Discover how Haatch is managing a new £7M co-investment platform with the British Business Bank to support the UK’s most exciting emerging angel syndicates.
Introduction
In a significant move to bolster the UK’s startup ecosystem, Haatch has unveiled a new £7 million co-investment platform in collaboration with the British Business Bank. This SEIS investment platform is tailored to empower emerging angel syndicates, providing them with the necessary capital and infrastructure to identify and nurture high-potential startups across the United Kingdom.
Partnership with British Business Bank
Haatch’s partnership with the British Business Bank marks a pivotal enhancement in the realm of early-stage investments. Funded through the bank’s Regional Angels Programme, the initiative is set to deploy capital alongside five promising syndicates. This collaboration not only amplifies Haatch’s existing commitment to £27 million but also underscores the strategic importance of fostering localized investment efforts that cater to diverse regions and sectors within the UK.
Strategic Allocation of Funds
The allocated £7 million will be strategically distributed to support syndicates that exhibit exceptional potential in identifying and backing innovative startups. By doing so, Haatch and the British Business Bank aim to create a more inclusive and geographically dispersed investment landscape, moving beyond the traditional hubs of London and Manchester to regions with untapped entrepreneurial talent.
Supporting Emerging Angel Syndicates
The newly launched platform targets five emerging angel syndicates, each bringing unique strengths and specializations to the table:
- HERmesa: A vibrant community of over 270 women operators and entrepreneurs focusing on women-led, tech-enabled startups at the pre-seed and seed stages.
- CircleRock Capital: A sector-agnostic platform that provides access to leading early-stage investments, collaborating with top global venture capital firms.
- The Games Angels: Comprising seasoned professionals from the gaming industry, this syndicate invests in startups shaping the future of gaming.
- Sie Ventures: Early-stage investors supporting diverse founding teams across the UK and Europe.
- 2050 Capital: A deep tech and science investment firm dedicated to transformative and defensible innovations impacting fundamental sectors.
These syndicates represent a more diverse and specialized segment of the angel investment community, poised to drive inclusive growth and foster innovation across various industries.
Impact on the UK Startup Ecosystem
The introduction of this SEIS investment platform by Haatch is set to create substantial ripple effects within the UK’s startup landscape. By providing essential funding and support infrastructure, the platform enables angel syndicates to take on a more proactive role in identifying and nurturing startups with high growth potential.
Democratizing Access to Funding
One of the primary objectives of the platform is to democratize access to funding for startups. By eliminating commission fees and focusing on SEIS/EIS tax incentives, Haatch ensures that both entrepreneurs and investors can engage in the investment process with greater ease and confidence. This approach not only lowers the barriers to entry but also encourages a broader range of investors to participate in early-stage funding.
Enhancing Investor Confidence and Infrastructure
Haatch’s role extends beyond mere capital provision. By offering comprehensive support in terms of infrastructure and confidence-building, the platform equips emerging syndicates with the tools and resources necessary to make informed investment decisions. This holistic support framework is crucial for fostering a sustainable and impactful investment culture within the UK.
Oriel IPO: A Complementary SEIS Investment Platform
In parallel with Haatch’s initiatives, Oriel IPO emerges as a complementary force within the UK’s SEIS investment platform landscape. Launched in early 2024, Oriel IPO serves as an innovative online investment marketplace that connects UK startups with investors through SEIS/EIS tax incentives.
Key Features of Oriel IPO
- Commission-Free Funding: Oriel IPO eliminates commission fees, allowing startups and investors to engage in funding activities without additional financial burdens.
- Curated Investment Opportunities: The platform offers a carefully selected range of investment opportunities, ensuring that users have access to high-potential and tax-efficient options.
- Educational Resources: Comprehensive educational tools, including guides and calculators, empower users to make informed investment decisions.
- Subscription-Based Access: With multiple subscription tiers, Oriel IPO democratizes investment opportunities by offering flexible access options tailored to different user needs.
Strategic Alignment with Haatch
Both Haatch and Oriel IPO share a common vision of enhancing the UK’s SEIS investment platform ecosystem. While Haatch focuses on managing co-investment avenues and supporting angel syndicates, Oriel IPO provides a digital marketplace that bridges the gap between startups and individual investors. Together, they create a robust and interconnected investment landscape that fosters innovation and growth.
Addressing Challenges in the UK Startup Funding
The UK startup ecosystem has long faced challenges in efficient funding access, particularly under government-supported SEIS/EIS schemes that require a clear understanding of tax incentives. Haatch’s new platform directly addresses these challenges by:
- Simplifying the Investment Process: Streamlining the connection between entrepreneurs and angel investors, thereby making the funding process more straightforward and accessible.
- Providing Educational Support: Offering resources that demystify SEIS/EIS, ensuring that both startups and investors can navigate the investment landscape with confidence.
- Fostering a Stronger Investment Culture: By democratizing funding access and empowering users, the platform contributes to a more vibrant and resilient investment community in the UK.
Future Outlook and Strategic Initiatives
Looking ahead, Haatch and Oriel IPO are poised to continue their growth through strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing user experience and expanding service offerings. Key focus areas include:
- Pursuing FCA Regulation: Moving towards Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) regulation to provide regulated services and build greater trust among users.
- Optimizing User Conversion Strategies: Enhancing strategies to convert trial users into paying customers, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the platforms.
- Expanding Service Offerings: Introducing complementary services such as compliance tools and advanced analytics to provide a more comprehensive investment experience.
- Building Robust Partnerships: Forming alliances with industry leaders and accounting professionals to broaden the platform’s reach and impact.
Conclusion
Haatch’s launch of the £7 million co-investment platform marks a transformative step in supporting emerging angel syndicates and fostering a dynamic startup ecosystem in the UK. By addressing key challenges in funding access and providing robust support for syndicates, Haatch, alongside Oriel IPO, is paving the way for a more inclusive and innovative investment landscape.
“Together, we’re opening up access to capital for a wider range of founders, sectors, and geographies—and helping the next generation of angel investors scale their impact.”
– Fred Soneya, Co-founder and General Partner at Haatch
Ready to explore investment opportunities and support the future of UK startups? Visit Oriel IPO today to get started!
