Empowering Female Founders: Closing the Funding Divide with a Startup Funding Network
Early-stage funding is often the mountain no one equips you for—especially if you’re a woman founder. Studies show female-led startups secure a fraction of venture capital compared to their male peers. Yet, the path to growth depends on capital, connections and clear guidance on complex schemes like SEIS (Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme) and EIS (Enterprise Investment Scheme). Enter Oriel IPO: a commission-free marketplace designed as a startup funding network that streamlines access to tax-efficient investment and connects diverse founders with angel investors.
At its core, Oriel IPO provides a curated, transparent platform where founders showcase vetted opportunities, and investors discover startups primed for SEIS/EIS relief. No mysterious fees eating into your raise. Just a clear subscription model and educational tools to demystify tax incentives. Ready to revolutionise how you fundraise? Revolutionising Investment Opportunities in the UK with our startup funding network
The Gender Gap in Early-Stage Funding
Female entrepreneurs make up nearly 40% of startup founders in Europe, yet receive under 3% of total venture capital. This disparity isn’t about merit—it’s about perception, networks and outdated gatekeeping.
Unconscious Bias and Access to Capital
Investors often back people who mirror their own traits. With only 13% of UK capital allocators being women, unconscious bias can sideline great ideas. Networks matter. Introductions matter more. When investors rely on referrals from a male-dominated circle, female entrepreneurs risk being left out.
Industry and Network Barriers
Women frequently launch ventures in retail, personal services or “niche” markets. These industries are sometimes viewed as less scalable by traditional VCs. Combined with thinner social networks, women often find themselves turned away or offered smaller cheques. The result? Promising businesses underfunded at their most critical stage.
Oriel IPO: A Commission-Free Marketplace Tailored for Female Founders
Oriel IPO isn’t just another crowdfunding website. It’s a specialist investment marketplace, designed to tackle the very hurdles female founders face.
How Commission-Free SEIS & EIS Works
Typically, platforms take 5-8% commission on funds raised, further shrinking the pot. Oriel flips that model: they charge a transparent subscription fee instead. Founders keep every penny investors commit, maximising runway and growth potential.
- No hidden deductions
- Fixed monthly or annual subscription
- Keep 100% of your SEIS/EIS funding
Curated, Vetted Opportunities
Not every pitch makes the cut. Oriel IPO’s team screens startups for SEIS and EIS eligibility, business fundamentals and growth potential. That means investors scroll through quality deals, and founders pitch to angels who understand the scheme.
- Eligibility checks by experts
- Clear risk profiles
- Direct introductions to interested angels
Building Confidence: Educational Tools and Resources
Knowing how to present your proposal under SEIS/EIS rules can be daunting. Oriel IPO equips you with the right gear.
Webinars, Guides, and Insights
Monthly webinars led by seasoned investors break down:
- SEIS/EIS tax relief details
- Structuring your pitch for maximum clarity
- Avoiding common application pitfalls
Comprehensive guides walk you through every step, from term sheets to exit scenarios.
Navigating SEIS & EIS with Ease
Complex forms. Tight deadlines. Changing regulations. Oriel IPO’s platform centralises all documentation, tracks progress and sends timely prompts so you never miss a key submission date. It’s like having your own funding coordinator.
Comparing Oriel IPO with Traditional Platforms
Let’s face it: not all crowdfunding sites were built equally for female founders.
Limitations of Crowdfunding Giants
Platforms like Crowdcube and Seedrs offer wide reach but come with steep fees and a generalist approach. They lack dedicated support on SEIS/EIS, and their high-volume model can bury niche female-led ventures under thousands of listings.
- Commission fees up to 8%
- Generic screening; limited tax advice
- Crowded pitch environment
The Oriel Advantage
Oriel IPO bridges these gaps by focusing on quality over quantity. Here’s how it stacks up:
- Commission-free model lets founders keep more capital.
- Specialist curation ensures female-focused ventures get visibility.
- In-depth SEIS/EIS expertise streamlines investor due diligence.
With Oriel’s subscription pricing, you know exactly what you’ll pay—no surprise deductions at closing.
Halfway through your fundraising journey? Seal the deal with a platform built for diverse founders. Discover Our Commission-Free Startup Funding Network
Real Success Stories: Testimonials from Founders
“I was drowning in paperwork until I found Oriel IPO. Their SEIS guide and intuitive dashboard turned a four-week process into four days. The network connected me with three angel investors within a fortnight.”
— Amelia Thornton, Co-founder of GreenLeaf Tech
“Oriel IPO’s commission-free approach meant I kept every penny of my seed round. The educational webinars gave me the confidence to pitch boldly. Investors commented on how polished our presentation was.”
— Zara Khan, CEO of Bloom Beauty
“As a first-time founder, I worried about SEIS compliance. Oriel IPO’s team walked me through each step. We closed a £250k round with six angels and didn’t part with any hidden fees.”
— Chloe Murray, Founder of EduPlay Labs
Practical Steps for Female Founders to Leverage Oriel IPO
- Sign up and complete your profile.
- Use the platform’s eligibility checker for SEIS/EIS.
- Join a live webinar to refine your pitch deck.
- Upload financials and narrative—Oriel guides you with templates.
- Preview your listing in private mode, adjust with expert feedback.
- Publish and start meeting angel investors directly.
By following these steps, you’ll turn uncertainty into a clear, manageable process.
Embracing Gender Lens Investing for Diversified Portfolios
Investors, it’s time to broaden your lens. Gender lens investing isn’t just ethical—it’s lucrative. Studies suggest funds with diverse leadership often outperform. By specifically targeting female-led startups, you tap into under-explored markets and fresh perspectives.
- Enhanced innovation from diverse teams
- Access to markets traditionally overlooked
- Potential for stronger risk-adjusted returns
Oriel IPO’s curated marketplace makes it easy for investors to find and support women founders under SEIS/EIS, with clear tax incentives and vetted deal flow.
Conclusion: A Fairer Funding Ecosystem Awaits
The funding gap for female founders is real, but it doesn’t have to be a permanent barrier. Oriel IPO’s commission-free, SEIS/EIS-focused marketplace provides the tools, network and support to level the playing field. Whether you’re a founder or investor, this is your chance to be part of a startup funding network built for true inclusivity and efficiency. Join our startup funding network today
