How to Secure SEIS/EIS Funding from Angel Investors: Oriel IPO’s Commission-Free Guide

Introduction

Getting off the ground often means facing a maze of tax rules and investor expectations. Our SEIS startup funding guide cuts through the jargon. It shows you how to attract angel investors under the UK’s Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS) and Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS). Even better, we reveal how Oriel IPO helps you do it without hefty commissions. Let’s dive in.

Understanding SEIS and EIS

Before you hunt for investors, you need to know what they’re chasing. This SEIS startup funding guide walks you through the essentials.

What is SEIS?

• Early-stage support: SEIS is tailor-made for brand-new startups.
• Tax relief: Investors can claim up to 50% income tax relief on investments up to £100,000.
• Capital gains advantage: No capital gains tax (CGT) on profits when shares are sold.

What is EIS?

• Later-stage boost: EIS covers slightly more mature startups.
• Income tax relief: Investors claim 30% relief on investments up to £1 million.
• Loss mitigation: Losses can be offset against income tax, reducing risk.

Together, these schemes form the backbone of our SEIS startup funding guide, making early-stage investing more enticing for angels.

Why Angel Investors Matter

Angel investors are the lifeblood of many UK startups. Here’s why they’re crucial:

• They bring capital without loan repayments. You only share profits if you succeed.
• They often take risks banks won’t. That means growth capital when you need it most.
• They can mentor, open doors, and connect you to their network.

But let’s be real. There are pros and cons:

Advantages:
– No interest repayments.
– Access to expertise and networks.
– Potential for follow-on funding.

Disadvantages:
– You give up equity—usually 10% to 25%.
– Investors may expect a say in decisions.
– Exit plans (sell or float) typically within 5–8 years.

Our SEIS startup funding guide helps you weigh these factors and choose wisely.

Preparing for Investment

Preparation is key. A flimsy pitch won’t cut it. Follow these steps from this SEIS startup funding guide:

1. Research target angels
   – Look for investors who focus on your sector.
   – Use online directories, events, and networks.
2. Craft a solid business plan
   – Show current performance or credible forecasts.
   – Detail exactly how you’ll use the funds.
3. Get your HMRC ducks in a row
   – Maintain clear financial records.
   – Prove SEIS/EIS eligibility with audited accounts.
4. Build a compelling pitch deck
   – Tell your story.
   – Back it up with facts and figures.
5. Practice, revise, practise
   – Seek feedback from mentors or peers.
   – Polish until it’s razor-sharp.

By following this SEIS startup funding guide, you’ll enter investor meetings with confidence.

How to Find and Pitch Angel Investors Under SEIS/EIS

Here’s where most guides stop. We go further.

• Attend sector events
  Professional conferences and pitch nights can put you directly in front of angels.
• Enter pitch competitions
  Organisations like the UK Business Angels Association host regular events.
• Use online platforms
  Marketplaces centralise investor listings and streamline due diligence.
• Leverage personal networks
  A warm introduction beats a cold email any day.

Once you’ve found prospects:

• Personalise your approach
  One-size-fits-all emails? Don’t.
• Highlight tax benefits
  Spell out SEIS/EIS reliefs in plain English.
• Show clear milestones
  Investors love tangible targets.

Your message must scream: “I’ve done my homework. And I know what I’m doing.”

Oriel IPO’s Commission-Free Model

Traditional platforms often take 5–7% commission on funds raised. Oriel IPO does things differently:

• Transparent subscription fees
  No surprises. No hidden cuts.
• Curated, tax-efficient deals
  Every opportunity fits SEIS/EIS criteria.
• Educational resources
  Guides, webinars, and expert articles—like this SEIS startup funding guide—all in one place.

By removing commission friction, Oriel IPO helps you keep more of what you raise. And investors appreciate the clarity.

Explore our features

Case Study: How a Startup Raised £150k Under SEIS

Meet “GreenTech Innovations,” a hypothetical renewable-energy startup. They used our SEIS startup funding guide to:

• Prepare a shortlist of ten angel investors on Oriel IPO.
• Submit a clear pitch deck, emphasising 50% income tax relief.
• Engage in follow-up calls, securing three term sheets.
• Close a £150,000 round in six weeks—without paying any commission.

Their takeaway? A streamlined process and happier investors.

Tools to Complement Your Funding Strategy

Funding is just one piece of the puzzle. Content and SEO amplify your reach:

• Maggie’s AutoBlog: An AI-driven solution that crafts SEO-optimised blog content for your startup.
• Educational webinars: Demystify SEIS/EIS with live experts.
• Investor insights: Data-driven reports on market trends.

By combining this SEIS startup funding guide with tools like Maggie’s AutoBlog, you position your startup for maximum visibility and engagement.

Nurturing Post-Investment Relationships

Landing investment is just the start. Keep investors happy by:

• Sending monthly progress updates.
• Inviting them to team demo days.
• Asking for feedback on strategy.
• Respecting agreed involvement—hands-off or hands-on.

Strong relationships pave the way for follow-on funding or valuable introductions.

Conclusion

Raising money under SEIS/EIS can feel daunting. But with the right preparation, approach, and a commission-free platform like Oriel IPO, it doesn’t have to be. Use this SEIS startup funding guide to:

• Understand tax incentives.
• Find and pitch angel investors.
• Leverage curated, commission-free deals.
• Supplement your strategy with tools like Maggie’s AutoBlog.

Ready to cut out the middleman and keep more of your hard-earned funds? Get a personalized demo