Kickstarting Your SEIS & EIS Funding Journey
Getting started with how to raise SEIS funding can feel like a maze. Tax incentives, eligibility checks, endless forms. Sounds familiar? Don’t worry. This guide cuts through the noise. You’ll discover how SEIS and EIS work, how to prepare your startup, and how to showcase your pitch to eager angel investors—all on a transparent, commission-free marketplace.
By the end, you’ll know exactly how to raise SEIS funding with confidence. Plus, you’ll see why Oriel IPO’s platform makes the process smoother than ever. Ready to simplify your next fundraising round? Check out How to Raise SEIS Funding: Revolutionizing Investment Opportunities in the UK to get started.
Understanding SEIS and EIS: What You Need to Know
Before we dive into how to raise SEIS funding, let’s break down the basics of the UK’s venture capital schemes.
What Is SEIS?
- SEIS stands for the Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme.
- Designed for very early-stage companies.
- Limits:
- Maximum £250,000 raised per lifetime.
- Company must be less than 2 years old.
- Gross assets under £350,000; fewer than 25 employees.
- Investors get:
- Up to 50% income tax relief.
- Exemption from capital gains on disposal.
- Loss relief if things go south.
What Is EIS?
- EIS is the Enterprise Investment Scheme.
- Ideal for startups a bit further along.
- Limits:
- Raise up to £12 million (or £5 million per year).
- Company assets under £15 million; fewer than 250 employees.
- Must be within 7 years of first commercial sale.
- Investors receive:
- 30% income tax relief.
- Capital gains deferral.
- Loss relief and inheritance tax relief.
Once you grasp these perks, you’re halfway to knowing how to raise SEIS funding—and EIS too.
Preparing Your Startup to Secure SEIS Funding
Getting your paperwork and pitch in order is non-negotiable. Here’s your checklist:
- Legal Setup
– Ensure you have a permanent establishment in the UK.
– Confirm you’re unlisted and not controlled by another company. - Trade Qualification
– Your main activity must be a qualifying trade.
– Avoid more than 20% of non-qualifying activities (e.g., property development, financial services). - Advance Assurance
– Apply to HMRC for advance assurance.
– It’s not a blanket endorsement, but it signals potential investors you meet the scheme’s conditions. - Detailed Financial Plan
– Show how you’ll use funds for R&D or qualifying trade.
– Include realistic forecasts and milestones. - Team & Governance
– Highlight key team members and their expertise.
– Outline governance structures and advisory boards.
With these steps ticked off, you’ll be well on your way to understanding how to raise SEIS funding the smart way.
Step-by-Step: How to Raise SEIS Funding on Oriel IPO
Oriel IPO’s commission-free platform simplifies the way you pitch, connect and close deals. Here’s how:
- Create Your Profile
Complete your company’s profile in minutes.
– Upload financial summaries.
– Provide R&D or market plans.
– Highlight your team’s expertise. - Submit for Vetting
Our in-house experts check SEIS/EIS eligibility.
– You get feedback.
– We ensure only compliant opportunities go live. - Set Your Funding Round
– Choose your target: up to £250,000 for SEIS.
– Decide on minimum investment tickets. - Go Live
– Launch your opportunity to a curated network of angel investors.
– Benefit from Oriel IPO’s transparent dashboard. - Engage with Investors
– Answer questions in real time.
– Share updates and due diligence packs. - Close & Issue Shares
– Once funded, you keep 100% of the investment (no commission!).
– We guide you through post-investment compliance.
At every stage, Oriel IPO offers educational webinars and resources. No fluff. Just actionable insights on how to raise SEIS funding without losing equity to fees.
Key Tips and Pitfalls When Raising SEIS Funding
You’ve got a solid pitch. Now avoid these common mistakes:
- Overvaluing Too Early
High valuations can scare off small investors. - Incomplete HMRC Paperwork
Missing details = delayed approvals. - Neglecting Investor Relations
Keep investors updated. Regular communication builds trust. - Underestimating Marketing
Use social proof. Testimonials. Case studies. - Forgetting Post-Funding Compliance
SEIS/EIS rules continue after you close. Stay on top of trading conditions and reporting.
These insights will help you nail how to raise SEIS funding and keep your investors happy.
Here’s a quick pro tip: blend storytelling with data. Numbers show credibility. A narrative engages. Together, they give you an edge in how to raise SEIS funding that resonates.
Why Oriel IPO Stands Out
You might be weighing multiple platforms. Here’s why Oriel IPO’s commission-free approach wins:
- No Commission
Unlike crowdfunding sites that take a cut, we work on transparent subscription fees. - Curated Opportunities
Only SEIS/EIS-eligible startups make it through our vetting. - Dedicated Support
From advance assurance tips to post-funding compliance guidance. - Educational Resources
Webinars, templates, and in-platform guides tailored to SEIS/EIS schemes.
Need more proof? Have a look at Explore how to raise SEIS funding with Oriel IPO and see for yourself how we simplify early-stage investment.
What Our Users Say
“Oriel IPO’s platform was a game of two truths and a lie—except they made every truth count. We raised our SEIS round in weeks, not months.”
— Emily J., Founder
“I was clueless about SEIS until Oriel IPO’s webinars. Their team walked us through every step. Now, our angel investors love the transparency.”
— Adeel R., CEO
“Switching to a commission-free subscription model saved us thousands. It’s rare to find such clarity in a funding platform.”
— Lisa M., COO
Next Steps to Raise SEIS Funding
You’ve learned the essentials of how to raise SEIS funding. You’ve seen how Oriel IPO can speed up approvals, connect you with serious investors, and keep more cash in your pocket. Now it’s your turn.
Take control of your startup’s future and Start raising SEIS funding today.
