Join for free
Log In
Back to Blog

How to Find SEIS/EIS Angel Investors in the UK: A Step-by-Step Guide

Why SEIS/EIS Matter for SMEs

Getting funding can feel like a maze. SEIS (Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme) and EIS (Enterprise Investment Scheme) are two shortcuts.

  • Tax relief. Investors get up to 50% back under SEIS and 30% under EIS.
  • Encourage early-stage support. You become more attractive to angels.
  • Risk mitigation. Investors feel safer with government-backed schemes.

These perks make SEIS/EIS crucial in any startup investment network strategy for UK SMEs.

What Is an Angel Investor?

Think of an angel investor as a seasoned friend willing to back your idea. They use their own money. No institutional red tape. Often, they:

  • Offer £25k to £350k per deal.
  • Expect around 10% equity on average.
  • Bring mentorship, contacts, and sector know-how.

A good angel can be the secret sauce in your startup investment network mix.

The Role of a Startup Investment Network in Your Fundraising

A startup investment network is a community of angels, funds, and platforms curated to connect you with the right backers. Why you need one:

  • Central hub. All your prospects in one place.
  • Pre-vetted investors. Save time on due diligence.
  • Events and pitch days. Meet people who get SEIS/EIS.

Examples? Angel Investment Network, Gust, and the newcomer Oriel IPO. Platforms like Oriel IPO go further:

  • Commission-free funding.
  • Curated, tax-efficient deal flow.
  • Educational tools and community support.

In a crowded landscape, the right startup investment network can make or break your round.

Step 1: Prepare Your Pitch and Financials

Before you hit any network, nail your foundations.

  1. Build a sharp pitch deck:
    – Problem & solution.
    – Market size and growth.
    – Team credentials.
    – Financial projections and use of funds.
  2. Document key metrics:
    – Burn rate and runway.
    – Customer acquisition cost (CAC).
    – Lifetime value (LTV).
  3. Practice your story:
    – Keep it under 15 slides.
    – Send it 48 hours before meetings.
    – Anticipate tough questions.

Pro tip: Use Maggie’s AutoBlog to generate SEO-friendly blog posts about your traction and roadmap. It’s an AI-powered tool from Oriel IPO that wows investors who skim your website before the call.

Step 2: Identify the Right Angel Networks

Not all networks are built equal. Here’s how to choose:

  • Match your sector. Tech founders? Look at Life Science Angels or Tech Coast Angels.
  • Check SEIS/EIS focus. Platforms like Angel Investment Network often tag SEIS-friendly deals.
  • Compare features.
  • Seedrs vs Crowdcube vs Oriel IPO.
  • Seedrs has full advisory but charges fees.
  • Oriel IPO is commission-free, with a focus on tax-efficient investments.

When browsing a startup investment network, filter by:
– Stage (pre-seed, seed).
– Tax incentives (SEIS/EIS).
– Investor activity (how many deals closed).

This keeps you from chasing the wrong leads.

Step 3: Attend Pitch Events and Virtual Meetups

Events are where angels and founders collide.

  • Industry conferences.
  • Local meetups.
  • Online webinars and demo days.

Why they work:
– Warm intros. Angels trust referrals.
– Live feedback. Polish your pitch.
– New connections. Expand your startup investment network graph.

If you can’t travel, virtual meetups via Zoom or Clubhouse still pack punch. Keep your camera on. Engage. Follow up within 24 hours.

Explore our features

Step 4: Leverage Social Media and Content Marketing

Social channels aren’t just for cat videos. They can be your investor magnet.

  • Build in public on Twitter:
    Share wins, losses, weird lessons.
  • LinkedIn prospecting:
    Search by “angel investor” and keywords like “SEIS” or “EIS”.
  • Publish insights:
    Use blog posts or Maggie’s AutoBlog to craft polished updates. That shows traction to anyone snooping your site.

By creating a visible journey, you naturally pull angels into your startup investment network orbit.

Step 5: Work with Accelerators and Incubators

Accelerators often double as investor gateways.

How to make the most of them:
– Tap mentor networks.
– Attend demo days.
– Engage alumni.

Many accelerators partner with platforms like Oriel IPO to showcase high-potential startups. That’s your fast track to a curated startup investment network of SEIS/EIS champions.

Step 6: Do Your Due Diligence

Choosing who to pitch is as important as refining your deck.

  • Check past deals.
  • Talk to founders they’ve backed.
  • Look for red flags: litigation history or frequent down-rounds.

A misaligned angel can drain time and energy. Vet them early, so your startup investment network stays high-quality.

Tips for Maintaining Investor Relationships

Raising funds isn’t the end; it’s the start of a journey.

  • Regular updates.
  • Milestone celebrations.
  • Ask for help (not just money).

Position yourself as a proactive founder in your startup investment network. That pays dividends in follow-on funding and referrals.

Conclusion and Next Steps

Finding SEIS/EIS angels is a marathon, not a sprint. You need:
– A bullet-proof pitch.
– A robust startup investment network.
– Tools like Maggie’s AutoBlog and Oriel IPO’s commission-free platform.

Stick to the steps, stay persistent, and lean on platforms built for UK SEIS/EIS deals. Your next investor could be just a click away.

Get a personalised demo

more from this section