Kickstart Your Funding Adventure
Finding SEIS and EIS funding can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. You know the schemes exist, but where are the right deals? And how do you make your application stand out? In this guide, we’ll cut through the jargon and give you a clear roadmap to secure Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS) and Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) funds in the UK.
As seasoned startup funding experts at Oriel IPO, we’ve built a commission-free investment marketplace to help founders connect with angel investors fast. You’ll learn the basics of SEIS/EIS, compare platforms, and follow actionable steps. Ready to see how our approach changes the game? Discover how startup funding experts are revolutionising investment opportunities in the UK
What Are SEIS and EIS?
SEIS and EIS are government-backed schemes that reward investors with tax reliefs when they back eligible startups. They’re two sides of the same coin:
- Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS)
For companies under two years old, offering up to 50% income tax relief on investments up to £100,000. - Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS)
For growing businesses under seven years old, offering 30% income tax relief on investments up to £1 million (or £2 million for knowledge-intensive companies).
These perks reduce risk for investors and make your pitch more attractive. As startup funding experts, we see founders boost investor interest simply by highlighting these reliefs.
SEIS Benefits
- Up to 50% income tax relief
- Capital Gains Tax exemption on disposal after three years
- Loss relief if the company fails
EIS Benefits
- 30% income tax relief
- Capital Gains Tax exemption after three years
- Loss relief and deferral of capital gains liability
Why Choose the Right Platform?
Loads of platforms claim to connect startups and investors under SEIS/EIS. But they differ in fees, vetting processes, and support. Here’s a quick look:
- Seedrs and Crowdcube
Known for equity crowdfunding, but they take commission on funds raised. - InvestingZone and Wealth Club
Focus on tax-efficient investments, though you might pay hefty platform fees. - SyndicateRoom
Offers co-investment opportunities, but you’ll join big syndicates and share carry.
You could spend weeks juggling applications and fee schedules. That’s why startup funding experts recommend a streamlined, commission-free approach. Oriel IPO lets you keep more capital by charging a fixed subscription instead of a slice of your raise.
Oriel IPO’s Commission-Free Marketplace
Oriel IPO stands out for three main reasons:
- Commission-Free Model
No cut of funds raised; you pay transparent subscription fees. - Curated and Vetted Opportunities
Our team screens startups to meet SEIS/EIS eligibility, so investors see only quality pitches. - Educational Resources
Access guides, webinars and insights that simplify the complexities of SEIS/EIS.
As startup funding experts, we built this suite to reduce friction. No hidden charges. No guesswork. Just direct access to early-stage capital.
Step-by-Step Guide to Finding SEIS and EIS Funding
Follow these steps to line up investors and tap government reliefs.
1. Prepare Your Documents
Investors want clarity. Get these ready:
- A lean pitch deck
- Financial projections (3 to 5 years)
- Company articles and shareholder agreements
Our startup funding experts say that having everything on hand builds trust and speeds up due diligence.
2. Verify Eligibility
Check HMRC rules against your business model:
- Turnover below £200,000 for SEIS
- Fewer than 25 employees for SEIS
- Qualifying trades and assets under £15 million
A quick eligibility checklist is available on Oriel IPO’s site, so you can confirm before pitching.
3. Choose Your Marketplace
Now pick where to showcase your opportunity:
- Traditional equity sites like Crowdcube or Seedrs (commission-based)
- Specialist platforms like InvestingZone (fees vary)
- Oriel IPO’s commission-free marketplace, where our startup funding experts manage vetting and promotion
Join fellow startup funding experts in mastering SEIS and EIS with Oriel IPO
4. Craft a Winning Pitch
Investors see dozens of SEIS/EIS deals weekly. Make yours stand out by:
- Highlighting tax reliefs in the first slide
- Showing traction: user numbers, revenues, partnerships
- Being transparent about risks and milestones
5. Engage and Follow Up
After you launch, actively:
- Answer investor queries within 24 hours
- Host online Q&A sessions or webinars
- Share regular updates on milestones
This builds momentum and trust. Plus, as startup funding experts, we know active founders close rounds faster.
Tips from Startup Funding Experts
Here are extra pointers to boost your success:
- Build relationships before you need cash.
- Leverage your network for warm intros to investors.
- Use clear, jargon-free language.
- Keep your deck under 15 slides.
- Show a credible use of funds breakdown.
Our startup funding experts often stress: the human factor matters. Investors back founders, not just ideas.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Even the best pitches can fail if you:
- Overvalue your company in the first round
- Ignore legal compliance for SEIS/EIS
- Underestimate the time needed for HMRC advance assurance
A misstep here can delay your raise by months. That’s why Oriel IPO includes legal checklists and HMRC assistance tips.
Conclusion
SEIS and EIS can turbocharge your early-stage funding if you follow a clear path. As startup funding experts, we’ve laid out the steps, tools and tips you need to get funded with confidence. Ready to see a more streamlined, commission-free journey? Trust startup funding experts to guide your SEIS and EIS journey today
Keep pushing boundaries, and may your next round be your best one yet.
