Why SEIS Underserved Markets Deserve Spotlight
The UK startup scene is booming. But not every founder gets a fair shot. Enter SEIS underserved markets—a lifeline for founders outside London, women-led ventures, and niche innovations. The Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS) offers:
- Up to 50% income tax relief on investments up to £100,000.
- Capital gains tax exemption on profits from SEIS shares.
- Loss relief if things don’t go to plan.
- Access to capital for founders tackling unique challenges.
These perks fuel growth where traditional funding often falls short. But who’s putting their own money where their mouth is? Let’s meet the angels.
Profiles of the Pioneering Investors
Here’s a peek at five UK angels making waves in SEIS underserved markets. Each champion a niche. Each bring more than cash.
1. Eileen Burbidge MBE – The Fintech Champion
Eileen’s no stranger to headlines. Former tech advisor to the UK government, she invests in fintech and female-led teams. Why she matters:
- Focuses on underrepresented founders—especially women in finance.
- Offers mentorship as much as money.
- Has backed unicorns like Monzo and Wise.
Eileen’s secret sauce? She digs deep into a founder’s vision. She asks: “Will this innovation reshape finance for everyday people?” If yes, she’s in.
2. Sherry Coutu CBE – The Education Evangelist
Sherry’s passion lies in EdTech and social impact. She’s behind Founders4Schools and a host of learning startups.
- Targets SEIS underserved markets in regions starved of quality education.
- Leverages her vast network of corporate partners.
- Advocates for diversity: half her portfolio features women and BAME founders.
Her advice? “Solve a real problem. Don’t chase shiny tech.” Practical. Clear. No-nonsense.
3. Michael Ross – The Rural Innovation Backer
Michael moved from venture capital to angel investing with a mission: bring tech to rural Britain.
- Invests in agri-tech, renewable energy, and community-led platforms.
- Hunts for overlooked founders in the North and West.
- Provides hands-on support with compliance and supply-chain introductions.
He’s proof that SEIS underserved markets include more than demographics—they’re geographic too.
4. Priya Patel – The Health Inclusion Advocate
Focused on healthtech for marginalised groups, Priya sees opportunity where large VCs see risk.
- Funds startups addressing age-related conditions, mental health in minorities, and affordable care.
- Uses SEIS’s tax incentives to encourage high-risk, high-impact investments.
- Partners with NHS innovation hubs to pilot solutions.
Priya’s mantra: “Impact first, returns follow.”
5. Taavet Hinrikus – The Global Connector
Co-founder of Wise (formerly TransferWise), Taavet invests in cross-border solutions.
- Prioritises founders from migrant communities.
- Taps into the SEIS underserved markets narrative to enable low-cost global remittance apps.
- Offers strategic guidance on scaling globally from day one.
His philosophy? If you can move money cheaply, you can move markets.
Common Threads: What They Look For
Across sectors, these angels share criteria:
- A clear plan for an exit strategy. Even the most mission-driven investor wants a return.
- A diverse, hard-working team. Nobody goes solo.
- A focus on genuine problems in SEIS underserved markets—not hype.
- Strong unit economics that translate tax reliefs into growth.
Rhetorical question: How do you stand out? Answer: Show you’ve nailed these basics.
How Oriel IPO Connects Founders with These Angels
Feeling intimidated by the high-flying names above? Don’t be. Oriel IPO bridges the gap:
- Commission-free funding. You keep more of what you raise.
- Curated SEIS and EIS deals. No endless scrolling through irrelevant pitches.
- In-depth guides, webinars and workshops. Learn the nuances of SEIS tax incentives.
- Maggie’s AutoBlog: An AI-powered tool generating SEO and GEO-targeted content to attract the right investors.
Imagine this: you upload your pitch deck, and Maggie’s AutoBlog crafts blog posts that highlight why your startup is perfect for Eileen or Priya’s portfolio. Neat, right?
Practical Steps to Win SEIS Funding
Here’s a roadmap to nail your approach in SEIS underserved markets:
- Research the investor
– What sectors excite them?
– Do they publish blog posts or podcasts? - Tailor your pitch
– Highlight how your startup benefits from SEIS’s tax perks.
– Spell out your exit strategy in simple terms. - Show traction
– Early users, pilot projects, or prototypes. - Build relationships
– Engage on social media.
– Attend startup events.
– Ask for intros via mutual connections. - Leverage educational resources
– Dive into Oriel IPO’s webinars on SEIS compliance.
– Use templated investor updates to stay on their radar.
A good pitch is like a good joke—timing matters.
Overcoming Common Hurdles
Even with stellar backing, founders hit roadblocks in SEIS underserved markets:
- Regulatory maze: SEIS rules evolve. Keep updated on thresholds and qualifying expenses.
- Geographic bias: If you’re outside London, showcase remote-friendly metrics.
- Diversity fatigue: Don’t just tick boxes. Demonstrate authentic impact.
Tip: Subscribe to Oriel IPO’s newsletter for policy updates and expert Q&A sessions.
Why Tax Incentives Drive Inclusion
SEIS prospects thrive on tax relief. But there’s more:
- Lower risk: Investors feel safer backing diverse founders.
- Broader portfolios: Thanks to generous limits, angels can support more startups.
- Community impact: Funds flow where they’re needed most—rural towns, minority groups, tech deserts.
In short, SEIS underserved markets isn’t just a phrase. It’s a movement.
Looking Ahead: Trends to Watch
What’s next for angels and founders in SEIS underserved markets?
- Growth in climate tech for rural areas.
- Mental health platforms tailored to BAME communities.
- EdTech solutions for adult retraining post-pandemic.
- AI-powered marketplaces for creative industries outside the capital.
Staying ahead means learning fast. Bookmark government updates, attend Oriel IPO webinars, and network relentlessly.
Final Thoughts
Backing SEIS underserved markets takes vision, patience and the right connections. The angels we’ve covered here set a high bar—but with the right strategy, you can catch their eye. Remember:
- Nail your pitch.
- Lean into SEIS tax perks.
- Use tools like Maggie’s AutoBlog to amplify your voice.
- Partner with platforms that care—like Oriel IPO.
Now it’s your turn. Ready to make an impact in SEIS underserved markets?
