CarCrowd is a UK-based alternative asset platform specialising in fractional ownership of investment-grade classic and collector cars.
Founded in 2019 and headquartered in Nottingham, the company enables investors to join syndicates from just £2,000. Operating across B2C and B2B channels, CarCrowd combines fintech-enabled structuring with asset-backed investing, opening a market traditionally reserved for specialist collectors and high net worth individuals. The business has achieved 15 times revenue growth since 2022 and is forecast to generate over £2 million in 2025. It is also Sharia-compliant, appealing to investors seeking asset-backed opportunities aligned with Islamic finance principles.
The Fractional Syndicate Model
CarCrowd structures each vehicle through a syndicate model, typically via a special purpose vehicle that holds the underlying asset. Investors purchase shares in the syndicate rather than the car itself, gaining economic exposure to appreciation without the burdens of storage, insurance, maintenance or resale logistics.
The platform manages sourcing, authentication, insurance and exit strategy, applying a disciplined acquisition approach to what has traditionally been a passion-driven market. Over 4,500 users have registered on the platform, more than 40 assets have been completed, and realised returns average 12.6 percent year on year across exited vehicles. By lowering the entry point to £2,000, investors can diversify across multiple vehicles, reducing concentration risk within an asset class that has historically required substantial upfront capital.
Market Context: A Growing Global Asset Class
The global classic car market continues to expand. Credence Research projects it will reach $77.8 billion (£56.8 billion) by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 8.7%. Rising global wealth, collector demand and increasing institutional recognition of tangible assets are driving this growth.
The Hagerty Market Index – demonstrating the appreciation in value of classic cars – is currently in a trough.
The Hagerty Market Index demonstrates long-term appreciation despite cyclical corrections, with index levels substantially above a decade ago, reinforcing the scarcity-driven value proposition. Classic cars offer exposure to a tangible asset class with historically low correlation to traditional equities, making them attractive within diversified portfolios. Cars have inherent value, cannot go bankrupt, and can be traded globally, adding robustness to any investment mix. Over the past ten years, returns of 185% outperform other passion assets such as wine and watches, while low annualised volatility and minimal market correlation provide stability. As a wasting asset, collectible cars are also capital gains tax free, enhancing after-tax returns.
Current Fundraise: Oversubscribed and Closing Soon
CarCrowd is currently raising equity capital, offering 12.41% equity at a pre-money valuation of £4.6 million, with shares priced at £15.31. EIS tax relief is available for qualifying UK investors. The round – offered through Europe Republic – initially targeted £500,009 but has already raised £652,068 from 229 investors, reaching approximately 130% as of the 11th of February.
This oversubscription reflects strong investor appetite for both exposure to appreciating classic cars and the growth of the platform. The raise will support further scale, platform development and asset acquisition.
Two Investment Angles
CarCrowd presents a dual opportunity. Investors can participate in individual car syndicates from £2,000, gaining fractional exposure to appreciating classic vehicles within a professionally managed structure. Alternatively, investors can participate in the company’s equity raise, gaining exposure to the growth of a UK-based alternative asset platform operating in a market projected to grow at 8.7% annually to 2032.
As tangible assets attract capital amid public market volatility, CarCrowd sits at the convergence of classic car appreciation and digital investment access. With its current round oversubscribed and nearing close, the company is transitioning from early validation to broader scale within the UK alternative investment landscape.
Key Founding People
David Spickett, CEO, leads CarCrowd, building the platform into a data-driven alternative asset business offering fractional ownership of classic cars. In a CarCrowd article, he writes,
“Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of managing car collections for family and friends, and I’ve seen firsthand how the right car can not only be a joy to own but also a savvy investment. But the idea that really sparked the creation of TheCarCrowd was the realization that owning a dream car shouldn’t be exclusive to a select few. My professional life has also been deeply rooted in the world of regulated businesses and financial services. From mortgages to lending, I’ve gained invaluable experience in running businesses that are regulated, structured, and focused on compliance and transparency.”
David’s career spans senior roles in fintech, customer experience, and operations. He was UK Managing Director at Liberis, scaling operations and launching the business internationally, and previously led customer experience transformation at Thomas Cook. He also consulted for Nationwide Building Society on operational redesign and business strategy.
Sireesh Nallanthighal, leads CarCrowd’s technology and data infrastructure as the CTO. He told the London Investor Show,
“I was one of the first investors in the business and a shareholder of the first ever car and now as the Co-founder and CTO am fully committed. The classic car industry has shown fantastic returns circa 185% over the last 10 years (according to Knight Frank luxury index), however this has been largely reserved for the ultra high networths.”
Sireesh brings extensive experience in digital transformation and IT leadership, having held senior roles at Aldi UK, including Digital Transformation Lead and National IT Director. He also serves in non-executive roles at ReBuildable and Avenues Group, supporting innovation and social impact projects.
Together, David and Sireesh combine operational, technological, and market expertise to grow CarCrowd as a leading alternative asset platform.
Regulation and Risk
Investors can participate in CarCrowd through private syndicates or by purchasing assets directly. These arrangements fall outside the supervision of the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), meaning funds are not covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). The value of any investment may rise or fall, and there is a risk that investors could receive back less than the amount invested. Valuations provided are estimates prepared by the directors and may differ from the price realised if an asset is sold.
In a CarCrowd article, the company explained why FCA regulation no longer applies, stating:
“Simply put, classic cars and performance cars that are directly owned by individuals or syndicates are not considered financial instruments in the eyes of the FCA. While we are no longer FCA-regulated, we continue to operate with the same level of professionalism, transparency, and diligence as we always have… Your capital is still just as safe as it was when we were under supervision. The cars you invest in are tangible, valuable assets—real cars, not abstract products like stocks or crypto.”
CarCrowd maintains robust internal processes and governance, originally designed to meet FCA standards, ensuring transparency, asset security, and operational discipline. Each vehicle is professionally stored, insured, and maintained, reflecting the company’s commitment to delivering a structured, disciplined approach to alternative asset investing while clearly disclosing associated risks.
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