Unlock Your Startup Journey with SEIS & EIS
Starting a business in the UK can feel overwhelming. You’ve got a great idea, but finding the right funding? That’s a whole other challenge. This guide lays out everything you need—from the basics of SEIS and EIS to walking you through your first EIS application. We’ll also show you how Oriel IPO’s commission-free, transparent platform simplifies the process, so you can focus on growth rather than paperwork.
By the end, you’ll know exactly how to set up your business, navigate tax reliefs, and prepare a winning EIS application. Along the way, you’ll discover why founders and angel investors alike are turning to Discover our smart EIS application pathway for a seamless funding experience.
What Are SEIS and EIS?
Every entrepreneur should grasp these two powerful schemes:
What Is SEIS?
- The Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS) helps very early-stage companies raise up to £150,000.
- Investors can claim up to 50% Income Tax relief on their investment.
- Capital gains from SEIS shares are exempt if held for three years.
What Is EIS?
- The Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) supports growing startups, allowing them to raise up to £5 million annually.
- Investors receive 30% Income Tax relief.
- No capital gains tax on disposal after three years.
- Loss relief if shares fall in value.
Together, SEIS and EIS turn sceptics into backers. They slash investors’ tax bills and cushion risks—making it easier for founders to secure funds.
Why SEIS & EIS Matter for Your UK Business
Tax relief aside, these schemes carry weight in the market:
– Credibility: Being SEIS/EIS-eligible signals that HMRC has vetted your business plan.
– Attraction: Investors actively seek these schemes to maximise returns.
– Growth: With more capital and less stress, you can hire, develop products, and expand faster.
If you’re ready to take the plunge, the next steps are crucial—but they needn’t be daunting.
Step-by-Step: Setting Up Your UK Business
You wouldn’t build a house without a blueprint, right? Treat your business the same way:
- Choose Your Structure: Private limited company is common for SEIS/EIS.
- Register with Companies House: Get your company number.
- Open a Business Bank Account: Keep personal and business finances separate.
- Draft a Solid Business Plan: Detail your product, market, and financials.
- Prepare Your Pitch Deck: Investors love clarity and conciseness.
Once you’ve ticked these off, it’s time for your EIS application.
How to Prepare and Submit Your EIS Application
An EIS application is part art, part science. Here’s how to nail it:
- Verify Eligibility: Confirm your company meets trading activity rules and size thresholds.
- Compile Financial Projections: Show realistic revenue and expense forecasts for three to five years.
- Detail Use of Funds: Explain how investment will drive growth—hiring, R&D, marketing.
- Attach Supporting Docs: Articles of association, shareholder agreements, and company accounts.
- Submit to HMRC: Use form EIS1 and wait for your compliance certificate.
A well-crafted EIS application can shorten HMRC review times and boost investor confidence. Don’t rush—clarity trumps complexity every time.
Funding Through Oriel IPO’s Platform
Oriel IPO is more than a marketplace—it’s a partner.
- Commission-Free Model: Keep more of what you raise with no hidden fees.
- Curated Opportunities: Only SEIS/EIS-eligible startups pass our vetting process.
- Educational Tools: Webinars, guides, and live support to clarify every step.
- Investor Network: Connect directly with angel investors who understand tax incentives.
Thanks to these features, Oriel IPO transforms your EIS application from paperwork to potential.
By listing on Oriel IPO, you tap into an ecosystem that blends transparency and efficiency. Ready to see how it works? Start your journey with our EIS application solution in minutes and enjoy a streamlined experience.
Tips for Maximising Your Funding Success
Rising above the crowd takes more than luck. Here’s what makes a difference:
- Tell a Story: Don’t just share numbers—explain why your vision excites you.
- Show Traction: Early customer wins or prototypes add credibility.
- Leverage SEIS First: Many investors want to ride the SEIS rollercoaster for top tax relief, then follow on with EIS.
- Stay Transparent: Regular updates build trust. Use milestones to keep investors engaged.
Combine these tactics with a rock-solid EIS application, and you’ve got a winning formula.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls
There’s a reason seasoned founders dread compliance:
- Missing Documents: Double-check every form. A small error can delay approval.
- Over-promising: Keep financial forecasts realistic. Investors smell fanciful claims.
- Ignoring Communication: Don’t vanish after raising funds. Regular reports matter.
- Underutilising Resources: Use Oriel IPO’s webinars and guides. They exist for a reason.
With Oriel IPO, you get proactive reminders and dedicated FAQs—minimising risk and smoothing the path to funding.
What Founders Are Saying
“Joining Oriel IPO was a game-saver. The platform’s focus on SEIS and EIS meant we got our compliance certificate faster than we expected. Investors loved the clarity.”
— Alice Morgan, Co-founder of GreenTech UK“I was daunted by the EIS application process. Oriel IPO’s step-by-step guides broke it down into bite-size tasks. We raised our first round in under eight weeks.”
— Ben Clarke, CEO of HealthWave“No commission fees? That’s unheard of. We kept an extra £30k thanks to Oriel IPO’s model. The educational webinars were the cherry on top.”
— Zara Patel, Founder of EduNext
Wrapping Up
Launching and funding a UK business has never been this clear. From SEIS basics to the final EIS application, you’ve got a roadmap. With Oriel IPO’s commission-free, curated platform and hands-on resources, the most daunting steps become manageable. You focus on growth; we handle the rest.
Ready to revolutionise your funding journey? Get started with our EIS application support and take the leap today!
