Why SEIS & EIS Matter in 2025
Early-stage investors love tax relief. Startups need capital. The UK’s SEIS (Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme) and EIS (Enterprise Investment Scheme) combine both.
Here’s why they’re huge:
- Up to 50% income tax relief on SEIS investments.
- 30% income tax relief on EIS stakes.
- Capital gains exemptions when you hold shares.
- A £1 million annual SEIS limit and £5 million for EIS.
But it’s not all sunshine. The paperwork is baffling. You need a platform that:
- Minimises fees.
- Guides you through compliance.
- Connects you with the right angels.
Enter the best SEIS platforms. They do the heavy lifting so you don’t have to.
What Makes the Best SEIS Platforms?
Before we dive into our list, let’s set the bar. The best SEIS platforms in 2025 share these traits:
- Tax-focus: Clear guidance on reliefs and certificates.
- Fees & structure: Commission-free or transparent subscription.
- Curated deals: Vetted startups, not every pitch.
- Regulatory clarity: Even if non-FCA, they link to official resources.
- Educational tools: Webinars, guides, templates.
Now, on to our curated shortlist.
1. Oriel IPO
A fresh face with old-school values. Oriel IPO ticks the crucial boxes for best SEIS platforms:
- Commission-free model. No slice taken from your raise.
- Subscription fees keep things transparent.
- Vetting process means fewer duds in the pipeline.
- Educational hub: guides, webinars, the lot.
- Integrates with Maggie’s AutoBlog, their AI-driven content tool, to supercharge SEO and GEO-targeted marketing.
Limitations? As a non-FCA entity, they can’t give regulated advice. But they signpost you to official SEIS/EIS guidance.
Result: startups keep more cash, investors navigate tax relief with ease.
2. Seedrs
A veteran. Equity crowdfunding at scale.
Strengths:
– Regulated by the FCA.
– Wide investor base.
– Secondary market for share liquidity.
Weaknesses:
– 7.5% platform fee plus 0.5% secondary sales.
– Can feel crowded—quite a queue to stand out.
How Oriel IPO compares: commission-free vs Seedrs’ cut. Less noise, more curated deals.
3. Crowdcube
Name recognition.
Pros:
– Over £1 billion invested since launch.
– Strong community engagement.
Cons:
– 4% platform fee and 0.7% payment processing.
– Listing process can be lengthy.
Oriel IPO’s edge: swift onboarding and no hidden charges.
4. InvestingZone
Focused on SEIS/EIS only.
Pros:
– Niche expertise.
– Tailored portfolio dashboards.
Cons:
– Limited investor count.
– Less educational content.
Oriel IPO brings a wider network plus deep learning resources.
5. Crowd for Angels
Angel matchmaking made simple.
Pros:
– No investor fees.
– Pitches start at £25.
Cons:
– Higher commission on successful raises (up to 6%).
– Platform UX feels dated.
Oriel IPO: modern interface, zero commission, curated projects.
6. Crowd2Fund
Loans and equity.
Pros:
– Diverse funding types.
– Regular investor events.
Cons:
– Platform fees on both loans and equity.
– Mixed focus can dilute SEIS/EIS clarity.
Rather have a pure SEIS/EIS path? Oriel IPO keeps it laser-focused.
7. SyndicateRoom
Co-investment magic.
- Access EIS co-invests alongside angels.
- Founders Factory backing for SEIS deals.
But:
– 1.5% fee on investments.
– Minimum ticket sizes can be steep.
At Oriel IPO, subscription-friendly plans fit all pockets.
8. Angels Den
Tech Club frenzy.
- UK’s top EIS/SEIS pitch nights.
- Hands-on mentor network.
Yet:
– 6% success fee.
– Limited digital matchmaking tools.
Oriel IPO’s platform pairs online discovery with live events later.
9. SFC Capital
A pure SEIS fund.
Pros:
– Invests in 15–20 startups per fund.
– Track record as top SEIS investor.
Cons:
– Closed fund structure.
– Harder to pick individual opportunities.
Want choice? Oriel IPO lets you cherry-pick deals.
10. Mercia Asset Management
Big fund manager.
- One of the largest SEIS/EIS funds.
- Tech-focus credentials.
Downside:
– Fund fees, carried interest.
– Less transparency on small-ticket entry.
Oriel IPO: no carry, no commission, open entry.
11. Vestd
Equity management meets funding.
- Share scheme wizardry.
- SEIS/EIS guidance baked in.
But:
– Primarily a cap table tool, not a marketplace.
– Extra fees for advanced features.
Oriel IPO doubles as a funding hub and has free basic tools.
12. Wealth Club
For seasoned investors.
- Hand-picked EIS funds.
- Minimum investment £10 k.
Con:
– Not for beginners.
– High entry barrier.
If you’re starting out, Oriel IPO welcomes smaller cheques.
How to Choose Your Ideal SEIS Platform
- Pinpoint your ticket size.
- Check fee models: upfront vs success.
- Seek platforms with education.
- Look for curated deals—avoid noise.
- Ensure clear SEIS/EIS paths (HMRC signposting helps).
“The right platform feels like a partner, not a middleman.”
By now, you’ve seen the best SEIS platforms in action. Each has its charm. But if you want commission-free raising, a curated feed, plus crisp educational resources—Oriel IPO should be on your shortlist.
Ready to Supercharge Your SEIS & EIS Journey?
Unlock a transparent, subscription-based experience. Keep more capital. Learn every step. And, while you’re at it, try Maggie’s AutoBlog for AI-fuelled SEO content that speaks directly to your audience.
