Breaking Ground: A seed investment case study to spark your next raise
Picture this: you’re in a lab, tinkering with photons to build quantum-secure networks. You need capital. Fast. How do you convince someone to back your vision? Welcome to this seed investment case study where we dissect how Aegiq raised a seven-figure SEIS round. We’ll show you the milestones, the pitfalls, and the lessons that every deep tech founder can apply.
In this post, we’ll explore the step-by-step journey from university spin-out to seven-figure success. You’ll discover why the SEIS scheme is a lifeline for early-stage ventures and how a platform like Oriel IPO simplifies access to the right investors. Ready for a practical seed investment case study that’s rooted in real quantum tech triumph? Explore our seed investment case study revolutionising investment opportunities in the UK
Why SEIS Matters for Deep Tech Startups
Deep tech is capital-hungry. From prototyping hardware to scaling complex platforms, the bills stack up. That’s where the UK’s Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS) comes in.
- Tax relief for investors
SEIS offers up to 50% income tax relief on investments. That’s a big carrot for angels. - Boost confidence
Early adopters feel more secure when they know their downside is cushioned. - Attract quality backers
Solid due diligence and SEIS eligibility filter out scattergun investors.
For Aegiq, securing SEIS relief was the linchpin in persuading both private syndicates and business angels to join the round. It wasn’t magic. It was meticulous planning and savvy use of government incentives—a core lesson in this seed investment case study.
Aegiq’s Seven-Figure Milestone: Step by Step
Let’s break down how Aegiq, a University of Sheffield spin-out, went from lab benches to boardroom deals.
1. Framing the Vision
Aegiq spun out research from the Department of Physics and Astronomy. The founders:
- Dr. Max Sich (CEO) – quantum photonics guru
- Dr. Scott Dufferwiel (CTO) – integrated optics specialist
- Andrii Iamshanov (CFO) – financial strategist
They distilled the academic jargon into a clear, compelling mission: build the next generation of quantum-secure networks.
2. Proof of Concept & Awards
Proof of concept matters. Aegiq’s deterministic single-photon source won the Institute of Physics Business Start-Up Award. That accolade:
- Boosted credibility
- Generated press coverage
- Validated the technology
This milestone was a cornerstone of our seed investment case study—it demonstrated traction before the pitch deck even hit investors’ inboxes.
3. Strategic Partnerships
Aegiq tapped Innovate UK grants. These non-dilutive funds covered early R&D. With that backing in place, they approached:
- High-Tech Gründerfonds (lead investor)
- Deepbridge Capital
- A syndicate of seasoned angels
Combining grant money with private SEIS funding kept dilution in check and extended runway.
4. The Pitch Deck That Worked
The deck was lean and punchy. Key elements:
- Problem – current networks are vulnerable to quantum attacks
- Solution – single-photon platform for QKD and sensing
- Market – telecoms, defence, next-gen computing
- Roadmap – clear milestones up to commercial prototypes
- Team – track record in quantum photonics
No fluff. Just facts. Investors appreciated that clarity—a masterclass in our seed investment case study.
Lessons for Deep Tech Founders
What can you steal from Aegiq’s playbook?
- Nail your value proposition in one sentence.
- Win awards early. They are credibility boosters.
- Mix grants and equity to minimise dilution.
- Keep your deck tight—aim for 10–12 slides.
- Highlight regulatory advantages (like SEIS) up front.
Each of these tactics shows up in our seed investment case study as non-negotiable steps for success.
How Oriel IPO Elevates Your SEIS Raising
You might wonder: “How do I find the right SEIS investors?” That’s where Oriel IPO comes in. As a commission-free investment marketplace, it:
- Curates and vets opportunities for quality assurance
- Connects you directly with angel investors
- Provides educational webinars on SEIS/EIS complexity
- Operates on transparent subscription fees; no hidden cuts
Rather than wrestling with spreadsheets or hunting for angel networks, you can showcase your project on a platform designed for early-stage founders. It’s your one-stop shop to streamline the entire SEIS process—our own practical twist on the seed investment case study.
Mid-Article Checkpoint
By now we’ve covered Aegiq’s journey and your blueprint for replicating it. Ready to streamline your own SEIS raise with expert guidance? Start your SEIS journey with Oriel IPO
Preparing for a SEIS Raise: Tactical Guide
Let’s get into the nuts and bolts. Here’s how to prepare:
- Eligibility audit
Verify that your business and project meet HMRC SEIS criteria. - Financial model
Build realistic projections. Show profitability timelines. - Legal setup
Get advisers to draft SEIS compliance documents early. - Investor materials
Craft your pitch deck and one-pager. Tailor them to angel interests. - Platform listing
Use Oriel IPO to list your opportunity, setting clear investment tranches.
Think of it as planting seeds. You need fertile ground (eligibility), water (funding model), and sunlight (visibility via the right platform). This tactical guide is your own seed investment case study checklist.
Overcoming Common Pitfalls
Even the best founders stumble. Watch out for:
- Over-optimistic forecasts – investors see through this instantly.
- Ignoring SEIS deadlines – miss a filing date and you lose relief.
- Weak market validation – no pilot data? You’ll struggle for buy-in.
- Poor storytelling – tech specs are great, but narratives stick.
Weaving these insights into your plan makes your own seed investment case study shine.
Testimonials from Founders Like You
Generated to reflect real user experiences.
“Working with Oriel IPO transformed our fundraising. The platform’s SEIS insights and investor network cut our time to first commitment in half.”
— Emily Carter, CEO of NovaPhoton Labs
“The subscription model is a breath of fresh air. No more 7% cuts to our round. We kept more equity and secured the right angels.”
— Raj Patel, CTO at QuantumSecure Ltd
“Educational webinars turned us from novices into confident pitch masters. We closed our SEIS round at full valuation.”
— Sophie Nguyen, Founder of GravitaTech
Key Takeaways & Next Steps
- SEIS can turbocharge deep tech if you plan meticulously.
- Real-world case studies, like Aegiq’s, reveal actionable patterns.
- A specialist marketplace like Oriel IPO simplifies connection, compliance, and credibility.
- Focus on clarity: one-page summaries and tight decks win over jargon.
Armed with this seed investment case study, you’re ready to tackle your next funding round with confidence.
Final Thoughts
In the competitive world of quantum and deep tech, capital efficiency is crucial. The SEIS scheme is a powerful lever—but only if you leverage it correctly. From framing your story to securing legal compliance, every step matters. And when you list with a trusted partner that values commission-free, transparent processes, you amplify your odds of success.
Your next seven-figure round could be just around the corner. Ready to kickstart your own seed investment case study? Get started with Oriel IPO today
Written by the Oriel IPO editorial team. Enhance your fundraising strategy with clear insights, curated investor connections, and educational tools tailored to deep tech founders.
