SEO Meta Description: Discover five SEIS/EIS-optimised startup funding options in the UK that help you raise seed capital commission-free, maximise tax relief, and connect with the right investors.
Why SEIS and EIS Matter for Startup Funding Options
Accessing seed capital can feel like scaling Everest. The good news? The UK government’s Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS) and Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) unlock generous tax reliefs.
But understanding the best startup funding options under these schemes can be tricky. Here’s the scoop in a nutshell:
- SEIS offers up to 50% income tax relief on investments up to £150,000.
- EIS offers up to 30% income tax relief on investments up to £5 million.
- Loss relief and capital gains tax exemption sweeten the deal.
Your mission: pick a funding route that meets your growth stage and investor appetite. Let’s dig into five SEIS/EIS-optimised funding options that UK startups swear by.
1. SEIS-Focused Angel Investor Networks
Angel investors often lead the charge at the pre-seed and seed stages. Choosing networks that specialise in SEIS deals means your backers get maximum tax perks—and you secure fast, flexible capital.
Why tap a SEIS angel network?
- Speed: Decisions in days, not months.
- Expertise: Many angels know your sector inside out.
- Tax relief alignment: Investors benefit from 50% income tax relief instantly.
Top SEIS angel networks in the UK:
- Angels Den: Tech-focused, strong SEIS pipeline.
- Angel Investment Network: Massive reach, easy deal posting.
- SyndicateRoom SEIS: Co-investment alongside experienced angels.
Actionable tip: Prepare a crisp SEIS-compliant pitch deck. Highlight your traction, your tax-relief appeal—and you’ll stand out in a crowded network.
2. EIS Venture Capital Trusts (VCTs)
When you’re beyond initial proof-of-concept and need to scale, EIS Venture Capital Trusts (VCTs) are a go-to. They pool investor subscriptions into funds that back later-stage startups.
Key benefits of EIS VCTs:
- 30% income tax relief on subscriptions up to £200,000 each tax year.
- Tax-free dividends on VCT shares.
- Capital gains tax exemption on disposal.
Notable VCT managers:
- Mercia Asset Management: One of the UK’s largest combined SEIS/EIS funds.
- SFC Capital: Top SEIS fund and growing EIS portfolio.
- Wealth Club: Curates specialist EIS opportunities for seasoned investors.
Pro tip: Build relationships with accounting firms. They refer high-net-worth clients into VCTs—and can introduce you in the right circles.
3. Equity Crowdfunding Platforms with SEIS/EIS Specialism
Equity crowdfunding has democratised startup funding. But not all platforms optimise deals for SEIS/EIS investors. Pick the right one, and you’ll attract a flood of tax-sensitive backers.
Platforms to consider:
- Seedrs: Leading SEIS/EIS-verified projects, secondary market for liquidity.
- Crowdcube: Transparent fee structure, regular SEIS/EIS campaigns.
- Crowd for Angels: Investors start from £25, most deals qualify for relief.
- Crowd2Fund: Blends loans with EIS opportunities when available.
Platform comparison at a glance:
| Platform | SEIS Relief | EIS Relief | Commission Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seedrs | ✓ | ✓ | 0.5%–7.5% (investors) |
| Crowdcube | ✓ | ✓ | 0%–7% (entrepreneurs) |
| Crowd for Angels | ✓ | ✓ | 0% (investors) |
| Oriel IPO | ✓ | ✓ | 0% commission |
Note the commission advantage of Oriel IPO’s marketplace. You connect directly with SEIS/EIS investors—no hidden fees, no surprises.
4. Combine Government Grants with SEIS/EIS Equity
Non-dilutive funding is a powerful supplement to equity. Innovate UK and regional bodies offer grants you can blend with SEIS/EIS.
How to stack grants + tax-efficient equity:
- Identify grants that match your R&D or innovation goals.
- Apply early—grant cycles can take 8–12 weeks.
- Once awarded, allocate grant funds to product development.
- Launch your SEIS/EIS equity round to scale marketing, hiring, or expansion.
Benefits of this hybrid approach:
- Cash runway without dilution.
- Stronger investor pitch: “We’ve secured non-repayable grants.”
- Maintained SEIS/EIS eligibility if you keep equity below thresholds.
Heads-up: Keep detailed records. Grant compliance and SEIS/EIS audits can overlap. Clarity in your financials builds investor trust.
5. Commission-Free SEIS/EIS Marketplace: Oriel IPO
Tired of platforms that skim your raise with hidden fees? Enter Oriel IPO—the only commission-free marketplace dedicated to SEIS and EIS.
Why Oriel IPO stands out among startup funding options:
- 0% commission on funds raised. More money in your pocket.
- Curated, tax-optimised opportunities that appeal to SEIS/EIS investors.
- Subscription-based tiers for tailored access—no surprises at closing.
- Educational playbooks and community support to demystify the schemes.
Plus, Oriel IPO offers Maggie’s AutoBlog, an AI-driven solution to:
- Generate SEO-optimised blog posts that highlight your milestones.
- Craft investor updates that resonate and drive follow-on funding.
- Save time so you can focus on product, not content.
Getting started is simple:
- Sign up for a trial subscription.
- Submit your pitch and SEIS/EIS documentation.
- Engage directly with interested investors, fee-free.
No FCA advice barriers. No commission cuts. Just pure, tax-efficient connectivity.
Making the Most of Your Startup Funding Options
Remember, every startup’s journey is unique. Here are three quick tips to maximise your SEIS/EIS-optimised raise:
- Start early: Lay grant and SEIS/EIS groundwork while you’re still refining your MVP.
- Signal quality: Use platforms like Oriel IPO to signal credibility—curated deals attract serious investors.
- Communicate clearly: Leverage Maggie’s AutoBlog to keep stakeholders engaged and informed.
By combining the right funding routes—angel networks, VCTs, equity crowdfunding, government grants, and a commissioning-free marketplace—you’ll position your startup for seed-stage success.
Ready to secure your seed capital without losing a penny to fees?
Visit Oriel IPO and explore the perfect SEIS/EIS-optimised funding option for your startup today.
