Get Ahead with Dual Rounds and Tax Perks
Raising beyond the £250k SEIS limit doesn’t mean losing out on generous incentives. In fact, blending SEIS and EIS in one well-structured round can be your secret weapon. You’ll attract early-stage angels chasing 50% relief while still opening the door for EIS-backed investors at 30%. It’s efficient, it’s powerful—and it demands precision.
In this guide, we’ll dive into why dual SEIS/EIS rounds matter, where founders typically trip up, and how to nail every step to protect investor tax relief. And yes, we’ll show you how Oriel IPO’s commission-free platform makes life easier when it comes to maximising EIS tax relief. Revolutionising Investment Opportunities in the UK by maximising EIS tax relief
Understanding the Power of Dual SEIS and EIS Rounds
Sophisticated startups often straddle that tricky line between seed needs and growth ambitions. SEIS caps at £250k. EIS lets you push up to £12m (even £20m for Knowledge Intensive Companies). Why choose? A dual round lets you offer the full 50% SEIS relief on the first slice and 30% EIS on the rest—maximising EIS tax relief without running separate campaigns.
Combine schemes right, and you:
– Attract investors focused on SEIS.
– Engage deeper-pocketed angels who’ve exhausted SEIS limits but crave tax perks.
– Keep terms, valuation and paperwork uniform.
Get the sequencing wrong, however, and you risk voiding every SEIS claim—no small hiccup when you’ve promised 50% relief. That’s where clear flow of funds and share issuance sequencing become non-negotiable.
Vestd vs Oriel IPO: A Balanced Comparison
Vestd’s InVestd Raise offers a slick interface for SEIS/EIS eligibility checks. They guide you through HMRC forms and even handle ongoing correspondence. Great on paper. But when it comes down to fees, Flexibility and community engagement, here’s where Oriel IPO steps up:
Strengths of Vestd
– Dedicated SEIS/EIS application workflows.
– Direct HMRC liaison.
– A neat dashboard for compliance tracking.
Limitations you’ll run into
– Transaction fees that nibble at your pool.
– Less emphasis on curated, investor-ready deals.
– Advice stops short of hands-on fundraising and investor matching.
Why Oriel IPO fills the gaps
– Commission-free model: you keep more of every pound raised.
– Curated marketplace: investors see only vetted, eligible startups.
– Subscription-based approach: predictable cost, no surprise deductions.
– Rich educational hub: guides, webinars and real-time resources on maximising EIS tax relief and everything SEIS/EIS.
Common Pitfalls and How Oriel IPO Simplifies Them
Founders often stumble over:
– Timing: issuing EIS shares before SEIS invalidates relief.
– Allocation: “first-come, first-served” can bruise investor expectations.
– Documentation mix-ups: mislabelled certificates, lost SEIS3 or EIS3 forms.
Oriel IPO’s platform helps you dodge these traps:
– Automated sequencing prompts ensure SEIS comes first.
– Customisable allocation templates—split each commitment 50/50 or reward early investors.
– Integrated document management with clear audit trails.
All of this ties into a single dashboard, so you’ll know exactly when to pause, issue, and proceed. No spreadsheets. No guesswork.
Step-by-Step: Structuring Your Dual SEIS/EIS Round
Ready to roll? Here’s your action list:
1. Decide Your Allocation Method
Choose between:
– First come, first served: The earliest investors get SEIS relief; the rest invest under EIS. Simple, but late joiners might grumble.
– Pro-rata split: Every investor’s cheque is sliced into SEIS and EIS portions. Fairer, but demands extra share issuances and fund splits.
Tip: Communicate your approach upfront. Transparency builds trust, not confusion.
2. Fund Flow and Share Issuance Sequencing
This is the make-or-break moment:
1. Collect SEIS funds first. Instruct investors to transfer the SEIS portion only.
2. Confirm receipt. Issue SEIS shares and SEIS3 certificates.
3. Wait one full business day.
4. Collect EIS funds. Issue EIS shares and EIS3 certificates.
Oriel IPO’s workflow tracker flags each stage. It won’t let you issue EIS before SEIS. No compliance drama. Just smooth sequencing—and more chance of maximising EIS tax relief.
3. Post-Issue Compliance and Reporting
Once shares are out the door:
– Verify all HMRC paperwork is submitted.
– Share expected relief dates with investors.
– Follow up on any advance assurance conditions.
Our subscription service includes reminders and best-practice checklists. You focus on growth; we handle compliance.
Midway through your fundraising journey? Don’t let uncertainty stall your momentum. Start your free trial and begin maximising EIS tax relief
Why Oriel IPO Stands Out for Founders and Investors
Beyond the mechanics, Oriel IPO offers:
– Commission-free fundraising: More capital stays in your runway.
– Curated investor network: Angels ready to back government-approved schemes.
– Educational resources: Webinars, deep-dive guides and one-click HMRC templates.
– Subscription model: Fixed fees, no hidden surcharges.
Compare that with conventional platforms that skim off each transaction. Oriel IPO’s transparent pricing and end-to-end support let you channel every penny into scaling your vision—and into maximising EIS tax relief for your backers.
What Our Customers Say
“Oriel IPO’s platform took the stress out of a dual SEIS/EIS raise. The sequencing reminders meant no mix-ups, and our investors loved the tax relief clarity.”
— Jessica Walker, co-founder of GreenTech Labs
“From our first pitch to share issuance, Oriel IPO’s subscription model saved us over £10k in fees. The educational webinars are a game-changer for two non-finance founders!”
— Amir Patel, CEO of HealthSync
Wrapping Up: Turn Complexity into Confidence
Dual SEIS/EIS rounds are powerful—but only if you do them right. Timing. Allocation. Documentation. Communication. Master these, and you’ll not only meet your fundraising goals but also leave investors delighted with their relief claims.
Choose a platform that aligns with your need for precision and value. Choose commission-free growth, curated deals, and robust educational tools. Choose Oriel IPO to drive your next round and stay focused on scaling. Get a personalised demo to master maximising EIS tax relief
