If you'd invested in: Nanoco and Nostrum

If only...

Nanoco (LSE: NANO) is a Manchester-based tech company developing the future of nanotechnology. It is working on quantum dots (tiny semiconductor particles) to improve everything from bio-imaging to the colours of LCD displays on your computer, TV or smartphone. "We've worked really hard to keep all costs within the business down," chief executive Dr Michael Edelman said after announcing a £2m rise in the group's cash position in the first and second quarter. Nanoco grew its revenues 150% last year and the stock has gained 50% in 12 months.

Be glad you didn't buy...

Nostrum (LSE: NOG) explores and produces oil and gas in the Pre-Caspian Basin of western Kazakhstan. The company hit trouble earlier this year when it faced "unexpected challenges", with water flowing into the wells along its gas-producing reservoir. Volatility in global oil prices has made matters worse. Nostrum announced plans last week to reduce the number of active drilling rigs from three to two. The past year has seen the share price slump by 63% as the group made a loss of $23.8m, while net debt has climbed above $1bn.

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Madeleine is a journalist in based in Tokyo. She is a former contributor for MoneyWeek, covering stock markets, art and travel, and is a former investment writer for The Financial Times. Her work has appeared in titles including The Week, Investors Chronicle and the NME.