Quarterlytics / Financial Services / Asset Management / TMT Investments / FY2019 Annual Report

TMT Investments
Annual Report 2019

TMT · LSE Financial Services
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Ticker TMT
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Employees 11-50
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FY2019 Annual Report · TMT Investments
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Annual Report & 
Accounts 2019

For the year ended 31 December 2019

Highlights

All figures are shown in USD

$3.52

Net asset value (NAV) per share (2018: US$3.09) 

$10.2m

In current cash reserves as at 15 April 2020

$3.5m

Net cash proceeds from full and partial exits 

during 2019

$102.8m

Total NAV (2018: US$90.3 million) 

$5.8m

$40.6m

Special dividend paid to shareholders on 31 July 2019

Total cash proceeds from investments since inception 

(including 14 full and partial profitable exits)

Contents

05 

06 

08 

12 

14 

16 

22 

24 

27 

28 

40 

42 

About TMT Investments Plc

A share in TMT

Our investment strategy

Bolt Case Study

Investing Policy

Executive Director’s statement

Backblaze case study

Portfolio Developments

New Investments

Investment Portfolio

Board of Directors

PandaDoc case study

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64 

68 

72 

72 

73 

74 

75 

 Corporate governance

Directors’ report

Independent auditors’ report

Financial Statements

Statement of Comprehensive Income

Statement of Financial Position 

Statement of Cash Flows

Statement of Changes In Equity

76 

Notes to the financial statements

98 

Directors and professional advisers

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Registered office 
Queensway House, Hilgrove Street, St Helier, Jersey JE1 1ES.       Tel. +44 1534 281 800       Fax. +44 08451 258 623

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TMT Investments Annual Report and Accounts 2019 
 
TMT Investments 
Plc is an early-stage 
investor in high-
growth technology 
companies with 
global scale-up 
ambitions.

TMT Investments Plc (“TMT” or “the Company”) provides its shareholders 
with access to a diversified portfolio of companies in the TMT (technology, 
media and telecommunications) sector.

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About TMT 
Investments Plc 

We leverage years of experience investing in the high-growth 
technology sector to identify companies that have the 
business models and management teams to scale-up globally.

GLOBAL INVESTORS 

We are global investors and have no restrictions on 
where we invest.  Our key investment criteria include 
the requirement that companies have a scalable 
business model and are led by a management team 
with the resilience and ability to execute in high-growth 
environments.  To date, we have typically invested 
in companies that are headquartered in the US and 
operate globally, though we continue to analyse and 
consider investment opportunities globally, regardless 
of location.

SPECIALIST INVESTORS 

Investing in private companies in the TMT sector 
requires a specialist set of skills and investment 
approach, in contrast to investing in publicly listed 
companies.  Information available on private 
companies is typically much scarcer than for publicly 
listed companies, especially at an early stage of their 
development, and requires a dedicated and specialist 
investment process that includes evaluating other 
factors.  Our proprietary four-filter investment process 
is specially designed to reduce risk and identify the 
best opportunities in early-stage investing.   

We are passionate about our work.  Members of our 
team have been investing in and building start-ups since 
the 1990s, and we are experienced in the challenges 
many founders and entrepreneurs face.  We are 
therefore highly selective in our investments, leveraging 
the team’s collective experience to identify the best risk/
reward entry point when making an investment. 

When we joined the AIM market of the London Stock 
Exchange in December 2010, we were one of the first 
publicly traded venture capital vehicles in the UK to 
provide investors with access to the universe of high-
growth international private technology companies.

Since then, we have invested in over 55 companies and 
realised 14 profitable full and partial exits.  We were 
one of the earliest investors into some of our most 
successful companies, including Wrike, Bolt (previously 
called Taxify), Pipedrive and Backblaze.

EXPERIENCED INVESTORS

We are a team of experienced investors: our team 
has been investing in and building start-ups since the 
1990s.  We are proud to leverage this experience to 
identify and invest in companies at a relatively early 
stage of their development, with a number having 
achieved significant growth and returns for investors.  
Identifying and investing in such companies at an early 
stage, before they have fully proven themselves, is not 
easy.  This is the value we bring to our shareholders: 
using our years of experience to identify and execute 
investments capable of generating significant returns 
for shareholders, whilst seeking to minimise risks.

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TMT Investments Annual Report and Accounts 2019 
 
A share in TMT 

A publicly traded share in a diversified portfolio 
of high-growth, private technology companies 

Investors who choose to invest directly in private companies typically face less liquidity when it comes to exiting 
their investment compared to those in publicly traded companies. Investors wishing to exit from their investment 
in a private company will need to identify current shareholders who are willing to acquire more shares, or new 
investors willing to acquire their shares. Some private companies may have additional restriction on new investors.  
Other potential exit events could include a potential sale to an acquirer or a listing on a stock exchange, neither of 
which can be guaranteed, and may require agreement among major shareholders.

TMT was established to solve this problem by providing investors with the daily liquidity that a publicly traded 
company offers, through a diversified portfolio of high-growth, private companies. 

Investing in private companies requires a specialist skill set, access to companies and extensive research.  Our 
shareholders trust in us to build and manage a diversified portfolio of high-growth technology companies.  For the 
last five years, our NAV-based IRR (internal rate of return) has been 23.8% per annum. 

Benefits of investing  
via TMT

Liquidity 
Investing via publicly 
traded TMT shares 
provides shareholders 
with venture capital 
exposure combined with 
the benefits of publicly 
traded liquidity.

Diversification

Rare exposure

Experience

Access to a diversified 
portfolio of high-growth, 
private companies in the 
TMT sector.

TMT’s shareholders 
benefit from the 
experience of a specialist 
investment team with a 
track record of success.

Most successful start-ups 
move to their next level 
of financing and revenues 
within just one to two 
years, at which point 
they become practically 
inaccessible to private 
investors until such time 
as they subsequently 
undertake a listing/IPO.

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NAV (NET ASSET VALUE) PER SHARE

3-YEAR IRR1

5-YEAR IRR1

7-YEAR IRR1

25.68%

23.84%

19.98%

$3.821

$3.52

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$3.191

$3.09

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$2.53 1

$2.43

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$1.91

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$1.991

$1.89

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$1.44

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$1.30

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$0.96

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PAGE CONTENTTMT Investments Annual Report and Accounts 2019 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Our Investment 
Strategy 

Through our investment criteria, TMT seeks to identify companies  
that have, amongst other features:

Competent and  
motivated 
management founders  
Managing high-growth 
companies requires a 
rare combination of skills

High growth potential 
Companies with a 
product or service that 
can be scaled up globally

Growth stage  
we highly favour investing 
in companies that are 
already generating 
revenues (we have a 
typical minimum revenue 
threshold of US$100,000 
per month)

Viable exit 
opportunities 
When we invest, we 
are already assessing 
potential exit scenarios

We invest in our core sectors. TMT currently focuses on identifying attractive 
investment opportunities in the following segments of the TMT sector:

BIG DATA AND  
CLOUD SOLUTIONS

SaaS TOOLS

E-COMMERCE

MARKETPLACES

Whilst we focus our attention on these segments, we are not constrained to these segments and will consider 
making investments throughout the TMT sector. 

WE INVEST GLOBALLY

The Company is not geographically restricted in terms of where it can invest. It will consider any geographical area, 
to the extent that the investment fits within the Company’s investment criteria. 

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OUR INVESTMENT SELECTION PROCESS

POST-INVESTMENT ENGAGEMENT 

We have funded over 50 companies since inception.  
Our engagement with companies continues after our 
investment, and is tailored to each company’s needs 
and size, including attending investee board meetings, 
facilitating introductions to new investors, providing 
strategic advice and exploring synergies with partner 
companies, including TMT’s portfolio companies.

INVESTMENT RADAR 

Companies that have successfully passed through the 
majority of the filters though not received investment 
from us, are added to our investment radar, whereby 
we monitor their development for possible future 
investment. 

Our investment selection process is based on analysing 
companies through our four-filter process.  Our tried 
and tested process is the fruit of our extensive hands-on 
experience in building and growing start-ups combined 
with a deep analysis of key operational and financial 
metrics.  

Preliminary filter

The basic filter ensures that we are comfortable with 
the company’s segment within the TMT sector, growth 
stage, the market trends in which it operates, and its 
exit potential.

Numbers filter

The numbers filter analyses a company’s financial 
performance, operational metrics and fundraising 
terms, considering our assessment of the company’s 
competitive landscape.    

Product filter

We analyse the company’s product from a customer’s 
perspective, including user experience, by drawing on 
our experience of assessing competing products as 
part of the investment selection process.

People filter

Managing a company in high growth or hyper growth 
scenarios requires a rare combination of high levels 
of resilience, organisation and commercial acumen, 
amongst others.  We interview the company’s founders 
to identify these abilities, drawing upon our experience 
of working with hundreds of start-up company 
management teams.

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TMT Investments Annual Report and Accounts 2019 
 
Our Investment  
Strategy

(Since inception to 31 December 2019)

11,000+

PROPOSALS IN  
9 YEARS

PRELIMINARY FILTER

Sector, Growth Stage, Market 
Trends, Exit Potential

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INTERNAL PRODUCT TESTING  
FROM THE CUSTOMER’S 
PERSPECTIVE

900+

DEEPLY  
SCRUTINISED

2,300+

CLOSELY  
ANALYSED

NUMBERS FILTER

Financial Performance, Operational Metrics, 
Fundraising Terms, Competitive Landscape

 
 
 
POST-INVESTMENT ENGAGEMENT

Investee Board Meetings, New Investor 
Introductions, Strategic Advice and 
Exploring Synergies

55+

COMPANIES  
FUNDED

250

INTERVIEWED

PEOPLE FILTER

Founders’ Competence, 
Team’s Ability To Grow Business

150+

PROMISING COMPANIES 
ON THE RADAR

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TMT Investments Annual Report and Accounts 2019 
 
 
12

29.5%

REVALUATION 
UPLIFT

ACTIVE IN OVER 
150 CITIES OVER 
THE WORLD

Bolt is an international ride-hailing platform active in over 150 cities globally,  
up from 70 cities at the end of 2018. 

  Bolt continued to grow rapidly 
in 2019, recording triple-digit 
growth in revenue  
and number of users

In September 2014, TMT became one of the earliest investors in Bolt, when it was a 
one year old start up present in four cities in Estonia and Latvia. 

In contrast to other of its peer companies, Bolt’s management team has led the company into meteoric growth 
without resorting to huge marketing budgets. Bolt’s expansion strategy was initially focused on entering 
underserved markets. More recently Bolt has expanded into more established markets. In 2019, Bolt continued to 
record triple-digit growth in revenue and number of users.

On 28 June 2019, TMT announced that its portfolio company Bolt (formerly known as Taxify), had completed a new 
funding round.  The transaction represented a revaluation uplift of US$5.04 million (or 29.5%) in the fair value of 
TMT’s investment in Bolt, compared to the previous reported amount as of 31 December 2018.

In January 2020, TMT announced that Bolt had recently entered into a €50 million quasi-equity facility agreement 
with the European Investment Bank (EIB), the European Union’s long-term lending institution, to fund further 
expansion.

www.bolt.eu

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Investing Policy 

The Company’s objective is to generate an attractive rate 
of return for shareholders, predominantly through capital 
appreciation, by taking advantage of opportunities to invest 
in the TMT sector.  

The Company aims to provide equity, debt, and equity-
related investment capital, such as convertible loans, 
to private companies which are seeking capital for 
growth and development, consolidation or acquisition, 
or as pre-IPO financing. In addition, the Company may 
invest in “digital assets” defined as an electronically 
stored right or title to digital or non-digital property 
or service, including but not limited to intellectual 
property, software, or cryptocurrencies. In addition, 
the Company may invest in publicly traded equities 
which have securities listed on a stock exchange or 
over-the-counter market. These investments may 
be in combination with additional debt or equity-
related financing, and in appropriate circumstances in 
collaboration with other value added financial and/or 
strategic investors. The Company is not geographically 
restricted in terms of where it will consider making 
investments. It will consider any geographical area, 
to the extent that the investment fits within the 
Company’s investment criteria. The Directors and 
senior managers have the relevant expertise to invest 
in the TMT sector, whether through equity, debt, or 
other equity related investment capital and in “digital 
assets” (including cryptocurrencies). This will include 
investments in small and mid-sized private companies. 
The Company will not be subject to any borrowing or 
leveraging limits. 

PRIVATE COMPANIES 

The Company will target small and mid-sized 
companies and will seek to secure at least blocking 
stakes and board representation, where it considers 
that the Company and/or an investee company would 
benefit from such an appointment. The Company will 
consider making equity investments in lower than 
blocking stakes only where it sees ways to increase the 
stakes to blocking or controlling stakes at a later date. 
Each investment is expected to be at least US$250,000. 
The investments targeted by the Company will aim to 
support rapidly growing private companies to increase 
market share and achieve long-term shareholder 
value. If the Company invested in a private company 
prior to that company listing on a stock market, the 
Company may retain a part of its investment in the 
listed entity going forward. Wherever appropriate, the 
Company intends to work closely with the management 
of each investee company to create value by focusing 
on driving growth through revenue creation, margin 
enhancement and extracting cost efficiencies, as well 
as implementing appropriate capital structures to 
enhance returns.

PUBLIC COMPANIES 

When investing in public equities, the Company will 
seek to select companies with a dominant market 
share or strong growth potential in their respective 
segments. No restrictions will be placed on the size of 
public companies in which the Company may make an 
investment. The Directors intend to make investments 
in companies or assets with attractive valuation, growth 
potential, and competent and motivated management.

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The targeted holding period shall be reviewed on a 
regular basis by the Company, but it is expected that 
this will typically be between two to four years. For 
public equities the Company’s objective is to maximise 
capital appreciation. Following the acquisition, the 
Company will continue to monitor the investment. 

Importance will be placed on the timing of any disposal 
which will follow a thorough review of market conditions 
and those reports and sources that are available to 
investors. Should the Company consider that the capital 
appreciation of a particular public equity investment 
has reached its peak or is likely to or has begun to 
decline, then the Company will consider the sale of that 
investment.

REALISATION OF RETURNS 

The Directors will, when appropriate, consider how 
best to realise value for Shareholders whether through 
a trade sale, flotation or secondary refinancing of the 
investee companies. The proposed exit route will form 
a key consideration of the initial investment analysis. 
The Company expects to derive returns on investments 
principally through long-term capital gains and/or the 
payment of dividends by investees. 

The primary ways in which the Company expects to 
realise these returns include:

(a) the sale or merger of a company; 

(b)  the sale of securities of a company by means of 

public or private offerings; and 

(c)  the disposal of public equity investments through 
the stock exchanges on which they are listed. 

For private investee companies the Company believes 
that its typical investment holding period should provide 
sufficient time for investee companies to adequately 
benefit from the capital and operational improvements 
resulting from the Company’s investment. 

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TMT Investments Annual Report and Accounts 2019 
Executive Director’s 
Statement

2019 was another successful year for the Company, with a 
number of significant revaluations and US$3.5 million in cash 
realisations across our portfolio.  As a result, even after the 
payment of the special dividend of 20 cents per share in July 
2019, TMT’s net asset value (“NAV”) per share, as of 31 December 
2019, increased to US$3.52 (up 13.9% from US$3.09 as of 31 
December 2018, or 20.4% if the dividend is included). 

In addition to a number of smaller revaluations, the 
Company’s net asset value benefited significantly from 
increased revaluations in two of its larger holdings: 
Backblaze, the data backup and cloud storage 
company, and Bolt (previously called Taxify), the global 
ride-hailing and transportation platform. 

NAV PER SHARE

The Company’s net asset value (“NAV”) per share in 
2019 increased 13.9% to US$3.52 (31 December 2018: 
US$3.09).

OPERATING EXPENSES

In 2019, the Company’s administrative expenses of 
US$1,174,466 were slightly below the 2018 levels 
(US$1,200,045), highlighting the Company’s continued 
focus on maintaining cost-efficient operations. 

FINANCIAL POSITION

As of 31 December 2019, the Company had no financial 
debt and cash reserves of approximately US$11.7 
million.  As of 15 April 2020, the Company had cash 
reserves of approximately US$10.2 million.

BONUS PLAN

Under the Company’s Bonus Plan, subject to achieving 
minimum hurdle rate and high watermark conditions 
in respect of the Company’s NAV, the team receives an 
annual cash bonus equal to 7.5% of the net increases 
in the Company’s NAV, adjusted for any changes in 
the Company’s equity capital resulting from issuance 
of new shares, dividends, share buy-backs or similar 
corporate transactions in each relevant year.  The 
Company’s bonus year runs from 1 July to 30 June.  For 

the bonus year ended 30 June 2019, the total amount 
of bonus accrued was US$2,007,694.

DIVIDEND

We were pleased to pay a special dividend of US$5.8 
million (US$0.20 per ordinary share) to shareholders 
following the Company’s profitable cash exit from Wrike 
at the end of 2018.  The dividend was paid on 31 July 
2019 and was the second special dividend paid to 
shareholders, the first being US$2.9 million (US$0.10 
per ordinary share) in November 2016 following our 
partial cash exit from Depositphotos.

AMENDMENT TO THE INVESTING POLICY

As TMT’s brand and expertise become increasingly 
recognised in the venture capital space, the Company 
is encountering growing opportunities to establish 
and/or invest in other investment vehicles, providing 
an opportunity for TMT to earn additional advisory, 
consulting and performance fees.  Accordingly, we 
propose to seek shareholder consent at the Company’s 
forthcoming Annual General Meeting to amend the 
Company’s existing Investing Policy, primarily by adding 
the ability for the Company to invest in other investing 
vehicles or funds, as well as by making some other 
changes.  The proposed amended Investing Policy is 
shown below, followed by a blackline version illustrating 
the specific changes made to our existing Investing 
Policy: 

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NAV PER SHARE IN 
2019 INCREASED

13.9%

$3.52

PROPOSED NEW INVESTING POLICY - CLEAN

“The Company’s objective is to generate an attractive 
rate of return for shareholders, predominantly 
through capital appreciation, by investing in primarily 
venture capital and private equity opportunities in the 
Technology, Media and Telecommunications (“TMT”) 
sector.

The Company aims to provide equity, debt, and equity-
related investment capital, such as convertible loans, 
primarily to small and mid-sized private companies, 
which are seeking capital for growth and development, 
consolidation or acquisition, or as pre-IPO financing. 
In addition, the Company may invest in “digital assets” 
defined as an electronically stored right or title to 
digital or non-digital property or service, including 
but not limited to intellectual property, software, or 
cryptocurrencies. The Company may also invest in 
publicly traded equities which have securities listed on a 
stock exchange or over-the-counter market.

The Company may make investments either directly 
into individual companies or indirectly through similar 
investment vehicles or funds focused primarily on 
venture capital and private equity opportunities in the 
TMT sector, provided such indirect investments in other 
investment vehicles or funds in total do not exceed 
20% of the Company’s latest audited or announced net 
asset value at the time of the investment. The Company 
may also set up (and potentially co-invest in) other 
investment vehicles or funds and generate income by 
providing advisory and consulting services to other 
investment vehicles or funds.

The Company is not geographically restricted in terms 
of where it will consider making investments.  It will 
consider any geographical area, to the extent that the 
investment fits within the Company’s investment criteria. 
The Company’s Directors and senior managers have the 
relevant expertise to invest in the TMT sector, whether 
in the form of equity, debt, equity related instruments, 
collective investment vehicles, or “digital assets”. The 
Company is not subject to any borrowing or leveraging 
limits. 

Private Companies 

The Company will target primarily small and mid-sized 
companies. Each investment is expected to be at 
least US$250,000. The investments targeted by the 
Company will aim to support rapidly-growing private 
companies to increase market share and achieve long-

term shareholder value. If the Company invested in a 
private company prior to that company listing on a stock 
market, the Company may retain a part of its investment 
in the listed entity going forward. Wherever appropriate, 
the Company intends to work closely with the 
management of each investee company to create value 
by focusing on driving growth through revenue creation, 
margin enhancement and extracting cost efficiencies, as 
well as implementing appropriate capital structures to 
enhance returns.

Public Companies 

When investing in public equities, the Company will seek 
to select companies with strong growth potential in their 
respective segments. No restrictions will be placed on 
the size of public companies in which the Company may 
make an investment. 

Realisation of Returns 

The Company will, when appropriate, consider how 
best to realise value for Shareholders whether through 
a trade sale, flotation or secondary sale of the investee 
companies. The proposed exit route will form a key 
consideration of the initial investment analysis. The 
Company expects to derive returns on investments 
principally through long-term capital gains and/or the 
payment of dividends by investees. The primary ways 
in which the Company expects to realise these returns 
include: (a) the sale or merger of a company; (b) the 
sale of securities of a company by means of public or 
private offerings; and (c) the disposal of public equity 
investments through the stock exchanges on which 
they are listed. For private investee companies the 
Company believes that its typical investment holding 
period should provide sufficient time for investee 
companies to adequately benefit from the capital 
and operational improvements resulting from the 
Company’s investment. The targeted holding period 
shall be reviewed on a regular basis by the Company, 
but it is expected that this will typically be between 
two to six years. For public equities, following the 
investment, the Company will continue to monitor its 
position. Importance will be placed on the timing of any 
disposal. Should the Company consider that the capital 
appreciation of a particular investment has reached 
its peak or is likely to or has begun to decline, then the 
Company will consider the sale of that investment.”

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TMT Investments Annual Report and Accounts 2019 
 
 
Executive Director’s Statement Continued

PROPOSED NEW INVESTING POLICY – BLACKLINED

The Company’s objective is to generate an attractive 
rate of return for shareholders, predominantly through 
capital appreciation, by taking advantage ofinvesting 
in primarily venture capital and private equity 
opportunities to invest in the Technology, Media and 
Telecommunications (“TMT”) sector.

The Company aims to provide equity, debt, and equity-
related investment capital, such as convertible loans, 
primarily to small and mid-sized private companies, 
which are seeking capital for growth and development, 
consolidation or acquisition, or as pre-IPO financing. 
In addition, the Company may invest in “digital assets” 
defined as an electronically stored right or title to 
digital or non-digital property or service, including 
but not limited to intellectual property, software, or 
cryptocurrencies. In addition, theThe Company may also 
invest in publicly traded equities which have securities 
listed on a stock exchange or over-the-counter market.

TheseThe Company may make investments may be 
in combination with additional debteither directly into 
individual companies or indirectly through similar 
investment vehicles or funds focused primarily on 
venture capital and private equity-related financing, 
and opportunities in the TMT sector, provided such 
indirect investments in appropriate circumstances in 
collaboration with other investment vehicles or funds 
in total do not exceed 20% of the Company’s latest 
audited or announced net asset value added financial at 
the time of the investment. The Company may also set 
up (and/or strategic investors. potentially co-invest in) 
other investment vehicles or funds and generate income 
by providing advisory and consulting services to other 
investment vehicles or funds.

The Company is not geographically restricted in terms 
of where it will consider making investments.  It will 
consider any geographical area, to the extent that the 
investment fits within the Company’s investment criteria. 
The Company’s Directors and senior managers have the 
relevant expertise to invest in the TMT sector, whether 
throughin the form of equity, debt, or other equity 
related instruments, collective investment capital and in 
vehicles, or “digital assets” (including cryptocurrencies). 
This will include investments in small and mid-sized 
private companies. The Company willis not be subject to 
any borrowing or leveraging limits. 

Private Companies 

The Company will target small and mid-sized companies 
and will seek to secure at least blocking stakes and 
board representation, where it considers that the 
Company and/or an investee company would benefit 
from such an appointment. The Company will consider 
making equity investments in lower than blocking 
stakes only where it sees ways to increase the stakes 
to blocking or controlling stakes at a later date.The 
Company will target primarily small and mid-sized 

companies. Each investment is expected to be at 
least US$250,000. The investments targeted by the 
Company will aim to support rapidly-growing private 
companies to increase market share and achieve long-
term shareholder value. If the Company invested in a 
private company prior to that company listing on a stock 
market, the Company may retain a part of its investment 
in the listed entity going forward. Wherever appropriate, 
the Company intends to work closely with the 
management of each investee company to create value 
by focusing on driving growth through revenue creation, 
margin enhancement and extracting cost efficiencies, as 
well as implementing appropriate capital structures to 
enhance returns.

Public Companies 

When investing in public equities, the Company will 
seek to select companies with a dominant market 
share or strong growth potential in their respective 
segments. No restrictions will be placed on the size of 
public companies in which the Company may make an 
investment. The Directors intend to make investments 
in companies or assets with attractive valuation, growth 
potential, and competent and motivated management.

Realisation of Returns 

The DirectorsCompany will, when appropriate, 
consider how best to realise value for Shareholders 
whether through a trade sale, flotation or secondary 
refinancingsale of the investee companies. The 
proposed exit route will form a key consideration of 
the initial investment analysis. The Company expects 
to derive returns on investments principally through 
long-term capital gains and/or the payment of dividends 
by investees. The primary ways in which the Company 
expects to realise these returns include: (a) the sale 
or merger of a company; (b) the sale of securities of a 
company by means of public or private offerings; and 
(c) the disposal of public equity investments through 
the stock exchanges on which they are listed. For 
private investee companies the Company believes that 
its typical investment holding period should provide 
sufficient time for investee companies to adequately 
benefit from the capital and operational improvements 
resulting from the Company’s investment. The targeted 
holding period shall be reviewed on a regular basis by 
the Company, but it is expected that this will typically 
be between two to foursix years. For public equities the 
Company’s objective is to maximise capital appreciation. 
Following the acquisition, following the investment, 
the Company will continue to monitor the investment.
its position. Importance will be placed on the timing 
of any disposal which will follow a thorough review of 
market conditions and those reports and sources that 
are available to investors. Should the Company consider 
that the capital appreciation of a particularpublic equity 
investment has reached its peak or is likely to or has 
begun to decline, then the Company will consider the 
sale of that investment.

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EFFECT OF COVID-19 AND RECENT MARKET 
VOLATILITY 

As previously announced, even before the recent 
negative developments caused by COVID-19 and oil 
price volatility, the venture capital community was 
becoming more focused on start-ups’ ability to achieve 
underlying profitability, or at least to control the cost 
of their growth.  The ‘growth at any cost’ mentality that 
had often prevailed among start-ups and venture capital 
investors, was gradually being replaced with a more 
pragmatic approach of seeking to achieve more cost-
efficient growth.  As this balanced approach has always 
been one of TMT’s key selection criteria, we are pleased 
to see that the majority of our portfolio companies 
are seeing the fruits of having adopted this approach 
early on.  Especially in turbulent times like these, this 
approach now allows them to efficiently control their 
burn rates and cash liquidity levels.

Our top five portfolio companies (Bolt, Backblaze, 
Depositphotos, Pipedrive and Scentbird), accounting 
for approximately 75% of the Company’s NAV, are 
well-established, more mature businesses, with globally 
diversified revenues, strong cash reserves and tens 
of thousands of customers.  They are operationally 
nimble, cost conscious companies that have grown 
rapidly, without undertaking large funding rounds to 
support expanded cost bases compared to some of 
their peers, which TMT believes should therefore enable 
them to better adapt to the current environment.  As 
technology-driven companies, their staff are also used 
to working remotely.

Ride-hailing and delivery service Bolt is active in over 
150 cities globally.  Whilst turnover for the core ride-
hailing business has been negatively affected as a result 
of COVID-19, the drop in variable costs is resulting 
in lower cash burn rates for Bolt.  On 26 March 
2020, Bolt announced the launch of its Bolt Business 
Delivery service.  This service can be used by all kinds 
of businesses, from restaurants and supermarkets to 
florists, with same-day or even same-hour B2C delivery.  
Although this was not in direct response to COVID-19, 
the development underlines Bolt’s ability to scale up 
and make best use of its existing infrastructure and 
resources, which is a feature that we always seek to 
identify as one of our key investment criteria.  In light of 
COVID-19, Bolt will be refining and expanding its delivery 
service to capitalise on the opportunities created.  With 
the €50 million quasi-equity facility agreement with the 
European Investment Bank secured in January 2020, 
Bolt entered 2020 with a strong cash balance, though its 
future performance and liquidity position will depend on 
how much longer its key markets remain under various 
degrees of quarantine as a result of COVID-19.

Online data backup and cloud storage provider 
Backblaze is operationally profitable, with significant 
cash reserves and over 600,000 customers globally.  
Backblaze offers a low-cost cloud storage product that 

is well positioned for growth in the current cost saving 
environment.  TMT believes that the short-term impact 
on Backblaze’s revenues is likely to be neutral, with 
longer-term outlook potentially positive.

Stock photo and video marketplace Depositphotos 
entered this period operationally profitable, with 
sizeable cash reserves and a well-diversified 
international customer base.  TMT believes that the 
short-term impact on Depositphotos’ revenues is likely 
to be neutral with the longer-term outlook potentially 
negative if the COVID-19 effect deepens.

Sales CRM software Pipedrive is operationally profitable, 
with very significant cash reserves and a well-diversified 
customer base of over 90,000 companies worldwide.  
TMT believes that the short-term impact on Pipedrive’s 
revenues is likely to be neutral.

Perfume and other beauty products subscription service 
Scentbird entered this period operationally profitable, 
with sizeable cash reserves.  TMT believes that the 
short-term impact on Scentbird’s revenues is likely to be 
neutral with the longer-term outlook potentially negative 
if the COVID-19 effect deepens.

The remainder of our portfolio consists of over 25 
companies and is diversified across our four core 
investment sectors: Big Data/Cloud, SaaS (software-as-
a-service), Marketplaces and E-commerce.  While some 
of the portfolio companies most exposed to sectors 
immediately affected (such as event management 
software company Attendify, electric scooter sharing 
platform Go X, and fashion rental platform Le Tote) 
will have to face some important and potentially 
serious challenges, a notable number of our portfolio 
companies (such as remote learning company MEL 
Science, parent-teacher communication platform 
ClassTag, Central American delivery company Hugo, and 
game coaching service Legionfarm) have experienced 
an increase in demand for their products.  The effect on 
other portfolio companies is therefore mixed, and a lot 
will depend on how the situation develops in the coming 
months.

TMT’s own team has always been internationally based 
and is therefore used to working remotely.  As a result, 
there has been no disruption to our operations.

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Executive Director’s Statement Continued

OUTLOOK

TMT has now invested in over 55 companies since 
its admission to AIM in December 2010 and has a 
diversified portfolio of over 30 investments, focused 
primarily on Big Data/Cloud, SaaS, Marketplaces 
and E-commerce.  With a strong cash balance, 
TMT’s current strategy is to be extremely selective in 
identifying any new investment opportunities, and we 
do not expect to deploy any significant funds towards 
new investments in the next few months as we await 
to see the full impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.  
We expect a number of revaluations (both negative 
and positive) across our portfolio in 2020 and will 
update shareholders on relevant developments as 
appropriate.

Alexander Selegenev
Executive Director
15 April 2020

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120%

REVALUATION 
UPLIFT

OVER 600,000 
PAYING 
CUSTOMERS

Backblaze is a leading online data backup and cloud storage provider with  
over 600,000 paying customers.  

  TMT is proud to have identified 
Backblaze’s potential early on 
and became its first institutional 
external investor in 2012

Backblaze is an outstanding example of a company that has succeeded in recording 
strong organic growth without recurring to large and dilutive equity fund raises. 

In 2019, Backblaze continued to register double-digit revenue growth, exceeding 600,000 paying customers, 
whilst its “B2” cloud storage revenue is growing at over 100% year-on-year. 

In August 2019, TMT entered into an agreement with a third-party private investor to dispose of approximately 
9% of its interest in Backblaze for a cash consideration of US$2.0 million.  The partial disposal to a third-
party private investor implied a substantial increase in the value of TMT’s interest in Backblaze to US$23.2 
million, being the value of its remaining interest and the consideration received, representing an increase of 
approximately US$12.7 million (or approximately 120%) on the value of the Company’s interest in Backblaze of 
US$10.5 million as of 31 December 2018.

www.Backblaze.com 

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Portfolio 
Developments

We were delighted with the performance of our portfolio 
companies in 2019, which continued the trend of positive 
revaluations and cash realisations.  

A number of portfolio companies received further 
validation for their business models by raising 
fresh equity capital at higher valuations during 
the year.  In tandem, the majority of our other 
portfolio companies have continued growing 
their businesses quietly in the background. 

PORTFOLIO PERFORMANCE

The following developments had an impact on and 
are reflected in the Company’s NAV and/or financial 
statements as at 31 December 2019 in accordance 
with applicable accounting standards:

FULL AND PARTIAL CASH EXITS, AND POSITIVE 
NON-CASH REVALUATIONS:

•  In February 2019, the Company received a total net 
cash consideration of US$547,972 for the disposal 
of its entire investment in The IRApp, Inc.

•  In June 2019, PandaDoc, a document automation 
SaaS provider (www.Pandadoc.com), completed 
a new equity funding round.  The transaction 
represented a revaluation uplift of US$0.98 million 
(or 79.5%) in the fair value of TMT’s interest in 
PandaDoc, compared to the previous reported 
amount as of 31 December 2018.

•  As announced on 28 June 2019, Bolt, a leading 
international ride-hailing company (www.bolt.eu) 
formerly known as Taxify, completed a new funding 
round.  The transaction represented a revaluation 
uplift of US$5.04 million (or 29.5%) in the fair value 
of TMT’s interest in Bolt, compared to the previous 
reported amount as of 31 December 2018.

•  In July 2019, Workiz, a field service management 

SaaS provider (www.workiz.com), completed a new 
equity funding round.  The transaction represented 
a revaluation uplift of US$0.18 million (or 67.6%) in 
the fair value of TMT’s interest in Workiz, compared 
to the previous reported amount as of 31 December 
2018.

•  In August 2019, eAgronom, a farm management 
SaaS provider (www.eagronom.com), completed 
a new equity funding round.  The transaction 
represented a revaluation uplift of US$54,024 
(or 23.1%) in the fair value of TMT’s interest in 
eAgronom, compared to the previous reported 
amount as of 31 December 2018.

•  In August 2019, TMT entered into an agreement 
with a third-party private investor to dispose of 
approximately 9% of its interest in Backblaze Inc. 
(“Backblaze”), a leading data backup and cloud 
storage company (www.backblaze.com), for a 
cash consideration of US$2.0 million.  The partial 
disposal to a third-party private investor implied a 
substantial increase in the value of TMT’s interest in 
Backblaze to US$23.2 million, being the value of its 
remaining interest and the consideration received, 
representing an increase of approximately US$12.7 
million (or approximately 120%) on the value of the 
Company’s interest in Backblaze of US$10.5 million 
as of 31 December 2018.

•  In November 2019, online fashion rental start-up 
Le Tote (www.letote.com) acquired Lord & Taylor, 
the US’s oldest department store.  The transaction 
resulted in an increase of approximately US$0.75 

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million (or 37.7%) in the value of TMT’s interest in Le 
Tote, compared to the previous reported amount as 
of 31 December 2018.

•  In December 2019, Platform as a Service (PaaS) 
provider of enterprise-class networking services 
Remote.it (www.remote.it) completed an equity 
financing round.  The transaction resulted in an 
increase of approximately US$2.2 million (or 282%) 
in the value of TMT’s interest in Remote.it, compared 
to the previous reported amount as of 31 December 
2018.

•  In January 2020, Central American delivery and 
transportation technology company Hugo (www.

hugoapp.com) completed an equity financing 
round.  The transaction resulted in an increase of 
approximately US$0.58 million (or 290%) in the value 
of TMT’s interest in Hugo, compared to the original 
amount invested in Hugo in January 2019.

•  In February 2020, Accern, an AI-based data design 
company that helps automate research and data 
analysis processes within organisations (www.accern.
com), completed an equity financing round.  The 
transaction resulted in an increase of approximately 
US$0.28 million (or 28.3%) in the value of TMT’s 
interest in Accern, compared to the original amount 
invested in Accern in August 2019.

NEGATIVE REVALUATIONS:

•  In July 2019, the Company entered into a definitive agreement to sell its entire holding in Unicell for a total net 
cash consideration of US$965,729.  The transaction represented a reduction of US$14,271 in the fair value of 
TMT’s interest in Unicell, compared to the previous reported amount as of 31 December 2018. The following of 
the Company’s portfolio investments were also negatively revalued in 2019:

Portfolio 
Company

Write-down 
amount (US$)

Reduction as % of 
fair value reported 
as of 31 Dec 2018

Reasons for write-down

Sixa

Drupe

900,000

595,142

100%

100%

Lack of progress; Board’s assessment of value

Lack of progress; Board’s assessment of value

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TMT Investments Annual Report and Accounts 2019 
Key developments for the five largest portfolio holdings in 2019  
(source: TMT’s portfolio companies):

BOLT (ride-hailing service):

DEPOSITPHOTOS (stock photo marketplace):

•  Active in over 150 cities over the world (from “over 

•  Double-digit growth in revenue and number of files 

70” cities as of 31 December 2018)

in the photobank

•  Triple-digit growth in revenue and number of users

•  New graphic design software product Crello 

•  Raised a new equity round in the first half of 2019 

growing fast in both users and revenue

at an increased valuation

BACKBLAZE  
(online data backup and cloud storage provider):

•  Double-digit revenue growth, exceeding 600,000 

paying customers

• 

“B2” cloud storage revenue grew at over 100% year-
on-year

PIPEDRIVE (sales CRM software):

•  Double-digit growth in revenue

•  Over 90,000 paying customers (from “over 85,000” 

as of 31 December 2018)

SCENTBIRD (perfume and other beauty product 
subscription service):

•  Double-digit growth in revenue and number of 

customers

•  Over 330,000 subscribers (from “over 250,000” as of 

31 December 2018)

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New investments

Following the disposal of our investment in Wrike, Inc. (“Wrike”) at the end of 2018 
for US$24.7 million (net), we were busy directing those proceeds towards investing in 
additional exciting companies that met our investment criteria of having outstanding 
management teams, high growth potential based on globally scalable business 
models, viable exit opportunities and already generating revenue. 

In 2019, the Company made the following investments:

US$0.65 million
in Ad Intelligence Inc., trading as 
RetargetApp, an online solution 
aimed at monitoring ad campaigns 
and automatically managing daily 
budgets, audience and bids to 
improve the quality of retargeting 
(https://retargetapp.com).

US$2 million
In MEL Science Limited (www.melscience.
com), a UK EdTech company using 
Virtual Reality (VR) to focus on early 
science education.  The company’s main 
products are subscription kits and VR 
software for learning chemistry and 
other disciplines.

US$1 million
In Accern Corporation, an AI-
based data design company that 
helps automate research and 
data analysis processes within 
organisations (www.accern.com).  
Accern’s clients include IBM, 
MetLIfe, Credit Suisse and Moody’s, 
as well as other Fortune 500 
companies.

US$350,000
In Cheetah X, Inc., the developer 
of the electric scooter sharing 
platform Go-X (www.goxapp.com).

US$1.5 million
In Scalarr, Inc., a machine learning-
based fraud detection solution 
focused on the advertising market 
(www.scalarr.io).

US$200,000
In Hugo (www.hugoapp.com), a 
Central American on-demand 
delivery service.

US$1 million
In Affise Technologies Ltd, a 
performance marketing SaaS 
solution for the affiliate industry 
(https://affise.com/en/).

£200,000
(US$253,615)
In HealthyHealth-UK Ltd, a UK 
InsurTech and HealthTech company 
(www.healthyhealth.uk).

US$1.4 million
in Rocket Games Entertainment 
LLC, the owner of Legionfarm, an 
online game coaching service that 
helps gamers master complex 
games by hiring professional 
players (www.legionfarm.com).

US$0.22 million
In Timbeter OÜ, a cloud-based 
mobile software solution for 
round wood measurement, timber 
inventory management and 
reporting (https://timbeter.com).

EVENTS AFTER THE REPORTING PERIOD 

In February 2020, the Company invested US$400,000 in ClassTag, Inc., a parent-teacher communication platform 
currently connecting over 2 million families across 25,000 schools (www.classtag.com).

In April 2020, the Company invested £150,000 in 3S Money Club Limited, an online banking service focusing on 
international trade (www.3s.money).

In the year to date, the global economy was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and the related market 
volatility.  Whilst the Company’s operations and liquidity position were not directly impacted, the principal 
activity of the Company was naturally affected through the impact on and therefore potential performance of 
the Company’s investee companies.  The current and potential near-term impact of these developments on the 
Company is discussed in the Executive Director’s statement.

These events after the reporting period are not reflected in the NAV and/or the financial statements as at 31 
December 2019.

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PAGE CONTENTTMT Investments Annual Report and Accounts 2019 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment 
Portfolio

28

Portfolio Classification By Investees’ Sectors

(as of 31 December 2019)

Big Data / Cloud

E-Commerce

Marketplace

SaaS

Other

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TMT Investments Annual Report and Accounts 2019 
The Company’s Ten Largest Portfolio Investments

(as of 31 December 2019)

OTHER

Portfolio  
Company

# 

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

Bolt

Backblaze

Depositphotos

Pipedrive

Scentbird

Remote.it

Le Tote

PandaDoc

MEL Science

10 Wanelo

Other

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Fair value (US$ M)

As % of total 
portfolio value

 22.13   

 21.20   

 10.84   

 10.26   

 3.34   

 3.03   

 2.75   

 2.22   

 2.00   

 1.83   

11.62

91.21

24.27

23.25

11.88

11.25

3.66

3.32

3.01

2.43

2.19

2.00

12.74

100.00

 
Portfolio allocation by sector and  
by number of companies per sector

(as of 31 December 2019)

Other
6.77%

E-Commerce
9.17%

Marketplace
38.92%

SaaS
16.53%

6

5

4

7

7

Big Data / Cloud
28.61%

Sector

Fair Value (US$ M)

Percentage (%)

Companies

Marketplace

Big Data / Cloud

SaaS

E-Commerce

Other

35.50

26.10

15.07

8.37

6.17

91.21

38.92

28.61

16.53

9.17

6.77

100.00

5

7

7

4

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TMT Investments Annual Report and Accounts 2019 
Portfolio allocation by growth stage of investee companies

(% of portfolio and number of companies, as of 31 December 2019)

Early
9.46%

Expansion
5

Expansion
65.09%

Fair
Value

Growth
25.45%

Companies

Early
15

Growth
9

Sector

Early

Growth

Expansion

Fair Value (US$ M)

Percentage (%)

Companies

 8.63   

 23.21   

 59.37

 91.21

9.46

25.45

65.09

100.00

 15   

 9   

 5   

 29   

Portfolio allocation by target audience of investee companies

(% of portfolio and number of companies, as of 31 December 2019)

B2B
23.48%

B2C
36.45%

Fair
Value

B2B
14

Companies

B2C
8

B2C/B2B
7

Fair Value (US$ M)

Percentage (%)

Companies

 33.25   

 36.54   

 21.41   

 91.21

36.45

40.07

23.48

100.00

8

7

14

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B2C/B2B
40.07%

Sector

B2C

B2C/B2B

B2B

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Proven Track Record In Creating Value
(since inception to 31 December 2019)

VALUE CREATED

$131.8M

$26.9M

$13.6M

FULL 
PROFITABLE 
CASH EXITS

PARTIAL CASH 
EXITS AND 
OTHER CASH 
PROCEEDS

$0M

REMAINING 
IN IMPAIRED 
COMPANIES

$91.2M

REMAINING IN POSITIVELY REVALUED COMPANIES

CAPITAL INVESTED $40.1M

VALUE LOST

$11M

$11M

$0M

FULL NEGATIVE EXITS

PARTIAL IMPAIRMENTS

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TMT Investments Annual Report and Accounts 2019 
Exits
(since inception to 31 December 2019)

FULL PROFITABLE EXITS

Astrid

PARTIAL PROFITABLE EXITS

ACQUIRERS

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Portfolio Map
(as of 31 December 2019)

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TMT Investments Annual Report and Accounts 2019 
The Company’s ten largest portfolio investments  
(as of 31 December 2019)

BOLT 

International ride-hailing and delivery platform.

www.bolt.eu 

Incorporation 
Estonia

First invested in 
September 2014

BACKBLAZE

Online data back-up and cloud storage provider.

www.Backblaze.com

Incorporation 
USA

First invested in 
July 2012

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Total Investment  
(USD Million)

$0.32m

Fair Value (USD Million)

$22.13m

Total Investment  
(USD Million)

$5.03m

Fair Value (USD Million)

$21.20m

 
DEPOSITPHOTOS

A photobank (an online image marketplace) acting  
as intermediary between picture right owners and buyers.

www.Depositphotos.com 

Incorporation 
USA

First invested in 
July 2011

PIPEDRIVE 

Sales CRM software.

www.Pipedrive.com 

Incorporation 
USA

First invested in 
July 2012

SCENTBIRD 

Subscription-based service for luxury fragrances and other beauty products.

www.scentbird.com 

Incorporation 
USA

First invested in 
April 2015

Total Investment  
(USD Million)

$4.02m

Fair Value (USD Million)

$10.84m

Total Investment  
(USD Million)

$0.78m

Fair Value (USD Million)

$10.26m

Total Investment  
(USD Million)

$0.91m

Fair Value (USD Million)

$3.34m

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TMT Investments Annual Report and Accounts 2019 
REMOTE.IT 

Secure overlay networks on top of the Internet.

www.remote.it 

Incorporation 
USA

First invested in 
June 2014

LE TOTE 

Personalised clothing subscription and rented fashion.

www.letote.com 

Incorporation 
USA

First invested in 
July 2014

PANDADOC

PandaDoc helps improve efficiency and productivity of business 
development and sales teams across various industries.

www.PandaDoc.com

Incorporation 
USA

First invested in 
July 2014

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Total Investment  
(USD Million)

$0.28m

Fair Value (USD Million)

$3.03m

Total Investment  
(USD Million)

$0.45m

Fair Value (USD Million)

$2.75m

Total Investment  
(USD Million)

$0.41m

Fair Value (USD Million)

$2.22m

 
MEL SCIENCE 

Subscription-based science experiments for school children,  
combining a hands-on approach with theory and VR. 

www.melscience.com 

Incorporation 
United Kingdom

First invested in 
February 2019

WANELO 

Online social discovery shopping platform.

www.wanelo.com 

Incorporation 
USA

First invested in 
November 2011

Total Investment  
(USD Million)

$2.00m

Fair Value (USD Million)

$2.00m

Total Investment  
(USD Million)

$0.36m

Fair Value (USD Million)

$1.83m

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TMT Investments Annual Report and Accounts 2019 
Board of Directors

Yuri Mostovoy, Non-executive Chairman, was 
appointed to the Board in June 2011. Yuri brings over 
36 years expertise in investment banking, software 
development and business to his role as Chairman of 
the Company. Yuri completed his Ph.D. program at 
the Moscow Aviation Institute in 1972 and has a M.Sc. 
in Electrical Engineering from that same institution. 
Yuri has held a number of previous Board positions 
at a number of companies, and brings this experience 
to the Board. He has been involved in a number of 
internet start-ups in the areas of medical devices, 
software development, and social media. 

Yuri Mostovoy is actively involved in the start-up 
investment community, especially in some of the tech 
hubs in the USA, meeting with technological companies 
seeking investments on a regular basis. Through this 
process of direct contact with investee companies, Yuri 
keeps updated on sector developments.

Alexander Selegenev, Executive Director, was 
appointed to the Board in December 2010. The 
Executive Director has the responsibility of leading 
the business and the executive management team, 
ensuring that strategic and commercial objectives are 
met. Alexander has over 20 years of experience in 
investment banking and venture capital, with specific 
expertise in international corporate finance, equity 
capital markets and mergers and acquisitions at a 
number of City of London firms including Teather & 
Greenwood Limited, Daiwa Securities SMBC Europe 
Limited, and Sumitomo Bank Limited. Throughout his 
career he worked on a large number of AIM IPOs and 
private equity and merger and acquisition transactions. 
He has an MSc (Hons) and a BSc (Hons) in Business 
from the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia in 
Moscow and a Bachelor of Business Studies (Major in 
Management) from Monash International University 
in Australia. He brings strong experience of working 
with public markets. Alexander’s public markets and 
financial experience make him an ideal conduit to 
engaging with the Company’s Nomad, investors and 
make him an effective conduit between the Board and 
the Company’s other team members. 

Alexander Selegenev is an active member of the 
Company’s investment committee, allowing him to keep 
very close to developments and current thinking on 
new technologies, market trends, company valuations 
and fundraising activities. 

Alexander Selegenev is a member of the Company’s 
Nomination Committee.

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James Mullins, independent Non-executive 
Director, was appointed to the Board in December 
2010. He brings to the Company a strong combination 
of accountancy, experience of working with public 
markets and institutional investors. James, with his 
financial background, provides the experience required 
as chairman of the audit committee to challenge the 
business internally and also the Group auditors. From 
2004 to 2007, he was the Finance Director at Rambler 
Media and was involved in its successful admission on 
AIM and subsequent sale. He has been a director of 
numerous funds and companies including the Russian 
Federation First Mercantile Fund. This Fund (Class 
A shares) is listed on the Bermuda Stock Exchange. 
He was previously a partner in First Mercantile and 
FM Asset Management Ltd. He previously worked for 
PricewaterhouseCoopers, Deloitte and British Coal 
where he was a national investment manager. He was 
recently Chairman of the Scottish Salmon Company, 
which is listed on the Oslo Bors. James is a Fellow of 
the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants and 
he holds a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of 
Arts degree from Trinity College, Dublin. James is also 
an active entrepreneur and investor.

James Mullins has recently completed an online course 
with University of Oxford Said Business School entitled 
Oxford Blockchain Strategy Programme.

Petr Lanin, independent Non-executive Director 
was appointed to the Board in December 2010. Petr’s 
experience in investment and brokerage that he brings 
to the Company allows him to review and challenge 
decisions and opportunities presented both within the 
formal arena of the Boardroom and as called upon 
when needed by senior management. 

He began his career as an equity analyst in the Russian 
information agency “RosBusinessConsulting” (“RBC”) 
in 1995. Between 1996-2000 he served as chief of 
the share department in Makprombank. Between 
2000 and 2006 he held the position of general 
director of the investment company “Maxwell Capital”. 
Following his appointment as general director of 
“Maxwell Asset Management” in 2003, Mr. Lanin was 
key in the establishment and management of many 
investment funds. He was also one of the managing 
directors of venture capital fund “Maxwell Biotech” 
which was a closed mutual fund set up and operated 
by Maxwell Asset Management. In 2008, Maxwell 
Asset Management established a UK FSA registered 
subsidiary in which Petr Lanin held a controlled 
function. At present, Petr is a chief of the Purchases 
and Supply Department in Federal State Organisation 
“Clinical hospital #1”. Petr holds an MBA degree 
in finance and credit from the Plekhanov Russian 
Academy of Economics.

James Mullins serves as Chairman of the Audit, 
Remuneration and Nomination committees.

Petr Lanin is a member of the Company’s Audit and 
Remuneration Committees.

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TMT Investments Annual Report and Accounts 2019 
 
42

79.5%

REVALUATION 
UPLIFT

CREATE, SEND, 
TRACK, AND 
DESIGN SALES 
DOCUMENTS

PandaDoc is a document automation SaaS provider used by over 16,000 companies worldwide. 

  PandaDoc’s focus on product 
market fit and its own sales 
pipeline is impressive

TMT invested in PandaDoc in 2014, impressed by the company’s focus on product 
development and how it was growing its own sales pipeline.

PandaDoc is a good example of one of our portfolio companies that has achieved solid growth by seeking to 
continuously improve its product market fit, whilst simultaneously remaining focussed on growing its sales, 
supported by integration partnerships. PandaDoc simplifies the process to create, send, track and eSign sales 
documents, helping its clients close deals faster and more efficiently. It counts major corporations among its 
clients, including Hilton, Tata Steel and SGS. 

In June 2019 PandaDoc completed a new equity funding round.  The transaction represented a revaluation uplift 
of US$0.98 million (or 79.5%) in the fair value of TMT’s interest in PandaDoc, compared to the previous reported 
amount as of 31 December 2018.

www.PandaDoc.com

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Corporate 
Governance

AIM quoted companies are required, pursuant to the AIM Rules for Companies, 
to set out details of the recognised corporate governance code that the Board of 
Directors has decided to adopt, how the Company complies with that code and 
provide reasons for any departures where it does not comply with that code. 

Introduction

The Board of TMT Investments Plc (“TMT” or the “Company”) fully endorses 
the importance of good corporate governance and has adopted the 2018 
Quoted Companies Alliance Corporate Governance Code for Small and 
Mid-Sized Companies (the “QCA Code”), which the Board believes to be the 
most appropriate corporate governance code given the Company’s size, 
stage of development and that its shares are admitted to trading on AIM. 
The QCA Code is a practical, outcome-oriented approach to corporate 
governance that is tailored for small and mid-size quoted companies in 
the UK and which provides the Company with the framework and effective 
oversight to help ensure that a strong level of governance is maintained.

In accordance with the QCA Code and AIM Rule 26, the report below 
provides a high level overview of how TMT has applied the principles of the 
QCA Code and any areas in which the Company’s governance structures 
and practices depart from or differ from the expectations of the QCA Code.

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PAGE CONTENTChairman’s Corporate governance statement

Dear Shareholder,

As Chairman, it remains my responsibility, working with my fellow Board colleagues, to ensure that good standards 
of corporate governance are embraced throughout the Company. I am therefore pleased to report that, in 
accordance with the revisions made to the AIM Rules for Companies effective 28 September 2018, the Board 
chose to adopt the QCA Code with immediate effect.

The adoption of the QCA Code supports the Company’s success by creating and supporting a strong corporate 
governance environment for the benefit of the Company, its shareholders and its stakeholders.

The Board is committed to good governance across the business, at executive level and throughout its operations 
and we believe that the QCA Code provides us with the right governance framework: a flexible but rigorous 
outcome-oriented environment in which we can continue to develop our governance model to support our 
business. The Company applies the QCA Code by seeking to address all of its requirements and ensuring that the 
QCA Code is embedded in the Company’s operations and corporate culture.

As Chairman, I am responsible for leading an effective Board, fostering a good corporate governance culture, 
maintaining open communications with shareholders and ensuring appropriate strategic focus and direction for 
the Company.

The Board not only sets expectations for the business but works towards ensuring that strong values are set and 
carried out by the Directors across the business. The Company’s corporate culture is based on the three values 
of transparency, innovation and continuous improvement. These three values support the Company’s objectives, 
strategy and business model.

As a publicly quoted company that provides investors with a liquid route to investing in private companies, 
transparency is fundamental to how we operate and communicate with our shareholders. The Company therefore 
endorses a culture of transparency and seeks to provide investors with as much information as is practically 
possible regarding its portfolio investments and its own operations as a company. 

Innovation supports the Company’s objective of investing in successful, long-term companies that have innovation 
at the core of their own business models. In parallel, the Company seeks to apply an innovative approach to 
how it manages its own operations. The Company therefore seeks to review its operations and capabilities on an 
ongoing basis to ensure it can continue to successfully operate as an investing company and make best use of its 
range of capabilities. 

Continuous improvement reflects the Company’s objective of assessing its own performance and identifying areas 
for improvement across its investment processes and operations on an ongoing basis.

We place a special focus on monitoring and promoting a healthy corporate culture, which the Company currently 
enjoys. Nevertheless, there is always room for improvement and we will continue to pursue programmes that 
keep us advancing in this regard.

The importance of engaging with our shareholders underpins the essence of the business, and we welcome 
investors’ continued engagement with both the Board and executive team.

In the statements that follow, we explain our approach to corporate governance, how the Board and its 
committees operate, and how we seek to comply with the QCA’s 10 principles.

Yuri Mostovoy
Chairman

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Total Investment  
(USD Million)

$0.2m

Fair Value (USD Million)

$0.78m

In January 2020, Central American 
delivery and transportation technology 
company Hugo (www.hugoapp.com) 
completed an equity financing round.  
The transaction resulted in an increase 
of approximately US$0.58 million (or 
290%) in the value of TMT’s interest in 
Hugo, compared to the original amount 
invested in Hugo in January 2019.

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PAGE CONTENTPrinciple 1

Establish a strategy and business model which  
promote long-term value for shareholders

The Company has been established for the purpose of making 
investments in the Technology, Media and Telecommunications sector 
(“TMT sector”) where the Directors believe there is potential for growth 
and the creation of shareholder value. 

INVESTMENT STRATEGY 

TMT currently focuses on identifying attractive investment 
opportunities in the following segments of the TMT sector: 

BIG DATA AND  
CLOUD SOLUTIONS

SOFTWARE-AS- 
A-SERVICE (SaaS) 

E-COMMERCE

MARKETPLACES

Among other features, TMT seeks to identify companies that have:

•  Competent and motivated management 

founders – managing high-growth companies 
requires a rare combination of skills

The Company has identified a number of challenges in 
executing its strategy. We describe these risks and how 
we manage them in Principle 4.

•  High growth potential – companies with a product 

or service that can be scaled up globally

•  Growth stage – we highly favour investing in 

companies that are already generating revenues 
(we have a typical minimum revenue threshold of 
US$100,000 per month)

•  Viable exit opportunities – when we invest, we 
are already assessing potential exit scenarios

The Company believes it is well placed to deliver 
shareholder value in the medium and long-term 
through the application of its business model, 
investment strategy and risk mitigation measures, as 
described in this document.

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TMT Investments Annual Report and Accounts 2019 
Principle 2

Seek to understand and meet  
shareholder needs and expectations

The Company places great importance on 
communication with shareholders and potential 
investors, which it undertakes through a variety of 
channels, including the annual reports and accounts, 
interim accounts, and regulatory announcements 
that are available on the Company’s website www.
tmtinvestments.com. On request, hard copies of the 
Company’s reports and accounts can be mailed to 
shareholders and other parties who have an interest in 
the Company’s performance.

The Directors review the Company’s investment 
strategy on an ongoing basis. Any material change to 
the Investing Policy will be subject to the prior consent 
of the shareholders in a general meeting.

Developing a good understanding of the needs 
and expectations of all elements of the Company’s 
shareholder base is fundamental to the Company’s 
progress. The Company has developed a number of 
initiatives that it holds on a regular basis to meet this 
need. As part of its regular dialogue with shareholders, 
the Company seeks to understand the motivations 
behind shareholder voting decisions as well as manage 
shareholders’ expectations.

The Company’s shareholder base has grown in 
numbers as well as become more diversified since its 
admission to AIM in December 2010. The Company’s 
shareholder base is comprised of institutional 
investors, family offices, high net worth individuals and 
retail investors.

In addition to communicating with shareholders 
through the Company’s annual reports, interim results, 
regulatory announcements, and the opportunity for 
shareholders to engage with the Company at the AGM, 
the Company’s broker and other advisors arrange 
regular meetings with UK institutional investors and 
private client brokers, to introduce the Company and 
its investment strategy.

Developing a good understanding 
of the needs and expectations 
of all elements of the Company’s 
shareholder base is fundamental  
to the Company’s progress. 

The Company has been increasing its engagement 
with retail investors by holding private investor events 
arranged by the Company’s public relations adviser. As 
part of these retail investor events, feedback surveys 
are provided to attendees. The feedback includes 
information on amount, type and quality of information 
provided, presentation style and areas of investor 
interest. Investor feedback collected is incorporated 
into the planning of future events on an ongoing 
basis. Interested parties are able to subscribe for 
notifications of such future events by contacting tmt@
kinlancommunications.com 

In addition, the Company engages with the financial 
media on a regular basis in order to generate interest 
among a wider number of potential shareholders.

In 2019, the Company integrated share price feeds 
into its website, with the aim of increasing shareholder 
engagement and to better meet shareholders’ 
information needs.

Shareholder enquiries should be directed to Alexander 
Selegenev, Executive Director at ir@tmtinvestments.
com, or to the Company’s advisors, contact details for 
whom are included on the Company’s web site.

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Principle 3

Take into account wider stakeholder and social  
responsibilities and their implications for long-term success

The Company’s business model is that of a publicly 
quoted venture capital investing company investing 
in the TMT sector. As such, it relies on the continued 
growth of the TMT sector and access to good 
investment opportunities. In relation to its wider 
stakeholders, the Company needs to ensure that it:

OTHER SUPPLIERS

The Company has banking relationships in place 
to service its operations as well as a number of 
administrative and other suppliers, such as the 
Registrar and Company Secretary.

•  Maintains a good reputation as a credible investor in 

its chosen investment sector;

INTERNAL STAKEHOLDERS

The Company’s workforce

• 

Is fully compliant with all regulatory requirements;

•  Takes into account its wider stakeholders’ needs; 

The Company’s investment performance relies on the 
retention and incentivisation of its directors, employees 
and consultants. 

The Company has put in place a bonus plan (“Bonus 
Plan”) for Directors, officers, employees of, or 
consultants to, the Company. This initial 3-year Bonus 
Plan was approved by the Board on 2 December 2015. 
Under the Bonus Plan, subject to achieving minimum 
hurdle rate and high watermark conditions in respect 
of the Company’s net asset value (“NAV”), the team 
receives annual cash bonus equal to 7.5% of the net 
increases in the Company’s NAV, adjusted for any 
changes in the Company’s equity capital resulting from 
issuance of new shares, dividends, share buy-backs or 
similar corporate transactions in each relevant year. In 
June 2018, the Company extended its Bonus Plan for 
the next three years (until 30 June 2021) on the same 
terms, with slightly amended initial allocations of the 
Bonus Pool among the current participants.

The Company engages with its stakeholders during the 
course of its day to day activities, seeking feedback as 
the occasion arises. The Company evaluates feedback 
and assesses its incorporation into its decisions and 
actions and, if appropriate, its operations, on an 
ongoing basis.  Details of the Company’s most regular 
interactions with shareholders, through which the 
Company gains feedback from shareholders, are 
provided in the disclosures on Principle 2 above. 

and

•  Takes into account its social responsibilities and 

their implications for long-term success.

The Company regards its employees, advisors, 
shareholders and investee companies, as well as the 
technology and start-up community, to be the core of 
the wider stakeholder group:

THE TECHNOLOGICAL AND START-UP COMMUNITY

The Company sources its investments from the global 
technological universe of companies. All members 
of the Company’s team maintain good relationships 
with the global technological start-up community 
through arranging meetings with prospective investees, 
attending tech and tech investor events, and through 
ongoing building of their professional networks. 
This has led to a valuable level of accumulated 
tech knowledge and access to suitably attractive 
investments.

PROFESSIONAL ADVISORS

The Company’s professional advisors include its 
Nominated Advisor (Nomad), Broker, Accountants, 
Auditors, and Legal and Financial PR advisors. The 
Company works closely with its professional advisors 
to ensure that it is fully compliant with all regulatory 
requirements at all times.

REGULATORS

The Company is quoted on AIM and is subject to 
regulation by the London Stock Exchange. The 
Company is also subject to the UK City Code on 
Takeovers and Mergers.

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TMT Investments Annual Report and Accounts 2019 
Principle 4

Embed effective risk management, considering  
both opportunities and threats, throughout the organisation 

The Board has taken into account the relevant 
provisions of the QCA Code and associated guidance in 
formulating the systems and procedures which it has 
put in place. The Board is aware of the need to conduct 
regular risk assessments to identify the deficiencies in 
the controls currently operating over all aspects of  
the Company.

The Board regularly reviews the risks faced by the 
Company and ensures the mitigation strategies 
in place are the most effective and appropriate to 
the Company. There may be additional risks and 
uncertainties which are not known to the Board and 
there are risks and uncertainties which are currently 
deemed to be less material, which may also adversely 
impact performance. It is possible that several adverse 
events could occur and that the overall impact of 
these events would compound the possible impact on 
the Company. Any number of the below risks could 
materially adversely affect the Company’s business, 
financial condition, results of operations and/or the 
market price of the ordinary shares.  

The Directors are responsible for the Company’s 
internal control framework and for reviewing its 
effectiveness. Each year the Board reviews all controls, 
including financial, operational and compliance 
controls and risk management procedures. The 
Directors are responsible for ensuring that the 
Company maintains a system of internal control to 
provide them with reasonable assurance regarding 
the reliability of financial information used within 
the business and for publication, and that assets are 
safeguarded. There are inherent limitations in any 
system of internal financial control. On the basis that 
such a system can only provide reasonable but not 
absolute assurance against material misstatement 
or loss, and that it relates only to the needs of the 
business at the time, the system as a whole was found 
by the Directors at the time of approving the accounts 
to be appropriate given the size of the business.

In determining what constitutes a sound system 
of internal controls the Board considers:

•  The nature and extent of the risks which they regard 
as acceptable for the Company to bear within its 
particular business;

•  The threat of such risks becoming reality;

•  The Company’s ability to reduce the incidence and 
impact on its business if the risk crystallises; and

•  The costs and benefits resulting from operative 

relevant controls.

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The Company has identified the following principal risks in executing its strategy  
and addresses these in the following ways:

KEY PEOPLE RISK

MITIGATION

The Company’s management team is relatively small 
in number and the resignation or unavailability of 
members of the management team could potentially 
have an effect on the performance of the Company.

In order to mitigate this risk, the Company has put in 
place a Bonus Plan. The Company ensures that the 
databases it maintains for investment selection and 
monitoring are shared across the senior management 
team, reducing the possibility of loss of information 
due to any one individual leaving or not being 
available.

THE COMPANY INVESTS IN EARLY  
STAGE COMPANIES

Investing in early stage companies is inherently risky. 
These businesses may not successfully develop 
their technology or offering, may fail to secure the 
necessary funding and/or attract further investment 
and may lose key personnel, amongst other risks. 

MITIGATION

The TMT team is experienced in investing in early 
stage technology companies and conducts extensive 
analysis through its four-filter investment process, 
as well as extensive due diligence on the companies 
before it makes any investment.

PORTFOLIO VALUATION MAY BE DOMINATED  
BY SINGLE OR LIMITED NUMBER OF COMPANIES

The success or failure of companies in our portfolio 
in growing revenues and/or attracting further 
investment is likely to have a significant impact on 
their valuation, increasing or decreasing significantly.  
These valuations are driven by market forces and are 
outside of our control. 

MITIGATION

The Company has built and continues to build a 
diversified portfolio across its core investment 
sectors. The Company also sells partial stakes from 
time to time in its more successful holdings in order 
to reinvest in other companies and/or keep the 
Company’s portfolio appropriately balanced.

LARGE NUMBER OF INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES

MITIGATION

The sectors in which the Company invests are 
characterised by large numbers of new companies 
being launched with similar business models and 
across many countries. The sheer multitude of 
companies can make identifying the best companies 
a challenge in terms of analysis, the monitoring 
of performance before investing and the overall 
assessment of an investee’s potential. 

The Company focuses on a small number of core 
segments within the TMT sector in which it has 
expertise and established professional networks, 
in order to benefit from its competitive information 
advantage. 

Employing a filtering system that is designed to 
identify companies with the best potential to become 
scalable businesses with strong growth potential. 
A special emphasis is placed on assessing the exit 
opportunities for investments under consideration, 
taking into account sector trends, valuations, M&A 
trends and other relevant criteria. 

SPEED OF TECHNOLOGICAL CHANGE 

MITIGATION

Technological change is taking place at ever 
increasing tempos. The speed of technological 
innovation can make it harder to assess an investee 
company’s potential, especially at an early stage of 
development. 

We address this challenge by typically investing in 
companies that are already generating revenue and 
therefore have a proven revenue generating business 
model at the time of the Company’s initial investment.

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TMT Investments Annual Report and Accounts 2019 
VALUATION OF INVESTMENTS

MITIGATION

The Company invests in companies that at times 
operate in very competitive sectors. Given the nature 
of the companies we invest in, it is not likely that all 
will be a success. It is therefore inevitable that some 
investments will require impairment.

To mitigate this risk, the Company reviews all its 
investments, as a minimum, every six months. For each 
of its portfolio companies, the Company maintains a 
database registering data provided by the portfolio 
companies that includes key performance indicators. 

Through this process, the Company actively monitors 
the performance of its portfolio and can affect fair value 
revaluations as required, whilst remaining focussed on 
managing a portfolio of growing companies. 

THE COMPANY HAS A SMALL NUMBER 
OF SHAREHOLDERS WHO HOLD A LARGE 
PROPORTION OF THE TOTAL SHARE CAPITAL  
OF THE COMPANY

The decision by one or more of these shareholders to 
dispose of their holding in the Company may have an 
adverse effect on the Company’s share price.

MITIGATION

The Company seeks to build a mutual understanding 
of objectives between itself and its shareholders. 
The Company maintains regular contact with its 
shareholders through meetings and presentations 
held throughout the year.

NON-CONTROLLING POSITIONS IN  
PORTFOLIO COMPANIES

Non-controlling interests in portfolio companies may 
lead to a limited ability to protect the Company’s 
position in such investments.

MITIGATION

As part of its investment in portfolio companies, the 
Company will seek to secure significant stakes and 
board representation, where it considers that the 
Company and/or an investee company would benefit 
from such an appointment.

PROCEEDS FROM THE REALIZATION OF 
INVESTMENTS MAY VARY SUBSTANTIALLY FROM 
YEAR TO YEAR

The timing of portfolio company realisations is 
uncertain and depends on factors beyond the 
Company’s control. As an investing company that 
does not generate sales, the Company faces the 
potential challenge of insufficient funds to meet its 
financial obligations or make new investments. Cash 
returns from the Company’s portfolio are therefore 
not predictable.

MITIGATION

To address this challenge, the Company focuses on 
investing in companies that it considers to have good 
exit opportunities, via a trade sale, IPO or other exit 
route. This increases the likelihood of generating 
cash returns, which can then be used to reinvest or 
satisfy financial obligations if necessary. The Company 
has also conducted a number of equity fundraises 
since its admission to trading on AIM. As part of its 
fundraising efforts, the Company has committed 
significant resources to developing its shareholder 
base. The Company seeks to maintain sufficient 
cash resources to manage its ongoing operating and 
investment commitment. The Company undertakes 
regular working capital reviews.

The Company’s approach to managing liquidity is to 
ensure that it will always have sufficient liquidity to 
meet its liabilities when due, under both normal and 
stressed conditions, without incurring unacceptable 
losses or risking damage to the Company.

The Company has low liquidity risk due to maintaining 
adequate cash reserves, by continuously monitoring 
actual cash flows and by matching the maturity 
profiles of financial assets and current liabilities.

The Company believes it is well placed to deliver 
shareholder value in the medium and long-term 
through the application of its business model  
and investment strategy and risk mitigation, as 
described above.

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Principle 5

Maintain the board as a well-functioning,  
balanced team led by the chair 

The Board is responsible to shareholders for the 
overall management of the Company and may 
exercise all the powers of the Company, subject to the 
provisions of relevant statutes and any directions given 
by special resolution of the shareholders. 

The Board, led by the Chairman, consists of four 
directors, three of whom are Non-executive. 

The Board comprises of the Non-executive Chairman 
(Yuri Mostovoy), two Non-executive Directors (James 
Joseph Mullins and Petr Lanin) and the Executive 
Director (Alexander Selegenev). James Mullins and Petr 
Lanin, both Non-executives, are considered by the 
Board to be independent. Both James Mullins and Petr 
Lenin were appointed to the Board in December 2010. 
Whilst they have now served as independent Non-
executive Directors for over nine years, the QCA Code 
states that the fact that a director has served for over 
nine years does not automatically affect independence. 
The Board is satisfied that both James Mullins and Petr 
Lanin continue to be free from any business or other 
relationship which could interfere with the exercise 
of their independent judgement. In line with the QCA 
Code recommended good practice, both James Mullins 
and Petr Lanin will now be subject to annual re-election 
on an ongoing basis.

The Board considers that it has the necessary 
industrial, financial, public markets and governance 
experience, possessing the necessary mix of 
experience, skills, personal qualities and capabilities 

to deliver the strategy of the Company for the benefit 
of the shareholders over the medium to long-term 
(details of which are set out in the responses to 
Principle 6 of the QCA Code below).

The Non-executive Chairman is required to dedicate 
at least seven days every month to his duties with 
the Company. The Executive Director is expected to 
dedicate the substantial part of his time to his duties 
with the Company. The Non-executive Directors are 
normally required to dedicate at least two days a 
month to their duties with the Company.  

The Board delegates certain responsibilities to 
its Committees, so that it can operate efficiently 
and give an appropriate level of attention and 
consideration to relevant matters. The Company has 
an Audit Committee, a Remuneration Committee 
and a Nomination Committee, all of which operate 
within a scope and remit defined by specific terms of 
reference determined by the Board. The Board and its 
Committees are provided with high quality information 
in a timely manner to facilitate proper assessment of 
the matters requiring a decision or insight.

The Directors have access to the Company’s advisers 
and are able to obtain advice from other external 
bodies as and when required.

Director

Board Meetings

Audit Committee 
Meetings

Remuneration 
Committee Meetings

Yuri Mostovoy

Alexander Selegenev

Petr Lanin

James Mullins

Total Meetings

11

11

11

11

11

1

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TMT Investments Annual Report and Accounts 2019 
Principle 6

Ensure that between them the directors have 
the necessary up-to-date experience, skills and capabilities 

The Board considers that it has the necessary industrial, financial, public markets and 
governance experience, possessing the necessary mix of experience, skills, personal qualities 
and capabilities to deliver the strategy of the Company for the benefit of the shareholders 
over the medium to long-term. The Directors’ individual experience is set out below. 

Yuri Mostovoy, Non-executive Chairman, was 
appointed to the Board in June 2011. Yuri brings over 
36 years expertise in investment banking, software 
development and business to his role as Chairman of 
the Company. Yuri completed his Ph.D. program at 
the Moscow Aviation Institute in 1972 and has a M.Sc. 
in Electrical Engineering from that same institution. 
Yuri has held a number of previous Board positions 
at a number of companies, and brings this experience 
to the Board. He has been involved in a number of 
internet start-ups in the areas of medical devices, 
software development, and social media. 

Yuri Mostovoy is actively involved in the start-up 
investment community, especially in some of the tech 
hubs in the USA, meeting with technological companies 
seeking investments on a regular basis. Through this 
process of direct contact with investee companies, Yuri 
keeps updated on sector developments.

Alexander Selegenev, Executive Director, was 
appointed to the Board in December 2010. The 
Executive Director has the responsibility of leading 
the business and the executive management team, 
ensuring that strategic and commercial objectives are 
met. Alexander has over 20 years of experience in 
investment banking and venture capital, with specific 
expertise in international corporate finance, equity 
capital markets and mergers and acquisitions at a 
number of City of London firms including Teather & 
Greenwood Limited, Daiwa Securities SMBC Europe 
Limited, and Sumitomo Bank Limited. Throughout his 
career he worked on a large number of AIM IPOs and 
private equity and merger and acquisition transactions. 
He has an MSc (Hons) and a BSc (Hons) in Business 
from the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia in 
Moscow and a Bachelor of Business Studies (Major in 
Management) from Monash International University 
in Australia. He brings strong experience of working 
with public markets. Alexander’s public markets and 
financial experience make him an ideal conduit to 
engaging with the Company’s Nomad, investors and 
make him an effective conduit between the Board and 
the Company’s other team members. 

Alexander Selegenev is an active member of the 
Company’s investment committee, allowing him to keep 
very close to developments and current thinking on 
new technologies, market trends, company valuations 
and fundraising activities. 

Alexander Selegenev is a member of the Company’s 
Nomination Committee.

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Principle 6

James Mullins, independent Non-executive 
Director, was appointed to the Board in December 
2010. He brings to the Company a strong combination 
of accountancy, experience of working with public 
markets and institutional investors. James, with his 
financial background, provides the experience required 
as chairman of the audit committee to challenge the 
business internally and also the Group auditors. From 
2004 to 2007, he was the Finance Director at Rambler 
Media and was involved in its successful admission on 
AIM and subsequent sale. He has been a director of 
numerous funds and companies including the Russian 
Federation First Mercantile Fund. This Fund (Class 
A shares) is listed on the Bermuda Stock Exchange. 
He was previously a partner in First Mercantile and 
FM Asset Management Ltd. He previously worked for 
PricewaterhouseCoopers, Deloitte and British Coal 
where he was a national investment manager. He was 
recently Chairman of the Scottish Salmon Company, 
which is listed on the Oslo Bors. James is a Fellow of 
the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants and 
he holds a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of 
Arts degree from Trinity College, Dublin. James is also 
an active entrepreneur and investor.

James Mullins has recently completed an online course 
with University of Oxford Said Business School entitled 
Oxford Blockchain Strategy Programme.

Petr Lanin, independent Non-executive Director, 
was appointed to the Board in December 2010. Petr’s 
experience in investment and brokerage that he brings 
to the Company allows him to review and challenge 
decisions and opportunities presented both within the 
formal arena of the Boardroom and as called upon 
when needed by senior management. 

He began his career as an equity analyst in the Russian 
information agency “RosBusinessConsulting” (“RBC”) 
in 1995. Between 1996-2000 he served as chief of 
the share department in Makprombank. Between 
2000 and 2006 he held the position of general 
director of the investment company “Maxwell Capital”. 
Following his appointment as general director of 
“Maxwell Asset Management” in 2003, Mr. Lanin was 
key in the establishment and management of many 
investment funds. He was also one of the managing 
directors of venture capital fund “Maxwell Biotech” 
which was a closed mutual fund set up and operated 
by Maxwell Asset Management. In 2008, Maxwell 
Asset Management established a UK FSA registered 
subsidiary in which Petr Lanin held a controlled 
function. At present, Petr is a chief of the Purchases 
and Supply Department in Federal State Organisation 
“Clinical hospital #1”. Petr holds an MBA degree 
in finance and credit from the Plekhanov Russian 
Academy of Economics.

James Mullins serves as Chairman of the Audit, 
Remuneration and Nomination committees.

Petr Lanin is a member of the Company’s Audit and 
Remuneration Committees.

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TMT Investments Annual Report and Accounts 2019 
Principle 7

Evaluate board performance based on clear  
and relevant objectives, seeking continuous improvement

The Company conducts evaluation of the effectiveness 
of its Board and committees and that of the Executive 
and Non-executive Directors’ performance in 
accordance with the QCA Code. The results of such 
reviews are used to determine whether any alterations 
are needed or whether any additional training would 
be beneficial.

The second such formal evaluation for the year ended 
December 2019 started in January 2020 and concluded 
in March 2020. The previous such evaluation had been 
for the year ended December 2018, which concluded 
in March 2019. Compared to the previous year, the 
responses to the various questionnaires that formed 
the evaluation showed similar and positive results.

The evaluations involved both a numeric and discursive 
self-assessment by each Board member, in response 
to a questionnaire, on the role and functioning of the 
Board and its members and Committees.  Responses 
were collated and fed back to the Board at its meeting 
held in April 2020.

In general, the responses found the Board, its 
members and Committees to be operating effectively. 
We provide further information below on the various 
evaluation that took place and their outcomes.

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Principle 7

BOARD EFFECTIVENESS

AUDIT COMMITTEE EFFECTIVENESS 

The Board effectiveness evaluation involved the 
completion of a detailed questionnaire by Board 
directors. The following items and their respective 
criteria were assessed as a measure of effectiveness at 
Board level, whereby all Board members were asked 
to provide a rating (on a scale of 1 – 5). The evaluation 
addressed the following items:

•  Board composition – Evaluating the Board’s right 
balance of skills, knowledge and experience to 
govern the Company effectively. 

•  Board engagement – How timely is the Board’s 

engagement with its internal and external 
stakeholders

•  Governance structure – Is the Board’s Committee 

structure clear and providing members with 
assurance to discharge their duties effectively. 

•  Risk management – How well is the Board 

addressing the key business risks and adhering to 
internal controls; 

•  Board agenda and forward plan – Is the Board’s 
meeting agenda and forward plan ensuring that 
members are focusing on the right areas at the  
right time. 

•  Director’s self-assessment of awareness of current 

issues faced by the Company;

•  Board reporting – How comprehensive, accurate, 
easy to understand, timely and appropriate is the 
information received by Board members 

•  Board dynamics – How effectively do Board 

members operate as a team, striking the right 
balance between trust and challenge.  

•  Personal development – how well are development 

needs identified and satisfy requirements 

•  Chair’s leadership – How effective is the Chair as a 

leader of the Board.  

•  Performance evaluation – Are the Board members 

continually improving as a group and as individuals.  

•  Succession planning for Board members – How 

robust is succession planning

The Board effectiveness evaluation concluded that the 
Board was operating effectively.

As part of the Audit Committee evaluation exercise, 
the two members of the Audit Committee completed 
a self-assessment questionnaire. Each member was 
asked to rate (on a scale of 1 – 5) the extent to which 
the Audit Committee is properly constituted, with regard 
to the knowledge, behaviours and processes relevant 
to the effective functioning of the Audit Committee. The 
evaluation concluded the committee was functioning 
effectively. The evaluation identified some minor 
improvements to be made regarding the number of 
meetings as well as reviewing the terms of reference on 
an annual basis. These have now been incorporated into 
the Audit Committee planning timetable for 2020.

REMUNERATION COMMITTEE EFFECTIVENESS

As part of the Remuneration Committee evaluation, 
the two members of the Remuneration Committee 
completed a self-assessment questionnaire. Each 
member was asked to rate (on a scale of 1 – 5) the 
extent to which the Remuneration Committee is properly 
constituted, with regard to the knowledge, behaviours 
and processes relevant to the correct functioning of the 
Remuneration Committee. The evaluation concluded the 
committee was functioning effectively.

NOMINATION COMMITTEE EFFECTIVENESS

The Nomination Committee did not convene during the 
financial year ended 31 December 2019 as there were 
no new Board or senior management appointments 
during the year. 

By way of evaluation of succession planning, all Board 
members were asked to respond to a questionnaire 
which reviewed succession planning and the processes 
by which the Company determines board and other 
senior appointments. The evaluation concluded that 
the processes in place for succession planning are 
adequate in view of the size and scope of operations of 
the Company.

The Nomination committee works closely with the 
Board to identify the skills, experience, personal 
qualities and capabilities required for any next stages 
in the Company’s development, linking the Company’s 
strategy to future changes on the Board. 

INDIVIDUAL EFFECTIVENESS

The individual effectiveness evaluation involved the 
completion of a detailed questionnaire. The following 
items and their respective criteria were assessed as 
a measure of effectiveness at the individual level, 
whereby all Board members were asked to provide a 
rating (on a scale of 1 – 5). The evaluation concluded 
that all Board members were operating effectively. 

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PAGE CONTENTTMT Investments Annual Report and Accounts 2019 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Principle 7

The evaluation addressed the following items:

•  Relationships with the Board of directors  

and major shareholders

•  Knowledge of the Company’s business as it 

continues to evolve

•  Active engagement in robust discussions during  

and between board meetings

•  Personal accountability for promoting the success  

of the Company

•  An open and questioning approach to reviewing  

risk in the organisation

•  Strategic planning, financial management, people 
management and relationships, and conduct  
of business

•  Assessing the time commitment required from  

each director

•  Development, training or mentoring needs  

of individual directors

The Board reviews on an ongoing basis the human 
resource needs of the Company and the expected 
availability of its directors, employees and consultants. 
The review seeks to identify any potential changes in 
the make-up of the Board and senior management, 
in order to allow sufficient planning to appoint a 
replacement or other suitable arrangements.

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Principle 8

Promote a corporate culture that is based 
on ethical values and behaviours 

The Board has very regular interaction with Company 
employees, thereby ensuring that ethical values and 
behaviours are recognised and respected. Given the 
size of the Company, the Board believes this is the 
most efficient way of ensuring that a good corporate 
culture is maintained, which the Board deems to be 
good and healthy. 

The Company’s approach to governance, and how 
that culture is consistent with both the Company’s 
objectives and the creation of long-term stakeholder 
value, is set out in the Chairman’s statement on 
corporate governance at the start of this document.

The Board not only sets expectations for the business 
but works towards ensuring that strong values are 
set and carried out by the Directors across the 
business. The Board places significant importance on 
the promotion of ethical values and good behaviour 
within the Company and takes ultimate responsibility 
for ensuring that these are promoted and maintained 
throughout the organisation and that they guide the 
Company’s business objectives and strategy. The Board 
ensures sound ethical practices and behaviours are 
deployed at Company board meetings.

The Company’s corporate culture is based on the three 
values of transparency, innovation and continuous 
improvement. These three values support the 
Company’s objectives, strategy and business model. 
These are explained in more detail in the Chairman’s 
corporate governance statement, which reflects how 
the Company’s corporate culture is consistent with the 
Company’s objectives, strategy and business model.

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TMT Investments Annual Report and Accounts 2019 
Principle 9

Maintain governance structures and processes that are fit 
for purpose and support good decision-making by the board 

Yuri Mostovoy, as Chairman, is responsible for leading an 
effective Board, fostering a good corporate governance 
culture and ensuring appropriate strategic focus and 
direction. 

Alexander Selegenev, as Executive Director, has overall 
responsibility for managing the group’s business and 
promoting, protecting and developing the investment 
business of the Company. Alexander also has active 
responsibility for the implementation of and adherence 
to the financial reporting procedures adopted by 
the Company and the Company’s financial reporting 
obligations under the AIM Rules.

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Principle 9

THE BOARD’S COMMITTEES

NOMINATION COMMITTEE 

The Board is assisted by various standing committees 
which report regularly to the Board. The membership 
of these committees is regularly reviewed by the 
Board. When considering committee membership and 
chairmanship, the Board aims to ensure that undue 
reliance is not placed on particular Directors. The terms 
of reference of the Audit Committee, Remuneration 
Committee and Nomination Committee provide that no 
one other than the particular committee chairman and 
members may attend a meeting unless invited to attend by 
the relevant committee.

Details of the committees of the Board are set out below. 

AUDIT COMMITTEE

The Audit Committee currently comprises James Mullins 
and Petr Lanin being non-executive members of the 
Board, with James Mullins appointed as chairman. The 
Audit Committee should meet at least twice a year. The 
committee is responsible for the functions recommended 
by the QCA Code including:

•  Review of the annual financial statements and interim 
reports prior to approval, focusing on changes in 
accounting policies and practices, major judgemental 
areas, significant audit adjustments, going concern and 
compliance with accounting standards, AIM and legal 
requirements;

•  Receive and consider reports on internal financial 
controls, including reports from the auditors and 
report their findings to the Board;

•  Consider the appointment of the auditors and their 

remuneration including the review and monitoring of 
independence and objectivity;

•  Meet with the auditors to discuss the scope of their 
audit, issues arising from their work and any matters 
the auditors may wish to raise;

•  Develop and implement policy on the engagement of 
the external auditor to supply non-audit services; and

•  Review the Company’s corporate review procedures 

and any statement on internal control prior to 
endorsement by the Board.

REMUNERATION COMMITTEE

The Remuneration Committee currently comprises James 
Mullins and Petr Lanin, with James Mullins appointed as 
chairman. The committee has the following key duties:

•  Reviewing and recommending the emoluments, 
pension entitlements and other benefits of any 
Executive Directors and other senior executives; and

•  Reviewing the operation of any share option schemes 

and/or bonus plans implemented by the Company and 
the granting of options and/or bonus awards under 
such schemes.

The Company has established a Nomination Committee, 
which considers the appointment of directors to the 
Company’s Board and makes recommendations in this 
respect. The Nomination Committee currently comprises 
James Mullins and Alexander Selegenev, with James 
Mullins appointed as Chairman.

MATTERS RESERVED FOR THE BOARD

The Board of Directors of the Company meets at least 
four times per year, or more often if required. The 
matters reserved for the attention of the Board include 
inter alia:

•  The preparation and approval of the financial 
statements and interim reports, together with 
the approval of dividends, significant changes in 
accounting policies and other accounting issues;

•  Board membership and powers, including the 

appointment and removal of Board members, and 
determining the terms of reference of the Board and 
establishing and maintaining the Company’s overall 
control framework;

•  Approval of major communications with shareholders, 

including any shareholder circulars and financial 
results required to be announced pursuant to the AIM 
Rules or the Market Abuse Regulation;

•  Senior management and Board appointments and 

remuneration, contracts, approval of bonus plans, and 
grant of share options;

•  Financial matters including the approval of the budget 
and financial plans, and changes to the Company’s 
capital structure, business strategy and investing policy 
(subject to shareholder approval); and

•  Other matters including regulatory and legal 

compliance.

SHARE DEALINGS

The Company has adopted a model code for share 
dealings in its ordinary shares which is appropriate for 
an AIM company, including compliance with Rule 21 of 
the AIM Rules for Companies relating to Directors and 
employees’ dealings in the Company’s shares. Jersey 
law contains no statutory pre-emption rights on the 
allotment and issue by the Company of equity securities 
(being shares in the Company, or rights to subscribe 
for, or to convert securities into, such shares). However, 
the Company’s articles of association contain certain 
provisions as to Directors’ authority to issue equity 
securities and pre-emption rights on issues of equity 
securities by the Company, further details of which are 
set out in paragraphs 8 and 9 of Part 3 of the Company’s 
AIM Admission Document which can be found on the 
Company’s website.

As the Company grows, the directors will ensure that the 
governance framework remains in place to support the 
development of the business.

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Principle 10

Communicate how the company is governed and is performing by 
maintaining a dialogue with shareholders and other relevant stakeholders

The Company communicates with shareholders 
through the annual report and accounts, regulatory 
announcements, the annual general meeting and 
one-to-one meetings with large existing shareholders 
or potential investors. A range of corporate 
information (including all Company announcements 
and presentations) is also available on the Company’s 
website. In addition, the Company seeks to maintain 
dialogue with shareholders through the organisation 
of shareholder events, and employee stakeholders 
are regularly updated with the development of the 
Company and its performance.

AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT

The Company has established an audit committee, 
which comprises James Mullins (Chairman) and Petr 
Lanin. The audit committee’s main functions include, 
inter alia, reviewing and monitoring internal financial 
control systems and risk management systems on which 
the Company is reliant, considering annual and interim 
accounts and audit reports, making recommendations 
to the Board in relation to the appointment and 
remuneration of the Company’s auditors and monitoring 
and reviewing annually their independence, objectivity, 
effectiveness and qualifications.

The Audit Committee met formally once during 2019 to 
formally approve the full year report and accounts for 
the year ended 31 December 2018.

REMUNERATION COMMITTEE REPORT

The Company has established a remuneration 
committee, which comprises James Mullins (Chairman) 
and Petr Lanin. The remuneration committee met on 
two occasions during 2019, to discuss and approve the 
extension of the Company’s Bonus Plan, and approve 
the final bonus allocations for the third year of the 
Company’s Bonus Plan ended 30 June 2019.

The Company seeks to publicly disclose the outcomes 
of all shareholder votes in a clear and transparent 
manner, although voting decisions (including votes 
withheld or abstentions) are not posted on the 
Company’s website or contained in the announcement 
released via RNS. The outcomes of all shareholder 
votes are publicly notified to the market via RNS and 
are available for review in the Company’s regulatory 
announcements section of its AIM Rule 26 website.

If a significant proportion of independent votes 
were to be cast against a resolution at any general 
meeting, the Board’s policy would be to engage with 
the shareholders concerned in order to understand 
the reasons behind the voting results. Following this 
process, the Board would make an appropriate public 
statement regarding any different action it has taken, 
or will take, as a result of the vote.

The Company’s financial reports for the last five years 
can be found on the Investor Relations sections of the 
TMT Investments Plc website.

Notices of General Meetings of the Company for the 
last five years can be found on the Investor Relations 
sections of the TMT Investments Plc website. 

All of the Company’s RNS announcements, including 
those confirming voting results, can be found on the 
Investor Relations sections of the  
TMT Investments Plc website.

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Total Investment  
(USD Million)

$0.28m

Fair Value (USD Million)

$3.03m

In December 2019, Platform as a 
Service (PaaS) provider of enterprise-
class networking services Remote.it 
(www.remote.it) completed an equity 
financing round.  The transaction 
resulted in an increase of approximately 
US$2.2 million (or 282%) in the value of 
TMT’s interest in Remote.it, compared 
to the previous reported amount as of 
31 December 2018.

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PAGE CONTENTTMT Investments Annual Report and Accounts 2019Directors’ Report

The Directors present their report and  
audited financial statements of the Company 
for the year ended 31 December 2019.

PRINCIPAL ACTIVITY AND REVIEW  
OF THE BUSINESS

Further information on the Company’s results and 
financial position is included in the financial statements.

TMT Investments plc (“TMT Investments” or the 
“Company”) was incorporated under the laws of Jersey.  
The Company has been established for the purpose 
of making investments in the TMT sector where the 
Directors believe there is a potential for growth and 
the creation of shareholder value.  

The Company primarily targets companies operating 
in markets that the Directors believe have strong 
growth potential and having the potential to become 
multinational businesses.  The Company can invest in 
any region of the world.

RESULTS AND DIVIDENDS

The gain for the year amounted to US$18,389,511 which 
includes a profit on changes in fair value of financial 
assets at FVPL (“Fair Value through profit and loss”) of 
US$21,275,927.

COMPANY LISTING

TMT is traded on the AIM market (“AIM”) of the 
London Stock Exchange.  The Company’s ticker is TMT.  
Information required by AIM Rule 26 is available in the 
‘Investor Relations’ section of the Company’s website at 
www.tmtinvestments.com

CHANGES IN SHARE CAPITAL

The Company has one class of ordinary share that 
carries no right to fixed income, and each share 
carries the right to one vote at general meetings of the 
Company.  As at 31 December 2019 and the date of 
this report, the Company’s issued share capital consists 
of 29,185,831 ordinary shares of no par value each in 
the Company.

SUBSTANTIAL SHAREHOLDINGS

The Directors are aware of the following shareholdings 
of 3% or more of the issued share capital of the 
Company as of 14 April 2020.

Shareholders

Number of ordinary 
shares

% of issued ordinary 
share capital

Nelli Morgulchik (via Macmillan Trading Company Limited)

7,031,874

German Kaplun (via Ramify Consulting Corp)

Andrey Kareev (via Wissey Trade & Invest Ltd)

Nika Kirpichenko (via Eclectic Capital Limited)

Zaur Ganiev

5,348,980

5,000,000

2,800,000

2,443,810

Dmitry Kirpichenko (via Menostar Holdings Limited)

1,790,000

24.09%

18.33%

17.13%

9.59%

8.37%

6.13%

Others

Total

4,771,167

16.35%

29,185,831

100.00%

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PAGE CONTENT 
 
 
Concert Party

A concert party, as defined in the City Code on Takeovers and Mergers (the “Code”), currently exists, consisting of 
the following shareholders:

Shareholders (Legal holder / Beneficial holder)

Number of ordinary 
shares

% of issued ordinary 
share capital

7,031,874

24.09%

5,348,980

18.33%

5,000,000

17.13%

Macmillan Trading Company Limited  
Nelli Morgulchik (Adult daughter of Alexander Morgulchik, 
TMT’s Head of Business Development)

Ramify Consulting Corp. 
German Kaplun (TMT’s Head of Strategy)

Wissey Trade & Invest Ltd (“Wissey”) 
Andrey Kareev

Eclectic Capital Limited (“Eclectic”) 
Nika Kirpichenko

Menostar Holdings Limited (“Menostar”) 
Dmitry Kirpichenko

Natalia Inyutina (Adult daughter of Artemii Iniutin) 
Natalia Inyutina

Vlada Kaplun (Adult Daughter of German Kaplun) 
Vlada Kaplun

Marina Kedrova (Adult Daughter of German Kaplun) 
Marina Kedrova

Artemii Iniutin (TMT’s Head of Investments)(2)

-

2,800,000

1,790,000

727,156

363,578

363,578

9.59%

6.13%

2.49%

1.25%

1.25%

-

Total

NOTES:

(1) The majority of the ordinary shares held by Eclectic 
were previously held by Menostar, who invested in the 
Company at the time of its Admission.  As announced 
by the Company on 22 June 2016, the Company was 
notified that Menostar no longer had an interest in the 
Company and that Eclectic was interested in 4,650,000 
ordinary shares.  As announced on 17 October 2019, 
Eclectic notified the Company that it had sold ordinary 
shares such that it interested in 2,800,000 ordinary 
shares and Menostar notified the Company that it had 
acquired 1,790,000 ordinary shares.  The beneficial 
owner of Eclectic is Nika Kirpichenko who is the wife of 
Dmitry Kirpichenko, the beneficial owner of Menostar.  
Wissey and Menostar both invested in the Company 
on its Admission and, along with Eclectic, have invested 
in and/or been otherwise involved with other business 
ventures associated with the two founders of the 
Company Alexander Morgulchik and German Kaplun 
(the “Founders”).

23,425,166

80.26%

(2) Artemii Iniutin also has a relationship with the 
Founders, having invested in and/or been otherwise 
involved with other business ventures associated 
with them.  Whilst Mr Iniutin does not currently 
hold any ordinary shares, he has in the past held 
ordinary shares and, in the future, may acquire an 
interest in ordinary shares.  Mr Iniutin’s name is also 
transliterated to Artyom Inyutin, and has appeared as 
such in previous Company announcements and other 
public disclosures.

Since September 2013, when the Company became 
subject to the Code, the concert party has been 
interested in, in aggregate, more than 50% of the 
Company’s issued share capital at all times. 

The Company will update this disclosure in future 
annual financial reports and, if relevant, via RNS 
announcements.

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TMT Investments Annual Report and Accounts 2019 
Directors’ Report 
Continued

DIRECTORS

During the financial year the following Directors held office:

Yuri Mostovoy 
Non-executive Chairman 

Alexander Selegenev 
Executive Director 

James Joseph Mullins 
Independent Non-executive Director

Petr Lanin 
Independent Non-executive Director

The directors’ fees and bonuses for 2019 were as follows:

Director

Yuri Mostovoy

Alexander Selegenev

James Joseph Mullins

Petr Lanin

 Directors’ fees

Bonuses

US$50,000

US$130,500

US$100,000

US$381,485

US$25,547

US$10,000

-

-

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS POST THE PERIOD END

In February 2020, the Company invested US$400,000 
in ClassTag, Inc., a parent-teacher communication 
platform currently connecting over 2 million families 
across 25,000 schools (www.classtag.com).

In April 2020, the Company invested £150,000 in 3S 
Money Club Limited, an online banking service focusing 
on international trade (www.3s.money).

In the year to date, the global economy was affected 
by the COVID-19 pandemic and related market 
volatility.  Whilst the Company’s operations and liquidity 
position were not directly impacted, the principal 
activity of the Company was naturally affected through 
the impact on and therefore potential performance of 
the Company’s investee companies.  The current and 
potential near-term impact of these developments on 
the Company is discussed in the Executive Director’s 
statement.

STATEMENT OF DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITIES 
IN RESPECT OF THE ANNUAL REPORT AND THE 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The Directors are responsible for preparing the Annual 
Report and Accounts in accordance with applicable 
law and International Financial Reporting Standards 
(“IFRSs”) as adopted by the European Union.

The Companies (Jersey) Law 1991 (as amended) 
(“Companies Law”) requires the Directors to prepare 
financial statements for each financial year.  The 
Directors are responsible for keeping adequate 
accounting records that are sufficient to show and 
explain the Company’s transactions and disclose with 
reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position 
of the Company and enable them to ensure that its 
financial statements comply with the Companies Law.  
They have general responsibility for taking such steps 
as are reasonably open to them to safeguard the 
assets of the Company and to prevent and detect fraud 
and other irregularities.

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The Directors are responsible for the preparation 
of the Directors’ report and corporate governance 
statement.  The Directors are responsible for the 
maintenance and integrity of the corporate and 
financial information included on the Company’s 
website.  Legislation in Jersey governing the 
preparation and dissemination of financial statements 
may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

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 Company 
and of the profit or loss for that period.  In preparing 
these financial statements, the Directors are  
required to:

•  select suitable accounting policies and then apply 

them consistently;

•  make judgements and accounting estimates that are 

reasonable and prudent;

•  state whether applicable IFRSs as adopted by the 

European Union (“EU”) have been followed, subject 
to any material departures disclosed and explained 
in the financial statements; and

•  prepare the financial statements on the going 

concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume 
that the Company will continue in business.

DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT 

Each of the Directors, whose names are listed in the 
Directors section above confirm that, to the best of 
each person’s knowledge and belief:

•  the financial statements, prepared in accordance 

with IFRSs as adopted by the EU, give a true and fair 
view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and 
profit or loss of the Company; and

•  the Directors’ report contained in the annual report 
includes a true and fair review of the development 
and performance of the business and the position 
of the Company.

GOING CONCERN

The Company’s business activities together with the 
factors which may impact its activities are described in 
the relevant sections above.  The financial position of 
the Company is described in the financial statements 
and notes to the financial statements. 

The Directors have a reasonable expectation that 
the Company will have adequate cash resources to 
continue in operational existence for the foreseeable 
future, and for at least one year from the date of 
approval of these financial statements and they 
have therefore adopted the going concern basis in 
preparing the financial statements.

AUDITORS

Each of the persons who is a Director at the date of 
approval of this annual report confirms that:

•  so far as the Directors are aware, there is no 

relevant audit information of which the Company’s 
auditors are unaware; and

•  the Directors have taken steps that they ought 
to have taken to make themselves aware of any 
relevant audit information and to establish that the 
auditors are aware of that information.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

Alexander Selegenev
Executive Director

15 April 2020

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TMT Investments Annual Report and Accounts 2019 
Independent 
Auditors’ report 

to the members of TMT investments Plc for the year ended 31 December 2019

OPINION

We have audited the financial statements of TMT 
Investments plc (the ‘company’) for the year ended 
31 December 2019, which comprise the Statement of 
Comprehensive Income, the Statement of Financial 
Position, the Statement of Cash Flows, the Statement 
of Changes in Equity and the notes to the financial 
statements, including a summary of significant 
accounting policies. The financial reporting framework 
that has been applied in their preparation is applicable 
law and International Financial Reporting Standards 
(IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union.

In our opinion, the financial statements:

•  give a true and fair view of the state of the 

company’s affairs as at 31 December 2019 and of 
the company’s profit for the year then ended;

•  have been properly prepared in accordance with 
IFRSs as adopted by the European Union; and

•  have been prepared in accordance with the 

requirements of the Companies (Jersey) Law 1991.

BASIS FOR OPINION

We conducted our audit in accordance with 
International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) 
and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those 
standards are further described in the Auditor’s 
responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements 
section of our report. We are independent of the 
company in accordance with the ethical requirements 
that are relevant to our audit of the financial 
statements, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard as 
applied to listed entities, and we have fulfilled our 
other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these 
requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we 
have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide 
a basis for our opinion.

CONCLUSIONS RELATING TO GOING CONCERN

We have nothing to report in respect of the following 
matters in relation to which the ISAs (UK) require us to 
report to you where:

•  the directors’ use of the going concern basis of 
accounting in the preparation of the financial 
statements is not appropriate; or

•  the directors have not disclosed in the financial 
statements any identified material uncertainties 
that may cast significant doubt about the company’s 
ability to continue to adopt the going concern basis 
of accounting for a period of at least twelve months 
from the date when the financial statements are 
authorised for issue.

KEY AUDIT MATTERS

Key audit matters are those matters that, in our 
professional judgement, were of most significance in 
our audit of the financial statements of the current 
period and include the most significant assessed risks 
of material misstatement (whether or not due to fraud) 
we identified, 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 financial statements as a whole, and in 
forming our opinion thereon, and we do not provide a 
separate opinion on these matters

OUR ASSESSMENT OF RISKS OF MATERIAL 
MISSTATEMENTS

We identified the following risks of material misstatement 
that we believe had the greatest impact on our overall 
audit strategy and scope, the allocation of resources in 
the audit, and directing the efforts of the team. This is not 
a complete list of all risks identified by our audit.

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Key audit matter

How our audit addressed the key audit matter

Management override of controls

Management override of controls is deemed to be 
a significant risk in accordance with ISAs (UK) and 
presents the risk that management or those charged 
with governance could override the internal controls 
of the company in preparing the financial statements 
resulting in a material misstatement.

Valuation of investments

The company is investing in pre-growth companies in 
a very competitive industry. Given the nature of the 
companies being invested in, it is not likely that all will 
be a success. 

These investments are carried at fair value in 
the financial statements. There is a risk that fair 
value has not been appropriately applied for all of 
the investments and therefore that the value of 
investments held at year-end may be misstated.

We reviewed journals and cash transactions to identify 
any unusual or exceptional transactions.

We investigated and tested a sample of items to 
ensure that amounts paid during the year related 
to business expenses and that transactions were 
appropriate.

We also considered areas of the financial statements 
that contain estimates and are therefore open to 
judgement and assessed whether there was any 
management bias in such areas.

On the basis of our testing performed, we are satisfied 
that there were no instances of management override 
of controls.

We obtained a copy of the directors’ assessment of 
the investment valuations. We reviewed the valuations 
of all the investments at the year-end to ensure 
that these were based on an appropriate valuation 
method to the underlying instrument and that the 
assumptions used in the valuation were appropriate 
and had been correctly applied. This included the 
review of the method of valuation and agreeing this 
to the International Private Equity and Venture Capital 
Valuation Guideline (IPEV). 

We obtained supporting documentation for sales 
and purchases of investments during the year and 
confirmed the validity of the transactions and that they 
had been correctly treated in the financial statements.

The results of our testing did not indicate any material 
misstatement in the investment valuations included in 
the financial statements.

OUR APPLICATION OF MATERIALITY

The scope and focus of our audit was influenced by our assessment and application of materiality. We apply the 
concept of materiality both in planning and performing our audit, and in evaluating the effect of misstatements on 
our audit and on the financial statements.

We define financial statement materiality as the magnitude by which misstatements, including omissions, could 
influence the economic decisions taken on the basis of the financial statements by reasonable users.

We also determine a level of performance materiality which we use to determine the extent of testing needed 
to reduce to an appropriately low level the probability that the aggregate of uncorrected and undetected 
misstatements exceeds materiality for the financial statements as a whole.

Overall materiality:

How we determined it:

Rationale for benchmarks applied:

Performance materiality:

We determined materiality for the financial statements 
as a whole to be $1,750,000.

For the Statement of Comprehensive Income, we 
established a materiality level of $350,000

Based on the main key indicators, being investments 
held at 31 December 2019 and profits before 

We believe that these benchmarks are appropriate 
due to the status of the company and the nature of its 
activities.

On the basis of our risk assessment, together with our 
assessment of the company’s control environment, 
our judgement is that performance materiality for 
the financial statements should be 75% of materiality, 
amounting to $1,312,500.

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TMT Investments Annual Report and Accounts 2019 
 
Independent Auditors’ Report 
Continued

AN OVERVIEW OF THE SCOPE OF OUR AUDIT

As part of designing our audit, we determined 
materiality and assessed the risks of material 
misstatement in the financial statements. In 
particular, we looked at where the directors made 
subjective judgements, for example in respect of 
significant accounting estimates that involved making 
assumptions and considering future events that are 
inherently uncertain.

We tailored the scope of our audit to ensure that 
we performed sufficient work to be able to give an 
opinion on the financial statements as a whole, taking 
into account an understanding of the structure of the 
company, its activities, the accounting processes and 
controls, and the industry in which they operate. Our 
planned audit testing was directed accordingly and 
was focused on areas where we assessed there to be 
the highest risk of material misstatement. During the 
audit we reassessed and re-evaluated audit risks and 
tailored our approach accordingly.

The audit testing included substantive testing on 
significant transactions, balances and disclosures, the 
extent of which was based on various factors such as 
our overall assessment of the control environment, 
the effectiveness of controls and the management of 
specific risk.

We communicated with those charged with governance 
regarding, among other matters, the planned scope 
and timing of the audit and significant findings, 
including any significant deficiencies in internal control 
that we identify during the audit.

OTHER INFORMATION

The directors are responsible for the other 
information. The other information comprises the 
information included in the annual report, other than 
the financial statements and our auditors’ report 
thereon. Our opinion on the financial statements does 
not cover the other information and, except to the 
extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do 
not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.

In connection with our audit of the financial 
statements, our responsibility is to read the other 

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information and, in doing so, consider whether the 
other information is materially inconsistent with the 
financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the 
audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. 
If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent 
material misstatements, we are required to determine 
whether there is a material misstatement in the 
financial statements or a material misstatement of the 
other information.

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.

MATTERS ON WHICH WE ARE REQUIRED TO 
REPORT BY EXCEPTION

We have nothing to report in respect of the following 
matters in relation to which the Companies (Jersey)  
Law 1991 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

•  adequate accounting records have not been kept 

by the company, or returns adequate for our audit 
have not been received from branches not visited by 
us; or

•  the financial statements are not in agreement with 

the accounting records and returns; or

•  certain disclosures of directors’ remuneration 

specified by law are not made; or

•  we have not received all the information and 

explanations we require for our audit.

 
 
RESPONSIBILITIES OF DIRECTORS

USE OF OUR REPORT

This report is made solely to the company’s members, 
as a body, in accordance with Article 113A of the 
Companies (Jersey) Law 1991. 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.

Daniel Hutson (Senior Statutory Auditor)

For and on behalf of UHY Hacker Young

Chartered Accountants

Statutory Auditor

Quadrant House

4 Thomas More Square, London, E1W 1YW

15 April 2020

As explained more fully in the directors’ responsibilities 
statement set out on page 66, the directors are 
responsible for the preparation of the financial 
statements and for being satisfied that they give a 
true and fair view, and for such internal controls as 
the directors determine is necessary to enable the 
preparation of financial statements that are free from 
material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the financial statements, the directors 
are responsible for assessing the 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 the directors 
either intend to liquidate the company or to cease 
operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

AUDITOR’S RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE AUDIT OF 
THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance 
about whether the financial statements as a whole are 
free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud 
or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes 
our opinion.

Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, 
but is not a 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 the aggregate, they could reasonably 
be expected to influence the economic decisions of 
users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

A further description of our responsibilities for the 
audit of the financial statements is located on the 
Financial Reporting Council’s website at www.frc.org.uk/
auditors responsibilities. This description forms part of 
our auditor’s report.

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TMT Investments Annual Report and Accounts 2019 
 
Financial 
Statements

STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME 

Gains on investments

Expenses

Bonus scheme payment charge

Administrative expenses

Other operating expenses

Operating gain 

Net finance income

Gain before taxation

Taxation

Notes

3

6

5

7

8

For the year 
ended  
31/12/2019 

Restated results 
for the year ended 
31/12/2018

USD

USD

21,275,927

22,168,230

21,275,927

22,168,230

(2,007,694)

(1,530,251)

(1,174,466)

(1,200,045)

(13,079)

-

18,080,688

19,437,934

308,823

54,558

18,389,511

19,492,492

-

-

Gain attributable to equity shareholders

18,389,511

19,492,492

Total comprehensive income for the year

18,389,511

19,492,492

Gain per share

Basic and diluted gain  per share (cents per share)

9

63.01

67.58

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STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION 

Notes

At 31 December 
2019 

Restated at 31 
December 2018

USD

USD

Non-current assets

Financial assets at FVPL

10

91,207,190

64,890,144

Total non-current assets

91,207,190

64,890,144

Current assets

Trade and other receivables

Cash and cash equivalents

Total current assets

Total assets

Current liabilities

Trade and other payables

Total current liabilities

Total liabilities

11

12

13

711,957

23,804,395

11,700,074

3,270,088

12,412,031

27,074,483

103,619,221

91,964,627

805,191

805,191

805,191

1,702,942

1,702,942

1,702,942

Net assets

102,814,030

90,261,685

Equity

Share capital

Retained profit 

Total equity

14

34,790,174

34,790,174

68,023,856

55,471,511

102,814,030

90,261,685

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 15 April 2020 and were signed on its behalf by:

Alexander Selegenev
Executive Director

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TMT Investments Annual Report and Accounts 2019 
 
 
 
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

Operating activities

Operating gain 

Adjustments for non-cash items:

Changes in fair value of financial assets at FVPL

Amortised costs of convertible notes receivable

Write-down of loans to portfolio companies

Changes in working capital:

Decrease/(increase) in trade and other receivables

(Increase)/decrease in trade and other payables

Net cash generated from/(used in) operating activities

Investing activities

Interest received

Purchase of financial assets at FVPL

Proceeds from sale of financial assets at FVPL

Other financial income

Notes

For the 
year ended 
31/12/2019

Restated results 
for the year 
ended 31/12/2018

USD

USD

18,080,688

19,437,934

(21,269,830)

1,293,378

-

-

651

(27,240)

(3,189,142)

20,704,723

23,092,438

(23,733,735)

(897,751)

635,952

19,005,545

(2,393,060)

275,741

81,798

(8,581,128)

(934,200)

3,533,912

2,193,194

33,082

-

3

3

7

11

13

7

10

10

7

Net cash (used in)/generated from investing activities

(4,738,393)

1,340,792

Financing activities

Proceeds from issue of shares

Dividends paid

-

3,336,664

(5,837,166)

-

Net cash (used in)/generated from financing activities

(5,837,166)

3,336,664

Increase in cash and cash equivalents

8,429,986

2,284,396

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year

3,270,088

985,692

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year

12

11,700,074

3,270,088

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STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

For the year ended 31 December 2018 and for the year ended 31 December 2019, USD

Note

Share Capital Retained Loses

USD

USD

Total

USD

Balance at 31 December 2017

31,453,510

35,979,019

67,432,529

Gain for the year

Total comprehensive income for the 
year

Transactions with owners in their capacity as 
owners:

-

-

19,492,492

19,492,492

19,492,492

19,492,492

Issue of shares

3,336,664

-

3,336,664

Balance at 31 December 2018

34,790,174

55,471,511

90,261,685

Gain for the year

Total comprehensive income for the 
year

Transactions with owners in their 
capacity as owners:

Dividends paid

-

-

-

18,389,511

18,389,511

18,389,511

18,389,511

(5,837,166)

(5,837,166)

Balance at 31 December 2019

34,790,174

68,023,856

102,814,030

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TMT Investments Annual Report and Accounts 2019 
Notes to  
the Financial 
Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2019

76

76

PAGE CONTENT1.  Company information 

TMT Investments Plc (“TMT” or the “Company”) is a company incorporated 
in Jersey with its registered office at Queensway House, Hilgrove Street, St 
Helier, JE1 1ES, Channel Islands.

The Company was incorporated and registered on 30 September 2010 
in Jersey under the Companies (Jersey) Law 1991 (as amended) with 
registration number 106628 under the name TMT Investments Limited.  
The Company obtained consent from the Jersey Financial Services 
Commission pursuant to the Control of Borrowing (Jersey) Order 1985 on 
30 September 2010.  On 1 December 2010 the Company re-registered 
as a public company and changed its name to TMT Investments Plc.  The 
Company’s ordinary shares were admitted to trading on the AIM market of 
the London Stock Exchange on 1 December 2010.

The memorandum and articles of association of the Company do not restrict 
its activities and therefore it has unlimited legal capacity.  The Company’s 
ability to implement its Investment Policy and achieve its desired returns will 
be limited by its ability to identify and acquire suitable investments.  Suitable 
investment opportunities may not always be readily available.

The Company will seek to make investments in any region of the world. 

Financial statements of the Company are prepared by and approved by the 
Directors in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards, 
International Accounting Standards and their interpretations issued or adopted 
by the International Accounting Standards Board as adopted by the European 
Union (“IFRSs”).  The Company’s accounting reference date is 31 December.

2. Summary of significant accounting policies

 2.1 BASIS OF PRESENTATION

2.2 GOING CONCERN

The principal accounting policies applied by the Company in the 
preparation of these financial statements are set out below and have been 
applied consistently.

The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, 
under the historical cost basis as modified by the fair value of financial 
assets at fair value through profit and loss (“FVPL”), as explained in the 
accounting policies below, and in accordance with IFRS.  Historical cost is 
generally based on the fair value of the consideration given in exchange for 
assets.

In the year to date, the global economy was affected by the COVID-19 
pandemic and related market volatility.  Whilst the Company’s operations 
and liquidity position were not directly impacted, the principal activity of 
the Company was naturally affected through the impact on and therefore 
potential performance of the Company’s investee companies.  Accordingly, 
the potential negative effect of COVID-19 and related market volatility, while 
potentially affecting the future fair value of the Company’s investments, 
does not impact the Company’s liquidity position.

The Directors confirm that, after giving due consideration to the financial 
position and expected cash flows of the Company; they have a reasonable 
expectation that the Company will have adequate cash resources to 
continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future, and for at 
least one year from the date of approval of these financial statements and 
they have therefore adopted the going concern basis in preparing the 
financial statements.

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TMT Investments Annual Report and Accounts 2019 
 
 
 
2.3 SEGMENTAL REPORTING

2.4 FOREIGN CURRENCY 
TRANSLATION

Operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with the 
internal reporting provided to the chief operating decision-maker who is 
responsible for allocating resources and assessing performance of the 
operating segments and which has been identified as the Board that make 
strategic decisions.  For the purposes of IFRS 8 ‘Operating Segments’ the 
Company currently has one segment, being ‘Investing in the TMT sector’.

Even though the Company only invests in the TMT sector, there are still 
geographical disclosures that need to be made to comply with IFRS 8 
‘Operating Segments’.

The Company analyses non-current financial assets according to the 
geographical location of the investment (see note 4).

(a) Functional and presentation currency

Items included in the financial statements of the Company are measured 
in United States Dollars (‘US dollars’, ‘USD’ or ‘US$’), which is the Company’s 
functional and presentation currency.

(b) Transactions and balances

Foreign currency transactions are translated into US$ using the exchange 
rates prevailing at the dates of the transactions.  Exchange differences 
arising from the translation at the year-end exchange rates of monetary 
assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are recognised in 
the statement of comprehensive income.

Conversion rates USD 

Currency

As at 31.12.2019

Average rate, 2019

British pounds, £

Euro, €

1.3113

1.1202

1.2769

1.1165

2.5 CASH AND CASH 
EQUIVALENTS

Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash at bank and in hand, deposits 
held at call with banks, bank overdrafts and other short-term highly liquid 
investments with maturities of three months or less from the date of 
acquisition.

2.6 FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

RECOGNITION AND 
MEASUREMENT

The Company recognises financial assets and liabilities when it becomes 
party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. 

Financial assets are derecognised when the contractual rights to the cash 
flows from the financial asset expire, or when the financial asset and 
substantially all the risks and rewards are transferred.

A financial liability is derecognised when it is extinguished, discharged, 
cancelled or expires.

Financial assets are initially measured at fair value adjusted for transaction 
costs (where applicable).

Financial assets are classified into the following categories:

• 

• 

• 

amortised cost;

fair value through profit or loss (FVPL); and

fair value through other comprehensive income (FVOCI).

In the periods presented, the Company does not have any financial assets 
categorised as FVOCI.

The classification is determined by both:

• 

• 

the entity’s business model for managing the financial asset; and

the contractual cash flow characteristics of the financial asset.

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2.6 FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Subsequent measurement

RECOGNITION AND 
MEASUREMENT CONTINUED

FVPL

The Company manages its investments with a view to profiting from the 
receipt of dividends and changes in fair value of equity investments.

Financial assets of the Company comprise of unlisted equity investments, 
convertible promissory notes and SAFEs. All the financial assets are not for 
trading and are classified as financial assets at FVPL. Directly attributable 
transaction costs are recognised in profit or loss as incurred.

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss are measured at fair 
value, and changes therein are recognised in profit or loss.

When measuring the fair value of a financial instrument, the Company uses 
relevant transactions during the year or shortly after the year end, which 
gives an indication of fair value and considers other valuation methods to 
provide evidence of value. The “price of recent investment” methodology 
is used mainly for venture capital investments, and the fair value is derived 
by reference to the most recent equity financing round or sizeable partial 
disposal. Fair value change is only recognised if that round involved a new 
external investor. From time to time, the Company may assess the fair value 
in the absence of a relevant independent equity transaction by relying on 
other market observable data and valuation techniques.

Fair values are categorised into different levels in a fair value hierarchy 
based on the inputs used in the valuation techniques as follows:

Level 1: The fair value of financial instruments traded in active markets 
is based on quoted market prices at the end of the reporting period. The 
quoted market price used for financial assets held by the Company is the 
current bid price. These instruments are included in level 1.

Level 2: The fair value of financial instruments that are not traded in an 
active market is determined using valuation techniques which maximise 
the use of observable market data and rely as little as possible on entity-
specific estimates. Specific valuation techniques used to value financial 
instruments include the use of quoted market prices or dealer quotes for 
similar instruments. 

Level 3: If one or more of the significant inputs is not based on observable 
market data, the instrument is included in level 3.

Financial assets that qualify as an associate, as 20% or more of the voting 
rights are held by the company, are exempt from IAS 28 ‘Investments in 
Associates’, as TMT is a venture capital organisation. Such investments are 
therefore treated as financial assets at FVPL.

Financial assets at amortised cost

Financial assets are measured at amortised cost if the assets meet the 
following conditions:

• 

• 

they are held within a business model whose objective is to hold the 
financial assets and collect its contractual cash flows; and

the contractual terms of the financial assets give rise to cash flows that 
are solely payments of principal and interest on the principal amount 
outstanding.

After initial recognition, these are measured at amortised cost using the 
effective interest method. Discounting is omitted where the effect of 
discounting is immaterial. The Company’s cash and cash equivalents, trade 
and other receivables fall into this category of financial instruments.

Impairment of Financial Assets

In relation to the impairment of financial assets, IFRS 9 requires an 
expected credit loss model to be applied. The expected credit loss model 
requires the Company to account for expected credit losses and changes in 
those expected credit losses at each reporting date to reflect changes in 

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TMT Investments Annual Report and Accounts 2019 
 
 
 
2.6 FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

credit risk since initial recognition of the financial assets.

RECOGNITION AND 
MEASUREMENT CONTINUED

IFRS 9 requires the Company to recognise a loss allowance for expected 
credit losses on receivables.

In particular, IFRS 9 requires the Company to measure the loss allowance 
for a financial instrument at an amount equal to the lifetime expected 
credit losses (ECL) if the credit risk on that financial instrument has 
increased significantly since initial recognition, or if the financial instrument 
is a purchased or originated credit-impaired financial asset. However, if the 
credit risk on a financial instrument has not increased significantly since 
initial recognition, the Company is required to measure the loss allowance 
for that financial instrument at an amount equal to 12 months ECL.

INCOME

Interest income from convertible notes receivable is recognised as it 
accrues by reference to the principal outstanding and the effective interest 
rate applicable, which is the rate that exactly discounts the estimated future 
cash flows through the expected life of the financial asset to the asset’s 
carrying value.

2.7 NET FINANCE INCOME 

Net finance income comprises interest income on deposits and dividends 
from portfolio companies. Interest income is recognised as it accrues in the 
statement of comprehensive income, using the effective interest method. 

2.8 TAXATION

Deferred tax is provided in full using the liability method, on temporary 
differences arising between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and 
their carrying amounts in the financial statements.  Deferred tax is not 
accounted for if it arises from initial recognition of an asset or liability in 
a transaction other than a business combination that, at the time of the 
transaction, affects neither accounting nor taxable profit or loss.  Deferred 
tax is determined using tax rates that are expected to apply when the 
related deferred tax asset is realised or when the deferred tax liability is 
settled.  Deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable 
that future taxable profits will be available against which the temporary 
differences can be utilised.

2.9 EQUITY INSTRUMENTS

Ordinary shares are classified as equity.  Costs directly attributable to the 
issue of new shares are shown in equity as a deduction from the proceeds.

2.10 NEW IFRSs AND 
INTERPRETATIONS 

The IASB has issued the following standards and interpretations which have 
been endorsed by the European Union to be applied to financial statements 
with periods commencing on or after the following dates:

Effective for period 
beginning on or after

IFRS 16

Leases

1 January 2019

IFRS 16 sets out requirements for recognising and measuring, presentation 
and disclosure of leases. The standard provides a single lessee accounting 
model, requiring lessees to recognise assets and liabilities for all leases unless 
the lease term is 12 months or less or the underlying asset has a low value. 

As the lease held by the Company is less than 12 months, the Company 
has not processed any transition adjustments on adopting IFRS 16. The 
company recognises the lease payments associated with these leases as 
expenses on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

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2.11 ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES 
AND JUDGEMENTS

Estimates and judgements need to be regularly evaluated and are based on 
historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events 
that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.  The Company 
makes estimates and assumptions concerning the future.  The resulting 
accounting estimates will, by definition, rarely equal the related actual results.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an on-going basis.  
Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the 
estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period or in the period of 
the revision and future periods if the revision affects both current and future 
periods.

The estimates significant to the financial statements during the year and at the 
year-end is the consideration of the fair value of financial assets at FVPL as set 
out in the relevant accounting policies shown above.  A number of the financial 
assets at FVPL held by the Company are at an early stage of their development.  
The Company cannot yet carry out regular reliable fair value estimates of some 
of these investments.  Future events or transactions involving the companies 
invested in may result in more accurate valuations of their fair values (either 
upwards or downwards) which may affect the Company’s overall net asset 
value.  

3. Gains (Losses) on investments

For the year ended 
31/12/2019
USD $

For the year ended 
31/12/2018
USD $

Gross interest income from convertible notes receivable

Amortised costs of convertible notes receivable

Net interest income from convertible notes receivable

21,698

-

21,698

33,761

(651)

33,110

Gains on changes in fair value of financial assets at FVPL

21,269,830

22,904,054

Success fee attributable to consultants

(15,601)

(768,934)

Total net gains on investments

21,275,927

22,168,230

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TMT Investments Annual Report and Accounts 2019 
 
 
 
4. Segmental Analysis 

GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION

The Company has investments in the USA, Estonia, the United Kingdom, 
BVI, Cyprus and Israel.

Non-current financial assets

USA 
USD

Israel 
USD

BVI 
USD

Estonia 
USD

Cyprus 
USD

United 
Kingdom 
USD

Total 
USD

31.12.2018

Equity 
investments

Convertible 
notes & SAFEs

43,321,261

1,870,183

2,370,030

-

Total

45,691,291

1,870,183

-

-

-

17,094,470

234,200

17,328,670

-

-

-

62,285,914

2,604,230

64,890,144

31.12.2019

Equity 
investments

Convertible 
notes & SAFEs

USA 
USD

Israel 
USD

BVI 
USD

Estonia 
USD

Cyprus 
USD

United 
Kingdom 
USD

Total 
USD

57,787,606

291,781

779,000

22,642,461

-

2,253,607 83,754,455

6,452,735

-

-

-

650,000

350,000

7,452,735

Total

64,240,341

291,781

779,000

22,642,461

650,000

2,603,607 91,207,190

5. Administrative Expenses

Administrative expenses include the following amounts: 

Staff expenses (note 6)

Professional fees

Legal fees

Bank and LSE charges

Audit fees

Accounting fees

Rent

Other expenses

Currency exchange loss (gain)

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For the year ended 
31/12/2019

For the year ended 
31/12/2018

USD

648,170

241,480

45,732

13,620

26,328

15,200

94,596

106,897

(17,557)

USD

591,741

303,649

39,053

23,973

25,881

15,200

94,596

96,206

9,746

1,174,466 

1,200,045

 
 
 
 
 
6. Staff Expenses

Directors’ fees

Wages and salaries

For the year ended 31/12/2019

For the year ended 31/12/2018

USD

185,570

462,600

648,170

USD

186,261

405,480

591,741

Wages and salaries shown above include salaries relating to 2019.  Bonus Plan 
costs are not included in administrative expenses and are shown separately.

The Bonus Plan payments charge for the year is analysed as follows:

Directors

Other staff

For the year ended 31/12/2019

For the year ended 31/12/2018

USD

511,962

1,495,732

2,007,694

USD

421,307

1,108,944

1,530,251

The Directors’ fees and bonuses for 2019 were as follows:

For the year ended 31/12/2019

For the year ended 31/12/2018

Alexander Selegenev

Yuri Mostovoy

James Joseph Mullins

Petr Lanin

USD

481,485

180,500

25,547

10,000

697,532

USD

399,898

170,980

26,690

10,000

607,568

The Directors’ fees shown above are all classified as ‘short term 
employment benefits’ under International Accounting Standard 24.  The 
Directors do not receive any pension contributions or other benefits.  The 
average number of staff employed (excluding Directors) by the Company 
during the year was 5 (2018: 5).

Key management personnel of the Company are defined as those 
persons having authority and responsibility for the planning, directing 
and controlling the activities of the Company, directly or indirectly.  Key 
management of the Company are therefore considered to be the Directors 
of the Company.  There were no transactions with the key management, 
other than their fees, bonuses, and reimbursement of business expenses.

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TMT Investments Annual Report and Accounts 2019 
 
 
 
 
 
7. Net Finance Income

Interest income

Dividends received

Write-down of loans to portfolio 
companies

Other finance income

For the year ended 31/12/2019

For the year ended 31/12/2018

USD

202,224

73,517

-

33,082

308,823

USD

12,646

69,152

(27,240)

-

54,558

8. Income Tax Expense 

The Company is incorporated in Jersey. No tax reconciliation note has been presented as the income tax rate for 
Jersey companies is 0%.

9. Gain (Loss) per share

The calculation of basic gain per share is based upon the net gain for the year ended 31 December 2019 
attributable to the ordinary shareholders of US$18,389,511 (2018: net gain of US$19,492,492) and the weighted 
average number of ordinary shares outstanding calculated as follows:

Gain (Loss) per share

For the year ended 
31/12/2019
USD

For the year ended 
31/12/2018
USD

Basic gain (loss) per share (cents per share)

63.01

67.58

Gain (Loss) attributable to equity holders of the entity

18,389,511

19,492,492

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The weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding before and after 
adjustment for the effects of all dilutive potential ordinary shares calculated as follows:

(in number of shares weighted and fully diluted 
during the year outstanding)

For the year ended 
31/12/2019

For the year ended 
31/12/2018

Weighted average and fully diluted number of 
shares in issue

Ordinary shares

The Company does not have any dilutive instruments in issue.

10. Non-current Financial Assets

Financial assets at FVPL, USD:

Investments in equity shares (i)

29,185,831

29,185,831

28,842,391

28,842,391

At 31/12/2019

At 31/12/2018

- unlisted shares

83,754,455

62,285,914

Convertible notes receivable (ii)

- promissory notes

- SAFEs

3,452,735

4,000,000

1,404,230

1,200,000

91,207,190

64,890,144

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TMT Investments Annual Report and Accounts 2019 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10. NON-CURRENT FINANCIAL 
ASSETS CONTINUED

Reconciliation of fair value measurements of non-current financial assets:

Financial assets at FVPL

Total

Unlisted shares

Convertible notes 
& SAFEs

USD

USD

USD

Balance as at 31 December 2017

57,120,436

9,452,503

66,572,939

Total gains or losses in 2018:

- changes in fair value

22,974,039

(69,985)

22,904,054

Purchases (including consulting & legal fees)

74,053

934,200

1,008,253

Disposal of investment (carrying value)

(25,464,451)

(130,651)

(25,595,102)

Conversion and other movements

7,581,837

(7,581,837)

-

Balance as at 31 December 2018

62,285,914

2,604,230

64,890,144

Total gains or losses in 2019:

- changes in fair value

21,838,934

(569,104)

21,269,830

Purchases (including consulting & legal fees)

2,881,128

5,700,000

8,581,128

Disposal of investment (carrying value)

(3,533,912)

-

(3,533,912)

Conversion and other movements

282,391

(282,391)

-

Balance as at 31 December 2019

83,754,455

7,452,735

91,207,190

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss are measured at fair value, 
and changes therein are recognised in profit or loss.

When measuring the fair value of a financial instrument, the Company uses 
relevant transactions during the year or shortly after the year end, which 
gives an indication of fair value and considers other valuation methods to 
provide evidence of value. The “price of recent investment” methodology 
is used mainly for venture capital investments, and the fair value is derived 
by reference to the most recent equity financing round or sizeable partial 
disposal. Fair value change is only recognised if that round involved a new 
external investor. From time to time, the Company may assess the fair value 
in the absence of a relevant independent equity transaction by relying on 
other market observable data and valuation techniques.

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Total Investment  
(USD Million)

$1.0m

Fair Value (USD Million)

$1.28m

In February 2020, Accern, an AI-based 
data design company that helps automate 
research and data analysis processes 
within organisations (www.accern.com), 
completed an equity financing round.  
The transaction resulted in an increase of 
approximately US$0.28 million (or 28.3%) 
in the value of TMT’s interest in Accern, 
compared to the original amount invested 
in Accern in August 2019.

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TMT Investments Annual Report and Accounts 2019 
 
 
 
(i) Equity investments as at 31 December 2019:

Investee company

Date of initial 
investment

Value at 
1 Jan 2019

Additions to equity 
investments 
during the period

Conversions from 
loan notes 

USD

USD

USD

USD

USD

Unicell

15.09.2011

980,000 

Depositphotos

26.07.2011

10,836,105 

Wanelo

Backblaze

E2C

Drippler

Remote.it

Le Tote

Anews

Klear

Drupe

Bolt

Pipedrive

PandaDoc

The IRApp

FullContact

ScentBird

Workiz

Vinebox

Hugo

21.11.2011

1,825,596 

24.07.2012

 10,533,334 

15.02.2014

 136,781 

01.05.2014

3,260 

13.06.2014

791,510 

21.07.2014

1,997,073 

25.08.2014

 1,000,000 

01.09.2014

 155,000 

02.09.2014

 595,142 

15.09.2014

17,094,470 

30.07.2012

10,257,098 

11.07.2014

1,233,770 

16.08.2016

547,972

11.01.2018

244,506

13.04.2015

3,340,404

16.05.2016

263,878

06.05.2016

450,015

19.01. 2019

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

200,000

1,999,992

253,615

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

5,833

282,391

200,000

221,688

-

-

MEL Science

25.02.2019

Healthy Health

06.06.2019

eAgronom

Rocket Games 
(Legionfarm)

Timbeter

Total

31.08.2018

16.09.2019

05.12. 2019

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Investee company

Disposals 

Value at  

31 Dec 2019 

Equity stake 

owned

Gain/loss from 

changes in fair 

value of equity 

investments, 

Unicell

(14,271)

(965,729)

Depositphotos

12,668,178

(2,000,003)

21,201,509

(3,260)

Wanelo

Backblaze

E2C

Drippler

Remote.it

Le Tote

Anews

Klear

Drupe

Bolt

Pipedrive

PandaDoc

The IRApp

FullContact

ScentBird

Workiz

Vinebox

Hugo

MEL Science

Healthy Health

eAgronom

Rocket Games 

(Legionfarm)

Timbeter

2,233,775

752,739

(595,142)

5,038,078

981,348

178,281

579,000

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

16,948

(564,920)

10,836,105

1,825,596

136,781

3,025,285

2,749,812

1,000,000

155,000

22,132,548

10,257,098 

2,215,118

-

-

-

-

244,506

3,340,404

442,159

450,015

779,000

1,999,992

253,615

288,224

200,000

221,688

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

16.41%

4.69%

11.78%

5.51%

0.00%

1.68%

0.69%

9.41%

3.04%

7.46%

1.63%

2.41%

1.65%

0.00%

0.19%

4.01%

2.13%

2.41%

1.94%

4.45%

2.27%

2.13%

2.00%

4.64%

62,285,914

2,881,128

282,391

21,838,934

(3,533,912)

83,754,455

 
 
 
 
(i) Equity investments as at 31 December 2019:

(i) Equity investments as at 31 December 2019:

Investee company

Date of initial 

investment

Value at 

Additions to equity 

Conversions from 

1 Jan 2019

investments 

loan notes 

Investee company

during the period

Gain/loss from 
changes in fair 
value of equity 
investments, 

Disposals 

Value at  
31 Dec 2019 

Equity stake 
owned

Unicell

15.09.2011

980,000 

Unicell

(14,271)

(965,729)

USD

USD

USD

USD

USD

-

Depositphotos

26.07.2011

10,836,105 

Depositphotos

Wanelo

Backblaze

E2C

Drippler

Remote.it

Le Tote

Anews

Klear

Drupe

Bolt

Pipedrive

PandaDoc

The IRApp

FullContact

ScentBird

Workiz

Vinebox

Hugo

MEL Science

Healthy Health

eAgronom

Rocket Games 
(Legionfarm)

Timbeter

-

-

-

-

10,836,105

1,825,596

12,668,178

(2,000,003)

21,201,509

-

-

2,233,775

752,739

-

-

(595,142)

5,038,078

-

981,348

-

136,781

(3,260)

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

3,025,285

2,749,812

1,000,000

155,000

-

22,132,548

10,257,098 

2,215,118

16,948

(564,920)

-

-

-

178,281

-

579,000

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

244,506

3,340,404

442,159

450,015

779,000

1,999,992

253,615

288,224

200,000

221,688

62,285,914

2,881,128

282,391

21,838,934

(3,533,912)

83,754,455

21.11.2011

1,825,596 

24.07.2012

 10,533,334 

15.02.2014

 136,781 

01.05.2014

3,260 

13.06.2014

791,510 

21.07.2014

1,997,073 

25.08.2014

 1,000,000 

01.09.2014

 155,000 

02.09.2014

 595,142 

15.09.2014

17,094,470 

30.07.2012

10,257,098 

11.07.2014

1,233,770 

16.08.2016

547,972

11.01.2018

244,506

13.04.2015

3,340,404

16.05.2016

263,878

06.05.2016

450,015

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

MEL Science

25.02.2019

Healthy Health

06.06.2019

19.01. 2019

31.08.2018

16.09.2019

05.12. 2019

-

-

-

-

-

-

200,000

1,999,992

253,615

200,000

221,688

5,833

282,391

Wanelo

Backblaze

E2C

Drippler

Remote.it

Le Tote

Anews

Klear

Drupe

Bolt

Pipedrive

PandaDoc

The IRApp

FullContact

ScentBird

Workiz

Vinebox

Hugo

eAgronom

Rocket Games 

(Legionfarm)

Timbeter

Total

-

16.41%

4.69%

11.78%

5.51%

0.00%

1.68%

0.69%

9.41%

3.04%

7.46%

1.63%

2.41%

1.65%

0.00%

0.19%

4.01%

2.13%

2.41%

1.94%

4.45%

2.27%

2.13%

2.00%

4.64%

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e
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o
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a
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c
c
o
u
n
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s
2
0
1
9

N
O
T
E
S

T
O
T
H
E

F
I
N
A
N
C

I

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L

S
T
A
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89

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(ii) Convertible loan notes as at 31 December 2019:

Investee company

Date of initial 
investment

Value at 1 Jan 2019

Additions To 
Convertible Note 
Investments During The 
Period 

Sharethis

KitApps

eAgronom

Accern

Affise

Total

26/03/2013

570,030

10/07/2013

600,000

31.08.2018

234,200

USD

-

-

-

21.08.2019

18.09.2019

-

-

1,000,000

1,000,000

1,404,230

2,000,000

(282,391)

330,896

3,452,735

(iii) SAFEs as at 31 December 2019:

Investee company

Date of initial 
investment

Value at 1 Jan 2019 Additions to convertible 
note investments 
during the period, 

USD

900,000

300,000

-

-

-

-

USD

-

-

350,000

1,500,000

650,000

1,200,000

1,200,000

3,700,000

Total

(900,000)

4,000,000

Sixa

Spinbackup

28.07.2016

17.12.2018

Cheetah (Go-X)

29.07.2019

Scalarr

Retarget

Rocket Games 
(Legionfarm)

Total

15.08.2019

24.09.2019

16.09.2019

N
O
T
E
S

T
O
T
H
E

F
I
N
A
N
C

I

A
L

S
T
A
T
E
M
E
N
T
S

90

Investee 

company

Conversions

Gain/loss from 

Value at  

Term, years

Interest rate, 

changes in fair 

31 Dec 2019

%

value of equity 

investments

USD

USD

USD

-

-

-

-

570,030

600,000

-

-

-

282,705

1,282,705

1,000,000

eAgronom

(282,391)

48,191 

-

Investee company

Conversions  Gain/loss from changes 

Disposals 

Value at 31 Dec 

USD

USD

USD

in fair value of SAFE 

investments

(900,000)

1.09%

2.00%

3.00%

5.00%

5.00%

2019

USD

-

300,000

350,000

1,500,000

650,000

1,200,000

5.0

1.0

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Sharethis

KitApps

Accern

Affise

Total

Sixa

Spinbackup

Cheetah (Go-X)

Scalarr

Retarget

Rocket Games 

(Legionfarm)

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

 
 
 
 
 
(ii) Convertible loan notes as at 31 December 2019:

(ii) Convertible loan notes as at 31 December 2019:

Investee company

Date of initial 

Value at 1 Jan 2019

investment

Additions To 

Convertible Note 

Investments During The 

Period 

USD

Investee 
company

Conversions

Gain/loss from 
changes in fair 
value of equity 
investments

Value at  
31 Dec 2019

Term, years

Interest rate, 
%

26/03/2013

570,030

10/07/2013

600,000

Sharethis

KitApps

USD

USD

USD

-

-

-

-

570,030

600,000

31.08.2018

234,200

eAgronom

(282,391)

48,191 

-

1,404,230

2,000,000

Accern

Affise

Total

-

-

282,705

1,282,705

-

1,000,000

(282,391)

330,896

3,452,735

5.0

1.0

-

-

-

1.09%

2.00%

3.00%

5.00%

5.00%

(iii) SAFEs as at 31 December 2019:

(iii) SAFEs as at 31 December 2019:

Investee company

Value at 1 Jan 2019 Additions to convertible 

Investee company

note investments 

during the period, 

Conversions  Gain/loss from changes 
in fair value of SAFE 
investments

Disposals 

Value at 31 Dec 
2019

Sixa

Spinbackup

Cheetah (Go-X)

Scalarr

Retarget

Rocket Games 
(Legionfarm)

1,200,000

3,700,000

Total

USD

USD

USD

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

(900,000)

-

-

-

-

-

(900,000)

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

USD

-

300,000

350,000

1,500,000

650,000

1,200,000

4,000,000

Sharethis

KitApps

eAgronom

Accern

Affise

Total

Sixa

Spinbackup

Scalarr

Retarget

Rocket Games 

(Legionfarm)

Total

-

-

-

1,000,000

1,000,000

USD

-

-

350,000

1,500,000

650,000

1,200,000

21.08.2019

18.09.2019

Date of initial 

investment

28.07.2016

17.12.2018

15.08.2019

24.09.2019

16.09.2019

-

-

-

-

-

-

USD

900,000

300,000

Cheetah (Go-X)

29.07.2019

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91

TMT Investments Annual Report and Accounts 2019 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
11. Trade and Other Receivables 

Prepayments 

Other receivables

Interest receivable on promissory notes

Interest receivable on deposits

At 31/12/2019 

At 31/12/2018 

USD

326,648

264,361

105,548

15,400

711,957

USD

311,839

23,401,258

89,683

1,615

23,804,395

12. Cash and Cash Equivalents

The cash and cash equivalents as at 31 December 2019 include cash on hand and in banks and deposits. The 
effective interest rate at 31 December 2019 was 2.21%. 

Cash and cash equivalents comprise the following: 

Deposits

Bank balances

At 31/12/2019 

At 31/12/2018 

USD

6,500,000

5,200,074

11,700,074

USD

1,500,000

1,770,088

3,270,088

The following table represents an analysis of cash and equivalents by rating agency designation based 
on Fitch rating or their equivalent:

At 31/12/2019 

At 31/12/2018 

USD

USD

5,200,074

5,200,074

6,500,000

6,500,000

11,700,074

1,770,088

1,770,088

1,500,000

1,500,000

3,270,088

Bank balances

BBB+ rating

Deposits

BBB+ rating

Total

N
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S

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92

 
 
 
 
13. Trade and Other Payables

Salaries payable

Directors’ fees payable

Bonuses payable

Trade payables

Other current liabilities

Accruals

14. Share Capital

At 31/12/2019  

At 31/12/2018  

USD

-

15,732

748,626

11,912

9

28,912

805,191

USD

162,500

9,183

720,632

789,265

100

21,262

1,702,942

On 31 December 2019 the Company had an authorised share capital of unlimited ordinary shares  
of no par value and had issued ordinary share capital of:

At 31/12/2019 

At 31/12/2018  

USD

USD

Share capital

34,790,174

34,790,174

Issued capital comprises:

Fully paid ordinary shares 

Balance at 31 December 2018

Issue of ordinary shares 

Balance at 31 December 2019

Number

Number

29,185,831

29,185,831

Number of shares

Number of shares

29,185,831

-

29,185,831

27,744,962

1,440,869

29,185,831

There have been no changes to the Company’s ordinary share capital between the year-end date and the date of 
approval of these financial statements.

N
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T
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93

TMT Investments Annual Report and Accounts 2019 
 
 
 
 
15. Capital Management

The capital structure of the Company consists of equity share capital, 
reserves, and retained earnings.

The Board’s policy is to maintain a strong capital base so as to maintain 
investor and market confidence and to enable the successful future 
development of the business.

The Company is not subject to externally imposed capital requirements.

No changes were made to the objectives, policies and process for 
managing capital during the year.

16. Financial Risk Management and Financial Instruments

The Company has identified the following risks arising from its activities 
and has established policies and procedures to manage these risks.  
The Company’s principal financial assets are cash and cash equivalents, 
investments in equity shares, and convertible notes receivable.

As at 31 December 2019 the largest exposure to credit risk related to 
cash and cash equivalents (US$11,700,074).  The exposure risk is reduced 
because the counterparties are banks with high credit ratings (“BBB+” 
Liquidity banks) assigned by international credit rating agencies. The 
Directors intend to continue to spread the risk by holding the Company’s 
cash reserves in more than one financial institution.

(i) Exposure to credit risk

The carrying amount of the following assets represents the maximum credit 
exposure.  The maximum exposure to credit risk as at 31 December is as 
follows:

At 31/12/2019 
USD

At 31/12/2018 
USD

Convertible notes receivable & SAFEs

5,970,030

2,604,230

Trade and other receivables

711,957

23,804,395

Cash and cash equivalents

11,700,074

3,270,088

18,382,061

29,678,713

The Company’s financial assets are classified as financial assets at 
FVPL.  The measurement of the Company’s investments in equity shares 
and convertible notes is largely dependent on the underlying trading 
performance of the investee companies, but the valuation and other items 
in the financial statements can also be affected by the interest rate and 
fluctuations in the exchange rate. 

COVID-19 and related market volatility, whilst not directly affecting the 
Company’s operations and liquidity position, impact the underlying 
performance and therefore future fair market values of the Company’s 
investee companies.

CREDIT RISK

MARKET RISK

N
O
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S

T
O
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F
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94

 
 
 
 
INTEREST RATE RISK

Changes in interest rates impact primarily cash and cash equivalents by 
changing either their fair value (fixed rate deposits) or their future cash 
flows (variable rate deposits).  Management does not have a formal policy 
of determining how much of the Company’s exposure should be to fixed or 
variable rates.  

As at 31 December 2019, the Company had a cash deposit of 
US$6,500,000, earning a variable rate of interest.  The Board monitors the 
interest rates available in the market to ensure that returns are maximised.

FOREIGN CURRENCY RISK 
MANAGEMENT

The Company is exposed to foreign currency risks on investments and 
salary and director remuneration payments that are denominated in a 
currency other than the functional currency of the Company. 

The currency giving rise to this risk is primarily GBP and EUR. The exposure 
to foreign currency risk as at 31 December 2019 was as follows:   

For the 
year ended 
31/12/2019

For the 
year ended 
31/12/2019

For the 
year ended 
31/12/2018

For the 
year ended 
31/12/2018

GBP

EUR

GBP 

EUR

Current assets

Cash and cash equivalents

484,295

8,705           

182,220

820           

Current liabilities

Trade and other payables

(291,853)

-

(139,547)

Net (short) long position

192,442

8,705          

42,673

Net exposure currency 

146,757

7,771

33,618

Net exposure currency (assuming a 
10% movement in exchange rates)

173,198

7,834                  

38,406

Impact on exchange movements in the 
statement of comprehensive income

19,244

870                        

4,267

-

820          

717

738                  

82                        

FOREIGN CURRENCY RISK 
MANAGEMENT CONTINUED

The foreign exchange rates of the USD at 31 December 2019 
were as follows: 

31/12/2019

31/12/2018

British pounds, £

Euro, €

1.3113

1.1202

1.3441

1.1942

This analysis assumes that all other variables, in particular interest rates, 
remain constant.

N
O
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S

T
O
T
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95

TMT Investments Annual Report and Accounts 2019 
 
 
 
 
 
FAIR VALUE AND LIQUIDITY 
RISK MANAGEMENT

The Company’s approach to managing liquidity is to ensure that it will 
always have sufficient liquidity to meet its liabilities when due, under both 
normal and stressed conditions, without incurring unacceptable losses or 
risking damage to the Company.

The Company has low liquidity risk due to maintaining adequate banking 
facilities, by continuously monitoring actual cash flows and by matching the 
maturity profiles of financial assets and current liabilities.

As at 31 December 2019, the cash and equivalents of the Company were 
US$11,700,074.

The following are the maturities of current liabilities as at 31 December 2019:

Directors’ fees payable

Bonuses payable

Trade payables

Carrying 
Amount

Within One 
year

USD

15,732

USD

15,732

748,626

748,626

11,912

11,912

Other current liabilities

9

9

Accruals

28,912

28,912

805,191

805,191

2-5 years

5+ years

USD

USD

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

The following table analyses the fair values of financial instruments measured at fair value  
by the level in the fair value hierarchy as at 31 December 2019:

Level 1

USD

Level 2

Level 3

USD

USD

Total

USD

Financial assets

Financial assets at FVPL

-

91,207,190

-

91,207,190

91,207,190

91,207,190

17. Related Party Transactions 

Since May 2012, TMT’s Moscow-based staff have been located in an office 
that belongs to a company (“Orgtekhnika”) controlled by Mr. Alexander 
Morgulchik and Mr. German Kaplun, the Company’s senior managers.  
German Kaplun also owns 18.33% of the issued share capital of TMT.  Thus, 
Orgtekhnika is considered a related party.  Together with other related 
expenses (support personnel, company car, security services, etc.), the total 
office rent costs to TMT from 1 April 2017 has been US$7,883 per month.

N
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96

 
 
 
 
RELATED PARTY 
TRANSACTIONS CONTINUED

The Company’s Directors receive fees and bonuses from the Company, 
details of which can be found in Note 6. 

18. Subsequent Events

In February 2020, the Company invested US$400,000 in ClassTag, Inc., a 
parent-teacher communication platform currently connecting over 2 million 
families across 25,000 schools (www.classtag.com).

In April 2020, the Company invested £150,000 in 3S Money Club Limited, 
an online banking service focusing on international trade (www.3s.money).

In the year to date, the global economy has been affected by the 
COVID-19 pandemic and related market volatility.  Whilst the Company’s 
operations and liquidity position were not directly impacted, the principal 
activity of the Company was naturally affected through the impact on and 
therefore potential performance of the Company’s investee companies.  
The current and potential near-term impact of these developments on the 
Company is discussed in the Executive Director’s statement.

19. Control

The Company is not controlled by any one party.  Details of significant 
shareholders are shown in the Directors’ Report.

N
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97

TMT Investments Annual Report and Accounts 2019 
 
 
 
Directors and 
Professional Advisers

DIRECTORS

Yuri Mostovoy 
Non-executive Chairman

Alexander Selegenev 
Executive Director

Petr Lanin 
Independent Non-executive Director

James Joseph Mullins 
Independent Non-executive Director

SECRETARY

Computershare Company Secretarial Services  
(Jersey) Limited

Queensway House, Hilgrove Street

St Helier, Jersey, JE1 1ES

REGISTERED OFFICE

Queensway House, Hilgrove Street

St Helier, Jersey, JE1 1ES

NOMINATED ADVISER

Strand Hanson Limited

26 Mount Row, Mayfair

London, W1K 3SQ

BROKER

Hybridan LLP

20 Ironmonger Lane

London, EC2V 8EP

LEGAL ADVISERS TO THE COMPANY

PUBLIC RELATIONS ADVISER

MJ Hudson

2nd Floor Hilgrove House

Hilgrove Street

St Helier, JE2 4SL

AUDITORS

UHY Hacker Young LLP

Quadrant House

4 Thomas More Square

London, E1W 1YW

Kinlan Communications

2-4 Exmoor Street

London, W10 6BD

REGISTRAR

Computershare Investor Services (Jersey) Limited

Queensway House, Hilgrove Street

St Helier, Jersey, JE1 1ES

COMPANY REGISTRATION NUMBER

COMPANY WEBSITE

106628 (Jersey)

www.tmtinvestments.com

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98

 
 
 
Total Investment  
(USD Million)

$0.3m

Exit value (USD Million)

$0.55m

In February 2019, the Company 
received a total net cash 
consideration of US$547,972 for the 
disposal of its entire investment in 
The IRApp, Inc, a turn-key investor 
relations app.

N
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99

PAGE CONTENTTMT Investments Annual Report and Accounts 2019 
 
 
 
Registered office: Queensway House,  
Hilgrove Street, St Helier, Jersey JE1 1ES. 

Tel. +44 1534 281 800 Fax. +44 08451 258 623