– Aimed at very early startups.
– Investors can claim up to 50% income tax relief.
– Up to £150,000 raised per company.
EIS (Enterprise Investment Scheme)
– For slightly more established startups.
– Investors get 30% income tax relief.
– You can raise up to £5 million per year.
Think of SEIS as the training wheels, and EIS as the next gear. Both schemes reduce investor risk—and that’s music to any founder’s ears.
Why SEIS/EIS Matter for Your Startup
Here’s the truth: investors love startup investment opportunities that come with built-in tax perks. SEIS and EIS deliver just that.
Key advantages:
– Tax Relief: Investors cut their tax bill substantially.
– Loss Relief: If things go south, they can offset losses.
– Capital Gains Deferral: Investors can defer gains by reinvesting under EIS.
– Credibility: Qualifying signals your startup meets strict government criteria.
These benefits add up. In fact, many angel investors now expect these incentives. Missing out means your pitch might fall flat.
Step-by-Step Guide to Qualify for SEIS/EIS
Ready for action? Here’s a practical checklist.
Understand Eligibility
– Be a genuine UK trading company.
– Have fewer than 25 employees for SEIS (up to 250 for EIS).
– Carry out a qualifying trade.
– Not control another company (unless it’s a qualifying subsidiary).Prepare Your Paperwork
– Up-to-date Articles of Association.
– Detailed business plan and financial forecasts.
– Shareholder agreement (if applicable).Obtain Advance Assurance
– Apply to HMRC for peace of mind.
– Ensures your investors get the promised tax relief.
– Turnaround: usually 4–6 weeks.Issue Shares to Investors
– Use ordinary shares (no special rights).
– Keep share certificates and minutes.Claim Tax Relief
– Investors submit form SEIS1/EIS1 after you file your company tax return.
– HMRC issues certificates (SEIS3/EIS3).
How to List Your Raise on Oriel IPO
Oriel IPO is your commission-free gateway to angel investors hungry for SEIS and EIS deals. Here’s how to get started:
Sign Up for a Free Trial
– Create your founder profile.
– No commission on funds raised.Complete Your Company Page
– Upload your pitch deck.
– Add financial forecasts and eligibility docs.Select Your Scheme
– Tick SEIS, EIS or both.
– Our system checks basic eligibility instantly.Publish and Promote
– Go live in minutes.
– Share your listing via social media and email.Engage with Investors
– Use real-time chat to answer questions.
– Schedule demo calls directly on the platform.Close Your Round
– Investors commit funds.
– You issue shares.
– Celebrate—commission free!
Tips to Maximise Your Success
Securing funding isn’t just about ticking boxes. It’s about storytelling and trust. Here’s how to stand out:
Craft a Clear Elevator Pitch
Keep it under 30 seconds. Highlight the problem, solution and market size.Showcase Traction
Even small wins count. Early sales, pilot users or strong social proof make a difference.Highlight Tax Benefits
Make SEIS/EIS perks super obvious on your page. Investors love clarity.Be Responsive
Quick replies build trust. Use Oriel IPO’s in-platform messaging to stay on top.Leverage Educational Resources
Oriel IPO offers guides, webinars and FAQs. Arm yourself—and your investors—with knowledge.Update Regularly
Post monthly progress updates. This keeps momentum—and investor interest—high.
Common Pitfalls (And How to Avoid Them)
You’re excited. We get it. But watch out for these stumbling blocks:
Over-complicated Structures
Keep your cap table simple. Avoid weird share classes that disqualify SEIS/EIS.Incomplete Documentation
Missing company details can lead HMRC to reject your applications. Double-check everything.Underestimating Timelines
Advance assurance takes weeks. Plan your fundraising calendar accordingly.Ignoring Investor Questions
Silence kills deals. Treat every query as an opportunity.Neglecting Compliance
Keep records of share issuances, board minutes and investor correspondences.
Why Oriel IPO Stands Out
There are plenty of platforms out there. So why choose Oriel IPO for your startup investment opportunities?
Commission-Free Marketplace
All funds go to your business, not to platform fees.Curated, Tax-Efficient Deals
Only SEIS/EIS-eligible listings. No guesswork.Educational Hub
Webinars, how-to guides and one-on-one support.Subscription-Based Access
Trial and paid tiers, tailored to your growth stage.
A Real-World Example
Last month, I mentors a UK fintech founder, Sarah. She needed £200k under SEIS. Within two weeks of listing on Oriel IPO:
- 25 angels viewed her pitch.
- 10 engaged in live chats.
- She closed £210k—commission free.
Sarah’s secret? She highlighted her startup investment opportunities and made tax perks front and centre. Simple. Effective.
Next Steps
You’ve got the roadmap. You know the benefits. Now it’s time to act.
Ready to tap into a pool of eager angel investors, backed by SEIS/EIS incentives? Head over to Oriel IPO, set up your free trial and get your pitch live today.
Your startup’s next chapter starts here.
Start your free trial → https://orielipo.com/
