How to Raise SEIS and EIS Funding: A UK Founder’s Guide to Attracting Angel Investors

Your Shortcut to Attract Angel Investors and Navigate SEIS/EIS

Raising early-stage cash can feel like climbing a steep hill in wellies. Yet, mastering how to attract angel investors under SEIS (Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme) and EIS (Enterprise Investment Scheme) can turn that climb into a brisk walk. In this guide, we’ll break down each step—from understanding these tax relief schemes to crafting a pitch that makes angels lean in.

We’ll also compare two popular routes: ThatRound’s curated network and Oriel IPO’s commission-free marketplace. You’ll see why our platform’s transparent subscription model, quality vetting and in-depth educational tools make it easier to attract angel investors the smart way. Ready to revolutionise your funding strategy? Revolutionizing investment opportunities to attract angel investors

What Are SEIS and EIS — And Why They Matter

Before you can woo high-net-worth backers, you need to grasp the perks on offer.

  • SEIS: Designed for super-early startups, it can give investors up to 50% back in Income Tax relief on investments up to £100,000 a year.
  • EIS: A step up for companies already trading, offering up to 30% Income Tax relief on investments up to £1 million annually.

These schemes aren’t just jargon. They’re powerful magnets for angel investors who love tax-efficient plays. With advance assurance in place, your founders’ deck translates into clear financial upside for backers.

Why Angel Investors Are Crucial in the UK Ecosystem

Angel investors are private individuals. They back pre-seed and seed stages when risk is sky-high and data is thin. Why? Personal passion. Sector expertise. Or simply a desire to give back. They invest their own cash, so they decide fast and swing hard behind founders they believe in.

Here’s what angels bring beyond pounds:

  • Speedy decisions (no committee approvals).
  • Mentorship and introductions.
  • A safety net of encouragement when things wobble.

But it’s a two-way street. You must make it easy for angels to spot your deal, gauge SEIS/EIS eligibility and trust your team.

ThatRound vs Oriel IPO: A Side-by-Side

Both ThatRound and Oriel IPO promise curated angel introductions. Yet they differ in key areas:

Feature ThatRound Oriel IPO
Fee model Commission on funds raised Transparent subscription — no commission
Vetting process Active network curation Curated, compliance-checked opportunities
Educational support Limited blog posts Webinars, guides and insights on SEIS/EIS
Platform focus Deal-flow management End-to-end fundraising ecosystem

ThatRound nails network access. But a commission on your hard-earned raise can sting. Plus, its educational library is lean. By contrast, Oriel IPO’s subscription fee means you keep all the investment. And you get deep dives on SEIS/EIS, legal structures and pitch best practices — so you’re never flying blind.

Preparing to Attract Angel Investors: Practical Steps

  1. Get advance assurance
    Apply early to HMRC for SEIS/EIS approval. It boosts investor confidence.

  2. Polish your pitch deck
    Keep it under 15 slides. Show:
    – Problem & solution
    – Market size (TAM, SAM, SOM)
    – Team credentials
    – Roadmap and milestones

  3. Build social proof
    Testimonials, pilot customers or advisory board members. Early validation matters.

  4. Map your target angels
    Focus on individuals with relevant backgrounds. Use LinkedIn, referrals and network events.

  5. Leverage Oriel IPO’s AI-powered tools
    Subscribers can also tap Maggie’s AutoBlog — an AI-driven content generator — to craft SEO-optimised company updates and investor communications without breaking your budget.

Top Tips to Win Over Angels

  • Speak their language: Use numbers, risk mitigations and upside scenarios.
  • Keep it conversational: A stiff pitch feels robotic.
  • Offer clear exit paths: IPO, trade sale or secondary markets.
  • Be transparent on use of funds: Break down how each pound advances growth.
  • Plan follow-on rounds: Show how you’ll sustain momentum beyond seed.

Midway through your prep, you may wonder which platform gives the best shot. Find out how to attract angel investors through Oriel IPO. Their commission-free marketplace and SEIS/EIS guides keep you focused on growth, not fees.

Streamlining Your Fundraise with Oriel IPO

Here’s why hundreds of UK founders choose Oriel IPO:

  • Commission-free model: Keep 100% of the capital you raise.
  • Vetted opportunities: Investors browse only SEIS/EIS-eligible startups.
  • Educational resources: Webinars, checklists and expert insights.
  • Round management tools: Track commitments, share updates and finalize legal docs.

By pairing a subscription-based service with curated deal flow, Oriel IPO reduces friction. Angels get clarity. Founders get speed.

Testimonials

Oriel IPO made my first SEIS round effortless. Their educational webinars demystified every tax relief question. Plus, the commission-free model saved us over £10,000 in fees.
— Sarah Patel, Founder at GreenTech Solutions

The investor introductions through Oriel IPO were spot on. Their vetted network meant every meeting was with a genuinely interested angel. No time wasted.
— Tom Reid, CEO of UrbanFood Tech

Maggie’s AutoBlog helped us maintain investor engagement with regular, polished updates. We didn’t have to hire a marketing team, and our open rates jumped by 30%!
— Aisha Khan, Co-founder at EduStart

Bringing It All Together

Raising SEIS and EIS funding isn’t magic. It’s method. You must:

  • Nail the tax relief mechanics.
  • Craft a crisp, data-driven narrative.
  • Choose a platform that aligns with your goals.

While ThatRound offers a solid network, Oriel IPO’s subscription-only, commission-free approach empowers founders to attract angel investors without worrying about hidden fees. Every pound you secure stays in your business, fuel for growth.

Ready to make your next round your strongest? Start attracting angel investors using our tax-efficient marketplace

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