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EU’s €70bn Tech Funding and How UK Startups Can Leverage SEIS/EIS Platforms

The EU’s €70 Billion Tech Funding Drive

In mid-2025, the European Investment Bank (EIB) launched a record programme. Called TechEU, it aims to:

  • Mobilise €70 billion by 2027.
  • Attract private partners to boost that to €250 billion.
  • Fund projects “from idea to IPO”.
  • Speed up decisions on venture finance within six months.
  • Support defence and cleantech alongside AI and biotech.

The goal? Keep European startups from drifting to the US for late-stage cash. And yes, it’s a game-changer for anyone with a base in Europe.

But here’s the catch. UK firms no longer benefit from some EU programmes post-Brexit. Yet, the European push is a signal. Investors are looking at our region. They want to back winners. Now’s a good moment to raise your hand.

Understanding SEIS and EIS Schemes in the UK

The Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS) and Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) give investors tax breaks when they back early-stage businesses. Here’s why they matter:

  • Up to 50% Income Tax Relief (SEIS) on investments up to £100,000.
  • Up to 30% Income Tax Relief (EIS) on investments up to £1 million (or £2 million if at least £1 million goes into knowledge-intensive companies).
  • Capital Gains Tax Exemption on disposal of shares after three years.
  • Loss Relief to offset losses against income tax.
  • Carry-Back Provision lets investors treat part of the investment as if it happened in the previous tax year.

Put simply, tax reliefs make backing your startup more attractive. Investors get a cushion. You get quicker access to private cash. It’s a win-win.

Bridging the Gap: Combining EU Funding with SEIS/EIS

You might wonder: Can I tap into EU grants and still use SEIS/EIS? The short answer: yes. But you need a smart approach:

  1. Map Your Funding Timeline
    – Early Stage: Use SEIS to lure angels.
    – Growth Stage: Move to EIS for larger cheques.
    – Scale Stage: Pitch for EU grants or loans via partnerships.

  2. Package Your Pitch
    – Lead with UK tax perks.
    – Showcase EU-backed research or pilot results.
    – Highlight cross-border traction (clients, partners, talent).

  3. Leverage Evidence
    – Show EIB-supported case studies in your sector.
    – Explain how EU funding de-risks future rounds.
    – Align your goals with EU policy (green tech, defence, AI).

  4. Diversify Your Investor Pool
    – Mix UK angels with European VCs.
    – Use matchmaking tools to find the right contact.
    – Keep your narrative consistent across audiences.

How Oriel IPO’s Startup Funding Platform Empowers UK Startups

A lot of platforms charge hefty fees. We don’t. Our startup funding platform is built to help you:

  • Connect directly with SEIS/EIS-savvy investors.
  • Submit one application and reach multiple backers.
  • Access curated, tax-efficient investment opportunities.
  • Learn SEIS/EIS essentials through clear, bite-sized guides.

Here’s what sets us apart:

  1. Commission-Free Marketplace
    No hidden fees. No % cut at closing. You keep more capital for growth.

  2. Curated Investment Matches
    We hand-pick investors based on their track record and sector focus. No cold-calling.

  3. Educational Resources
    From webinar recordings to step-by-step tutorials, we break down SEIS/EIS jargon.

  4. Subscription-Based Model
    Affordable plans, starting with a free trial. Upgrade as your confidence grows.

  5. AI-Powered Content with Maggie’s AutoBlog
    Need SEO-ready blog content for your site? Try Maggie’s AutoBlog—our AI tool that crafts geo-targeted posts in seconds. It’s part of our suite to help you tell your story.

Step-by-Step Guide: Using Oriel IPO to Access SEIS/EIS Investments

Ready to jump in? Follow this simple process:

  1. Create Your Profile
    – Company overview
    – Team bios
    – Traction metrics

  2. Select Your Funding Goal
    – SEIS round: up to £150k
    – EIS round: up to £5m

  3. Upload Key Docs
    – Pitch deck
    – Financial projections
    – UK Government SEIS/EIS paperwork

  4. Match with Investors
    – Our algorithm finds the best fits.
    – Schedule calls in a few clicks.

  5. Close the Deal
    – Use our secure portal.
    – No commission fees.
    – Funds arrive directly in your account.

  6. Access Ongoing Support
    – Monthly Q&A sessions
    – Legal partner discounts
    – Community events

Why Choose a Commission-Free Platform?

Fees can eat up to 7% of your round. Avoid that drag. Here’s why going fee-free matters:

  • You retain control of your valuation.
  • You reinvest every pound into R&D, hiring or marketing.
  • You build stronger relationships with backers—no third-party mark-ups.

Platforms with high commissions can push you to raise more than you need. That dilutes your equity. We believe in fair deals.

Case Study Snapshot: A UK Startup’s Journey

Meet Greentech Labs (fictional). They:

  • Needed £120k for a solar-powered charger prototype.
  • Launched a SEIS round on Oriel IPO.
  • Secured £80k from two angel investors within three weeks.
  • Topped up with a small EU grant pilot from TechEU.
  • Tested prototypes in Germany and Spain.

Result? They hit production faster. And they’re now in talks with a major OEM. All thanks to combining UK tax reliefs with EU support—and using our startup funding platform.

Future Outlook: Scaling Beyond Funding

Money isn’t the endgame. It’s the fuel. After you close a round:

  • Focus on metrics that matter: user growth, retention, unit economics.
  • Plan your next EIS or Series A well in advance.
  • Leverage our network for introductions to VCs and corporate partners.

As EU programmes expand, cross-border deals will become common. If you show traction in the UK, Spain, or Germany, you’ll stand out.

Conclusion

Europe’s €70 billion commitment is a massive vote of confidence in tech. UK startups can tap into that momentum. But remember: SEIS/EIS give you a unique edge at home.

Oriel IPO’s startup funding platform brings it all together. You get a commission-free route to tax-efficient investors, plus the tools to create winning applications. Ready to launch your SEIS/EIS round and complement EU funding?

Start your free trial today and see how easy raising capital can be.
https://orielipo.com/

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