The investment landscape is evolving. Beyond traditional stocks and bonds, UK investors are increasingly seeking diversification and potentially higher returns through alternative assets.
Historically, accessing private equity (PE), venture capital (VC), private credit, and direct real estate deals was challenging and costly.
However, the rise of alternative investment technology has spawned a new generation of online platforms for investing in alternative assets, apps, and marketplaces, making these opportunities more accessible than ever before.
This guide explores the best alternative investment platforms and alternative investment apps available to UK investors and advisors in 2025.
Introduction: Why UK Investors are Turning to Alternative Assets Online
Defining Alternatives: Beyond Stocks and Bonds
Alternative investments encompass a broad range of assets not typically found in standard portfolios. Common examples include:
- Private Equity & Venture Capital: Investing in unlisted companies.
- Private Credit: Lending directly to businesses.
- Real Estate: Direct property ownership, development finance, or equity stakes via platforms.
- Infrastructure: Funding essential long-term projects.
- Hedge Funds, Commodities, Collectibles, etc.
These assets can offer diversification benefits (low correlation to public markets) and the potential for enhanced long-term returns, although they come with unique risks, notably illiquidity.
The Problem: Traditional Barriers to Entry in the UK
Historically, participating in these markets required significant capital (£100,000s or millions), deep industry connections to find opportunities, complex due diligence processes, and meeting ‘Sophisticated Investor’ or ‘High-Net-Worth Individual’ (HNWI) criteria under UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) rules.
The Rise of Digital Alternative Investment Platforms & Marketplaces
How Fintech is Enabling Access (Alternative Investment Technology)
Fintech innovation is breaking down these barriers. Digital alternative investments are facilitated by platforms that leverage technology to:
- Aggregate Capital: Pool funds from multiple investors to meet high minimums.
- Curate Opportunities: Source, vet, and present investment deals online.
- Streamline Processes: Digitize onboarding, documentation (subscription agreements), and reporting.
- Lower Minimums: Enable investment with smaller individual amounts.
- Enhance Transparency: Provide investors with more data and regular updates via online portals and alternative investment apps.
Understanding the UK Investor Landscape (HNWI, Sophisticated Investors)
Most alt investment platforms offering direct access to private equity, VC, or complex credit deals in the UK are restricted to investors who self-certify as ‘Sophisticated Investors’ or ‘High-Net-Worth Individuals’ according to FCA definitions. Some platforms, particularly in real estate crowdfunding or P2P lending operating within an Innovative Finance ISA (IFISA) wrapper, might be open to retail investors, but often with limitations and clear risk warnings.
Types of Online Platforms for Alternative Investments in the UK
The UK market features various types of alternatives platform models:
| Platform Type | Description | UK Examples (Illustrative) | Key Features |
| PE/VC Access Platforms | Provide access to PE/VC funds or direct co-investments (often global players). | Moonfare, Floww | Curated fund access, high minimums (£50k+), HNWI focus |
| Real Estate Crowdfunding UK | Invest in property equity, development loans, or buy-to-let via platforms. | Crowdproperty, London House Exchange (LHX), Yielders, Brickowner | Property-backed, IFISA options possible, variable minimums |
| P2P Lending Platforms | Lend directly to individuals or businesses (often SME focused). | Funding Circle (business), Assetz Capital (business/property), Kuflink (property) | Often IFISA eligible, focus on debt/income |
| Multi-Asset Marketplaces | Offer a range of alternatives (credit, real estate, PE/VC, sometimes niche). | Yieldstreet (Global), Goji (Aggregator for advisors) | Diversified choice, varying minimums/fees |
| Startup/EIS/SEIS Platforms | Focus on early-stage UK companies eligible for tax relief schemes. | Crowdcube, Seedrs | Equity crowdfunding, potential tax benefits (EIS/SEIS) |
| Alternative Investment Apps | Mobile-first interfaces for accessing and managing alternative investments. | Apps provided by platforms above (e.g., Moonfare, Crowdproperty) | Convenience, portfolio tracking |
Key Features of Top Alt Investment Platforms
When comparing platforms, consider:
- Deal Curation & Due Diligence: How rigorously are opportunities vetted? What is the platform’s track record?
- Minimum Investment & Fees: What’s the entry point? Understand all platform fees, management fees, and performance fees/carry.
- Technology & User Experience: Is the website/app intuitive? Is the onboarding process smooth? How good is the reporting via the investing in alternative assets online portal?
- Reporting & Transparency: How often are updates provided? Is performance data clear?
- Liquidity: Are there any secondary market options or specific fund structures (like VCTs or listed funds) offering liquidity? Is an IFISA wrapper available for eligible assets?
- FCA Regulation: Is the platform authorised and regulated by the FCA? This is crucial for investor protection.
Alternative Investment Platforms for RIAs & Financial Advisors in the UK
Independent Financial Advisors (IFAs) and wealth managers are increasingly using alternative investment platforms for RIAs (or their UK equivalents) to serve their clients. Platforms like iCapital (globally) or UK-focused solutions help advisors:
- Access a wider range of alternative funds/products for client portfolios.
- Streamline the administrative burden of investing in alternatives.
- Utilise platform due diligence and research resources.
- Provide consolidated reporting for clients.
- Manage compliance requirements more efficiently.
Navigating the Alternative Investment Network: Benefits & Risks
| Benefits | Risks |
| ✅ Access to potentially higher returns & unique growth opportunities | ❌ Illiquidity: Capital typically locked up for years (5-10+). |
| ✅ Portfolio diversification away from public markets | ❌ Complexity: Understanding structures, valuations, and risks. |
| ✅ Lower minimum investments via platforms compared to direct entry | ❌ Fees: Multiple layers of fees can impact net returns. |
| ✅ Professional management (when investing in funds) | ❌ Loss of Capital: No guarantee of returns; investments can fail. |
| ✅ Technological convenience & improved transparency | ❌ Platform Risk: Platform failure, inadequate due diligence. |
| ✅ Potential UK Tax Advantages (EIS, SEIS, VCT, IFISA) | ❌ Regulatory Changes: Rules governing platforms or assets may change. |
How to Choose the Best Alternative Investment Platform in the UK
- Confirm Your Status: Determine if you qualify as a Sophisticated Investor or HNWI if required by the platform/investment type.
- Define Goals: What role will alternatives play in your portfolio? What’s your risk tolerance and time horizon?
- Research & Compare: Look at platforms specialising in your desired asset class (e.g., real estate crowdfunding platforms UK if interested in property). Compare fees, minimums, track records, and user reviews.
- Assess Due Diligence: Understand the platform’s process for selecting and vetting investments. Don’t rely on it solely – do your own research.
- Check FCA Authorisation: Verify the platform’s regulatory status on the FCA Register.
- Start Small: Consider diversifying across multiple platforms or deals with smaller initial investments.
Conclusion: Embracing Digital Alternative Investments Wisely
Online platforms for investing in alternative assets have significantly improved access for eligible UK investors and their alternative investment advisors.
Whether through multi-asset alternative investment marketplace concepts, specialised private equity platforms, dedicated alternative investment apps, or thriving real estate crowdfunding platforms UK, technology offers unprecedented convenience and choice.
However, the inherent risks of illiquidity, complexity, and potential capital loss remain. Careful due diligence, a long-term perspective, and a clear understanding of your own risk tolerance are essential before venturing into the world of digital alternative investments.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What are the best alternative investment apps in the UK?
- Many leading platforms like Moonfare, Crowdproperty, Seedrs, and Crowdcube offer mobile apps for managing investments. The “best” app depends on the type of alternative assets you’re interested in (PE, real estate, startups) and the platform’s overall offering.
- How can UK financial advisors access alternatives for clients?
- Advisors can use dedicated alternative investment platforms for RIAs/IFAs (like Goji or integrate with global platforms like iCapital), partner directly with alternative asset managers offering feeder funds, or utilize listed vehicles like Investment Trusts or VCTs that hold alternative assets.
- What is an alternative investment marketplace?
- It’s typically an online platform that aggregates various alternative investment opportunities (which could be PE funds, VC deals, private credit, real estate projects) from different managers or sponsors, allowing investors to browse, compare, and invest through a single interface. BrikkApp is an example in the European real estate space.
- Are UK real estate crowdfunding platforms regulated?
- Yes, platforms facilitating property investment (equity or P2P lending) generally need to be authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Always check a platform’s status on the FCA register.
- Can I hold alternative investments in an ISA in the UK?
- A: Some specific types. Peer-to-peer loans accessed via regulated platforms can often be held within an Innovative Finance ISA (IFISA), offering tax-free interest. Shares acquired through equity crowdfunding platforms like Seedrs or Crowdcube might be eligible for Stocks & Shares ISAs under certain conditions, but direct PE/VC fund stakes typically are not ISA-eligible, though EIS/SEIS/VCT investments have their own tax reliefs.
