Don't invest unless you're prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high-risk investment and you are unlikely to be protected if something goes wrong. Take 2 mins to learn more.

Risk warningRegulatory wording from the FCA Handbook, COBS 4

Risk warning.

Please read this before you request the investor pack. It is the standard risk summary for shares in an early-stage company, followed by the risks that are specific to The Match House.

Don't invest unless you're prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high-risk investment and you are unlikely to be protected if something goes wrong.

Risk summary for non-readily realisable securities which are shares

Estimated reading time: 2 min

Due to the potential for losses, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) considers this investment to be high risk.

What are the key risks?

1. You could lose all the money you invest

  • If the business you invest in fails, you are likely to lose 100% of the money you invested. Most start-up businesses fail.

2. You are unlikely to be protected if something goes wrong

  • Protection from the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), in relation to claims against failed regulated firms, does not cover poor investment performance. Try the FSCS investment protection checker here.
  • Protection from the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) does not cover poor investment performance. If you have a complaint against an FCA-regulated firm, FOS may be able to consider it. Learn more about FOS protection here.

3. You won't get your money back quickly

  • Even if the business you invest in is successful, it may take several years to get your money back. You are unlikely to be able to sell your investment early.
  • The most likely way to get your money back is if the business is bought by another business or lists its shares on an exchange such as the London Stock Exchange. These events are not common.
  • If you are investing in a start-up business, you should not expect to get your money back through dividends. Start-up businesses rarely pay these.

4. Don't put all your eggs in one basket

  • Putting all your money into a single business or type of investment for example, is risky. Spreading your money across different investments makes you less dependent on any one to do well.
  • A good rule of thumb is not to invest more than 10% of your money in high-risk investments. Read more.

5. The value of your investment can be reduced

  • The percentage of the business that you own will decrease if the business issues more shares. This could mean that the value of your investment reduces, depending on how much the business grows. Most start-up businesses issue multiple rounds of shares.
  • These new shares could have additional rights that your shares don't have, such as the right to receive a fixed dividend, which could further reduce your chances of getting a return on your investment.

If you are interested in learning more about how to protect yourself, visit the FCA's website here.

Risks specific to The Match House

  • Early stage. The Match House Ltd was incorporated in March 2026 and the club is not yet open. The company has no trading history. Opening depends on raising enough capital, completing the lease and fit-out of the Basildon premises and obtaining planning consent. Heads of Terms for International House, Endeavour Drive, Basildon are agreed but remain subject to the landlord's board approval, planning consent and contract, and may not complete.
  • One venue at first. The business will initially rely on a single site. A delay in opening, a cost overrun or lower demand than expected would affect the whole business.
  • Competition. Padel is growing quickly and new courts are opening across Essex and the UK, including in Basildon. Competition may affect prices and occupancy.
  • Projections. Any figures about future performance in the information memorandum are estimates built on assumptions that may not be met. Market statistics on this website describe the sport, not this company.
  • No market for the shares. Shares in a private company cannot be sold on an exchange. You may be unable to sell when you want to, an exit may take many years or may never happen, and dividends are unlikely in the early years.
  • Dilution. Further tranches are planned for 2027 and 2028 and the company may raise more money in future. New shares reduce the percentage of the company you hold.
  • Limited influence. Individual investors will hold a small percentage of the company and will have limited influence over its decisions.
  • Key people. The business depends on its founder and senior team. The loss of key people could affect the plan.
  • Tax reliefs. SEIS and EIS reliefs depend on your own circumstances and on the company meeting, and continuing to meet, the qualifying conditions, generally for three years from the date the shares are issued. HMRC advance assurance is an opinion based on the information provided to HMRC and is not a guarantee that relief will be given or kept. The rules may change.
  • Regulation. The Match House Ltd is not authorised or regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. The Financial Services Compensation Scheme and the Financial Ombudsman Service are unlikely to be available to you in respect of the company.

In plain words

Sometimes, no matter how hard everyone tries, investments can fail. Should that happen, loss relief helps soften the impact. If our projections are right and we achieve what we expect, gains can be free of capital gains tax and the shares free of inheritance tax. Please read the information memorandum in full, only invest money you can afford to lose, and take independent financial advice if you are unsure.