A New Frontier for Everyday Investors
Retail investing apps have exploded in popularity over the last few years. We’ve all downloaded them, tapped a few icons, and felt like instant market gurus. They promise low fees, slick interfaces, and even AI-driven tips. But here’s the catch: most of these solutions stop at stocks, ETFs or crypto. They rarely open the door to high-growth startups.
It’s time for a pivot. This article bridges the best of both worlds—your favourite retail investing apps and a focused SEIS/EIS marketplace that targets UK startups. We’ll unpack why seed schemes matter, how traditional apps fall short, and how Oriel IPO’s curated platform helps you tap into commission-free, tax-efficient deals. Discover how retail investing apps are revolutionising investment opportunities in the UK
The Rise of Retail Investing Apps: Why They Work
Retail investing apps won us over with three big promises:
- Zero or low fees. No hefty commissions.
- User-friendly design. Big buttons, clear charts.
- Instant access. Stocks, ETFs, crypto—on your phone.
They’ve torn down barriers. You no longer need a broker or six figures to start. Plus, many apps boast AI-powered market insights—real-time alerts when Tesla dips or when gold spikes.
But there’s a trade-off. Most platforms focus on public markets only. Sure, you can trade Tesla, not taxes. And if you’re in the UK, options like PFOF rebates or fancy margin rates won’t help you in SEIS/EIS land.
The Gap in UK Startup Funding: Why SEIS/EIS Matter
The UK government launched SEIS (Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme) and EIS (Enterprise Investment Scheme) for a reason. They want you to back startups. The incentives are juicy:
- Up to 50% income tax relief on SEIS investments.
- 30% income tax relief on EIS deals.
- Capital gains deferral if you roll gains into an EIS fund.
- Loss relief if a startup doesn’t make it.
Sounds great, right? Yet complexity kills interest. Forms. Eligibility checks. Foil-coated brochures. Most of us stick to retail investing apps because they keep it simple.
But simplicity has a downside. You miss out on early-stage growth—those 10x, 50x returns that come with real startup risk. And where do you go? Google “SEIS platforms” and you’ll drown in jargon.
Introducing Oriel IPO’s Curated SEIS/EIS Marketplace
Enter Oriel IPO. A transparent, commission-free hub for SEIS and EIS. No hidden cuts. No slice of your raise. Instead, a simple subscription model.
Here’s what you get:
- Curated Opportunities. Only eligible startups make the cut.
- Commission-Free Funding. Investors and founders keep more.
- Educational Resources. Webinars, guides, tax checklists.
- Vetting Process. A quality filter—you dodge the duds.
Oriel IPO fills the gap that traditional retail investing apps leave behind. You still enjoy low friction, but now you can back seed-stage UK startups with built-in tax benefits. Think of it as “retail investing apps 2.0,” but for high-growth, early-stage ventures.
Approximately halfway through the funding journey, you’ll appreciate the difference. Explore retail investing apps optimised for SEIS/EIS today
Comparing Retail Investing Apps vs. SEIS/EIS Marketplaces
Let’s break it down:
Retail Investing Apps
– Pros:
– Instant trades on stocks, ETFs, crypto.
– Low or zero commissions.
– Mobile-first experience.
– Cons:
– No structured access to UK startup equity.
– Limited tax benefits on growth.
– Mostly US-centric offerings.
SEIS/EIS Marketplace (Oriel IPO)
– Pros:
– Up to 50% income tax relief on SEIS.
– Commission-free, flat subscription model.
– Curated, vetted startup deals.
– Cons:
– Requires subscription fees.
– Not FCA-regulated advice.
What about platforms like Seedrs or Crowdcube? They’re solid. But they take a cut of your raise. They jostle for fundraising fees. Oriel IPO stands out by forgoing commission. You pay only transparent subscription charges.
How to Maximise Returns: Practical Steps
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Audit Your Approach
- Explore retail investing apps for mainstream assets.
- Track performance on public markets.
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Educate Yourself on SEIS/EIS
- Download Oriel IPO’s free tax guide.
- Join their webinar on “Seed relief explained.”
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Diversify Smartly
- Split capital: 70% in stocks/ETFs via retail investing apps, 30% in curated SEIS deals.
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Perform Due Diligence
- Check startup traction, team, and financials.
- Use Oriel IPO’s vetting scorecards.
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Monitor and Rebalance
- Set monthly reviews.
- Harvest tax benefits at year-end.
These steps help you harness both worlds: the simplicity of retail investing apps and the high-growth potential of startups.
Conclusion: Bridge the Best of Both Worlds
Retail investing apps have democratised markets. But if you crave outsized UK startup returns, you need a purpose-built SEIS/EIS solution. Oriel IPO’s commission-free, curated marketplace ticks all the boxes. You get tax perks, vetted deals, and ongoing education—all without surrendering a slice of your raise.
Your portfolio deserves more than public markets alone. Combine easy-to-use retail investing apps with a SEIS/EIS strategy. You’ll widen your horizon. And in the process, maximise your returns.
