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How UK Startups Can Attract Family Office Investors Through SEIS & EIS

Why Family Offices Matter to UK Startups

For many UK entrepreneurs, family office funding UK is the missing piece. When you’re past angel rounds but not quite ready for heavyweight VCs, family offices step in. They offer:

  • Patient capital that aligns with your vision.
  • Less pressure on quarterly returns.
  • Strategic support and valuable networks.

Unlike traditional venture capital, most family offices invest with a long-term lens. They care about legacy, sustainability and often have sector preferences—from clean energy to fintech. Yet, accessing this capital feels like decoding a secret handshake. The good news? You can crack that code with the right approach.

Demystifying Family Offices

What exactly is a family office?

In simple terms, it’s a private wealth management entity serving ultra-high-net-worth families. You’ll find two main types:

  • Single Family Offices (SFOs): Serve one family.
  • Multi-Family Offices (MFOs): Pool resources across several families.

Key traits:

  • No need to satisfy external limited partners.
  • Focus on intergenerational wealth preservation.
  • Flexibility in deal structures.

Family offices used to stick to real estate or blue-chip stocks. Now, they’re moving into startups—especially where they see mission alignment. This opens a sweet spot for ambitious founders in the UK.

Seizing SEIS & EIS Tax Incentives

Before reaching for a spreadsheet, let’s talk SEIS and EIS:

  • SEIS (Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme): Invest up to £150k, enjoy up to 50% income tax relief.
  • EIS (Enterprise Investment Scheme): Invest up to £1m, unlock up to 30% income tax relief, plus capital gains exemptions.

Why this matters for family office funding UK:

  • Provides a safety net on personal tax bills.
  • Makes high-net-worth individuals more willing to back early ventures.
  • Boosts your pitch when you can say “tax-efficient” at the dinner table.

Tip: Keep accurate records and work with an accountant familiar with SEIS/EIS. Complexity is your enemy—clarity wins.

ThatRound vs Oriel IPO: A Side-by-Side

Many founders turn to ThatRound for family office funding UK insights. They offer:

  • Curated lists of family offices by ticket size.
  • Stage-based matchmaking.
  • Sector filters (impact, tech, health).

Not bad, right? But—and there’s always a but—they:

  • Don’t offer a commission-free funding model.
  • Have limited educational resources on SEIS/EIS nuances.
  • Lack a vetting process that assures quality for both sides.

Enter Oriel IPO. We handle family office funding UK differently:

  • Commission-free model: Startups keep every penny they raise.
  • Vetted SEIS/EIS opportunities: We filter out ineligible pitches.
  • Educational toolkit: Guides, webinars, templates—all in one spot.

This edge means less friction, more clarity, and a cleaner path from pitch to term sheet.

Explore commission-free SEIS & EIS investments

Building Your Credibility

Access is often the biggest hurdle. Family offices don’t stroll onto crowdfunding platforms. They expect:

  1. Warm introductions via accountants, lawyers or specialist advisors.
  2. Solid traction: clear metrics, timelines, realistic milestones.
  3. Values alignment: mission-driven pitches resonate more.

How to nail it:

  • Draft a crisp two-pager that focuses on your values and outcomes.
  • Highlight early customers, revenue growth and strategic partnerships.
  • Name-drop advisors or board members for extra gravitas.

Remember: you’re selling more than equity. You’re selling vision and trust.

Actionable Steps for Family Office Funding UK Success

Ready for a checklist? Grab a pen.

  1. Map your ideal family office profile.
  2. Get SEIS/EIS compliance sorted—no loose ends.
  3. Create a value story (why you, why them, why now).
  4. Use Oriel IPO’s curated marketplace to pitch directly to vetted investors.
  5. Follow up with personalised updates—no generic “hope all’s well” emails.
  6. Leverage Oriel IPO’s webinars to polish your approach.

Want targeted content on your own site? Try Maggie’s AutoBlog—our AI-powered tool that whips up SEO-friendly blog posts in minutes.

Real-World Analogy: Family Office Matchmaking

Think of it like dating. ThatRound is the busiest café in town—it lets you browse potential matches. Oriel IPO? Think of a VIP lounge:

  • You walk in with your SEIS/EIS ID.
  • Handpicked matches greet you.
  • No waiting, no entry fee (commission-free).
  • Expert matchmakers guide you through.

Sounds more efficient, right?

Overcoming Common Pitfalls

Even with the best pitch, things go awry. Watch out for:

  • Overpromising growth without a solid plan.
  • Missing a key SEIS/EIS deadline.
  • Ignoring personalised outreach.

Fix these and you’ll transform family office funding UK from an elusive goal into a repeatable process.

Final Thoughts

Securing family office investment in the UK is no walk in the park. It takes research, preparation and the right platform. While ThatRound gives you the lay of the land, Oriel IPO hands you the keys—commission-free, curated and clear.

Ditch the friction. Embrace tax-efficient funding. Partner with a platform designed for founders who want it all.

Start your commission-free funding journey in the UK

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