Kickstarting Your SEIS Fundraising Guide Journey
Starting a fundraising round can feel like learning a new language, especially when SEIS and EIS schemes get thrown into the mix. You know you need investors and the UK government offers tax breaks, yet the paperwork can seem daunting. Welcome to your SEIS fundraising guide, where we’ll break down complex terms and show you how to tap into tax-efficient capital without losing sleep.
Oriel IPO has built a commission-free, subscription-based platform that connects founders to angel investors who understand SEIS and EIS benefits. We’ve curated and vetted every opportunity, so you focus on growth rather than admin. And we back that up with insightful webinars and guides to keep you in the loop. Ready to see how it works? Revolutionising SEIS fundraising guide opportunities in the UK
Understanding SEIS and EIS
Before diving into tips and tactics, let’s clarify what these acronyms mean and why they matter for founders and investors alike.
- SEIS: Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme. Aimed at very early stage companies.
- EIS: Enterprise Investment Scheme. Designed for slightly more mature startups.
Both schemes reward investors with generous tax reliefs. This makes early-stage funding more attractive, and that’s exactly what powers the UK’s vibrant startup scene.
What Is SEIS?
SEIS aims to kick-start innovation by reducing risk for those who back it. Investors can benefit from:
- 50% income tax relief on investments up to £100,000 per tax year
- Capital gains tax (CGT) exemption on future gains
- Loss relief if the business fails
- Flexible reinvestment of gains
In practice, it’s a powerful incentive. You’re not just pitching to investors, you’re selling them a package of tax perks as well.
What Is EIS?
Once you’ve outgrown SEIS, EIS enters the picture. It offers:
- 30% income tax relief on investments up to £1 million per tax year
- CGT deferral on gains from other assets
- Loss relief similar to SEIS
- Potential business investment relief for inheritance tax
EIS can extend your runway and introduce more seasoned investors to your cap table. Together, SEIS and EIS form your blueprints for a tax-efficient fundraising plan.
Eligibility Criteria for SEIS & EIS
Not every startup or investor qualifies. Here’s a quick checklist.
For Startups
- Company incorporated in the UK
- Trading for fewer than two years (SEIS) or seven years (EIS)
- Gross assets below £200,000 (SEIS) or £15 million (EIS)
- Fewer than 25 employees (SEIS) or 250 employees (EIS)
- Use of funds must be growth and innovation related
For Investors
- Must be an individual, not a company
- Cannot hold more than 30% of share capital or voting rights
- Must not be connected directors or employees at the time of investment
With these rules in mind, you can assess your fit and plan accordingly. The good news? Oriel IPO vets these criteria for you, so only eligible opportunities make the cut.
Benefits of a Commission-Free Platform
Traditional equity crowdfunding sites often charge hefty commission on funds raised. Oriel IPO does things differently:
- Transparent subscription fees: You know exactly what you pay each month.
- No success commissions: Keep more of the investment you secure.
- Curated investment pool: Only companies that meet SEIS/EIS guidelines get listed.
- Quality assurance: Investors can trust the vetting process and due diligence.
- Educational tools: Webinars, guides, and expert insights at your fingertips.
That combination cuts out friction. You save costs, save time, and build trust. It’s a one-stop fundraising ecosystem designed for founders and angel investors alike.
A Step-by-Step SEIS Fundraising Guide with Oriel IPO
Ready to move from theory to action? Here’s how to navigate your SEIS fundraising journey using Oriel IPO.
Step 1: Prepare Your Pitch
Think of your pitch deck like a recipe. Keep it concise. Highlight:
- Problem and solution
- Market size and competition
- Team credentials
- Financial projections and use of funds
You want investors nodding along, not yawning.
Step 2: Obtain Advance Assurance
Advance Assurance from HMRC lets investors know your business qualifies for SEIS or EIS relief. It involves:
- Submitting Form SEIS1 or EIS1
- Providing trading history and proposed activities
- A short wait while HMRC reviews
With Advance Assurance in hand, you demonstrate credibility.
Step 3: List on Oriel IPO
This is where our platform shines. Listing is straightforward:
- Create a company profile and upload your deck
- Submit required documentation (incorporation, accounts, HMRC letters)
- Our team reviews your eligibility and conducts due diligence
Once approved, you’re live in our curated marketplace. Investors can’t access non-compliant deals, so yours stands out.
Step 4: Engage with Investors
You’ll gain access to:
- Investor chat rooms: Answer questions in real time.
- Virtual pitch sessions: Present your story live to interested angels.
- Document library: Share legal terms and due diligence packs.
All communication stays on-platform, keeping data secure and transparent.
Step 5: Finalise and Issue Shares
After securing commitments:
- You issue shares through agreed terms
- Investors complete KYC and funds are transferred
- You keep 100% of the funds minus subscription fees
And just like that, you’ve closed your round with minimal fuss.
Halfway through your fundraising journey? For a seamless, expert-led approach, explore our platform: Explore our SEIS fundraising guide platform for startups
Navigating Compliance and Due Diligence
Due diligence can feel like airport security for businesses. Expect questions on:
- Corporate structure and share capital
- Intellectual property
- Financial history and projections
- Articles of association and shareholder agreements
Oriel IPO provides guidance at each step. We supply checklists and expert webinars. So you don’t miss a form or a deadline.
Measuring Success and Next Steps
Once your SEIS round closes, it’s time to focus on growth metrics. Track:
- Cash burn rate vs runway
- Monthly recurring revenue (MRR) growth
- Customer acquisition cost (CAC)
- Engagement and retention rates
Use these numbers to build momentum for an EIS round or future Series A funding.
Testimonials
“Oriel IPO took the stress out of our first fundraising round. The platform’s clear guidance on SEIS rules saved us weeks of paperwork.”
— Amelia Clarke, Founder at BloomTech“As an investor, I love the curated SEIS deals on Oriel IPO. The commission-free model means my returns go further.”
— William Patel, Angel Investor
Ready to streamline your venture’s next fundraising round and master SEIS relief? Start your SEIS fundraising guide journey today
