Discover the new campaign aimed at enhancing SEIS investment platform access for female entrepreneurs and overcoming funding challenges.
The Importance of SEIS Investment Platforms for Female Entrepreneurs
In the United Kingdom, female entrepreneurs face unique challenges when seeking funding to start and scale their businesses. The Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS) was introduced in 2012 to incentivize investment in startups by offering tax relief to investors. However, recent campaigns highlight the need for improved access to SEIS investment platforms to support women in business, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Campaign for Extended SEIS Access
Members of the UK business community, led by We Are Radikl, have signed an open letter requesting the Government to extend SEIS funding deadlines. The current two-year application window often limits female founders who may require more time to prepare their businesses for investment. Extending this deadline to three years would provide much-needed flexibility and support for women entrepreneurs who balance additional responsibilities, particularly highlighted during the pandemic.
Key Goals of the Campaign
- Extend SEIS Application Deadline: Moving from two to three years post-trading start to accommodate the unique challenges faced by female entrepreneurs.
- Introduce Gender Reporting: Including a breakdown of female entrepreneurs and investors within the SEIS framework to ensure gender-focused strategies are visible and actionable.
- Redirect Funds to Women Founders: Allocating funds specifically to female-led startups in their initial years to foster growth and sustainability.
Overcoming Funding Barriers
Research by the International Monetary Fund and the Alison Rose Review of Entrepreneurship underscores the significant barriers women face in accessing funding. Women typically start businesses with considerably less capital than men and are often burdened with additional caregiving responsibilities, which hampers their ability to secure investment within the tight SEIS deadlines.
Oriel IPO, an innovative SEIS investment platform, aims to address these challenges by simplifying the investment process. By eliminating commission fees and providing curated, tax-optimized investment opportunities, Oriel IPO democratizes access to funding, making it easier for female entrepreneurs to connect with angel investors.
The Role of Gender Lens Investing
Gender Lens Investing integrates gender-focused strategies into investment portfolios, ensuring that investments not only yield financial returns but also promote gender equality and support female entrepreneurs. This approach aligns with the campaign’s goals by creating a more inclusive and supportive investment environment.
Benefits of Gender Lens Investing
- Enhanced Diversity: Encourages investment in a diverse range of businesses, fostering innovation and resilience.
- Social Impact: Contributes to economic growth and gender equality by empowering women-led startups.
- Financial Performance: Studies have shown that diverse teams often outperform their less diverse counterparts, leading to better financial outcomes.
Oriel IPO: Revolutionizing SEIS Investment Access
Launched in early 2024, Oriel IPO serves as a one-stop platform connecting UK startups with investors through SEIS/EIS tax incentives. The platform’s strengths lie in its curated selection of investment opportunities, extensive industry engagement, and supportive community for both novice and experienced investors.
Key Features of Oriel IPO
- Commission-Free Funding: Both startups and investors can engage without the burden of commission fees.
- Educational Resources: Comprehensive tools and resources help users understand and navigate SEIS/EIS benefits.
- Subscription Tiers: Flexible access options, including a free trial period, ensure that users can find a plan that fits their needs.
Future Directions and Opportunities
As Oriel IPO continues to grow, strategic initiatives such as pursuing FCA regulation, optimizing user conversion strategies, and expanding service offerings will be crucial. Building robust partnerships with industry leaders and enhancing marketing campaigns will further solidify Oriel IPO’s position in the UK investment marketplace.
Conclusion
The campaign for improved SEIS investment access for female entrepreneurs is a pivotal step towards fostering a more inclusive and dynamic startup ecosystem in the UK. Platforms like Oriel IPO play a critical role in this transformation by providing the necessary tools and connections to empower women-led businesses.
Take the next step in revolutionizing your investment journey. Visit Oriel IPO today to explore how our SEIS investment platform can support your entrepreneurial ambitions.
