From Pitch to Funding: attract SEIS investors with Oriel IPO
Early-stage startups often hit a wall when chasing that first big cheque. You know the drill: a brilliant idea, a sketchy deck, and a prayer that someone will bite. Enter SEIS/EIS—the UK’s secret sauce to lure in cash with generous tax perks. Mastering these schemes can mean the difference between endless bootstrapping and real runway.
This guide pulls back the curtain on how you can attract SEIS investors step-by-step. We’ll unpack tax incentives, pitch tactics, networking hacks, and why Oriel IPO’s commission-free marketplace sits at the heart of it all. Ready to tweak your strategy and secure funding? Revolutionise how you attract SEIS investors by joining our platform today.
Understanding SEIS and EIS: Tax incentives that matter
The Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS) and the Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) are designed to protect investors and boost startup capital. Here’s the lowdown:
- SEIS lets investors claim 50% income tax relief on investments up to £100,000 per tax year.
- EIS offers 30% relief on investments up to £1 million (or £2 million if at least £1 million goes into knowledge-intensive companies).
- Capital gains on shares held for three years are tax-free under both schemes.
- Loss relief allows investors to offset losses against income tax.
These perks make it easier to attract SEIS investors who want both upside and downside protection. Knowing the numbers inside out will boost your credibility when you explain the figures to high-net-worth individuals.
What are SEIS and EIS?
Think of SEIS as the “training wheels” for investors and EIS as the next level up. Both schemes:
- Encourage risk-taking by slashing potential tax bills.
- Create a safer environment to back unproven ideas.
- Serve as a magnet to attract SEIS investors who seek tax-efficient returns.
Grasp this first. It’s your cornerstone when you’re building a pitch that stands out.
Building Your SEIS/EIS Pitch: Steps to attract SEIS investors
You’ve got the perks on your side. Next up: telling a story that resonates.
Crafting Your Story
A good pitch isn’t a feature dump. It’s a narrative arc:
- The problem that keeps you up at night.
- The solution only you can deliver.
- The market waiting for that solution.
- Proof you’ll turn the dream into reality.
Pro tip: Weave in SEIS and EIS stats. Show an investor how you’ll help them save on tax while giving them a slice of something big. That’s a solid lure to attract SEIS investors.
Highlighting Tax Benefits
Investors love clear, simple tables. Spell out:
- The amount they invest.
- Expected tax relief.
- Net cash at risk.
- Potential upside.
A crisp slide here can turn curiosity into commitment. You’ll dodge questions and build trust fast.
Demonstrating Growth Potential
Numbers talk. Show:
- 3-year revenue forecast.
- Key milestones.
- How each £10k round bumps valuation.
Be realistic. Overpromising is a red flag. A credible roadmap makes it easier to attract SEIS investors who juggle multiple deals.
Leveraging Networks to attract SEIS investors
Investing rarely happens in isolation. It’s social. It’s political. It’s who you know.
Angel Networks and Platforms
Traditional hubs like Angel Investment Network or SyndicateRoom are solid. But they often charge fees or take commissions. That’s where Oriel IPO shines. A commission-free platform means investors keep more of their cash working—and you face fewer barriers to attract SEIS investors on day one.
Incubators and Accelerators
Joining an incubator gives you a seal of approval. It also plugs you into mentors and investor lists:
- Seedcamp and Techstars alumni circles.
- Regional hubs across London, Manchester, Edinburgh.
When you graduate, you’ve got warm intros ready to go. That network push often spikes your visibility and helps you attract SEIS investors.
Industry Events and Meetups
Conferences, pitch competitions and founder meetups are goldmines. The formula:
- Attend with a clear ask.
- Follow up within 24 hours.
- Offer a quick demo or video call.
It’s not spammy if you’re genuinely solving a problem. Keep at it and you’ll steadily attract SEIS investors.
This halfway point is crucial: if you want a central hub that filters the noise and helps you land meetings faster, Discover how to attract SEIS investors with zero commissions.
Oriel IPO: Commission-Free Marketplace to attract SEIS investors
Here’s the secret weapon in your toolkit. Oriel IPO is built for founders and investors to meet, minus the hefty commission fees.
- No Commission: Startups pay transparent subscription fees. Investors keep more.
- Curated Opportunities: Every listing meets HMRC’s SEIS/EIS criteria.
- Educational Resources: Webinars, guides, insights. Learning while you pitch.
- Maggie’s AutoBlog: An AI engine that crafts SEO-rich blog posts to draw traffic and interest.
That mix of tech and community makes it simpler to attract SEIS investors who value clarity and efficiency.
Why Choose Oriel IPO
- Save thousands in commission.
- Access a vetted pipeline of startups.
- Tap into a community that understands tax incentives.
- Get real-time analytics on investor engagement.
Educational Tools and Resources
Knowing SEIS/EIS inside out helps you guide potential backers. Oriel IPO’s resources cover:
- Step-by-step HMRC approvals.
- Examples of successful SEIS/EIS campaigns.
- Templates for legal and financial docs.
With these assets in hand, you’re miles ahead in the race to attract SEIS investors.
Comparison with Other Platforms
Let’s be honest: Seedrs and Crowdcube are established. They offer broad reach and regulatory oversight. But:
- They take 5–7% commission.
- Listings can get lost in a sea of projects.
- Advisory services are often bundled at extra cost.
Platforms like InvestingZone and Angels Den zero in on SEIS/EIS but still charge fees. SyndicateRoom offers co-investment but you need to find an anchor syndicate first. In all cases, your deal flow and margins get squeezed.
Oriel IPO tackles these gaps:
- Commission-free model.
- Dedicated SEIS/EIS focus.
- Community-driven mentorship.
- AI-powered content via Maggie’s AutoBlog to amplify your story.
Step-by-Step Action Plan
Here’s a quick checklist to move from promise to funding:
- Register on Oriel IPO and complete your profile.
- Gather HMRC advance assurance documents.
- Build a concise pitch deck with tax-relief charts.
- Use Maggie’s AutoBlog to generate SEO-friendly posts that draw investor eyeballs.
- Attend at least three industry meetups per quarter.
- Launch your campaign and track metrics via Oriel’s dashboard.
- Follow up with personalised emails within 24 hours.
- Close your first SEIS/EIS round and celebrate.
Follow these eight steps and you will attract SEIS investors with purpose and confidence.
Conclusion: Your Next Move
Securing early-stage funding doesn’t have to be a maze. With the right mix of tax savvy, a killer story, and a commission-free platform, you’ll stand out and gain traction. Oriel IPO is designed to streamline this journey, from learning curves to real cash.
Ready to hit the ground running? Start attracting SEIS investors with Oriel IPO today and see how simple early-stage fundraising can be.
