A New Era for Startups: Payments Meet Investment Freedom
Startups live and die by their cash flow. You pick commission-free payment solutions at the till to avoid slicing away your profit margin. But what about the funds you raise? Imagine zero commission on your SEIS/EIS investments too. That’s where the story shifts from swipe fees to shareholder rewards.
We’ll compare Square’s polished payment ecosystem with Oriel IPO’s commission-free SEIS/EIS funding platform. By the end, you’ll know how to keep more of your transaction revenue in one pocket and more of your investment capital in the other. Ready to see how it all ties together? Revolutionizing Investment Opportunities in the UK with commission-free payment solutions
Why Commission-Free Payment Solutions Matter for Startups
Startups often juggle multiple platforms for sales and fundraising. Payment processors like Square let you accept cards, manage staff and even run loyalty campaigns. Handy. But those 1.75%+ fees add up. Meanwhile, raising growth capital through traditional crowdfunding or brokerages can cost you a hefty slice in commission. When every percentage point hits your bottom line, commission-free payment solutions are a strategic game-changer.
On the flip side, Oriel IPO specialises in the UK’s SEIS and EIS schemes — government-backed tax reliefs that make angel investing attractive. Instead of taking 5–8% commission on funds raised, the platform charges a simple subscription fee. No hidden cuts. And you get curated, vetted opportunities that match your industry and growth stage.
Square’s Approach: Powerful, but Fee-Driven
Square is a household name for a reason. It packs hardware and software into a tight package.
- Sleek POS hardware, from mobile readers to countertop terminals
- Unified dashboard to view sales, staff, inventory and loans
- In-built analytics and marketing tools
But here’s the catch: every transaction comes at a cost. Typical merchant rates hover around 1.75% to 2.6% + 10p per payment. Over time, that’s money you’ll never see again. And if you’re scaling fast, that gap widens.
Oriel IPO’s Commission-Free Model: Keep What You Raise
Oriel IPO takes a different path. It’s all about putting more capital in your hands:
- Zero commission on SEIS/EIS investments
- Transparent monthly or annual subscription
- Curated startup deals matched to investor profiles
- Educational resources on tax incentives and investment best practice
Imagine raising £100,000 and not losing a penny to platform fees. That’s real growth fuel.
Navigating SEIS/EIS: Tax Incentives Demystified
Getting to grips with SEIS (Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme) and EIS (Enterprise Investment Scheme) can feel like entering a labyrinth of tax codes. But the rewards are significant:
- Up to 50% income tax relief on SEIS investments (30% for EIS)
- Capital gains tax deferral or exemption on qualifying shares
- Loss relief if the startup doesn’t succeed
- Inheritance tax relief after two years
Oriel IPO bundles these perks into a user-friendly dashboard. No need to pore over HMRC leaflets. Instead, you get clear guides, webinars and automated calculations so you always know where you stand.
Combine SEIS/EIS tax benefits with commission-free payment solutions by exploring a frictionless way to grow both your sales and your equity. Combine SEIS/EIS tax perks with commission-free payment solutions
Integrating with Your Digital Toolkit
Your startup tech stack shouldn’t be siloed. Once you’ve chosen your payment provider and your funding platform, look for synergy:
- Sync transaction reports from Square with your accounting software
- Use Oriel IPO’s educational content to impress your investors
- Publish high-quality, SEO-rich updates about your funding rounds
For example, Oriel IPO integrates smoothly with tools like Maggie’s AutoBlog, delivering blog content that resonates with investors. Keep your website fresh without hiring a full editorial team.
Choosing the Right Platform: Factors to Consider
When comparing Square’s payment offerings to a specialist funding solution, keep these factors in mind:
-
Cost Structure
– Square: Fee per transaction, hardware costs
– Oriel IPO: Fixed subscription, no commission -
Ease of Use
– Square: Plug-and-play, extensive app integrations
– Oriel IPO: Guided onboarding, curated deal flow -
Value-Add Services
– Square: Payroll, inventory, marketing
– Oriel IPO: Tax relief calculators, educational webinars -
Regulatory Standing
– Square is FCA-regulated for financial services;
– Oriel IPO operates outside FCA for advice, but focuses on compliance and transparency. -
Scalability
– Square grows with your sales channels;
– Oriel IPO grows with your investor network and deal appetite.
By mapping these factors against your priorities, you’ll see where each platform shines — and where fees could erode your growth.
Real-World Example: Brew Café’s Journey
Brew Café launched in Manchester with a mobile Square Reader. They loved how easily they could serve coffee and track inventory. But when they reached for growth capital, typical crowdfunding platforms wanted up to 7% commission. They switched to Oriel IPO, paid a monthly fee, and raised £75,000 tax-efficiently. Total savings? Over £5,000 compared to a commission-based model.
Key takeaway: Combining commission-free payment solutions at the till with commission-free SEIS/EIS funding in the boardroom keeps more money in your espresso machine.
Final Thoughts: A Cohesive Growth Strategy
Turning profits at the checkout is one thing. Securing growth capital in a tax-efficient, commission-free way is another. By pairing powerful payment platforms like Square with Oriel IPO’s zero-commission SEIS/EIS funding, you achieve:
- Improved margins on daily sales
- Maximised capital for expansion
- Clear, guided support for tax incentives
- A unified finance and growth roadmap
Whether you’re brewing lattes or launching SaaS, this dual approach offers a clear path to sustainable scaling.
Ready to fund your future without fees? Get started with commission-free payment solutions for seamless SEIS/EIS funding
