If you find such a scheme I would be very wary of it. Fees and charges are generally used to cover the costs associated with investment and if the investment is being promoted through a third party it would be a contribution towards the cost of due diligence.
In the current climate direct BES investment is risky as you are depenant on the success of one company. Fund investment is a much safer option. See my comparison table below.
Fund Investment
Invest in portfolio of companies in diverse sectors.
Funds in place so strong negotiating hand with investee company.
Investment decision is the Managers, and funds are in place, therefore stringent due diligence is essential.
Efficiency, specialisation and consistency of approach with exclusive dedicated resources.
Highly regulated through the financial regulator.
Requirement for bi-annual reporting to investors on each investment.
Private Placement
Dependant on the success of one company.
Approached by Investee to raise funds on their behalf.
Investment decision is the investors, and prior to funds being in place, therefore due diligence is limited.
Ad hoc resources, poor efficiencies and lack of consistency.
Limited regulation.
Limited reporting to investors.