Unlocking Alternative Investments with a Tax Twist
Alternative investment platforms go beyond stocks and bonds. They open doors to private equity, property, venture capital and more. Each platform type comes with its own set of rules, risks and rewards. And if you’re hunting for a SEIS/EIS funding platform you need clear guidance on tax reliefs, due diligence and access to curated deals.
In this post we demystify five main types of alternative investment platforms. You’ll learn their pros and cons. Then we dive into how Oriel IPO raises the bar for anyone seeking a SEIS/EIS funding platform. Curious how a commission-free, subscription model can transform your startup or portfolio? Revolutionizing Investment Opportunities in the UK with our SEIS/EIS funding platform
The 5 Main Types of Alternative Investment Platforms
Here are the platforms investors use to chase unique returns and tax benefits. We cover co-investment, funds, online marketplaces, trading apps and direct investment. For each, we flag key advantages, main risks and tax angles.
1. Co-investment Platforms
Co-investment platforms gather select deals in one place. They might list venture capital rounds, private equity pools or property projects. You pick the opportunities you fancy, share the risks and tap into professional vetting.
Advantages
– Access vetted deals without high fund fees
– Control which company you back
– Build relationships with founders and other angels
Risks
– Complexity from multiple parties involved
– Potential for strained relations if deals underperform
– Requires careful research despite platform due diligence
Even co-investment platforms can feel like a SEIS/EIS funding platform when they host rounds eligible for tax relief. They let you mix high-growth bets with government-backed incentives.
2. Investment Funds
Funds pool your capital with others. A manager then steers that pot into chosen assets. We see hedge funds, private equity vehicles, venture capital trusts (VCTs) and more.
Advantages
– Professional asset allocation
– Built-in diversification
– Possible liquidity via secondary markets
Risks
– Little say in individual picks
– Potentially steep management and performance fees
– Lock-in periods, especially for tax-wrapped VCTs requiring five years
A VCT is a tax-efficient closed-end fund, very similar to EIS and SEIS schemes. It offers up to 30% income tax relief, tax-free dividends and capital gains tax exemptions. It is not quite a SEIS/EIS funding platform but it rides the same wave of incentives.
3. Online Marketplaces
Online marketplaces connect buyers and sellers of alternative assets like art, wine or NFTs. They work like e-commerce sites but for collectables.
Advantages
– Low minimums and no mandatory hold periods
– Real-time trading similar to major stock markets
– Global reach to niche assets
Risks
– Variable product info and due diligence
– Limited regulation in niche markets
– Liquidity may dry up on obscure items
You won’t see heavy tax reliefs here, so they’re not a SEIS/EIS funding platform. But if you want to diversify with hard-to-source assets, they are a solid option.
4. Trading Platforms
Trading platforms are apps and websites offered by brokers and banks. They help you buy, sell and monitor positions in public markets or crypto.
Advantages
– Lower fees than many funds
– Instant execution for time-sensitive trades
– High liquidity on mainstream assets
Risks
– Fewer advanced features on cheaper plans
– Check the broker’s reputation carefully
– Market volatility can hit hard
They cater to quick-turn investors rather than long-term backers of early-stage startups. You won’t get many SEIS/EIS deals here, so it doesn’t call itself a SEIS/EIS funding platform. Yet trading apps remain a staple for many.
5. Direct Investment
Direct investment means backing a company at the source. You deal with founders or founder networks, no intermediaries.
Advantages
– Full control over deal terms
– No broker or fund fees to deduct
– Deep involvement if you’re an expert
Risks
– High concentration risk on a single company
– Lack of professional due diligence
– Illiquidity and operational pitfalls
This is the purest take on angel investing. It can involve SEIS and EIS schemes directly if the round qualifies. In effect, you become your own SEIS/EIS funding platform through paperwork and expert advice.
How Oriel IPO Transforms the SEIS/EIS Funding Platform Landscape
Most existing SEIS/EIS hubs charge chunky success fees or lack vetting. Big names like Seedrs and Crowdcube offer crowdfunding, yet they slice your raise by commission percentages. Investors wade through endless pitches with mixed quality.
Oriel IPO takes a different route. It is a SEIS/EIS funding platform built on:
- Commission-free subscription fees instead of slices of your round
- Curated, fully vetted investment opportunities
- Educational guides, webinars and hands-on resources
- Transparent process from pitch to completion
By removing success fees, founders keep more. By curating opportunities, investors save time and avoid lemon deals. It’s a win-win for the UK startup scene.
Their marketplace also offers regular updates on eligibility criteria, so you know each company qualifies for the full tax reliefs. Seedrs and Crowdcube do report on round status, but they rarely educate you through every step like a true SEIS/EIS funding platform. When you need clarity on paperwork, Oriel IPO steps in.
Explore our SEIS/EIS funding platform for commission-free investments
What Investors Are Saying
“It was tough finding reliable SEIS/EIS deals. Oriel IPO’s vetting saved me hours of homework and gave me peace of mind.”
— Emma Johnson, Angel Investor
“I’ve backed three startups using their marketplace. The subscription model keeps my costs low and the team’s guides helped me navigate SEIS rules.”
— David Patel, Early-Stage Investor
“Oriel IPO feels like a private club of high-quality deals. I love the transparency and no hidden fees.”
— Sara Thompson, Portfolio Manager
Getting Started with a Better SEIS/EIS Funding Platform
Now you know the five main types of alternative investment platforms. You’ve seen how Oriel IPO stands out as a modern SEIS/EIS funding platform. If you’re raising capital or hunting for tax-efficient startup deals, this is your next stop.
Remember:
- Co-investment sites give control but vary in vetting
- Funds boost diversification but can lock you in
- Marketplaces offer collectables, not tax relief
- Trading apps excel at liquidity, not early-stage deals
- Direct investment gives total control at high risk
A dedicated SEIS/EIS funding platform brings tax relief, curated quality and transparent fees into one solution. Ready to join? Get started with our SEIS/EIS funding platform today
