The fund is the brainchild of BNP Paribas THEAM Quant strategies and BNP Paribas Exane Research.

The underlying strategy employs BNP Paribas QIS’ investment approach, combining artificial intelligence data processing with industry expert analysis.

“With growing interest in both sustainable and thematic investing, the strategy is one of the most exciting thematic investment products in the sector on the market today,” Vincent Berard, head of BNP Paribas global markets' product strategy for THEAM Quant funds, said.

The strategy  commits to companies classified as “Sustainable Investment” within the context of the European MIFID II regulation, including those that contribute towards the UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) objectives without any adverse impact on other objectives, BNP Paribas said.

The THEAM Quant fund range offers quantitative funds, and these fit with clients’ various risk/return profiles.

Praetura Investments
, a Manchester-based alternative asset manager, this week launched and made its first allotment of shares in its Praetura Growth VCT.

Having raised over the required £3 million ($3.76 million) mark, the VCT’s objective is to back some exciting scale-up businesses in the North of England, drive capital growth and target a regular annual dividend commencing in 2027, in addition to special dividends from the proceeds of completed exits of portfolio companies.

Praetura Growth VCT, which remains open for subscriptions, will focus on investing in companies based in the North of England, enabling investors to diversify their portfolio and also help address the structural imbalance in the UK venture capital market. This was identified by Praetura’s research, which revealed there is a £9 billion funding gap for Northern small businesses seeking capital for growth, the firm said in a statement.