Introduction
Every growing business needs fuel. For UK startups, that fuel usually comes in the form of startup funding schemes like SEIS and EIS. But navigating the rules, paperwork and investor expectations? That can feel like driving at night without headlights.
The good news? You’re not alone. At Oriel IPO, we’ve built a commission-free investment marketplace tailored to SEIS and EIS. You get curated deals, tax guidance and community support all in one place. No hidden fees. No jargon.
In this post, you’ll learn:
- What SEIS and EIS are, and why they matter
- How tax incentives power startup funding schemes
- The common hurdles founders face
- How Oriel IPO simplifies the journey
- Practical tips to maximise your funding round
Ready? Let’s dive in.
Understanding SEIS and EIS
What is SEIS?
The Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS) is a government incentive aimed at early-stage startups. It offers:
- Up to 50% income tax relief on investments
- Relief from Capital Gains Tax on SEIS shares
- Loss relief if the company fails
Imagine you invest £10,000. SEIS could cut your income tax bill by £5,000. That’s significant when you’re launching a new product or hiring your first team.
What is EIS?
The Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) targets slightly more mature startups:
- Up to 30% income tax relief on investments
- Capital Gains Tax deferral and exemption
- Loss relief similar to SEIS
EIS can attract larger sums. It’s ideal if your business is past the very first steps but still needs capital for growth, R&D or marketing.
Why startup funding schemes matter
You might wonder: Why jump through all these hoops? Two reasons:
- Lower risk for investors. With tax reliefs, backers feel more comfortable putting money into early ventures.
- Better terms for founders. Less dilution, more runway and more time to build.
In a crowded investment landscape, startup funding schemes can be the difference between mortgaging your house and securing a thriving investor network.
The tax incentives behind SEIS and EIS
Tax incentives are the heart of startup funding schemes. They unlock capital by sharing risk. Here’s how:
- Income Tax Relief: Reduces personal tax bills immediately.
- Capital Gains Tax Exemption: Profits from shares can be tax-free if held for the required period.
- Loss Relief: Offsets losses against income or gains.
These perks make investors more willing to back high-potential, early-stage companies. For founders, that means better access to funds without punitive terms. Win-win.
Common challenges with startup funding schemes
Even with great incentives, startups face hurdles:
- Complex paperwork: SEIS/EIS compliance requires precise documentation.
- Time delays: Getting advance assurance from HMRC can take weeks.
- Investor confidence: Many angels still shy away from unfamiliar schemes.
- Platform fees: Traditional marketplaces often charge commission on every investment.
I recently talked to a tech founder who said: “I almost gave up after my third rejection. The forms, the jargon… it felt impossible.” If that sounds familiar, stick around. Oriel IPO can help.
How Oriel IPO supports startups
At Oriel IPO, we simplify startup funding schemes in three key ways:
1. Commission-free investment marketplace
Most platforms take 5–8% commission on funds raised. We don’t.
That saves you thousands. Instead of paying fees, you keep funds working on your business.
- No hidden charges
- Transparent subscription tiers
- Predictable budgeting
2. Curated, tax-efficient opportunities
We vet every investment for SEIS/EIS eligibility. You won’t waste time on ineligible deals.
- Expert screening process
- Clear risk profiles
- Regularly updated deal flow
3. Educational resources and community
Knowledge is power. Our platform includes:
- Step-by-step guides on SEIS/EIS compliance
- Webinars with tax advisors and successful founders
- A forum to ask questions and share experiences
You get more than funding. You gain confidence.
Step-by-step: Securing SEIS/EIS funding via Oriel IPO
Want the roadmap? Here’s how it works:
- Sign up for a free trial on Oriel IPO.
- Browse curated deals tagged SEIS or EIS.
- Review deal materials—from financials to term sheets.
- Connect with founders via our messaging system.
- Invest commission-free once you’re ready.
- Claim your tax relief with our HMRC support guides.
Simple. No surprises. Every step keeps you on track with HMRC requirements and investor expectations.
Comparing Oriel IPO with other platforms
Not all marketplaces are built the same. Here’s a quick snapshot:
| Platform | Commission | SEIS/EIS Focus | Education Resources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seedrs | 6% of funds raised | Yes, but mixed offerings | Limited webinars |
| Crowdcube | 5% | Yes, but broad | Basic FAQs |
| Oriel IPO | 0% | Dedicated SEIS/EIS only | In-depth guides & community |
See the gap? Oriel IPO is the only commission-free solution built exclusively for startup funding schemes. Plus, we back you with real expertise.
Tips for maximising benefits from startup funding schemes
Want to make the most of SEIS and EIS? Try these tactics:
- Plan your round early. HMRC advance assurance cuts delays.
- Clearly highlight tax reliefs in your pitch materials.
- Use legal counsel specialising in SEIS/EIS compliance.
- Engage your crowd. A well-informed investor is a committed investor.
- Leverage our community forums for peer advice.
These simple steps can speed up your funding cycle and boost investor confidence.
Conclusion
SEIS and EIS startup funding schemes are powerful levers for UK startups. But the real magic happens when you combine tax incentives with a commission-free, expert-driven platform like Oriel IPO.
You’ll get:
- Streamlined access to SEIS/EIS deals
- Zero commission fees
- Expert guidance at every turn
Isn’t it time you took your funding efforts to the next level?
Start your free trial on Oriel IPO today and see how easy startup funding schemes can be.
Ready to connect with investors and unlock tax-efficient capital?
Explore Oriel IPO and kickstart your funding journey—commission-free.
