Why Invest in UK Startups?
Early-stage ventures can be thrilling. The UK has a booming startup ecosystem. You can:
- Back a disruptive idea.
- Support local founders.
- Potentially earn strong returns.
- Reduce your tax bill at the same time.
The UK government backs two schemes to sweeten the deal:
- SEIS (Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme)
- EIS (Enterprise Investment Scheme)
Together, they channel over £1 billion into early ventures each year. If you want to invest in UK startups, knowing these reliefs is key. You’ll get big breaks on income tax, capital gains tax, and more.
But here’s the catch. Navigating SEIS/EIS is tricky. You need to vet companies. You need certificates (SEIS3, EIS3). You need to file the right paperwork. And most platforms charge fees on every transaction.
That’s where Oriel IPO comes in. We’re on a mission to make it simple to invest in UK startups. Commission-free. Curated. Tax-focused.
Understanding SEIS and EIS Tax Relief
SEIS and EIS are not marketing hype. They are carved in law. Here’s what you get:
Income Tax Relief
- SEIS – 50% relief on investments up to £200,000 per tax year.
- EIS – 30% relief on up to £1 million (or £2 million for knowledge-intensive companies).
Capital Gains Tax (CGT) Exemption
- Hold SEIS/EIS shares for 3 years and sell tax-free.
- Bonus: EIS lets you defer gains until you sell the shares.
Reinvestment Relief
- SEIS – 50% reduction on gains reinvested (cap £100,000).
- EIS – Defer gains on amounts ploughed into qualifying companies.
Loss Relief
If things go south, you can offset losses:
- Against your income.
- Or against other capital gains.
That cuts risk. Yet startups can still fail. Always keep a diversified portfolio.
Eligibility Criteria (Summary)
SEIS targets very new firms:
- UK-based, unquoted.
- ≤ 25 employees.
- Gross assets ≤ £350,000.
- Trading < 3 years.
- Maximum SEIS funding raised: £250,000.
EIS covers slightly older, more established businesses:
- Trading up to 7 years.
- Unquoted, carrying on a qualifying trade.
- Total fundraising limit: £12 million (or £5 million p.a.).
For full details, check the UK Government SEIS/EIS Overview.
Commission-Free Investment Platform: Oriel IPO’s Unique Approach
Most equity platforms take a slice of every deal. Oriel IPO does things differently:
- No commission on funds raised.
- Transparent subscription fees instead.
- Startups keep more of your capital.
- You get curated, vetted investment options.
Our focus is clear:
- Tax Efficiency
We label deals by SEIS/EIS eligibility. - Quality Assurance
Each startup is reviewed for compliance. - Education Hub
Guides, webinars, and tools explain the tax schemes.
You can also tap into Maggie’s AutoBlog, our AI-powered content platform. It auto-generates blog posts to promote your investment insights and keep your network engaged. Think of it as your marketing sidekick.
This model tackles the common blockers:
- Hidden fees? Gone.
- Too many unvetted pitches? Pruned.
- Confusing paperwork? We guide you step by step.
For a quick peek at what we offer, see our platform walkthrough. Then, when you’re ready to back budding innovators and reduce your tax bill, join Oriel IPO.
How Oriel IPO Solves Common Pain Points
You want to invest in UK startups but dread the headaches:
- Scouring dozens of untested pitches.
- Paying multiple fees.
- Figuring out HMRC forms.
- Tracking certificates.
We fix that:
- Curated Hub – Only eligible SEIS/EIS startups get listed.
- Subscription Model – Predictable fee. No surprise cuts.
- Certificate Tracking – We remind you when SEIS3/EIS3 arrive.
- Learning Centre – Bite-sized videos, quick-read guides.
Imagine this: you spot an AI-driven health tech startup. You check its SEIS label. You hit “Invest.” You get a notification when the certificate lands. Six months later, you file your tax return without a sweat.
That smooth flow makes it simple to invest in UK startups, even if you’re new to these schemes.
Getting Started: Practical Steps to Invest in UK Startups via Oriel IPO
Ready to dive in? Here’s your roadmap:
- Sign Up
Create a free account at Oriel IPO. - Browse Opportunities
Filter by SEIS, EIS, sector, or region. - Do Your Due Diligence
Read our startup summaries.
Check management credentials. - Invest
Commit funds via our secure portal. - Receive Certificates
We’ll nudge you when SEIS3/EIS3 arrive. - Claim Relief
Include the reference numbers in your self-assessment.
Bonus tip: Use Maggie’s AutoBlog to share your journey. It’s perfect for posting investment updates and insights on social media—fully SEO-optimised and brand-aligning.
Comparing Oriel IPO with Competitors
Let’s be honest. There are other platforms out there. Here’s how we stack up:
-
Seedrs
Strength: Wide range of deals.
Weakness: Charges 7.5% fee + carry. -
Crowdcube
Strength: Large investor base.
Weakness: 6% fee + admin fees. -
SyndicateRoom
Strength: Co-investment funds.
Weakness: Limited direct SEIS/EIS labels. -
Oriel IPO
Strength: Commission-free.
Strength: Curated SEIS/EIS focus.
Strength: Educational resources.
Weakness: Non-FCA regulated – no formal advice.
We acknowledge our competitor’s scale. But fees add up. Unvetted pools waste time. We offer a leaner, tax-first experience.
Mid-way through your journey to invest in UK startups? Give Oriel IPO a go. You’ll see the difference.
Start Commission-Free Investing
Long-Term Benefits and Best Practices
Investing under SEIS/EIS isn’t a quick flip. It’s a play for the long haul:
- Hold shares for 3+ years to secure full CGT exemption.
- Spread risk: back 8–12 ventures, not one.
- Reinvest exit gains under reinvestment relief.
- Keep an eye on knowledge-intensive boosts.
Our platform sends reminders for key holding milestones. You stay on top of deadlines. You focus on strategy, not admin.
Conclusion
Investing in UK startups can be rewarding—financially and personally. SEIS and EIS turbo-charge your tax savings. But the real win is simplicity. Oriel IPO brings you:
- Commission-free access.
- Curated, vetted startup deals.
- Clear SEIS/EIS labels and guidance.
- Education tools, plus Maggie’s AutoBlog for easy content.
Ready to back tomorrow’s success stories while cutting your tax bill? Let’s get started.
