Why It Matters: Navigating SEIS, EIS, and Plain Equity in One Place
Early-stage investing feels like a maze. You see SEIS deals, EIS offerings, and plain equity opportunities all jumbled up. Confusing. Risky. Hard to compare. That’s why choosing the right EIS funding platform matters. You need a space that streamlines eligibility checks, tax relief paperwork, and deal flow—all without hidden fees.
At Oriel IPO, we built a commission-free model so startups keep more of what they raise. Plus, our educational guides and webinars break down SEIS and EIS rules into bite-size chunks. Ready for a smoother journey? Revolutionizing Investment Opportunities in the UK with our EIS funding platform
Think of this guide as your compass. We’ll compare SEIS vs EIS vs non-eligible deals. We’ll cover eligibility, tax reliefs, investment limits and why a true commission-free EIS funding platform can make all the difference.
The ABCs of SEIS, EIS and Non-Eligible Deals
Understanding the basics saves time—and money.
SEIS: The High-Risk, High-Reward Starter
- Company stage: Less than 3 years old
- Employees: Fewer than 25
- Asset cap: Under £350k
- Raise limit: £250,000 lifetime
- Investor relief: 50% income tax relief + loss relief*
- Holding period: Minimum 3 years
- Investor profile: Early-stage angels, micro-funds, risk-takers
*Loss relief kicks in if the startup fails and investors hold shares as required.
EIS: Scaling Up with Tax Breaks
- Company stage: Up to 7 years old (10 for knowledge-intensive)
- Employees: Up to 250 (500 for KICs)
- Asset cap: Up to £15 million
- Raise limit: £5 million per year, £12 million lifetime
- Investor relief: 30% income tax relief, CGT deferral, loss relief
- Holding period: Minimum 3 years
- Investor profile: Family offices, serial angels, experienced backers
Not all platforms labelled as an EIS funding platform are equal. The best ones guide you through advance assurance and automate certificate tracking.
Non-Eligible Deals: Straightforward Equity
- No tax relief: Plain shares
- Simpler process: No HMRC forms
- Investor appeal: Corporate investors, overseas backers, tax-neutral individuals
- Focus: Business traction and potential returns
A balanced platform showcases all three deal types. Entry-level SEIS. Growth-stage EIS. Standard equity for mature ventures.
Operational Challenges and How to Solve Them
Running different deals on one platform brings headaches. Here’s how to smooth the path.
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Eligibility Checks
– Verify age, assets, employees, and activity.
– Prevent HMRC headaches down the line. -
Advance Assurance Support
– Help founders obtain HMRC’s green light before fundraising.
– Offer templates and application guidance. -
Tax Certificates & Documentation
– Automate SEIS1/EIS1 filing at close.
– Generate SEIS3/EIS3 certificates for investors.
– Track status and send reminders. -
Holding Period Alerts
– Notify investors before the 3-year mark ends.
– Minimise risk of lost relief. -
Standard Due Diligence
– Even non-eligible deals need checks.
– Keep investor trust high.
A solid EIS funding platform nails these workflows. Otherwise, you end up chasing paperwork instead of deals.
Why Choose a Commission-Free EIS Funding Platform?
Traditional crowdfunding sites charge 5%–7% on funds raised. Ouch. That cuts into runway. With Oriel IPO’s commission-free model, you pay a transparent subscription fee. Simple. Predictable. You keep more of your capital.
Plus:
- Curated, vetted investment opportunities
- Dedicated SEIS/EIS guides, webinars, and checklists
- Automated tax relief applications and certificates
- Real-time dashboards to monitor holding periods
No hidden cut. No surprises. When you sign up, you’re joining a true EIS funding platform built around your success.
Investors love it too. They see clear benefits, easy compliance, and support every step of the way.
Explore our commission-free EIS funding platform today
Real-World Comparison: Oriel IPO vs Commission-Charging Platforms
Seedrs and Crowdcube are household names. They offer SEIS, EIS, and non-eligible rounds. But they slice off a chunk with each raise. Less cash goes to the startup. More to the platform.
With Oriel IPO:
- You pay a fixed subscription, not a slice of equity.
- We prioritise quality over quantity—each deal is vetted.
- You get hands-on educational resources.
Switching to a commission-free EIS funding platform means more runway. More clarity. More growth.
Getting Started with Oriel IPO
Ready to dive in? Here’s how:
- Sign up for a trial account.
- Complete our SEIS/EIS eligibility checklist.
- Apply for HMRC advance assurance with our templates.
- Launch your fundraising campaign.
- Receive and manage your SEIS3/EIS3 certificates—all in one place.
Our subscription fees are transparent. No hidden extras. And our support team is on hand to answer your SEIS or EIS queries.
With an EIS funding platform that’s commission-free, curated, and educational, you’re set to raise more and stress less.
FAQs
Do I need an FCA licence to use Oriel IPO?
No. We’re not FCA-regulated, which means we don’t give financial advice. But we point you to experts when you need them.
Can investors outside the UK benefit?
Yes. Global investors can access non-eligible deals. SEIS/EIS reliefs apply only to UK taxpayers.
What happens if rules change?
We monitor HMRC updates and adapt our guides and platform workflows accordingly.
Conclusion
Investing in startups shouldn’t feel like jumping through hoops. Whether it’s SEIS, EIS or plain equity, having the right tools matters. Oriel IPO’s commission-free, subscription-style EIS funding platform gives you clear processes, expert resources, and no surprise fees.
Start your journey with our EIS funding platform now
Empower your next round. Keep more of what you raise. Make SEIS and EIS work for you—with no commission cuts and full support from Oriel IPO.
