Maximizing SEIS and EIS Tax Incentives for UK Startups: A Commission-Free Approach

Introduction

Getting your UK startup off the ground often means juggling product, people, and—let’s be honest—money. Government-backed schemes like SEIS tax relief and the Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) can make a huge difference. But too many founders get bogged down by fees and complexity.

The good news? Oriel IPO offers a commission-free investment marketplace tailored for SEIS and EIS projects. You save on fees. Investors get more upside. Everyone wins.

In this post, you’ll learn:
– What SEIS tax relief and EIS incentives really mean
– Why commission-free matters
– How to structure a tax-efficient raise
– Practical steps to get started with Oriel IPO

Ready? Let’s dive in.

Understanding SEIS Tax Relief and EIS Incentives

What Is SEIS Tax Relief?

The Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme helps early-stage companies raise up to £150,000. Key benefits:
– 50% income tax relief on investments up to £100,000 per tax year
– Capital Gains Tax exemption on shares held for at least three years
– Loss relief if your startup doesn’t make it

Put simply: invest £10,000, and you can reduce your income tax bill by £5,000. That’s powerful.

What Is the Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS)?

EIS complements SEIS for larger raises. Highlights:
– 30% income tax relief on investments up to £1 million
– Carry back relief to the previous tax year
– Deferral relief on gains from other assets
– CGT exemption after three years

Between them, SEIS tax relief and EIS give founders and backers a clear path to tax-efficient funding.

Why Commission-Free Marketplaces Matter

Traditional fundraising platforms often charge:
– Up to 7% commission on funds raised
– Additional administration fees for document handling
– Hidden performance or success fees

Those charges slice into your runway. They reduce investor returns. They add complexity.

With a commission-free model, you:
– Retain more capital for R&D, hiring or marketing
– Offer investors a cleaner, more transparent deal
– Speed up decision-making by removing fee negotiations

Oriel IPO built its marketplace around exactly that principle. No middleman fees. Just direct connections between founders and investors.

Designing Tax-Efficient Investment Strategies

Before you raise, get your strategy straight. Government bodies like the Platform for Collaboration on Tax (PCT) launched the Tax Incentives Principles (TIPS) in May 2025. Their six-stage lifecycle for incentives reminds us to focus on:

1. Justification: Why launch SEIS or EIS?
2. Design: Which investment thresholds and reliefs?
3. International Considerations: How do GMT rules affect you?
4. Legislation: Are UK rules up to date?
5. Implementation: How will you onboard investors smoothly?
6. Evaluation: What metrics will you track for impact?

By aligning your raise with these principles, you make a stronger case for investors. You also ensure that SEIS tax relief works as cleanly as possible.

Oriel IPO’s Commission-Free Marketplace

Oriel IPO isn’t just a listing site. It’s a curated ecosystem designed for SEIS and EIS. Here’s how it stands out:

• Commission-Free Model
  No percentage fees on funds raised. You only pay a simple subscription to access the platform.

• Curated Investment Opportunities
  Every startup is vetted. Investors browse high-potential, tax-efficient deals.

• Subscription Tiers
  – Trial: Explore deals and basic guides
  – Standard: Full access to documents and investor chat
  – Premium: Dedicated support, compliance tools, analytics

• Educational Resources
  Webinars, tax-relief checklists, and deep dives on SEIS tax relief and EIS.

• Community Support
  Forums where founders share pitch tips. Investors discuss due diligence.

It’s all about simplifying your journey. No fees that chew into your raise. No hidden charges. Just clear, commission-free access.

Case Study: How a UK Tech Startup Saved £20,000

Meet TechFlow Ltd, a London-based SaaS startup. They aimed to raise £200,000 under SEIS tax relief. Here’s what happened:

1. Joined Oriel IPO on a Standard subscription.
2. Showcased their pitch, highlighting product-market fit.
3. Connected with five investors who committed £40,000 each.
4. No platform fees meant TechFlow kept the full £200,000.

Tax boost for investors:
– Each investor claimed 50% income tax relief on their £40,000 investment → £20,000 saved.
– TechFlow’s founders also unlocked generous CGT exemptions on future share sales.

The net effect? More capital in the bank. Happier investors. Faster growth.

Comparing Oriel IPO with Traditional Platforms

Practical Steps for Startups and Investors

Whether you’re a founder or an angel, here’s how to get started:

For Founders

1. Check your SEIS tax relief eligibility:
   – Company is less than two years old
   – Fewer than 25 employees
   – Gross assets under £200,000
2. Prepare a concise pitch deck with clear growth metrics.
3. Sign up for a Oriel IPO subscription.
4. Complete the due-diligence questionnaire.
5. Go live and start discussions with investors.

For Investors

1. Register on the platform and verify your status.
2. Browse curated SEIS and EIS deals.
3. Use the tax-relief checklist to calculate potential savings.
4. Commit funds via secure payment.
5. Claim SEIS tax relief on your Self Assessment.

Leveraging Global Tax Principles

The PCT’s Tax Incentives Principles (TIPS) remind us to think big. The global minimum tax (GMT) under Pillar Two may nudge multinationals, but SEIS and EIS remain UK-focused. You still need to:

• Justify your incentive: Why invest now?
• Design for simplicity: Clear thresholds, easy claims.
• Implement properly: Smooth onboarding and document flow.
• Evaluate impact: Track jobs created, growth metrics, tax revenue foregone.

By following these steps, you ensure that SEIS tax relief delivers maximum social and economic gains.

Frequently Asked Questions about SEIS Tax Relief

Q1: Can I mix SEIS and EIS in one raise?
Yes. You can split your round. Up to £150,000 under SEIS, then switch to EIS for further funds.

Q2: What’s the minimum hold period?
Three years. Hold your shares for at least 36 months to qualify for CGT exemption.

Q3: Are there sector restrictions?
Some industries—property development, financial services—are excluded. Always check eligibility.

Q4: How soon can I make my claim?
Once your company issues SEIS compliance certificates (SEIS1 and SEIS3), you can claim in your next tax return.

Conclusion

Getting to grips with SEIS tax relief and EIS incentives doesn’t have to be a headache. By choosing a commission-free marketplace like Oriel IPO, you can:

• Keep more capital in your business
• Offer attractive tax benefits to investors
• Access curated deals and expert support

The result? A smoother raise, happier backers, and a clearer path to growth.

Ready to make the most of SEIS and EIS tax incentives?
Visit Oriel IPO and start your commission-free subscription today!