Why You Need Investor Prospecting Tools
Raising SEIS/EIS funding is a bit like baking a soufflé: timing matters, the mix must be precise, and you can’t rush it. You need the right investors at the right moment. That’s where investor prospecting tools come in. They help you:
- Find angel investors who specifically back SEIS/EIS deals.
- Track investor interests, industries, past investments.
- Organise outreach without drowning in spreadsheets.
Without these investor prospecting tools, you’re cold-calling in the dark. Let’s shine a light on ten of the best tools for UK startups.
1. Oriel IPO Investor Marketplace
You knew this was coming. Oriel IPO is your commission-free hub for SEIS/EIS deals. Why it stands out:
- Curated Listings: Only eligible SEIS/EIS opportunities make it through.
- Commission-Free: Subscription fees, not a slice of your raise.
- Educational Resources: Guides, webinars, insights on tax incentives.
It’s a one-stop shop. Simple. Transparent. Effective. And if you want to supercharge your content marketing, try Maggie’s AutoBlog, Oriel IPO’s AI-powered platform that auto-generates SEO-friendly blog posts based on your site.
2. LinkedIn Sales Navigator
Think of LinkedIn as the world’s biggest networking event. Sales Navigator is your VIP pass:
- Advanced filters: location, industry, job title.
- Lead recommendations based on your profile.
- Real-time updates when investors share content.
Tip: Save searches for “angel investor” + “SEIS/EIS” in the UK. You’ll get fresh leads daily.
3. Crunchbase Essentials
Crunchbase is the startup database of record. The Essentials tier gives you:
- Investor profiles with check sizes and industry focus.
- Custom lists to group potential backers.
- Alerts when investors make new deals.
Use it to see who’s already writing SEIS/EIS cheques and tailor your outreach.
4. Dealroom.co
Dealroom shines in Europe. It tracks over half a million companies and investors:
- In-depth funding rounds data.
- Investor network maps.
- Customisable dashboards.
Perfect for startups in London, Manchester or Edinburgh. Find regional angels who know your local market.
5. Beauhurst
Beauhurst is laser-focused on the UK ecosystem. You get:
- Tracker of high-growth companies and their backers.
- Alerts for new SEIS/EIS rounds.
- Instant access to cap tables.
If you want to know which investors are most active in your niche, this is gold.
6. GOV.UK SEIS/EIS Database
Free and official. The UK Government maintains a list of approved SEIS/EIS managers:
- Company names, dates, investment limits.
- Eligibility criteria.
- Links to scheme guidance.
It’s not flashy, but it’s accurate. Great for cross-checking compliance before you pitch.
7. AngelList
AngelList isn’t just US-centric. You’ll find UK angels too:
- Syndicates targeting EIS deals.
- Public profiles showing past investments.
- Messaging tools to request intros.
It’s a global community. Use it to broaden your investor pool beyond borders.
8. PitchBook
PitchBook is the Rolls-Royce of data. And yes, it comes with a matching bill. Features:
- Detailed investor dossiers.
- Deal flow reports.
- Private equity and venture capital stats.
Big budgets. Big insights. If you have the budget, it pays off in precision.
9. Hunter.io
Once you spot an investor, you need their email. Hunter.io digs up corporate email patterns:
- Domain-based searches.
- Confidence scores for each address.
- Bulk export for outreach lists.
It’s a quick way to build a verified contact list, so you waste less time bouncing emails.
10. Clearbit
Clearbit enriches your lead data. For every investor you enter, you get:
- Job role, company size, social links.
- Tech stack insights.
- Industry tags.
Use it to tailor emails that land, not end up in spam.
How to Choose the Right Tool
Not all investor prospecting tools are made equal. Ask yourself:
- What’s my budget?
- Do I need UK-specific data?
- Am I comfortable with subscription fees vs. pay-as-you-go?
- Do I prioritise ease of use or depth of data?
Blend a free resource (like the GOV.UK database) with a paid tool (Dealroom or Crunchbase). And always validate leads on Oriel IPO.
Getting the Most from These Tools
- List + Segment: Group investors into warm, cold, and follow-up buckets.
- Personalise: Use Clearbit to find a mutual connection or shared interest.
- Educate: Offer a quick insight on SEIS/EIS benefits. Investors love clarity.
- Follow Up: Don’t ghost investors. A short nudge two weeks later goes a long way.
Example Workflow
- Scan Dealroom for SEIS managers.
- Grab emails via Hunter.io.
- Cross-check company status on GOV.UK.
- Pitch through Oriel IPO with your SEIS/EIS one-pager.
Works every time.
Final Thoughts
Raising SEIS/EIS funding doesn’t have to feel like climbing Everest in flip-flops. You’ve got the tools. You’ve got the plan. Now it’s time to connect with the right backers, keep it personal, and close that round.
