Governance
Conflict of Interest Policy
How we identify, manage and mitigate actual, potential and perceived conflicts of interest, in the interest of our investors and stakeholders.
Effective Date: January 2026 Last Updated: January 2026
Velaris Ventures SA ("the Company") is committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct in all business activities. This Conflict of Interest Policy outlines how we identify, manage and mitigate potential conflicts of interest.
1. Purpose and Scope
1.1 Purpose
This policy aims to:
- Protect the interests of our investors and stakeholders
- Ensure transparent and ethical decision-making
- Maintain trust and confidence in our operations
- Comply with legal and regulatory requirements
1.2 Scope
This policy applies to:
- All directors and officers
- Investment committee members
- Employees and consultants
- Portfolio company board representatives
- Affiliated entities and related parties
2. Definition of Conflict of Interest
A conflict of interest arises when an individual's personal interests, relationships or activities could interfere with objective business judgment, compromise fiduciary duties, create unfair advantage or disadvantage, or undermine investor trust. Conflicts may be actual, potential or perceived.
3. Types of Conflicts
3.1 Financial Conflicts
- Personal investments in companies under consideration
- Financial interests that compete with the Company
- Receipt of gifts, loans or other benefits from related parties
- Outside business interests that conflict with duties
3.2 Relationship Conflicts
- Family relationships with counterparties
- Personal relationships affecting objectivity
- Board memberships creating competing loyalties
- Affiliations with competitors or suppliers
3.3 Opportunity Conflicts
- Personal pursuit of corporate opportunities
- Diversion of business opportunities
- Use of Company resources for personal gain
- Competing for the same investment opportunities
3.4 Information Conflicts
- Misuse of confidential information
- Insider trading
- Selective disclosure
- Conflicts in information access
4. Disclosure Obligations
4.1 Mandatory Disclosure
All covered persons must disclose, upon joining, their existing business interests, board memberships and advisory roles, family relationships in relevant industries, and material financial holdings. On an ongoing basis they must disclose new conflicts as they arise, changes in previously disclosed matters, potential conflicts in specific transactions, and an annual certification of compliance.
4.2 Disclosure Process
Disclosures must be made in writing to the Compliance Officer, promptly upon awareness of the conflict, with complete and accurate information, and updated annually.
4.3 Disclosure Form
Covered persons must complete a Conflict of Interest Disclosure Form containing the nature of the conflict, the parties involved, any financial interests, and proposed mitigation measures.
5. Management and Mitigation
5.1 Review Process
Disclosed conflicts are reviewed by the Compliance Officer (initial review), the Investment Committee (investment-related conflicts) and the Board of Directors (significant or complex conflicts).
5.2 Mitigation Measures
Depending on severity, mitigation may include:
- Recusal: abstaining from relevant discussions, exclusion from decision-making, no access to confidential information
- Disclosure: transparent communication to affected parties, documentation in meeting minutes, disclosure to investors when material
- Divestiture: sale of conflicting investments, resignation from conflicting positions, termination of conflicting relationships
- Prohibition: prohibiting the conflicting activity, declining the opportunity, or restructuring to eliminate the conflict
5.3 Documentation
All conflicts and mitigation measures must be documented in writing, approved by the appropriate authority, maintained in compliance records and reviewed periodically.
6. Specific Conflict Scenarios
6.1 Co-Investment Opportunities
When team members wish to co-invest personally: prior written approval is required, on the same terms as the Company investment, with no preferential treatment and full disclosure to investors.
6.2 Portfolio Company Positions
Team members serving on portfolio company boards must act in the best interest of the Company, disclose any personal interests, recuse from conflicted decisions and report material developments.
6.3 Competing Investment Opportunities
When evaluating opportunities similar to personal investments, full disclosure is required, alongside independent review by non-conflicted parties, a documented rationale for decisions, and investor notification if material.
6.4 Vendor and Service Provider Relationships
Relationships with service providers must be conducted at arm's length, follow competitive selection processes, disclose any personal relationships and ensure fair market terms.
7. Gifts and Entertainment
7.1 General Principle
Gifts and entertainment must not create obligations or expectations, influence business decisions, exceed reasonable business courtesies, or violate laws or regulations.
7.2 Prohibited Gifts
The following are prohibited: cash or cash equivalents; gifts exceeding CHF 500 in value; gifts from parties in active negotiations; and anything that could be perceived as a bribe.
7.3 Reporting
Gifts and entertainment exceeding CHF 200 must be reported to the Compliance Officer.
8. Outside Business Activities
8.1 Prior Approval Required
Team members must obtain approval for board memberships or advisory roles, outside employment or consulting, starting a business, or significant investments in related industries.
8.2 Criteria for Approval
Approval considers the time commitment required, the potential for conflict, the use of Company resources and reputational risk.
9. Related Party Transactions
9.1 Definition
Related party transactions involve entities controlled by team members, family members of team members, entities with common ownership, or close personal or business associates.
9.2 Approval Process
Related party transactions require full disclosure of the relationship, an independent fairness opinion for significant transactions, approval by disinterested parties and documentation of arm's length terms.
9.3 Ongoing Monitoring
Related party transactions are reviewed annually, reported to investors, compared to market terms and subject to audit.
10. Enforcement and Consequences
10.1 Violations
Violations may result in verbal or written warnings, mandatory training, forfeiture of profits, termination of employment or relationship, legal action and regulatory reporting.
10.2 Reporting Violations
Suspected violations should be reported to the Compliance Officer, the Board of Directors or the anonymous whistleblower channel.
10.3 No Retaliation
The Company prohibits retaliation against individuals who report conflicts or violations in good faith.
11. Training and Awareness
All covered persons must complete conflict of interest training upon joining, participate in annual refresher training, acknowledge receipt and understanding of this policy, and certify annual compliance.
12. Annual Certification
All covered persons must annually certify their understanding of this policy, disclosure of all actual or potential conflicts, compliance with mitigation measures, and acknowledgment of the consequences for violations.
13. Policy Review and Updates
This policy is reviewed annually by the Compliance Officer, when regulatory requirements change, after significant organizational changes, and following any material violations.
14. Contact Information
Compliance Officer Velaris Ventures SA Email: sl@velarisventures.com (subject: "Conflict of Interest Disclosure")
15. Governance
Compliance Officer: receives and reviews disclosures, maintains the conflict of interest register, conducts training and reports to the Board quarterly.
Investment Committee: reviews investment-related conflicts, approves mitigation measures and ensures a fair process.
Board of Directors: reviews significant conflicts, approves policy changes and oversees the compliance program.
By accepting employment or engagement with Velaris Ventures SA, you acknowledge that you have read, understood and agree to comply with this Conflict of Interest Policy.
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