loss) from foreign currency translation of assets and liabilities arises from changes in the fair values of assets
and liabilities, other than investments in securities at the end of the period, resulting from changes in exchange rates.
Investment transactions and related investment income
Investment transactions are accounted for on a trade date basis. Realised gains and losses on investment transactions have been calculated
on a specific identification method.
Dividends are recorded on the ex-dividend date and interest is recognised on the accrual basis.
Withholding taxes on foreign dividends have been provided for in accordance with the Group’s understanding of the applicable country’s rules and rates.
Offsetting of amounts related to certain contracts
Amounts due from and to brokers are presented on a net basis, by counterparty, to the extent the Group has the legal right to offset the recognised
amounts and intends to settle on a net basis.
The Group has elected not to offset fair value amounts recognised for cash collateral receivables and payables against fair value amounts recognised for
derivative positions executed with the same counterparty under the same master netting arrangement. At 31 December 2022, the Group had cash collateral
receivables of $16,384,706 (31 December 2021: $12,228,870) (see Note 3) with derivative counterparties under the same master nettingarrangement.
Income taxes
On 1 December 2022, the Company changed its status for US federal tax purposes from a publicly traded partnership (“PTP”) to a corporation. This
change by the Board was necessitated due to recent changes to US tax legislation that came into effect on 1 January 2023. Pursuant to this, the Company
established OpCo, a partnership for US federal tax purposes, to which the Company transferred its portfolio of assets and the attributable profits and
losses. The Company, as a corporation, is expected to be treated as a Passive Foreign Investment Company (“PFIC”) for US federal tax purposes.
The Company and Subsidiary are exempt from taxation in Guernsey and are each charged an annual exemption fee of £1,200. The Group will only be
liable to tax in Guernsey in respect of income arising or accruing from a Guernsey source, other than from a relevant bank deposit. It is not anticipated
that such Guernsey source taxable income will arise. The Group is managed so as not to be resident in the UK for UK tax purposes.
The Group recognises tax benefits of uncertain tax positions only where the position is more likely than not to be sustained assuming examination by
a tax authority based on the technical merits of the position. In evaluating whether a tax position has met the recognition threshold, the Group must
presume the position will be examined by the appropriate taxing authority and that taxing authority has full knowledge of all relevant information.
A tax position meeting the more likely than not recognition threshold is measured to determine the amount of benefit to recognise in the Group’s
consolidated financial statements. Income tax and related interest and penalties would be recognised as a tax expense in the consolidated statement
of operations if the tax position was deemed to meet the more likely than not threshold.
The Investment Manager has analysed the Group’s tax positions and has concluded no liability for unrecognised tax benefits should be recorded
related to uncertain tax positions. Further, management is not aware of any tax positions for which it is reasonably possible the total amounts of
unrecognised tax benefits will significantly change in the next twelve months.
The Company and OpCo each file income tax returns in the US federal jurisdiction and, as applicable, in US state or local jurisdictions, or non-US
jurisdictions. Generally, the Group was subject to income tax examinations by major taxing authorities for each tax period since inception. Based on
itsanalysis, the Group determined that it had not incurred any liability for unrecognised tax benefits as of 31 December 2022 or 31 December 2021.
Use of estimates
Preparing consolidated financial statements in accordance with US GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions in determining
the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, including the fair value of investments, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date
of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ
from those estimates.
New accounting pronouncements
In June 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-03, ASC Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurement of Equity Securities Subject to Contractual Sale Restrictions”.
The amendment clarifies that contractual sale restrictions should not be considered when measuring the equity security’s fair value and prohibits an
entity from recognizing a contractual sale restriction as a separate unit of account. The amendments in this ASU are effective for the Group beginning
after December 15, 2024. Early adoption is permitted for both interim and annual financial statements that have not yet been issued or made available
for issuance. The Group does not expect this guidance to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
8584
Strategic Report Governance Report Financial Statements Additional Information
Consolidated Financial Statements
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
For the year ended 31 December 2022
(Expressed in United States Dollars)
2. Fair value measurements
The Group’s assets and liabilities recorded at fair value have been categorised based upon a fair value hierarchy as described in the Group’s significant
accounting policies in Note 1.
The following table presents information about the Group’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value as of 31 December 2022:
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
Investments
measured at net
asset value* Tot al
Assets (at fair value)
Investments in securities
Common stocks 225,817,734 534,871 3,364,557 – 229,717,162
Convertible preferred stocks 117,696 – 57,932,949 – 58,050,645
American depository receipts 38,230,091 – – – 38,230,091
Investment in private investment companies – – – 14,074,846 14,074,846
Convertible notes – – 10,052,833 – 10,052,833
Total investments in securities 264,165,521 534,871 71,350,339 14,074,846 350,125,577
Derivative contracts
Equity swaps – 19,086,329 – – 19,086,329
Warrants – 1,904,409 476,911 – 2,381,320
Total derivative contracts – 20,990,738 476,911 21,467,649
264,165,521 21,525,609 71,827,250 14,074,846 371,593,226
Liabilities (at fair value)
Securities sold short
Common stocks 11,810,966 98,829 – – 11,909,795
American depository receipts 528,539 – – – 528,539
Total securities sold short 12,339,505 98,829 – 12,438,334
Derivative contracts
Equity swaps – 8,926,743 – – 8,926,743
Total derivative contracts – 8,926,743 – – 8,926,743
12,339,505 9,025,572 – – 21,365,077
* The Group’s investment in private investment companies that are valued at their net asset value are not categorized within the fair value hierarchy.
2. Fair value measurements (continued)
The following table presents information about the Group’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value as of 31 December 2021:
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
Investments
measured at net
asset value* Tot al
Assets (at fair value)
Investments in securities
Common stocks 249,490,511 16,001,524 1,943,967 – 267,436,002
Convertible preferred stocks 615,444 – 67,177,270 – 67,792,714
Exchange traded funds 32,097,322 – – – 32,097,322
Investment in private investment companies – – – 23,082,522 23,082,522
American depository receipts 18,047,224 – – – 18,047,224
Convertible bonds – – 723,723 – 723,723
Total investments in securities 300,250,501 16,001,524 69,844,960 23,082,522 409,179,507
Derivative contracts
Equity swaps – 7,575,424 – – 7,575,424
Warrants 6,576 3,267,566 134,008 – 3,408,150
Total derivative contracts 6,576 10,842,990 134,008 – 10,983,574
300,257,077 26,844,514 69,978,968 23,082,522 420,163,081
Liabilities (at fair value)
Securities sold short
Common stocks 8,844,744 – – – 8,844,744
American depository receipts 473,649 – – – 473,649
Total securities sold short 9,318,393 – – – 9,318,393
Derivative contracts
Equity swaps – 3,310,833 – – 3,310,833
Total derivative contracts – 3,310,833 – – 3,310,833
9,318,393 3,310,833 – – 12,629,226
* The Group’s investment in private investment companies that are valued at their net asset value are not categorized within the fair value hierarchy.
Transfers between Levels 2 and 3 generally relate to whether significant relevant observable inputs are available for the fair value measurements
in their entirety. See Note 1 for additional information related to the fair value hierarchy and valuation techniques and inputs. For the year ended
31December 2022, the Group had net transfers into Level 2 of $4,555,194 from Level 3 due to conversion into publicly traded common stocks subject
to an unexpired 180-day lock-up as at 31 December 2022 (2021: $9,064,760) and transfers into Level 1 of $nil from Level 3 due to conversion into
publicly traded common stocks (2021: $20,330,984). Transfers between levels are deemed to occur at year end.
8786
Strategic Report Governance Report Financial Statements Additional Information
Consolidated Financial Statements
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
For the year ended 31 December 2022
(Expressed in United States Dollars)
2. Fair value measurements (continued)
The following tables summarise the valuation techniques and significant unobservable inputs used for the Group’s investments that are categorised
within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy as of 31 December 2022 and 31 December 2021:
Fair value at
31 December 2022 Valuation techniques Significant unobservable inputs Range of inputs
Assets (at fair value)
Investments in securities
Convertible preferred stocks 50,023,996 Discounted cash flow; WACC 13% – 33%
and/or market approach; Revenue multiples 2.8x – 4.0x
Market step-up multiple 0.7x – 1.5x
Market rate of returns -30% – 20%
7,908,953 Price of most recent funding round n/a n/a
Convertible notes 8,772,349 Discounted cash flow; WACC 13%
and/or market approach; Revenue multiples 4.0x
Market step-up multiple 0.7x – 1.1x
Market rate of returns 0%
1,280,484 Probability weighted expected
return method (“PWERM”)
Market rate of returns
Recovery rate
-30%
0% – 50%
Common stocks 1,208,299 Discounted cash flow; WACC 13%
and/or market approach; Revenue multiples 0.2x – 4x
Market step-up multiple 0.7x – 1.1x
Market rate of returns -10%
2,156,109 PWERM Probability of business
combination
95%
149 Price of most recent funding round n/a n/a
Total investments in securities 71,350,339
Derivative contracts
Warrants 315,589 Discounted cash flow; WACC 33%
Market approach; Revenue multiple 4.0x
and/or option pricing model Market rate of returns 10%
Expected volatility 53%
161,322 PWERM Expected volatility 25%
Total derivative contracts 476,911
2. Fair value measurements (continued)
Fair value at
31 December 2021 Valuation techniques Significant unobservable inputs Range of inputs
Assets (at fair value)
Investments in securities
Convertible preferred stocks 60,740,530 Discounted cash flow; WACC 16% – 38%
Market approach; Exit revenue multiple 3.0x – 4.0x
and/or option pricing model Expected volatility 40% – 135%
Market step-up multiple 1.0x – 1.8x
6,436,740 Price of most recent funding round n/a n/a
Common stocks 844,280 Market approach; Expected volatility 60%
and/or option pricing model Market step-up multiple 1.1x – 1.7x
1,099,687 Price of most recent funding round n/a n/a
Convertible bonds 723,723 Price of most recent funding round n/a n/a
Total investments in securities 69,844,960
Derivative contracts
Warrants 133,983 Price of most recent funding round n/a n/a
25 Discounted cash flow; WACC 38%
Market approach; Exit revenue multiple 3.0x
and/or option pricing model Expected volatility 45%
Total derivative contracts 134,008
The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurements of Level 3 common stock, convertible preferred stocks, convertible notes, and
warrants include, but are not limited to, WACC, revenue and/or earnings multiple, market rate of return, and expected volatility. Increases in the WACC
in isolation would result in a lower fair value for the security, and vice versa. Increases in multiples and/or market rate of returns in isolation would
result in a higher fair value of the security, and vice versa. A change in volatility in isolation could result in a higher or lower fair value for the security.
The table below presents additional information about Level 3 assets and liabilities measured at fair value. Both observable and unobservable inputs
may be used to determine the fair value of positions that the Group has classified within the Level 3 category. As a result, the unrealised gains and
losses for assets and liabilities within the Level 3 category may include changes in fair value that were attributable to both observable and
unobservable inputs.
Changes in Level 3 assets and liabilities measured at fair value for the year ended 31 December 2022 were as follows:
Balance beginning
1 January 2022
Realised gains/
(losses)
(a)
Change in
Unrealised gains/
(losses)
(a)
Purchases Sales
Transfers into/
(from) Level 3*
Ending balance
31 December 2022
Assets (at fair value)
Investments in securities
Convertible preferred stocks 67,177,270 – (17,555,053) 12,142,203 – (3,831,471) 57,932,949
Common stocks 1,943,967 – (664,647) 2,085,237 – – 3,364,557
Convertible notes – – 420,628 8,195,772 – 1,436,433 10,052,833
Convertible bonds 723,723 – – 1,436,433 – (2,160,156) –
Total investments in securities 69,844,960 – (17,799,072) 23,859,645 – (4,555,194) 71,350,339
Derivative contracts
Warrants 134,008 – 76,306 266,597 – – 476,911
Total derivative contracts 134,008 – 76,306 266,597 – – 476,911
* Includes conversion of convertible bonds into convertible preferred stock and convertible notes.
(a) Realised and unrealised gains and losses are included in net realised and change in unrealised gain/(loss) on investments, derivatives and foreign currency
transactions in the consolidated statement of operations.
8988
Strategic Report Governance Report Financial Statements Additional Information
Consolidated Financial Statements
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
For the year ended 31 December 2022
(Expressed in United States Dollars)
2. Fair value measurements (continued)
Changes in Level 3 assets and liabilities measured at fair value for the year ended 31 December 2021 were as follows:
Balance beginning
1 January 2021
Realised gains/
(losses)
Change in
Unrealised gains/
(losses) Purchases Sales
Transfers into/
(from) Level 3*
Ending balance 31
December 2021
Assets (at fair value)
Investments in securities
Convertible preferred stocks 38,161,752 1,440,394 13,226,721 46,075,180 (2,331,033) (29,395,744) 67,177,270
Common stocks 9,087,381 – 502,587 564,688 – (8,210,689) 1,943,967
Convertible bonds – – – 723,723 – – 723,723
Total investments in securities 47,249,133 1,440,394 13,729,308 47,363,591 (2,331,033) (37,606,433) 69,844,960
Derivative contracts
Warrants 133,983 – 1 24 – – 134,008
Total derivative contracts 133,983 – 1 24 – – 134,008
* Conversions of preferred stock into common stock.
Changes in Level 3 unrealised gains and losses during the year for assets still held at year end were as follows:
2022 2021
Common stocks (664,647) 497,966
Convertible notes 420,628 –
Convertible preferred stocks (13,404,700) 12,873,757
Warrants 76,306 1
Change in unrealised gains and losses during the year for assets still held at year end (13,572,413) 13,371,724
Total realised gains and losses and unrealised gains and losses in the Group’s investment in securities, derivative contracts and securities sold short
are made up of the following gain and loss elements:
2022 2021
Realised gains 47,604,728 54,163,408
Realised losses (41,995,983) (14,532,072)
Net realised gain on securities, derivative contracts and securities sold short 5,608,745 39,631,336
2022 2021
Change in unrealised gains 112,585,347 106,379,343
Change in unrealised losses (152,339,558) (202,558,485)
Net change in unrealised gain/(loss) on securities, derivative contracts and securities sold short (39,754,211) (96,179,142)
As at 31 December 2022 the Group had commitments (subject to completion of certain parameters) to certain investments totalling $2,544,486
(2021:$2,358,325).
3. Due to/from brokers
Due to/from brokers includes cash balances held with brokers and collateral on derivative transactions. Amounts due from brokers may
be restricted to the extent that they serve as deposits for securities sold short or cash posted as collateral for derivative contracts.
As at 31 December 2022, restricted cash with due from brokers totalled $22,195,456 (2021: $12,323,965). Included within due from brokers of
$5,810,750 (31 December 2021: $95,095) can be used for investment. The Group pledged cash collateral to counterparties to over-the-counter
derivative contracts of $16,384,706 (31 December 2021: $12,228,870) which is included in due from brokers.
In the normal course of business, substantially all of the Group’s securities transactions, money balances, and security positions are transacted with
the Group’s prime brokers and counterparties, Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, Cowen Financial Products, LLC, UBS AG, Bank of America Merrill Lynch,
Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, Jeffries & Co. and J.P. Morgan Securities, LLC. The Group is subject to credit risk to the extent any broker with which it
conducts business is unable to fulfil contractual obligations on its behalf. The Group’s management monitors the financial condition of such brokers
and does not anticipate any losses from these counterparties.
4. Derivative contracts
In the normal course of business, the Group utilizes derivative contracts in connection with its proprietary trading activities. Investments in derivative
contracts are subject to additional risks that can result in a loss of all or part of an investment. The Group’s derivative activities and exposure to
derivative contracts are classified by the primary underlying risk, equity price risk and foreign currency exchange rate risk. In addition to its primary
underlying risk, the Group is also subject to additional counterparty risk due to the inability of its counterparties to meet the terms of their contracts.
Warrants
The Group may receive warrants from its portfolio companies upon an investment in the debt or equity of a portfolio company.
The warrants provide the Group with exposure and potential gains upon equity appreciation of the portfolio company’s share price.
The value of a warrant has two components: time value and intrinsic value. A warrant has a limited life and expires on a certain date. As time to the
expiration date of a warrant approaches, the time value of a warrant will decline. In addition, if the stock underlying the warrant declines in price, the
intrinsic value of an “in the money” warrant will decline. Further, if the price of the stock underlying the warrant does not exceed the strike price of the
warrant on the expiration date, the warrant will expire worthless. As a result, there is the potential for the Group to lose its entire investment in a warrant.
The Group is exposed to counterparty risk from the potential failure of an issuer of warrants to settle its exercised warrants. The maximum risk of
loss from counterparty risk to the Group is the fair value of the contracts and the purchase price of the warrants. The Group considers the effects
of counterparty risk when determining the fair value of its investments in warrants.
Equity swap contracts
The Group is subject to equity price risk in the normal course of pursuing its investment objectives. The Group may enter into equity swap contracts
either to manage its exposure to the market or certain sectors of the market, or to create exposure to certain equities to which it is otherwise
not exposed.
Equity swap contracts involve the exchange by the Group and a counterparty of their respective commitments to pay or receive a net amount based
on the change in the fair value of a particular security or index and a specified notional amount.
9190
Strategic Report Governance Report Financial Statements Additional Information
Consolidated Financial Statements
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
For the year ended 31 December 2022
(Expressed in United States Dollars)
4. Derivative contracts (continued)
Volume of derivative activities
The Group considers the average month-end notional amounts during the year, categorised by primary underlying risk, to be representative of the
volume of its derivative activities during the year ended 31 December 2022:
Primary underlying risk
2022 2021
Long exposure Short exposure Long exposure Short exposure
Notional amounts Notional amounts Notional amounts Notional amounts
Equity price
Equity swaps 48,774,292 56,273,944 2,347,607 66,149,127
Warrants
(a)
4,024,470 – 9,031,998 –
52,798,762 56,273,944 11,379,605 66,149,127
(a) Notional amounts presented for warrants are based on the fair value of the underlying shares as if the warrants were exercised at each respective month end date.
Impact of derivatives on the consolidated statement of assets and liabilities and consolidated statement of operations
The following tables identify the fair value amounts of derivative instruments included in the consolidated statement of assets and liabilities as
derivative contracts, categorised by primary underlying risk, at 31 December 2022 and 31 December 2021. The following table also identifies the gain
and loss amounts included in the consolidated statement of operations as net realised gain/(loss) on derivative contracts and net change in unrealised
gain/(loss) on derivative contracts, categorised by primary underlying risk, for the year ended 31 December 2022 and 31 December 2021.
Primary underlying risk
2022
Derivative assets
Derivative
liabilities
Realised gain/
(loss)
Change in
unrealised gain/
(loss)
Equity price
Equity swaps 19,086,329 8,926,743 (2,748,269) 5,894,995
Warrants 2,381,320 – – (1,293,427)
21,467,649 8,926,743 (2,748,269) 4,601,568
Primary underlying risk
2021
Derivative assets
Derivative
liabilities
Realised gain/
(loss)
Change in
unrealised gain/
(loss)
Equity price
Equity swaps 7,575,424 3,310,833 (1,651,404) 3,061,415
Warrants 3,408,150 – 2,443 (125,397)
10,983,574 3,310,833 (1,648,961) 2,936,018
5. Securities lending agreements
The Group has entered into securities lending agreements with its prime brokers. From time to time, the prime brokers lend securities on the Group’s
behalf. As of 31 December 2022 and 31 December 2021, no securities were loaned and no collateral was received.
6. Offsetting assets and liabilities
The Group is required to disclose the impact of offsetting assets and liabilities represented in the consolidated statement of assets and liabilities
to enable users of the consolidated financial statements to evaluate the effect or potential effect of netting arrangements on its financial position
for recognised assets and liabilities. These recognised assets and liabilities are financial instruments and derivative instruments that are either
subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement or similar agreement or meet the following right of setoff criteria: the amounts owed by
the Group to another party are determinable, the Group has the right to offset the amounts owed with the amounts owed by the other party,
the Group intends to offset and the Group’s right of setoff is enforceable by law.
As of 31 December 2022 and 31 December 2021, the Group held financial instruments and derivative instruments that were eligible for offset in
the consolidated statement of assets and liabilities and are subject to a master netting arrangement. The master netting arrangement allows
the counterparty to net applicable collateral held on behalf of the Group against applicable liabilities or payment obligations of the Group to the
counterparty. These arrangements also allow the counterparty to net any of its applicable liabilities or payment obligations they have to the Group
against any collateral sent to the Group.
As discussed in Note 1, the Group has elected not to offset assets and liabilities in the consolidated statement of assets and liabilities. The
following table presents the potential effect of netting arrangements for asset derivative contracts presented in the consolidated statement
of assets andliabilities:
Description
Gross amounts of
recognised assets
Gross amounts offset
in the consolidated
statement of assets
and liabilities
Gross amounts of
recognised assets
and liabilities
31 December 2022
Gross amounts not offset in the
consolidated statement of
assets and liabilities
Net amount
Financial
instruments
(a)
Cash collateral
received
(b)
Equity swaps
Bank of America Merrill Lynch 12,929,367 – 12,929,367 (3,983,939) – 8,945,428
Cowen Financial Products, LLC 3,239,591 – 3,239,591 (1,224,200) – 2,015,391
Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC 2,797,503 – 2,797,503 (2,797,503) – –
Jeffries & Co. 119,868 – 119,868 (119,868) – –
19,086,329 – 19,086,329 (8,125,510) – 10,960,819
Description
Gross amounts of
recognised assets
Gross amounts offset
in the statement of
assets and liabilities
Gross
amounts of
recognised
assets and
liabilities
31 December 2021
Gross amounts not offset in the
statement of assets and liabilities
Net amount
Financial
instruments
(a)
Cash collateral
received
(b)
Equity swaps
Cowen Financial Products, LLC 5,777,357 – 5,777,357 (1,532,754) – 4,244,603
Bank of America Merrill Lynch 1,396,737 – 1,396,737 (1,190,091) – 206,646
Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC 306,560 – 306,560 (77,393) – 229,167
Jeffries & Co. 78,710 – 78,710 (78,710) – –
UBS AG 16,060 – 16,060 (16,060) – –
7,575,424 – 7,575,424 (2,895,008) – 4,680,416
(a) Amounts related to master netting agreements (e.g. ISDA), determined by the Group to be legally enforceable in the event of default and if certain other criteria
are met in accordance with applicable offsetting accounting guidance but were not offset due to management’s accounting policy election.
(b) Amounts related to master netting agreements and collateral agreements determined by the Group to be legally enforceable in the event of default, but certain
other criteria are not met in accordance with applicable offsetting accounting guidance. The collateral amounts may exceed the related net amounts of financial
assets and liabilities presented in the consolidated statement of assets and liabilities. If this is the case, the total amount reported is limited to the net amounts
of financial assets and liabilities with that counterparty.
9392
Strategic Report Governance Report Financial Statements Additional Information
Consolidated Financial Statements
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
For the year ended 31 December 2022
(Expressed in United States Dollars)
6. Offsetting assets and liabilities (continued)
The following tables present the potential effect of netting arrangements for liability derivative contracts presented in the consolidated statement
of assets and liabilities as of 31 December 2022 and 31 December 2021:
Description
Gross amounts of
recognised
liabilities
Gross amounts offset
in the consolidated
statement of assets
and liabilities
Gross amounts of
recognised
liabilities
31 December 2022
Gross amounts not offset in the
consolidated statement of
assets and liabilities
Net amount
Financial
instruments
(a)
Cash collateral
pledged
(b)
Equity swaps
Bank of America Merrill Lynch 3,983,939 – 3,983,939 (3,983,939) – –
Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC 3,372,143 – 3,372,143 (2,797,503) (574,640) –
Cowen Financial Products, LLC 1,224,200 – 1,224,200 (1,224,200) – –
Jeffries & Co. 336,931 – 336,931 (119,868) (217,063) –
UBS AG 9,530 – 9,530 – (9,530) –
8,926,743 – 8,926,743 (8,125,510) (801,233) –
Description
Gross amounts of
recognised
liabilities
Gross amounts offset
in the statement of
assets and liabilities
Gross amounts of
recognised
liabilities
31 December 2021
Gross amounts not offset in the
statement of assets and liabilities
Net amount
Financial
instruments
(a)
Cash collateral
pledged
(b)
Equity swaps
Cowen Financial Products, LLC 1,532,754 – 1,532,754 (1,532,754) – –
Bank of America Merrill Lynch 1,190,091 – 1,190,091 (1,190,091) – –
Jeffries & Co. 406,977 – 406,977 (78,710) (328,267) –
UBS AG 103,618 – 103,618 (16,060) (87,558) –
Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC 77,393 – 77,393 (77,393) – –
3,310,833 – 3,310,833 (2,895,008) (415,825) –
(a) Amounts related to master netting agreements (e.g. ISDA), determined by the Group to be legally enforceable in the event of default and if certain other criteria
are met in accordance with applicable offsetting accounting guidance but were not offset due to management’s accounting policy election.
(b) Amounts related to master netting agreements and collateral agreements determined by the Group to be legally enforceable in the event of default, but certain other criteria are
not met in accordance with applicable offsetting accounting guidance. The collateral amounts may exceed the related net amounts of financial assets and liabilities presented in the
consolidated statement of assets and liabilities. If this is the case, the total amount reported is limited to the net amounts of financial assets and liabilities with that counterparty.
7. Securities sold short
The Group is subject to certain inherent risks arising from its investing activities of selling securities short. The ultimate cost to the Group to acquire
these securities may exceed the liability reflected in these consolidated financial statements.
8. Risk factors
Some underlying investments may be deemed to be highly speculative investments and are not intended as a complete investment program. The
Group is designed only for sophisticated persons who are able to bear the economic risk of the loss of their entire investment in the Group and who
have a limited need for liquidity in their investment. The following risks are applicable to the Group:
Market risk
Certain events particular to each market in which Portfolio Companies conduct operations, as well as general economic and political conditions, may
have a significant negative impact on the operations and profitability of the Group’s investments and/or on the fair value of the Group’s investments.
Such events are beyond the Group’s control, and the likelihood they may occur and the effect on the Group cannot be predicted. The Group intends
to mitigate market risk generally by investing in LifeSci Companies in various geographies.
Portfolio Company products are subject to regulatory approvals and actions with new drugs, medical devices and procedures being subject to
extensive regulatory scrutiny before approval, and approvals can be revoked.
The market value of the Group’s holdings in public Portfolio Companies could be affected by a number of factors, including, but not limited to: a change
in sentiment in the market regarding the public Portfolio Companies, the market’s appetite for specific asset classes; and the financial or operational
performance of the public Portfolio Companies.
The size of investments in public Portfolio Companies or involvement in management may trigger restrictions on buying or selling securities. Laws
and regulations relating to takeovers and inside information may restrict the ability of the Group to carry out transactions, or there may be delays
or disclosure requirements before transactions can be completed.
Equity prices and returns from investing in equity markets are sensitive to various factors, including but not limited to: expectations of future
dividends and profits; economic growth; exchange rates; interest rates; and inflation.
8. Risk factors (continued)
Biotech/healthcare companies
The Portfolio Companies are biotechnology companies. Biotech companies are generally subject to greater governmental regulation than other
industries at both the state and federal levels. Changes in governmental policies may have a material effect on the demand for or costs of certain
products and services.
Any failure by a Portfolio Company to develop new technologies or to accurately evaluate the technical or commercial prospects of new technologies
could result in it failing to achieve a growth in value and this could have a material adverse effect on the Group’s financial condition.
Portfolio Companies may not successfully translate promising scientific theory into a commercially viable business opportunity. Further, the Portfolio
Companies’ therapies in development may fail clinical trials and therefore no longer be viable.
Portfolio Company products are subject to intense competition and there are many factors that will affect whether the new therapies released by the
Portfolio Companies gain market share against competitors and existing therapies.
Portfolio Companies may be newer small and mid-size LifeSci Companies. These companies may be more volatile and have less experience and fewer
resources than more established companies.
Concentration risk
The Group may not make an investment or a series of investments in a Portfolio Company that result in the Group’s aggregate investment in such
Portfolio Company exceeding 15 per cent. of the Group’s gross assets, save for Rocket for which the limit is 25 per cent. as stated in the Group’s
prospectus. Each of these investment restrictions will be calculated as at the time of investment. As such, it is possible that the Group’s portfolio
may be concentrated at any given point in time, potentially with more than 15 per cent. of gross assets held in one Portfolio Company as Portfolio
Companies increase or decrease in value following such initial investment. The Group’s portfolio of investments may also lack diversification among
LifeSci Companies and related investments.
Concentration of credit risk
In the normal course of business, the Group maintains its cash balances in financial institutions, which at times may exceed US federal or UK insured
limits, as applicable. The Group is subject to credit risk to the extent any financial institution with which it conducts business is unable to fulfil
contractual obligations on its behalf. Management monitors the financial condition of such financial institutions and does not anticipate any losses
from these counterparties.
Counterparty risk
The Group invests in equity swaps and takes the risk of non-performance by the other party to the contract. This risk may include credit risk of the
counterparty, the risk of settlement default, and generally, the risk of the inability of counterparties to perform with respect to transactions, whether
due to insolvency, bankruptcy or other causes.
In an effort to mitigate such risks, the Group will attempt to limit its transactions to counterparties which are established, well capitalised and
creditworthy.
Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Group cannot meet its financial commitments as they fall due.The Group’s unquoted investments may have limited
or no secondary market liquidity so the Investment Manager maintains a sufficient balance of cash and market quoted securities which can be sold if
needed to meet its commitments.
The Group’s investments in quoted securities may also be subject to sale restrictions on listing and when the Investment Manager is subject to close
periods or privy to confidential information by virtue of their active involvement in the management of portfolio companies.
Derivative transactions may not be liquid in all circumstances, such that in volatile markets it may not be possible to close out a position without
incurring a loss. The illiquidity of the derivatives markets may be due to various factors, including congestion, disorderly markets, limitations on
deliverable supplies, the participation of speculators, government regulation and intervention, and technical and operational or system failures.
Foreign exchange risk
The Group will make investments in various jurisdictions in a number of currencies and will be exposed to the risk of currency fluctuations that may
materially adversely affect, amongst other things, the value of the Portfolio Company or the Group’s investment in such Portfolio Company, or any
distributions received from the Portfolio Company. Under its investment policy, the Group does not intend to enter into any securities or financially
engineered products designed to hedge portfolio exposure or mitigate portfolio risk as a core part of its investment strategy.
95
Strategic Report Governance Report Financial Statements Additional Information
94
Consolidated Financial Statements
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
For the year ended 31 December 2022
(Expressed in United States Dollars)
9. Share capital
During the year ended 31 December 2022 the Company did not issue any Ordinary Shares:
2022 2021
Number of
Ordinary Shares
Number of
Ordinary Shares
As at 1 January 212,389,138 191,515,735
Issuance of Ordinary Shares – 20,873,403
As at 31 December 212,389,138 212,389,138
Ordinary Shares carry the right to receive all income of the Company attributable to the Ordinary Shares and to participate in any distribution ofsuch
income made by the Company. Such income shall be divided pari passu among the holders of Ordinary Shares in proportion to the number of Ordinary
Shares held by them.
Ordinary Shares shall carry the right to receive notice of and attend and vote at any general meeting of the Company, and at any such meeting on a
show of hands, every holder of Ordinary Shares present in person (includes present by attorney or by proxy or, in the case of a corporate member, by duly
authorised corporate representative) and entitled to vote shall have one vote, and on a poll, subject to any special voting powers or restrictions, every
holder of Ordinary Shares present in person or by proxy shall be entitled to one vote for each Ordinary Share, or fraction of an Ordinary Share, held.
On 1 December 2022, the Performance Allocation Share held by RTW Venture Performance LP was surrendered in exchange for a New Performance
Allocation Share issued by the Subsidiary. The New Performance Allocation Share issued by the Subsidiary has identical terms to the original
Performance Allocation Share issued by the Company. From 1 December 2022, the Performance Allocation Amount will now be allocated at the
Subsidiary level, and is presented in the Group’s financial statements as part of the Non-Controlling Interest. The sole New Performance Allocation
Share is held by RTW Venture Performance LP. As at 31 December 2022, there were no Performance Allocation Shares of the Company in issue
(31December 2021: one) and one New Performance Allocation Share of the Subsidiary in issue (31 December 2021: nil).
New Performance Allocation Shares of the Subsidiary carry the right to receive, and participate in, any dividends or other distributions of the
Subsidiary available for dividend or distribution. New Performance Allocation Shares are not entitled to receive notice of, to attend or to vote at
general meetings of the Company or the Subsidiary.
For all share classes, subject to compliance with the solvency test set out in the Companies Law, the Board may declare and pay such annual or
interim dividends and distributions as appear to be justified by the position of the Group. The Board may, in relation to any dividend or distribution,
direct that the dividend or distribution shall be satisfied wholly or partly by the distribution of assets, and in particular of paid-up shares or reserves
of any nature as approved by the Group.
10. Related party transactions
Management Fee
The Investment Manager receives a monthly management fee, in advance, as of the beginning of each month in an amount equal to 0.104% (1.25% per
annum) of the net assets of the Group (the “Management Fee”). For purposes of determining the Management Fee, private investments will be valued
at the fair value. The Management Fee will be prorated for any period that is less than a full month. The Management Fees charged for the year ended
31 December 2022 amounted to $3,751,464 (31 December 2021: $4,813,854) of which $nil (31 December 2021: $nil) was outstanding at the year end.
Performance Allocation
The Performance Allocation Share held by RTW Venture Performance LP was surrendered in exchange for a New Performance Allocation Share
issued by the Subsidiary. The New Performance Allocation Share issued by the Subsidiary has identical terms to the original Performance Allocation
Share issued by the Company.
In respect of each Performance Allocation Period, the Performance Allocation Amount shall be allocated at the Subsidiary level and disclosed on the
Group’s financial statements within the Non-Controlling Interest, subject to the satisfaction of a hurdle condition.
The Performance Allocation Amount relating to the Performance Allocation Period, which is calculated solely at the Subsidiary, is an amount equal to:
((A-B) x C) x 20 per cent.
where:
A is the Adjusted Net Asset Value per Ordinary Share on the Calculation Date, adjusted by:
adding back (i) the total net Distributions (if any) per Ordinary Share (whether paid, or declared but not yet paid) during the Performance
Allocation Period; and (ii) any accrual for the Performance Allocation for the current Performance Allocation Period reflected in the Net Asset
Value per Ordinary Share; and deducting any accretion in the Net Asset Value per Ordinary Share resulting from either the issuance of Ordinary
Shares at a premium or the repurchase or redemption of Ordinary Shares at a discount during the Performance Allocation Period;
B is the Adjusted Net Asset Value per Ordinary Share at the start of the Performance Allocation Period; and
C is the time weighted average number of Ordinary Shares in issue during the Performance Allocation Period.
The Hurdle Amount represents an 8 per cent. annualised compounded rate of return in respect of the Adjusted Net Asset Value per Ordinary Share
from the start of the initial Performance Allocation Period through the then current Performance Allocation Period.
The Performance Allocation Share Class can elect to receive the Performance Allocation Amount in Ordinary Shares; cash; or a mixture of the two,
subject to a minimum 50% as Ordinary Shares. The Performance Allocation Share Class entered into a letter agreement dated 21 April 2020,
pursuant to which the Performance Allocation Share Class agreed to defer distributions of Ordinary Shares that would otherwise be distributed to
the Performance Allocation Share Class no later than 30 business days after the publication of the Group’s audited annual consolidated financial
statements. Under that letter agreement, such Ordinary Shares shall be distributed to the Performance Allocation Share Class at such time or times
as determined by the Boards of Directors of the Group.
The Group will increase or decrease the amount owed to the Performance Allocation Share Class based on its investment exposure to the Group’s
performance had such Performance Ordinary Shares been so issued. The Performance Allocation Amount for the year ended 31 December 2022
includes the residual, undistributed Performance Allocation Amounts from prior years that were previously converted into a total of 14,228,208
Notional Ordinary Shares. These Notional Ordinary Shares are subject to market risk alongside the Ordinary Shares and incurred a mark to market
loss of $2,476,036 in 2022 (2021: notional loss of $3,559,670), which is included in Performance Allocation within the Consolidated Statement of
Changes in Net Assets. There was no reallocation of uncrystallized performance allocation back to Ordinary Shareholders related to the Group’s
performance in the period.
Until the Group makes a distribution of Ordinary Shares to the Performance Allocation Share Class, the Group will have an unsecured discretionary
obligation to make such distribution at such time or times as the Board of Directors of the Group determines. RTW Venture Performance LP has
agreed to the deferral of the distributions of the Subsidiary’s Ordinary Shares in connection with its own tax planning. The Group does not believe that
the deferral of such distributions to the Performance Allocation Share Class will have any negative effects on holders of the Company’s Ordinary Shares.
9796
Strategic Report Governance Report Financial Statements Additional Information
Consolidated Financial Statements
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
For the year ended 31 December 2022
(Expressed in United States Dollars)
10. Related party transactions (continued)
The Investment Manager is a member of the Performance Allocation Share Class and will therefore receive a proportion of the Performance Allocation
Amount. For the year ended 31 December 2022, the Board did not approve a cash distribution to the Performance Allocation Share Class (31 December
2021: $4,974,920). At the year end the Performance Allocation Share Class of the Subsidiary is reflected within the Non-Controlling Interest balance of
$21,844,468 and was captured within the Performance Allocation Share Class of the Company at 31 December 2021 with a balance of $24,320,504.
The Investment Manager is also refunded any research costs incurred on behalf of the Group.
One of the Directors of the Group, Stephanie Sirota, is also a partner and the Chief Business Officer of the Investment Manager. The following table
represents the number of related parties served on the boards of directors of investments held by the Group during the year ended 31 December
2022 and 31 December 2021:
Investments Partners Employees
Rocket Two
(a)
One
HSAC2 Holdings II Two
(a)
One
Ji Xing Two
(a)
One
Yarrow Biotechnology Two
(b)
One
(a) Roderick Wong, Naveen Yalamanchi
(b) Roderick Wong, Peter Fong
As at 31 December 2022, the number of Ordinary Shares held by each Director was as follows:
2022 2021
Number of
Ordinary Shares
Number of
Ordinary Shares
William Simpson 200,000 150,000
Paul Le Page 128,000 103,000
William Scott 305,003 150,000
Stephanie Sirota 1,010,000 1,000,000
All Directors added to their holdings during the year by purchasing Ordinary Shares in the secondary market.
Roderick Wong is a major shareholder and also a member of the Investment Manager. As at 31 December 2022, he held 29,593,872 Ordinary Shares
in the Group (13.93% of the Ordinary Shares in issue) (31 December 2021: 29,218,773, 13.76% of the Ordinary Shares in issue).
The total Directors’ fees expense for the year amounted to $176,722 (31 December 2021: $214,353) of which $48,281 was outstanding at 31 December
2022 (31 December 2021: $52,761) and is included within accrued expenses.
All of the Directors of the Company were also appointed as directors of the Subsidiary on its incorporation on 23 November 2022.
11. Administrative services
Elysium Fund Management Limited (“EFML”) serves as Administrator to the Group, providing administration, corporate secretarial, corporate
governance and compliance services. Morgan Stanley Fund Services USA LLC (“MSFS”) serves as the Group’s Sub-Administrator.
During the year ended 31 December 2022, EFML and MSFS charged administration fees of $93,469 and $218,534 respectively (31 December 2021:
EFML charged $107,767 and MSFS charged $223,067) of which $6,484 and $91,099 (31 December 2021: EFML $8,396, MSFS $76,053) was outstanding
at 31 December 2022, and is included within accrued expenses.
12. Financial highlights
Financial highlights for the year ended 31 December 2022 and 31 December 2021 are as follows:
2022 2021
Per Ordinary Share operating performance
Net Asset Value, beginning of year $ 1.71 $ 1.96
Issuance of Ordinary Shares – 0.02
Income from investments
Net investment income/(loss) (0.02) (0.04)
Net realised and unrealised gain/(loss) on investments, derivatives and foreign currency transactions (0.15) (0.23)
Total from investment operations (0.17) (0.27)
Net Asset Value, end of year $ 1.54 $ 1.71
Total return
Total return before Performance Allocation (10.18)% (15.35)%
Performance Allocation (excluding mark to market) - % 2.58 %
Total return after Performance Allocation (10.18)% (12.77)%
Ratios to average net assets*
Expenses 2.47% 2.22 %
Performance Allocation (1.44)% (2.11)%
Expenses and Performance Allocation 1.03% 0.11 %
Net investment income/(loss) (1.75)% (2.04)%
NAV total return for the year (10.18)% (15.35)%
* Ratios are not annualised.
Financial highlights are calculated for Ordinary Shares. An individual shareholder’s financial highlights may vary based on participation in new issues,
different Performance Allocation arrangements, and the timing of capital share transactions. Net investment income/loss does not reflect the effects
of the Performance Allocation.
13. Subsequent events
These consolidated financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 30 March 2023. Subsequent events have been evaluated through
this date.
99
Strategic Report Governance Report Financial Statements Additional Information
98
General Company Information
Investment Objective
and Investment Policy
The Company
RTW Venture Fund Limited is a company that was incorporated
as a limited liability corporation in the State of Delaware, United
States of America on 16 February 2017, with the name “RTW
Special Purpose Fund I, LLC”, and re-domiciled into Guernsey
under the Companies Law on 2 October 2019 with registration
number 66847 on the Guernsey Register ofCompanies.
The Company is registered with the GFSC as a Registered
Closed-ended Collective Investment Scheme and is an
investment company limited by shares. The registered office
of the Company is 1st Floor, Royal Chambers, St Julian’s
Avenue, St Peter Port, Guernsey, GY1 3JX.
On 30 October 2019, the issued Ordinary Shares of the
Company were listed and admitted to trading on the
Specialist Fund Segment of the Main Market of the London
Stock Exchange. The ISIN of the Company’s Ordinary Shares
is GG00BKTRRM22 and trades under the ticker symbol
“RTW” and “RTWG”.
The Company’s Ordinary Shares were admitted to trading
on the Premium Segment of the London Stock Exchange
with effect from 6 August 2021.
The Subsidiary
On 1 December 2022 the Company changed its status for
U.S. federal tax purposes from a “publicly traded partnership”
or “PTP” to a corporation. The change in status caused it to
be treated as a “passive foreign investment company” or a
“PFIC.” This change was necessitated by recent changes to
U.S. tax legislation that came into effect on 1 January 2023.
Related to the making of the tax election, the Company carried
out a reorganisation of the arrangements pursuant to which an
affiliate of the Investment Manager is allocated its share of the
investment performance generated by the Company. Pursuant
to this, the Company established a new wholly-owned subsidiary
incorporated in Guernsey, RTW Venture Fund Operating
Limited, to which it has transferred its right to the profits and
losses attributable to the Company’s portfolio of assets. The
Directors of the Subsidiary are the same as the Directors of
the Company. This reorganisation had no economic impact on
shareholders and was effected solely for the purpose of ensuring
that the share of the investment performance generated by the
Company which is allocable to an affiliate of the Investment
Manager receives the same treatment for U.S. federal tax
purposes as would have been the case if no tax election by the
Company had been compelled by the change in U.S. tax law.
As part of the reorganisation, the Investment Management
Agreement was amended to provide services to the Subsidiary.
There was no change to the investment management fee, but
the Performance Allocation Share held by RTW Venture
Performance LP was surrendered in exchange for a New
Performance Allocation Share issued by the Subsidiary. The
New Performance Allocation Share issued by the Subsidiary
has identical terms to the original Performance Allocation
Share issued by the Company.
Investment Objective
The Group seeks to achieve positive absolute performance
and superior long-term capital appreciation, with a focus on
forming, building, and supporting world-class life sciences,
biopharmaceutical and medical technology companies. It
intends to create a diversified portfolio of investments
across a range of businesses, each pursuing the development
of superior pharmacological or medical therapeutic assets to
enhance the quality of life and/or extend patient life.
Investment Policy
The Group seeks to achieve its investment objective by
leveraging the Investment Manager’s data-driven proprietary
pipeline of innovative assets to invest in life sciences companies:
• across various geographies (globally);
• across various therapeutic categories and product types
(including but not limited to genetic medicines, biologics,
traditional modalities such as small molecule
pharmaceuticals and antibodies, and medical devices);
• in both a passive and active capacity and intends, from
time to time, to take a controlling or majority position
with active involvement in a Portfolio Company to assist
and influence its management. In those situations, it is
expected that the Investment Manager’s senior executives
may serve in temporary executive capacities; and
• by participation in opportunities created by the
Investment Manager’s formation of companies de novo
when a significant unmet need has been identified and the
Group is able to build a differentiated, sustainable business
to address said unmet need.
The Group expects to invest approximately 80% of its gross
in the biopharmaceutical sector and approximately 20% of its
gross assets in the medical technology sector.
The Group’s portfolio will reflect its view of the most compelling
opportunities available to the Investment Manager, with an
initial investment in each privately held Portfolio Company
(“Private Portfolio Company”) expected to start in a low single
digit per cent. of the Group’s gross assets and grow over time,
as the Group may, if applicable, participate in follow-on
investments and/or continue holding the Portfolio Company
as it becomes publicly-traded. It is intended certain long-term
holds will increase in size and may represent between five and
ten per cent. or greater of the Group’s gross assets.
The Group anticipates deploying one-third of its capital
toward early-stage and de novo company formations
(including newly formed entities around early-stage
academic licenses and commercial stage corporate assets)
and two-thirds of its capital in mid- to late-stage ventures.
The Group may choose to invest in Portfolio Companies listed
on a public stock exchange (“Public Portfolio Companies”)
depending on market conditions and the availability of
appropriate investment opportunities. Equally, as part of a
full-life cycle investment approach, it is expected that Private
Portfolio Companies may later become Public Portfolio
Additional
Information
04 // ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
101 General Company Information –
Investment Objective and Investment Policy
103 Glossary
107 Alternative Performance Measures
108 AIFMD Disclosures
109 Schedule of Key Service Providers
Anticipated
capital toward
early-stage and
de novo company
formations
1/3
(2021: 1/3)
101
Strategic Report Governance Report Financial Statements Additional Information
100
General Company Information
– Investment Objective and Investment Policy
continued
Companies. Monetisation events such as IPOs and reverse
mergers will not necessarily represent exit opportunities for
the Group. Rather, the Group may decide to retain all or some
of its investment in such Portfolio Companies or the acquiring
Company where they meet the standard of diligence set by the
Investment Manager. The Group is not required to allocate a
specific percentage of its assets to Private Portfolio
Companies or Public Portfolio Companies.
The Group also intends, where appropriate, to invest further
in its Portfolio Companies, supporting existing investments
throughout their life cycle. The Group may divest its interest
in Portfolio Companies in part or in full when the risk–reward
trade-off is deemed to be less favourable.
From time to time, the Group may seek opportunities to
optimise investing conditions, and to allow for such
circumstances, the Group will have the ability to hedge or enter
into securities or derivative structures in order to enhance the
risk-reward position of the portfolio and its underlying securities.
Investment restrictions
The Group will be subject to the following restrictions when
making investments in accordance with its investment policy:
• the Group may not make an investment or a series of
investments in a Portfolio Company that result in the
Group’s aggregate investment in such Portfolio Company
exceeding 15% (or, in the case of Rocket Pharmaceuticals,
Inc., 25%) of the Group’s gross assets at the time of each
such investment;
• the Group may not make any direct investment in any
tobacco company and not knowingly make or continue to
hold any Public Portfolio Company investments that would
result in exposure to tobacco companies exceeding one
per cent. of the aggregate value of the Public Portfolio
Companies from time to time.
Each of these investment restrictions will be calculated as
at the time of investment. In the event that any of the above
limits are breached at any point after the relevant investment
has been made (for instance, upon successful realisation of
economic and/or scientific milestones or as a result of any
movements in the value of the Group’s gross assets), there
will be no requirement to sell or otherwise dispose of any
investment (in whole or in part).
Leverage and borrowing limits
The Group may use conservative leverage in the future in
order to enhance returns and maximise the growth of its
portfolio, as well as for working capital purposes, up to a
maximum of 50% of the Group’s net asset value at the time
of incurrence. Any other decision to incur indebtedness may
be taken by the Investment Manager for reasons and within
such parameters as are approved by the Board. There are
no limitations placed on indebtedness incurred in the Group’s
underlying investments.
Capital deployment
The Group anticipates that it will initially, upon Admission
and upon any subsequent capital raises, invest up to 80% of
available cash in Public Portfolio Companies that have been
diligenced by the Investment Manager and represent holdings
in other portfolios managed by the Investment Manager,
subsequently rebalancing the portfolio between Public
Portfolio Companies and Private Portfolio Companies as
opportunities to invest in the latter become available.
Cash management
The Group’s uninvested capital may be invested in cash
instruments or bank deposits pending investment in Portfolio
Companies or used for working capital purposes.
Hedging
As described above, the Group may seek opportunities
to optimise investing conditions, and to allow for such
circumstances, there will be no limitations placed on the
Group’s ability to hedge or enter into securities or derivative
structures in order to enhance the risk-reward position of the
portfolio and its underlying securities.
On an ongoing basis, the Group does not intend to enter into
any securities or financially engineered products designed to
hedge portfolio exposure or mitigate portfolio risk as a core
part of its investment strategy, but may enter into hedging
transactions to hedge individual positions or reduce volatility
related to specific risks such as fluctuations in foreign
exchange rates, interest rates, and other market forces.
Defined Terms
“Adjusted Net Asset Value” the NAV adjusted by deducting the unrealised gains and unrealised losses in respect of private Portfolio Companies;
“Administrator” means Elysium Fund Management Limited;
“AIC” the Association of Investment Companies;
“AIC Code” the AIC Code of Corporate Governance dated February 2019;
“AIFM” means Alternative Investment Fund Manager;
“AIFMD” the Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive;
“Alcyone” Alcyone Therapeutics, Inc.;
“Ancora” Ancora Heart, Inc.;
“Annual General Meeting”
or “AGM”
the annual general meeting of the shareholders of the Company;
“Annual Report” the Annual Report and audited consolidated financial statements;
“Antibody” a large Y-shaped blood protein that can stick to the surface of a virus, bacteria, or receptor on a cell;
“Antibody-Oligonucleotide
Conjugates” or “AOC”
molecules that combine structures of an antibody and an oligo;
“Artios” Artios Pharma, Inc.;
“Artiva” Artiva Biotherapeutics, Inc.;
“Athira” Athira Pharma, Inc.;
“Autoimmune diseases” conditions, where the immune system mistakenly attacks a body tissue;
“Avidity” Avidity Biosciences, Inc.;
“Beta Bionics” Beta Bionics, Inc.;
“Biomea” Biomea Fusion, Inc.;
“C4 Therapeutics” or
“C4T”
C4 Therapeutics, Inc.;
“Calculation Date” 31 December or, if such date is not a business day, the previous business day;
“Cardiovascular disease” conditions affecting heart and vascular system;
“CinCor” CinCor Pharma, Inc.;
“Clinical stage” or “clinical
trial”
a therapy in development goes through a number of clinical trials to ensure its safety and efficacy. The trials in
human subjects range from Phase 1 to Phase 3. All studies done prior to clinical testing in human subjects are
considered preclinical;
“CNS” Central Nervous System
“Companies Law” the Companies (Guernsey) Law, 2008 (as amended);
“Company” or “RTW
Venture Fund Limited”
RTW Venture Fund Limited is a company incorporated in and controlled from Guernsey as a close-ended Investment
Company. The Company has an unlimited life and is registered with the GFSC as a Registered Closed-ended
Collective Investment Scheme. The registered office of the Company is 1st Floor, Royal Chambers, St Julian’s
Avenue, St Peter Port, Guernsey, GY1 3JX;
“Company’s Articles” means the Company’s Articles of Incorporation;
“Core portfolio companies” Include private companies and public companies that were initially added to our portfolio as private investments;
“Corporate Brokers” being J.P. Morgan Cazenove and Bank of America;
“Crohn’s Disease” a condition, in which a part(s) of digestive tract is inflamed;
“CRS” Common Reporting Standard;
“Danon Disease” a rare genetic heart condition in children, predominantly boys;
“Directors” or “Board” the directors of the Company as at the date of this document, or who served during the reporting period,
and “Director” means any one of them;
“DTR” Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules of the UK’s FCA;
“Encoded” Encoded Therapeutics, Inc.;
“EU” or “European Union” the European Union first established by the treaty made at Maastricht on 7 February 1992;
“Fanconi Anemia” a rare genetic blood condition in young children;
“FATCA” the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act;
“FCA” the Financial Conduct Authority;
“FCA Rules” the rules or regulations issued or promulgated by the FCA from time to time and for the time being in force
(as varied by any waiver or modification granted, or guidance given, by the FCA);
“FDA” the US Food and Drug Administration;
“FRC” the Financial Reporting Council;
Glossary
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Strategic Report Governance Report Financial Statements Additional Information
Glossary
continued
“Frequency” Frequency Therapeutics, Inc.;
“FTC” the Federal Trade Commission;
“Gene therapy” a biotechnology that uses gene delivery systems to treat or prevent a disease;
“Genetic Medicine” an approach to treat or prevent a disease using gene therapy or RNA medicines;
“GFSC” the Guernsey Financial Services Commission;
“GFSC Code” the GFSC Finance Sector Code of Corporate Governance as amended in June 2021;
“GH Research” GH Research PLC;
“Group” the Company and the Subsidiary;
“HCM” or “Hypertrophic
cardiomyopathy”
a cardiovascular disease characterised by an abnormally thick heart muscle;
“ImmTAC®” bi-specific biologic molecules designed to fight cancer or viral infections;
“Immunocore” Immunocore Limited;
“InBrace” InBrace or Swift Health, Inc.;
“Independent Valuer” Alvarez & Marsal Valuation Services, LLC;
“Infantile Malignant
Osteopetrosis” or “IMO”
a rare genetic bone disease in young children, manifesting in an increased bone density;
“Interim Report” the Interim Financial Report;
“Investigational New Drug”
or “IND”
the FDA’s investigational New Drug program is the means by which a pharmaceutical company obtains permission
to start human clinical trials;
“Investment Manager” RTW Investments, LP, also referred to as RTW;
“IPEV Guidelines” the International Private Equity and Venture Capital Valuation Guidelines;
“IPO” an initial public offering;
“IRR” internal rate of return;
“ISDA” International Swaps and Derivatives Association;
“iTe o s” iTeos Therapeutics, Inc.;
“Ji Xing” Ji Xing Pharmaceuticals, formerly China New Co;
“Kyverna” Kyverna Therapeutics, Inc.;
“Landos” Landos Biopharma, Inc.;
“Lentiviral vector or “LVV” based gene therapy - a type of viral vector used to deliver a gene;
“Leukocyte adhesion
deficiency” or “LAD-I”
a rare genetic disorder of immunodeficiency in young children;
“LifeSci Companies” companies operating in the life sciences, biopharmaceutical, or medical technology industries;
“Listing Rules” the listing rules made under section 73A of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000
(as set out in the FCA Handbook), as amended;
“London Stock Exchange”
or “LSE”
London Stock Exchange plc;
“LSE” London Stock Exchange’s main market for listed securities;
“Lycia” Lycia Therapeutics, Inc.;
“MAGE-A4” a protein expressed on certain types of tumours;
“Magnolia Medical” or
“Magnolia”
Magnolia Medical Technologies, Inc.;
“Medtech” medical technology sector within healthcare;
“Menin” a target for the treatment development in oncology;
“Milestone” Milestone Pharmaceuticals, Inc.;
“MOC” Multiple on capital is the ratio of realised and unrealised gains divided by the acquisition cost of an investment;
“Monte Rosa” Monte Rosa Therapeutics, Inc.;
“Myotonic Dystrophy” a genetic condition that affects muscle function;
“NASDAQ Biotech” a stock market index made up of securities of NASDAQ-listed companies classified according to the Industry
Classification Benchmark as either the Biotechnology or the Pharmaceutical industry;
“Net Asset Value” or “NAV” the value of the assets of the Company less its liabilities, calculated in accordance with the valuation guidelines laid
down by the Board;
“Neurogastrx” Neurogastrx, Inc.;
“New Performance
Allocation Shares”
performance allocation shares of no-par value in the capital of the Subsidiary;
“NewCo” a new company;
“NiKang” Nikang Therapeutics, Inc;
“Non-core portfolio assets” investments made in public companies as a part of cash management strategy;
“Notional Ordinary Shares” Performance Ordinary Shares, in which receipt of such shares has been deferred;
“Nuance” Nuance Pharma;
“Numab” Numab Therapeutics, Inc.;
“Official List” the official list of the UK Listing Authority;
“Oligonucleotides” or
“Oligos”
short DNA or RNA molecules that have a wide range of applications in genetic testing and research;
“Oncology” a therapeutic area focused on diagnosis, prevention and treatment of cancer;
“OpCo” or “Subsidiary” RTW Venture Fund Operating Limited;
“Ophthalmic conditions” conditions affecting the eye;
“Orchestra BioMed” or
“Orchestra”
Orchestra BioMed, Inc.:
“Ordinary Shares” the Ordinary Shares of the Company;
“Performance Allocation
Amount”
an allocation connected with the performance of the Company to be allocated to the Performance Allocation
Share Class in such amounts and as such times as shall be determined by the Board;
“Performance Allocation
Period”
each period ending on a Calculation Date and beginning on the business day immediately following the last
Performance Allocation Period in respect of which a Performance Allocation has been allocated;
“Performance Allocation
Share Class”
a class fund for the Performance Allocation Shares or New Performance Allocation Shares to which the
Performance Allocation will be allocated;
“Performance Allocation
Shares”
performance allocation shares of no-par value in the capital of the Company (prior to the 1 December 2022
reorganisation), or performance allocation shares of no-par value in the capital of the Subsidiary (with effect
from the 1 December 2022 reorganisation);
“Performance Allocation
Shareholder”
the holder of Performance Allocation Shares or New Performance Allocation Shares;
“PFIC” Passive Foreign Investment Company;
“Pilot study” a small-scale study;
“Private Investment in
Public Equity” or “PIPE”
is when an institutional or an accreditedinvestorbuys stock directly from a public company below market price;
“POI Law” The Protection of Investors (Bailiwick of Guernsey) Law, 2020, as amended;
“Portfolio Companies” Private and public companies included into the portfolio;
“PRAME” a cancer-testis antigen (CTA) that is highly expressed in a broad range of solid and hematologic malignancies;
“Premium Segment” Premium Segment of the Main Market of the LSE;
“PRIority MEdicines” or
“PRIME”
to be accepted for PRIME, a medicine has to show its potential to benefit patients with unmet medical needs based
on early clinical data;
“Prometheus” Prometheus Biosciences, Inc.;
“Prospectus” the prospectus of the Company, most recently updated on 14 October 2019 and available on the Company’s website
(www.rtwfunds.com/venture-fund);
“PTP” Publicly Traded Partnership;
“Pulmonary conditions” pathologic conditions that affect lungs;
“Pulmonx” Pulmonx Corporation;
“Pyruvate Kinase
Deficiency” or “PKD”
a rare genetic disorder affecting red blood cells;
“Pyxis” Pyxis Oncology, Inc.;
“Rare disease” a disease that affects a small percentage of the population;
“Registrar” Link Market Services (Guernsey) Limited;
“RNA medicines” a type of biotechnology that uses RNA to treat a disease;
“Rocket Pharmaceuticals”
or “Rocket”
Rocket Pharmaceuticals, Inc.;
“RTW” RTW Investments, LP, also referred to as the Investment Manager;
“RTWCF” RTW Charitable Foundation;
“RTW Royalty” RTW Royalty Holding Company #1 and #2;
“Russell 2000 Biotech” a stock index of small cap biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies;
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Strategic Report Governance Report Financial Statements Additional Information
Glossary
continued
“SEC Rule 144” selling restricted and control securities;
“Seed Assets” the initial portfolio of the Company, consisting of: Beta Bionics, Frequency, Immunocore, Landos, Orchestra BioMed
and Rocket;
“SFS” Specialist Fund Segment of the London Stock Exchange;
“Small molecule” a compound that can regulate a biologic activity;
“Sensorineural hearing
loss”
a type of hearing loss caused by damage to the inner ear;
“SPAC” Special Purpose Acquisition Company;
“Sub-Administrator” Morgan Stanley Fund Services USA LLC;
“Subsidiary” or “OpCo” RTW Venture Fund Operating Limited;
“Tachycardia” a heart rhythm disorder;
“Tars u s” Tarsus, Inc.;
“Tenaya” Tenaya Therapeutics. Inc.;
“TIGIT” a target for a checkpoint antibody development in immune-oncology;
“TL1A” a target for the treatment of inflammation associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD);
“Type 1 Diabetes” or “TD1” a type of insulin resistance;
“Total shareholder return” a measure of shareholders’ investment in a company with reference to movements in share price and dividends paid
over time;
“UK” United Kingdom;
“UK Code” the UK Corporate Governance Code 2018 published by the Financial Reporting Council in July 2018;
“UK-Guernsey IGA” The UK-Guernsey Intergovernmental Agreement for the Automatic Exchange of Information;
“Ulcerative Colitis” an inflammatory bowel disease that causes sores in the digestive tract;
“Umoja” Umoja Biopharma. Inc.;
“US” the United States of America;
“US GAAP” US Generally Accepted Accounting Principles;
“Uveal melanoma” a type of eye cancer;
“Valuation Committee” Valuation Committee of the Investment Manager;
“Ventyx” Ventyx Biosciences, Inc.;
“Visus” Visus Therapeutics, Inc.;
“WACC” weighted average cost of capital;
“XIRR” an internal rate of return calculated using irregular time intervals.
“Yarrow” Yarrow Biotechnology, Inc.
APM Definition Purpose Calculation
Available Cash Cash held by the Group’s Bankers,
Prime Broker and an ISDA
counterparty.
A measure of the Group’s
liquidity, working capital
and investment level.
Cash and cash equivalents, Due from brokers less Due
to brokers on the Statement of Assets & Liabilities.
NAV per Ordinary
Share
The Company's NAV divided by the
number of Ordinary Shares.
A measure of the value of one
Ordinary Share.
The net assets attributable to ordinary shares on the
statement of financial position (US$326.1 million) divided by
the number of Ordinary Shares in issue (212,389,138) as at
the calculation date.
Price per share The Company’s closing share price
on the London Stock Exchange for
a specified date.
A measure of the supply and
demand for the Company’s shares.
Extracted from the official list of the London Stock
Exchange.
NAV Growth The percentage increase/decrease in
the NAV per Ordinary share during
the reporting period.
A key measure of the success of the
Investment Manager’s investment
strategy.
The quotient of the NAV per share at the end of the period
(US$1.54) and the NAV per share at the beginning of the
period (US$1.71) minus one expressed as a percentage.
Share price growth/
Total Shareholder
Return
The percentage increase(decrease)
in the price per share during the
reporting period.
A measure of the return that could
have been obtained by holding a
share over the reporting period.
The quotient of the price per share at the end of the period
(US$1.21) and the price per share at the beginning of the
period (US$1.78) minus 1.00 expressed as a percentage.
The measure excludes transaction costs.
Share Price
Premium (Discount)
The amount by which the ordinary
share price is higher/lower than the
NAV per ordinary share, expressed
as a percentage of the NAV per
ordinary share.
A key measure of supply and
demand for the Company’s shares.
A premium implies excess demand
versus supply and vice versa.
The quotient of the price per share at the end of the period
(US$1.21) and the NAV per share at the end of the period
(US$1.54) minus one expressed as a percentage.
Multiple on Invested
Capital (MOIC or
MOC)
The multiple that measures value
that an investment has generated.
A measure to evaluate performance
of the realised and unrealised
investments.
The ratio between initial capital invested in a portfolio
company and current (as of 31 December 2022) value of the
investment. It is a gross metric and calculation is performed
before fees and incentive.
Extended Internal
Rate of Return
(XIRR)
The percentage or single rate
of return when applied to all
transactions in a portfolio company.
A measure of return which is used
when multiple investments have been
made over time into a portfolio
company.
The rate also expressed as a percentage that calculates
the returns on the total investment made with increments
through a given period (from initial investment date to 31
December 2022).
Ongoing charges
ratio
The recurring costs that the Group
has incurred during the period
excluding performance fees and one
off legal and professional fees
expressed as a percentage of the
Group’s average NAV for the period.
A measure of the minimum gross
profit that the Company needs to
produce to make a positive return
for shareholders.
Calculated in accordance with the AIC methodology detailed
on the web link below: https://www.theaic.co.uk/sites/default/
files/documents/AICOngoingChargesCalculationMay12.pdf
Ongoing Charges
2022
US$
2021
US$
Fees to Investment Manager 3,751,464 4,813,854
Legal and professional fees 1,008,629 1,070,317
Audit fees 329,557 288,254
Administration fees 312,003 330,834
Directors’ remuneration 176,722 214,353
Other expenses 1,100,167 584,851
Listing fees – 936,615
Total expenses 6,678,542 8,239,078
Non-recurring expenses (487,786) (1,176,627)
Total ongoing expenses 6,190,756 7,062,451
Average NAV 322,418,512 408,929,032
Annualised ongoing charges (using AIC methodology) 1.92% 1.73%
Alternative Performance Measures (unaudited)
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Strategic Report Governance Report Financial Statements Additional Information
AIFMD Disclosures unaudited
Report on remuneration and quantitative remuneration disclosure
Under the Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive (‘AIFMD’), we are required to make disclosures relating to remuneration of staff working
for the Investment Manager for the year to 31 December 2022.
Amount of remuneration paid
The Investment Manager paid the following remuneration to staff in respect of the financial year ending on 31 December 2022 in relation to work
on the Company.
2022
US$’000
2021
US$’000
Fixed remuneration 771 590
Variable remuneration 1,010 1,004
Total remuneration 1,780 1,594
Number of beneficiaries 76 56
The amount of the aggregate remuneration paid (or to be paid) by the Investment Manager to its partners which has been attributed to the Company
in respect of the financial year ending on 31 December 2022 was US$26.8 million (2021: US$33.6 million). The amount of the total remuneration paid by
the Investment Manager to members of its staff whose actions have a material impact on the risk profile of the Company which has been attributed to
the Company in respect of financial year ending on 31 December 2022 was US$23.6 million (2021: US$29.6 million).
Leverage
The Company may employ leverage and borrow cash, up to a maximum of 50 per cent. of the NAV at the time of incurrence, in accordance with its
stated investment policy. The use of borrowings and leverage has attendant risks and can, in certain circumstances, substantially increase the
adverse impact to which the Company’s investment portfolio may be subject. For the purposes of this disclosure, leverage is any method by which the
Company’s exposure is increased, whether through borrowing of cash or securities, or leverage embedded in foreign exchange forward contracts or
by any other means. AIFMD requires that each leverage ratio be expressed as the ratio between a Company’s exposure and its net asset value, and
prescribes two required methodologies, the gross methodology and the commitment methodology (as set out in AIFMD Level 2 Implementation
Guidance), for calculating such exposure. Using the methodologies prescribed under AIFMD, the leverage of the Company is detailed in the table below:
Commitment leverage as at
31 December
Gross leverage as at
31 December
2022 2021 2022 2021
Leverage ratio 134% 129% 139% 129%
Other risk disclosures
The risk disclosures relating to risk framework and risk profile of the Company are set out in Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements
on pages92 to 93 and the principal and emerging risks and uncertainties on pages 34 to 36
Pre-investment disclosures
AIFMD requires certain information to be made available to investors in an Alternative Investment Fund (‘AIF’) before they invest and requires that
material changes to this information be disclosed in the Annual Report of the AIF. There have been no material changes (other than those reflected
in these consolidated financial statements) to this information requiring disclosure.
Board of Directors
William Simpson (Chairman)
Paul Le Page (Chairman of Audit Committee)
William Scott
Stephanie Sirota
Investment Manager and AIFM
RTW Investments, LP
40 10th Avenue
Floor 7
New York
NY 10014
United States of America
Registered office
1st Floor, Royal Chambers
St Julian’s Avenue
St Peter Port
Guernsey
GY1 3JX
Administrator and Company Secretary
Elysium Fund Management Limited
1st Floor, Royal Chambers
St Julian’s Avenue
St Peter Port
Guernsey
GY1 3JX
Sub-Administrator
Morgan Stanley Fund Services USA LLC
2000 Westchester Avenue, 1st Floor
Purchase
NY 10577
United States of America
Independent Valuer
Alvarez & Marsal Valuation Services LLC
600 Madison Avenue
8th Floor
New York
NY 10022
United States of America
Guernsey Advocates to the Company
Carey Olsen (Guernsey) LLP
Carey House
Les Banques
St Peter Port
Guernsey
GY1 4BZ
UK Legal Advisers to the Company
Herbert Smith Freehills LLP
Exchange House
Primrose Street
London
EC2A 2EG
Corporate Brokers and Financial Advisers
Merrill Lynch International (BofA Securities)*
2 King Edward Street
London
EC1A 1HQ
J.P. Morgan Cazenove
25 Bank Street
Canary Wharf
London
E14 5JP
Registrar
Link Market Services (Guernsey) Limited
Mont Crevelt House
Bulwer Avenue
St Sampson
Guernsey
GY2 4LH
Independent Auditor
KPMG Channel Islands Limited
Glategny Court
Glategny Esplanade
St Peter Port
Guernsey
GY1 1WR
Principal Bankers
Barclays Bank PLC, Guernsey Branch
Le Marchant House
Le Truchot
St Peter Port
Guernsey
GY1 3BE
Prime Broker
Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC
200 West Street
29th Floor
New York
NY 10282
United States of America
Identifiers:
ISIN: GG00BKTRRM22
SEDOL: BKTRRM2 / BNNXVW5
Ticker: RTW / RTWG
LEI: 549300Q7EXQQH6KF7Z84
www.rtwfunds.com/venture-fund
* on 11 February 2022, Merrill Lynch International
(BofA Securities) was appointed as a corporate
broker and financial adviser to the Company.
Schedule of Key Service Providers
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Strategic Report Governance Report Financial Statements Additional Information
rtwfunds.com
Find more information at:
rtwfunds.com/rtw-venture-fund-ltd
rtwventurefund@rtwfunds.com
RTW Investments, LP
40 10th Avenue, Floor 7
New York, NY 10014
(646) 597-6980
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