Commission-Free SEIS & EIS: Your Essential Funding Roadmap
Getting that first cheque in the bank can feel like climbing Everest in flip-flops. The UK’s SEIS (Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme) and EIS (Enterprise Investment Scheme) give you oxygen tanks—meaning serious tax relief for early backers. But where do you find the right guidance? And how do you keep every penny you raise?
This guide cuts through the jargon. You’ll learn how to prepare, pitch, find investors and close your round—all without giving away a commission. We’ll lean on Oriel IPO’s curated educational tools and showcase the top startup funding resources you need. If you’re ready to dive into the best startup funding resources revolutionising investment opportunities in the UK, check out startup funding resources revolutionising investment opportunities in the UK.
Understanding SEIS & EIS Basics
Before you chase investors, know your schemes.
SEIS and EIS exist to make early-stage investing more attractive. They offer:
- 50% income tax relief (SEIS) or 30% (EIS) for qualifying investors
- Capital gains tax deferrals on reinvested profits
- Loss relief if things go south
- A cap on funds (£150k for SEIS; £5m per year for EIS)
Startups often treat SEIS and EIS as must-have startup funding resources. They’re not just schemes—they’re marketing points. Investors love them. And HMRC checks eligibility carefully. Your pitch needs clarity on:
- How much you plan to raise
- Your business plan’s milestones
- That you’ve not broken the rules on previous funding
Nail these basics. You’ll build credibility and avoid nasty hiccups later.
Preparing Your Pitch: Documents & Legal Steps
Investors expect an organised founder. No slackers allowed.
First, incorporate your business. You’ll need:
- A legal entity (Ltd company in the UK)
- A clear capitalisation table (cap table)
- A strong one-pager or executive summary
- A concise pitch deck (10–15 slides)
- A financial model with realistic forecasts
Oriel IPO’s educational resources include ready-to-use checklists and templates to speed this up. No more staring at blank screens. You’ll get sample cap tables, deck outlines and financial model guides. These are some of the most reliable startup funding resources out there.
Don’t skip a lawyer. You need solid Articles of Association and agreed shareholder terms. A slip here can void your SEIS/EIS eligibility. Get professional advice. Then triple-check your paperwork.
Finding the Right Investors
Not all investors are equal. A good match speeds your round. A bad one drags you down.
Three main types to consider:
- Friends & Family: Quick, accessible, but smaller checks.
- Angel Investors: £10k–£250k per person. They bring expertise.
- Venture Capitalists: From £250k upwards. They want scale.
Research is key. Use LinkedIn, AngelList and Crunchbase to find people who’ve backed similar ideas. Look for:
- Previous SEIS/EIS investments
- A genuine interest in your sector
- Portfolio founders you can message for feedback
These channels rank among the best startup funding resources you’ll ever use. Warm introductions matter. Ask mutual contacts for intros. Cold emails? A shot in the dark.
When you secure a chat, focus on your traction and tax incentives. Lead investors can signal to others: when they say “yes,” followers often queue up.
Leveraging Commission-Free Platforms like Oriel IPO
Crowdfunding sites such as Seedrs and Crowdcube have paved the way. They boast big audiences and slick interfaces. But they take a slice—usually 5% or more of your raise. That can mean tens of thousands of pounds out of your founders’ pool.
Oriel IPO does things differently. It operates on a transparent subscription model. No commission on funds raised. Ever. Here’s why it stands out:
- Commission-free on every penny you raise
- Curated, vetted SEIS/EIS opportunities
- Step-by-step fundraising guides, webinars and templates
- A community of engaged angel investors
You get full visibility on who’s invested and why. And you keep more capital to grow. If you want to discover startup funding resources commission-free on Oriel IPO, you can discover startup funding resources commission-free on Oriel IPO.
Compared with Crowdcube’s fees or Seedrs’ carry, the difference adds up. More money in your bank. Fewer surprises in your accounts. Nice.
Closing the Round: Due Diligence & Docs
Once investors are keen, diligence kicks in hard. They’ll ask for:
- Company formation documents
- Customer contracts or LOIs
- Intellectual property registrations
- Financial statements
- Evidence of SEIS/EIS eligibility
You’ll upload these into a data room. Keep files organised:
- Use clear folder names
- Include a clickable index
- Stick to PDF for static docs
Oriel IPO’s platform provides a secure data room template. You simply slot in your docs. Investors appreciate the ease. It shows you’re professional—and that you value their time.
At the end, you’ll sign subscription agreements and share certificates get issued. Bank wires follow. Pop the champagne. You’ve done it.
Next Steps: Beyond the First Round
Raising your SEIS/EIS round is not the finish line. It’s lap one of a marathon. Now:
- Communicate regularly with investors.
- Hit the milestones you pitched.
- Prepare metrics for Series A—customer growth, revenue, engagement.
- Seek follow-on SEIS/EIS or seed rounds if needed.
These tasks pair perfectly with more startup funding resources, like investor update templates and milestone trackers. Stay proactive. Retain trust. The better you perform, the smoother your next raise.
What Founders Are Saying
Alex Thomson, Founder of GreenGrocer Tech
“I raised £120k through Oriel IPO without paying any commission. Their templates saved me hours. Highly recommended.”
Rachel Kumar, Co-founder at StreamScan
“Oriel IPO’s educational webinars demystified SEIS/EIS for me. We closed our round in under six weeks.”
Daniel Patel, CEO of HealthWave
“I compared Seedrs and Crowdcube fees. Switching to Oriel IPO meant an extra £15k stayed in our company. Game-changer.”
Conclusion
Securing your first SEIS & EIS funding round doesn’t have to drain your cash or morale. Armed with the right documents, the best investors and a commission-free platform, you’ll streamline your capital raise. Remember, the UK’s SEIS/EIS schemes are among the most powerful startup funding resources available—but only if you know how to wield them.
Ready to get started? See top startup funding resources at Oriel IPO.
