The secret sauce: Advisory boards and SEIS/EIS funding
Every startup dreams of that perfect funding round. But for SEIS/EIS-backed ventures, it’s not just about pitching. It’s about signalling credibility. A strong advisory board does exactly that—it turbocharges your credibility and your SEIS EIS board impact. Think of each board member as an amplifier for your pitch, opening doors to ideal angels.
In this article, we’ll show you why advisory boards matter, break down how SEIS (Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme) and EIS (Enterprise Investment Scheme) work, and walk you through the steps to build an all-star board. Plus, we’ll explain how Oriel IPO’s curated platform partners with effective boards to streamline funding and connect startups with perfect-fit investors. Curious about the real SEIS EIS board impact? See the SEIS EIS board impact in action on Oriel IPO
Understanding SEIS and EIS: The basics you need to know
Before diving into boards, let’s nail down SEIS and EIS in plain English.
- SEIS offers up to 50% income tax relief on investments up to £100k per tax year.
- EIS gives up to 30% relief on amounts up to £1 million, plus potential capital gains tax deferral.
- Both schemes encourage angels to back early-stage UK startups by trimming downside risk.
Why does this matter for your board? Because a pro advisory panel helps you tick all those scheme boxes fast. Compliance. Eligibility. Timely filings. All the weeds where investors can get nervous. Nail these and you magnify your overall SEIS EIS board impact — smoother due diligence, quicker commitments.
Advisory boards: The hidden growth engine
An advisory board isn’t about governance paperwork. It’s about strategic firepower. Here’s what top teams deliver:
- Domain expertise: Tech, marketing, finance—fill gaps in your founders’ skills.
- Network leverage: Warm intros to high-net-worth angels and syndicates.
- Credibility boost: Industry names lend weight to pitch decks.
- Ongoing counsel: Real-time advice when you hit scaling snags.
No one expects perfection. But every investor values a team with depth. A robust SEIS EIS board impact stems from members who’ve done it before—and are ready to roll up their sleeves.
How Oriel IPO leverages advisory boards to streamline funding
Oriel IPO was built for founders who want commission-free, tax-focused funding. Here’s how it turbocharges your board’s effect:
- Curated matchmaking: Oriel IPO vets each startup and angel. Less noise. More relevant pitches.
- Subscription-based model: No hidden commissions. You keep more of what you raise.
- Educational resources: Webinars, guides and how-tos on SEIS/EIS intricacies.
- Transparent dashboards: Track investor interest, board engagement and funding milestones in real time.
Put it together and you get amplified SEIS EIS board impact. Your board spends less time juggling admin and more time on growth strategy.
Case in point: Real results with an advisory board
One fintech startup joined Oriel IPO with a three-person advisory board. Within six weeks, they:
- Clarified their SEIS eligibility checklist.
- Landed warm intros to three angel investors.
- Closed a £250k SEIS round at a 30% premium.
All thanks to streamlined processes and clear, board-driven investor pitches.
Building your winning advisory board: A step-by-step guide
Creating an A-team advisory board is like casting the perfect heist crew—each member has a specific role. Ready?
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Define key roles
– Tech lead, marketing guru, finance whiz.
– Spot the gaps in your founder team. -
Scout industry experts
– Use LinkedIn, alumni networks, sector events.
– Prioritise people with track records and time to commit. -
Craft a compelling case
– Show them your vision in one page.
– Highlight the SEIS EIS board impact in clear numbers. -
Formalise terms
– Set meeting frequency: monthly or quarterly.
– Agree on equity or token compensation. -
Keep them engaged
– Share progress updates.
– Ask for help on specific challenges.
It sounds simple. But follow these steps and you’ll harness that coveted SEIS EIS board impact faster.
Explore how Oriel IPO boosts SEIS EIS board impact
How Oriel IPO compares to other platforms
The market is crowded. Here’s a quick glance:
- Seedrs: Great for open equity crowdfunding. But heavy on commission fees.
- Crowdcube: Strong brand recognition. Less focus on tax-efficient schemes.
- InvestingZone: Niche EIS/SEIS deals. Smaller investor pool.
- Angel Investment Network: Massive network. Low vetting standards can mean noise.
- SyndicateRoom: Syndicate model with co-investment funds. Higher entry barriers for founders.
Oriel IPO stands out by combining a commission-free subscription model with rigorous vetting. Your board gets to pitch only to relevant, SEIS/EIS-savvy angels. And you keep more of every pound raised. That’s serious SEIS EIS board impact—less friction, faster closes.
Frequently asked questions
Q: How many advisors do I really need?
A: Three to five is ideal. Enough diversity, not so many that meetings become a chore.
Q: Can an advisory board guarantee SEIS/EIS approval?
A: No guarantee. But with the right advisors, you minimise compliance hiccups and boost investor confidence.
Q: What’s the time commitment?
A: 2–3 hours a month per advisor. Clear agendas keep things tight and on point.
Key takeaways and next steps
Building a top-tier board is one of the smartest moves you’ll make as a SEIS/EIS founder. The right panel:
- Enhances credibility.
- Opens doors to tax-savvy angels.
- Speeds up due diligence.
Combine that with Oriel IPO’s subscription-based, commission-free platform and you’ve got a recipe for funding success. Ready to unlock your board’s full power?
