A Fresh Angle on Startup Funding
Raising capital in the UK can feel like threading a needle in stormy weather. Between high platform fees and piles of paperwork, founders often look for equity crowdfunding alternatives that cut costs and simplify the journey. Enter SEIS and EIS schemes: government-backed tax reliefs that make early-stage investing more enticing for angels, and less of a headache for you.
In this guide, you’ll discover why SEIS and EIS might just be the equity crowdfunding alternatives your startup needs. We’ll break down the benefits, walk through each funding step, compare traditional platforms, and show how Oriel IPO’s commission-free model can turbocharge your fundraising. Ready for a smarter path? Explore equity crowdfunding alternatives that revolutionise investment opportunities in the UK
Unpacking equity crowdfunding alternatives with SEIS & EIS
Traditional equity crowdfunding platforms like Seedrs and Crowdcube have paved the way for many unicorn dreams. But their fees—often up to 7% of funds raised plus carry—can eat into the very funds you need for growth. Plus, each platform has its own application process, due diligence checks, and investor terms that can feel opaque.
SEIS (Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme) and EIS (Enterprise Investment Scheme) work differently. These government schemes give investors up to 50% (SEIS) or 30% (EIS) income tax relief, plus exemptions on capital gains. In plain terms: investors get a heavy discount on their taxable income when they back your business. That incentive makes them keener to invest, and you avoid hefty platform commissions. If you’ve been hunting for equity crowdfunding alternatives, SEIS and EIS deserve your attention.
Why Consider Commission-Free SEIS & EIS Platforms?
• Lower costs: No percentage cut of your raise.
• Tax perks: Attractive incentives for investors.
• Quality investors: Angels looking for tax-efficient deals.
• Streamlined process: Fewer middlemen, more control.
Built-in due diligence ensures that every opportunity meets eligibility criteria. That means you spend less time answering endless questions and more time focusing on your pitch—and your business. Platforms like Oriel IPO cement this further by charging a transparent subscription fee instead of a sliding commission.
How Oriel IPO Streamlines SEIS & EIS Fundraising
Oriel IPO is a UK-based investment marketplace that bridges founders and angel investors under SEIS and EIS schemes, all commission-free. Here’s how it works:
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Curated Listings
– Every startup is vetted for SEIS/EIS eligibility.
– Investors see only compliant, high-potential opportunities. -
Transparent Fees
– A simple subscription replaces complex commission tiers.
– You keep more of the capital you raise. -
Educational Resources
– Guides, webinars and checklists help you nail your SEIS/EIS applications.
– Investor-facing content clarifies tax relief benefits. -
Direct Access
– Pitch to investors who specifically seek tax-efficient deals.
– Cut out platform intermediaries and lengthy negotiations.
By focusing on curated, compliant deals and removing commission-based friction, Oriel IPO offers one of the most compelling equity crowdfunding alternatives available today.
✔️ Step-by-Step: Raising Funds via SEIS & EIS
Follow these steps to launch a successful campaign:
1. Check Your Eligibility
• SEIS: Less than £150k previously raised; companies under two years old.
• EIS: Up to £5m annual funding cap; trading for under seven years.
2. Prepare Your Business Plan
• Clear vision and road-map.
• Financial forecasts and exit strategy.
• Emphasise how tax relief drives investor returns.
3. Apply for Advance Assurance
• Submit to HMRC to confirm SEIS/EIS compliance.
• Speeds up investor confidence when pitching.
4. Create a Compelling Pitch
• Personal story: Why does your startup matter?
• Problem-solution fit: Show traction or prototypes.
• Use data: Milestones, market size, team strengths.
5. List on a Commission-Free Platform
• Publish your pitch.
• Engage with investors.
• Track interest and feedback in real time.
6. Close and Issue SEIS/EIS Certificates
• Finalise investments.
• Submit investor forms.
• Issue SEIS1/EIS1 certificates for tax relief.
By simplifying each step and guiding you from plan to close, Oriel IPO becomes your launchpad—no hefty commissions, just a flat subscription.
Midway through your journey, it pays to be decisive. Discover equity crowdfunding alternatives and streamline your SEIS/EIS raise
Comparing Traditional Crowdfunding Platforms
Here’s a quick look at how SEIS/EIS routes compare to standard equity crowdfunding:
| Platform | Fees | Process | Investor Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seedrs | Up to 7% fund fee + carry | Open pitch, thorough due diligence | Broad investor base |
| Crowdcube | 4–7% platform fee + carry | Strict vetting, marketing support | Varies from casual to institutional |
| Oriel IPO | Subscription only (flat fee) | Curated SEIS/EIS listings | Tax-driven angel investors |
While Seedrs and Crowdcube deliver scale and marketing muscle, their fees can slash your equity in ways you won’t notice until post-campaign. Oriel IPO’s commission-free subscription ensures you retain more funds for R&D, hiring, or scaling.
Real Founders, Real Results
“Oriel IPO transformed how we pitched. Their SEIS support and community of investors shaved weeks off our timeline and hundreds of pounds in fees.”
— Sarah Jenkins, Co-founder at GreenLeaf Tech“We explored several crowdfunding sites, but Oriel IPO made SEIS/EIS easy. Zero commission meant we could invest in product development, not pay platform fees.”
— Daniel White, CEO of EcoDrive Innovations“The educational webinars were a game-changer. We finally understood the tax perks, and investors felt more secure.”
— Priya Patel, Founder of HealthSync Ltd.
Tips for a Winning SEIS/EIS Campaign
- Keep your pitch concise: Investors skim.
- Highlight tax relief: It’s your secret weapon.
- Engage early: Answer questions promptly.
- Show traction: Prototype demos or initial sales.
- Lean on peers: Join founder forums or networking groups.
In Summary
Choosing the right path for early-stage funding can make or break your startup’s trajectory. While traditional equity platforms have their place, exploring equity crowdfunding alternatives like SEIS and EIS on a commission-free hub like Oriel IPO could be the leap your business needs. With lower costs, built-in tax incentives, and a specialised investor audience, you’ll raise smarter and grow faster.
Ready to revolutionise how you fund your venture? Find the best equity crowdfunding alternatives and start your SEIS/EIS journey today
