Introduction
Finding the right startup investment platform can feel like wandering through a maze. You want SEIS/EIS tax perks, a smooth user experience, minimal fees—and ideally, a dash of expert guidance. In 2025, the UK market is brimming with options.
From established crowdfunding giants to niche angel networks, each platform brings its own flavour. But hidden fees, heavy compliance hoops, or confusing interfaces can derail your plans. That’s where Oriel IPO comes in: a truly commission-free marketplace focused on curated, tax-efficient opportunities and packed with educational resources.
In this guide, we’ll compare 15 top UK angel investing platforms—spotlighting strengths, exposing limitations, and showing how the right startup investment platform can supercharge your SEIS/EIS deals.
What Is a Startup Investment Platform?
A startup investment platform is an online marketplace connecting early-stage businesses with investors. They streamline everything:
- Fundraising dashboards
- Legal and compliance workflows
- SEIS/EIS advance-assurance guidance
- Cap table management
Pick a platform that fits your round size, investor profile and growth plans. The right choice saves time and money—and could unlock crucial tax reliefs worth up to 50% of your investment.
How to Choose Your Startup Investment Platform for SEIS/EIS
Before diving into our picks, ask yourself:
- What’s my target raise? (£100K, £1M, more?)
- Do I need SEIS only, EIS only, or both schemes?
- What fees am I willing to pay (to founders vs investors)?
- How much hand-holding: DIY vs full advisory?
- Regulatory comfort: FCA-regulated or not?
Use this checklist to benchmark each startup investment platform.
Top 15 UK Angel Investing Platforms for SEIS/EIS
1. Oriel IPO
Why it leads: a commission-free model. Instead of slicing off 5–7%, Oriel IPO runs on transparent subscription fees. Startups keep more capital. Investors enjoy curated deals vetted for SEIS/EIS compliance.
Key features:
- Commission-free fundraising
- Curated, tax-efficient dealflow
- Educational tools: webinars, guides, webinars
- Subscription-based pricing—no surprise charges
Limitations of others solved:
- No hidden percentage fees
- Centralised platform for SEIS/EIS insights
- Seamless cap table updates
Use Oriel IPO if you want a startup investment platform that’s honest about costs and generous with resources.
2. Seedrs
A heavyweight in UK equity crowdfunding. Seedrs offers SEIS/EIS-qualified campaigns and a secondary market for early investors.
Pros:
- Large investor community
- Auto-match SEIS/EIS investments
- Detailed due diligence
Cons:
- Platform fee up to 6% on funds raised
- Investor fees add 1.5% on secondary trades
- Can feel crowded—your round must stand out
3. Crowdcube
Crowdcube champions transparency and regulation. It’s FCA-regulated, runs SEIS/EIS deals, and supports consumer rounds from as little as £10.
Pros:
- Strong regulatory compliance
- Branded deal pages and investor packs
- In-house advisory
Cons:
- 7% platform fee + 1% success fee
- Limited SPV options
- Mostly retail investors—fewer seasoned angels
4. InvestingZone
Specialised in SEIS and EIS deals, InvestingZone curates a smaller but more focused pool of opportunities. Ideal for serious investors and founders.
Pros:
- Niche SEIS/EIS expertise
- Lower fees compared to giants
- Direct access to investment team
Cons:
- Smaller network
- Less marketing support
5. Crowd for Angels
A hybrid equity and debt crowdfunding site. Most pitches qualify for SEIS/EIS. Minimum investment starts at £25—low barrier to entry.
Pros:
- No investor fees
- Early portfolio diversity
- Good SEIS/EIS guidance
Cons:
- Higher founder costs (upfront listing fee)
- Platform interface can feel dated
6. Crowd2Fund
Primarily loan-based, but also offers equity rounds under SEIS/EIS. Flexible if you need bridging finance or mixed instruments.
Pros:
- Combined debt and equity options
- Fast campaign setup
- No founder fees if you hit targets
Cons:
- Debt focus might deter equity-only investors
- Limited EIS deals
7. SyndicateRoom
Co-investment platform pairing you with angel syndicates. Offers Access EIS funds co-invested alongside angels and pro-rated SPVs.
Pros:
- Experienced lead angels
- SPV-based cap table simplicity
- Founders Factory partnership
Cons:
- Minimum tickets can be high (£10K+)
- Platform takes carry
8. Angels Den
A matchmaking site focusing on SMEs. It has a Tech Club where most listings qualify for SEIS/EIS.
Pros:
- FCA-regulated with due diligence
- Personalised investor introductions
- Pitch and learn events
Cons:
- Upfront subscription fee + success fee
- Limited international reach
9. SFC Capital
Leading SEIS fund, investing in 15–20 startups per fund. Claims top SEIS fund by number of deals in 2023/24.
Pros:
- Fund track record
- High cheque sizes (£100K+)
- Dedicated follow-on pool
Cons:
- Only fund, not open marketplace
- Closed entry—invite only
10. Mercia Asset Management
VC firm managing one of the UK’s largest SEIS/EIS funds. Supports seed-stage tech ventures.
Pros:
- Deep sector expertise
- Strong corporate network
- Fund size flexibility
Cons:
- Fund-style terms—less founder control
- Not a self-serve platform
11. Vestd
Equity management and share scheme platform. Supports EIS-friendly structures, including ESOPs and SAFE notes.
Pros:
- Cap table software + funding
- Employee share scheme guidance
- Integration with SEIS/EIS requirements
Cons:
- Focused on share management, not fundraising
- Requires external investor sourcing
12. Wealth Club
Member-only, tax-efficient investments for experienced investors. Hosts SEIS/EIS rounds for later-stage founders.
Pros:
- Sophisticated investor pool
- Higher average cheque size
- Curated dealflow
Cons:
- Strict membership criteria
- Not ideal for first-time founders
13. SeedLegals
Primarily a legal platform, but now offers a funding marketplace. Raises, onboards and manages SEIS/EIS through automated docs.
Pros:
- Automated legal workflows
- Integration with SAFE and equity rounds
- Speedy advance assurance
Cons:
- Still early days for funding marketplace
- Limited investor network
14. SEIS.co.uk
Official information hub on SEIS scheme. Not a fundraising platform, but essential reference for tax relief details.
Pros:
- Government-approved content
- Comprehensive scheme guide
- Eligibility checker
Cons:
- No investment matching
- Purely educational
15. Angel Investment Network
A listings-based marketplace connecting entrepreneurs with 365,000+ angels in 90 countries.
Pros:
- Global reach
- Rapid listing (48 hours)
- No funding targets or deadlines
Cons:
- No vetting—anyone can post
- You handle compliance and closing
Why Oriel IPO Stands Out
We’ve seen fees stack up. We’ve felt the friction of multiple SPVs and confusing interfaces. Oriel IPO strips that away:
- Commission-free fundraising—your round stays pure.
- Curated, tax-focused deals—no random listings.
- Robust educational hub—guides, webinars, checklists.
- Subscription model—predictable costs, no surprises.
At its core, Oriel IPO is a startup investment platform built for clarity. No hidden charges. No guesswork. Just direct access to capital and insights.
Conclusion
Picking the right startup investment platform for SEIS/EIS can feel overwhelming. You’ve got to balance fees, compliance, investor calibre and support. Our top 15 list covers every angle—from global crowdfunding titans to niche angel networks.
But if you want a truly seamless, commission-free experience with expert-vetted dealflow and educational tools at your fingertips, you know where to turn.
