
The authorization of the AIFM will impact the availability of the AIFMD marketing passport, which is only available to an authorized EU AIFM.Īsset types and investment strategies – A QIAIF can generally invest in any asset type and conduct any investment strategy, including venture capital strategies. Key features of a QIAIF are:Ģ4-hour fast-track authorization process – QIAIFs that have an authorized Alternative Investment Fund Manager (“AIFM”) can generally be authorized within 24 hours of application to the Central Bank.ĪIFM appointment required – An AIFM must be appointed in respect of a QIAIF product, which can be an EU-authorized AIFM, Irish-registered AIFM or a non-EU AIFM. QIAIFs are Irish-regulated AIFMD-compliant structures aimed at sophisticated or institutional investors. Qualified Investor Alternative Investment Fund – regulatory wrapper The following table is a non-exhaustive high-level summary of the main differences between a QIAIF ICAV, a QIAIF ILP and the 1907 LP. Other structures, such as the common contractual fund and unit trusts, are available, but are typically used by asset managers for more bespoke products.

Depending on the authorization of the appointed AIFM, an ILP can typically use the AIFMD marketing passport. In light of recent enhancements to its legislative regime, the modernised ILP is viewed as a game changer which will bring an increasing number of fund promoters to Ireland to establish their venture capital funds. Investment Limited Partnership (ILP) – Regulated – The ILP is a common law partnership of two or more persons having as its principal business the investment of its funds in property of all kinds and consisting of at least one general partner and at least one limited partners.Depending on the authorization of the appointed AIFM, an ICAV can typically use the AIFMD marketing passport. Please see below for further information on the QIAIF product wrapper. ICAVs with a venture capital strategy are required to be regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland as Qualified Investor Alternative Investment Funds (QIAIFs).

Since its introduction in 2015, the ICAV has become the predominant corporate vehicle of choice for structuring regulated venture capital funds. Unlike an investment company, it is not subject to certain pieces of company legislation that are targeted at trading companies.

With a successful track record in the alternatives space, Ireland is highly regarded by fund promoters and sponsors as an attractive, tax-efficient and innovative jurisdiction in which to domicile their regulated and unregulated venture capital funds. Ireland was the first regulated jurisdiction to provide a regulatory framework specifically for the alternative investment fund industry. Upwards of 40 percent of global alternative investment funds assets are serviced in Ireland. Ireland, a member of the European Union, has been a leading funds domicile for more than 30 years and is the largest alternative investment fund centre in the world. Ireland as a domicile for venture capital funds
