Glossary · UK
What is Knowledge-Intensive Company (KIC)?
A qualifying EIS company with enhanced investment limits (GBP 2,000,000/year for investors, GBP 20M total raise) meeting R&D intensity or workforce criteria.
Full Definition
A Knowledge-Intensive Company (KIC) is a type of qualifying company under the Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) that meets additional criteria around research and development intensity or skilled workforce. KIC criteria: at least 20% of operating costs in R&D or innovation in each of the 3 years before the share issue, or at least 20% of employees holding a relevant Masters degree or above. KIC benefits: the annual investment limit for EIS investors in KICs is doubled to GBP 2,000,000 per tax year (vs GBP 1,000,000 for standard EIS); the KIC can raise up to GBP 20,000,000 under EIS (vs GBP 12,000,000 for standard EIS). Employee/director restriction still applies. KICs are typically science, technology, biotech or deep-tech companies. SEIS does not have a KIC category. HMRC advance assurance recommended.