Hooking into Government Funding with SEIS/EIS
If you’re building the next big health tech startup, you’ve probably heard of UKRI’s new £35 million Population Health Improvement UK programme. It’s a game changer, literally designed to boost research into healthier cities, better mental wellbeing and tackling harmful commercial influences. But how do you tap into that pot if you’re still at seed stage? It comes down to understanding SEIS/EIS and getting the right funding partner in your corner.
In this guide we’ll walk you through:
* Why SEIS/EIS matters for early-stage health innovators
What the £35 million PHI-UK fund covers
How Oriel IPO’s commission-free, tax-efficient platform puts you ahead
Ready to explore a robust UK investment network that actually cares about your mission? Explore the UK investment network with Oriel IPO
Understanding SEIS and EIS: Your Shortcut to Tax Relief
SEIS (Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme) and EIS (Enterprise Investment Scheme) are two government-backed programmes that hand out serious tax relief to investors. In plain English:
* SEIS lets investors get up to 50% income tax relief on new share purchases (max £100k investment).
EIS offers up to 30% relief on investments up to £1 million per year.
Both schemes allow investors to defer or eliminate capital gains tax when they sell shares.
Why does it matter for your startup? Because lower risk means more angels will back you. More investment, more runway, more impact. And when you’re planning to apply for a slice of UKRI’s £35 million fund, you need deep pockets on your cap table.
The Basics of PHI-UK
UK Research and Innovation created the Population Health Improvement UK network with four years of funding. Key themes include:
1. Creating healthy urban spaces
2. Population mental health
3. Commercial determinants of health
4. Policy modelling for better decisions
These themes scream interdisciplinary. Engineering. Public health. Social science. All united by one goal: lasting, sustainable health gains. Your pitch needs to align with these themes or risk getting lost in the sea of applications.
How SEIS/EIS Fuels Population Health Projects
Most academic teams have the pilot data. They know public health inside out. But turning that research into a workable startup? That’s where SEIS/EIS comes in. Here’s why:
* Risk sharing – Investors know they can claim tax relief, so they’re less wary of early stage.
Longer horizons – EIS lets backers hang on for longer, matching the multi-year R&D cycle.
Follow-on eligibility – After SEIS, companies often qualify for EIS, unlocking bigger checks.
Suddenly, that promise of £35 million looks within reach. But only if you can show you’ve attracted private investment under those schemes.
Why Oriel IPO’s UK Investment Network Works for Health Innovators
Other platforms like Seedrs or Crowdcube might let you crowdfund shares, but they take hefty commissions. Oriel IPO? It’s commission-free. That means every pound you raise stays with you. Plus:
* Curated, SEIS/EIS-eligible deal flow
Transparent subscription fees (no hidden charges)
Educational resources on SEIS/EIS compliance
* Vetted investors who understand public health
Imagine skipping the endless admin, focusing on your prototype, and knowing your backers get the tax relief they need. That’s why Oriel IPO stands out in the UK investment network space.
Step-by-Step: Securing SEIS/EIS Deals for PHI-UK
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Assess eligibility
– Turnover under £200k (for SEIS), under £15 million (for EIS)
– Fewer than 25 employees (SEIS) or 250 (EIS)
– R&D-focused or health innovation core -
Prepare your pitch
– Align with PHI-UK themes (urban health, mental wellbeing etc)
– Gather pre-clinical or proof-of-concept data
– Craft a clear business plan showing impact -
Apply SEIS/EIS advance assurance
– Submit to HMRC with your pitch deck, financial model
– Wait 4-6 weeks for approval -
List on Oriel IPO
– Create your company profile on the commission-free platform
– Highlight SEIS/EIS advance assurance
– Engage with curated investors -
Close your round
– Secure formal SEIS/EIS subscription agreements
– File compliance statements with HMRC
– Show UKRI you’ve got credible co-investment
By following these steps you’ll be ready to apply to the PHI-UK grant calls with private capital to match. That’s a winning combo.
Mid-Article Boost: Connect to Investors Now
If you’re serious about bringing population health solutions to life, you need the right platform and the right network. Start leveraging the UK investment network today
Comparing Oriel IPO with Other Platforms
Sure, Seedrs and Crowdcube can get you noticed. But:
* They charge success fees up to 7%.
They host thousands of campaigns, so health projects get lost.
Their investor base may not have SEIS/EIS expertise.
With Oriel IPO’s UK investment network:
* You pay no commission on funds raised.
A focused investor pool actively seeks SEIS/EIS-approved deals.
You get tailored guidance on tax relief compliance.
That clarity and cost saving can translate to hundreds of thousands more in your bank account.
Maximising Your Chances: Expert Tips
- Build a detailed impact model: Show policymakers how your intervention scales.
- Partner with universities: Academic credibility boosts UKRI interest.
- Engage communities early: PHI-UK loves inclusive, co-designed solutions.
- Use Oriel IPO’s webinars: Learn from live Q&As with SEIS/EIS experts.
Remember, a strong private round plus a clear public health impact equals a standout grant application.
Testimonials
“I thought raising SEIS funds was a headache until I found Oriel IPO. Their team guided me through HMRC advance assurance in weeks, not months.”
— Dr Amanda Reeves, co-founder of UrbanWell Labs
“Oriel IPO matched us with investors who really understood our mental health research. We closed our EIS round faster than expected.”
— Samir Patel, CEO of MindScope Analytics
“The commission-free model meant we kept more funds for R&D. It made a huge difference to our cash runway.”
— Eleanor Chen, CTO at HealthySpaces Ltd
Ready to Apply for UKRI’s Population Health Grants?
Securing SEIS/EIS backing is your ticket to unlocking that £35 million fund. Oriel IPO is here to streamline every step, from tax relief to deal closure. Don’t leave your funding to chance. Get started with our UK investment network now
