Why SEIS/EIS Matters for MedTech Entrepreneurs
Launching a medical device? You already know it’s tough. You need lab tests, clinical trials, regs. Then there’s cash.
The UK’s SEIS and EIS schemes are lifesavers. They sprinkle tax incentives on investors, making early funding less scary.
• SEIS: Up to £150k investment.
• EIS: Up to £5m per year.
• Tax relief: Up to 50% on SEIS and 30% on EIS.
• Capital gains deferral and loss relief.
That’s the spark. But how do you stitch this into a winning startup funding strategy?
Crafting a Robust Startup Funding Strategy with SEIS/EIS
A solid startup funding strategy mixes data, timing and a dash of psychology. You need to:
- Map your milestones.
- Find investors who crave tax incentives.
- Time your rounds before cash runs dry.
- Communicate clearly. Numbers, charts, a crisp pitch deck.
Think of it as cooking. You wouldn’t throw ingredients in a pot without a recipe. You measure. You adjust. Same here.
Oriel IPO’s Commission-Free Edge
Most platforms charge 5% or more. Oriel IPO? Zero commission. Zilch. Nada. That’s money back in your lab budget.
We pair that with a curated investment marketplace. Only angels who get SEIS/EIS. Only startups with real traction. No spammy pitches.
Plus, we offer:
• Educational Resources – to demystify tax incentives.
• Subscription Tiers – pricing you can predict.
• Maggie’s AutoBlog – our AI tool to help you craft SEO content on the fly.
You read that right. While you focus on prototypes, our AI platform handles your blog, landing pages and investor updates. That’s efficiency.
Step-by-Step Guide to Deploy Your Startup Funding Strategy
Ready for action? Let’s break it down.
1. Validate Your Innovation
Hit the lab. Build a minimal viable device. Talk to clinicians. Nail that key feature. Then:
- Run small focus groups.
- Seek early feedback.
- Iterate fast.
Validation sharpens your story. Investors hate vague promises. They love real results.
2. Prepare the Numbers
Your financial model needs to scream credibility. Forecast:
- R&D spend.
- Regulatory milestones.
- Sales projections.
Use simple spreadsheets. Colour-code your biggest risks. Show how SEIS/EIS plugs gaps.
3. Build Your Pitch
The best startup funding strategy fails without a killer pitch. Keep it under 10 slides:
- Problem.
- Solution.
- Market size.
- Business model.
- Traction to date.
- Team bios.
- Financial ask + use of funds.
- Exit potential.
Pro tip: Start with a story. A doctor who needed your device in a crisis. Emotion sells.
4. Leverage Oriel IPO’s Marketplace
Log in. Browse investors. Filter by SEIS/EIS appetite. Send personalised invites. No cold emails.
Our network spans Europe. You get seen by angels primed for tax incentives. And it’s commission-free. That boosts your credibility.
5. Nurture and Close
Funding isn’t a one-shot deal. It’s dating. Courtship. You share updates every 2–4 weeks.
- Quick wins.
- New labs onboarded.
- Regulatory progress.
Keep investors in the loop. They’ll tip the scales when it’s time to sign.
Balancing Tax Incentives and Growth
A smart startup funding strategy balances three things:
• Tax relief perks.
• Growth runway.
• Investor confidence.
SEIS/EIS can cover half your raise in pre-money terms. But don’t over-rely on it. Diversity is key. Use:
- Grants (Innovate UK, Horizon Europe).
- Strategic partnerships (big medtech firms).
- Revenue from pilots.
That mix keeps you stable. Like a three-legged stool.
Real-World Example: MedProbe Solutions
MedProbe built a novel glucose monitor. They needed £400k. They:
- Split the round: £150k via SEIS, £250k via EIS.
- Found angels on Oriel IPO’s platform.
- Used Maggies AutoBlog to generate weekly updates.
- Landed a co-development deal with a diagnostics lab.
Outcome? Funded in 6 weeks. 40% more at close. Zero platform fees. Now they’re in clinical trials.
Overcoming Common Pitfalls
Even the best startup funding strategy stumbles on these:
- Ignoring compliance.
- Underestimating costs.
- Skipping investor education.
With Oriel IPO, you get on-demand guides. Glossaries. Expert webinars. We don’t give advice, but we demystify rules. You stay in control.
Why Commission-Free Matters
Imagine raising £500k. Paying 5% fees means £25k gone. That’s reagents, prototypes or user studies.
Commission-free means you stretch every pound. And investors appreciate transparency. No hidden costs. No surprise deductions.
It’s a win-win. You build trust. You save cash. You scale faster.
Preparing for Future Rounds
Your next round? Likely institutional. Bigger cheques. Stricter terms. But the journey starts here.
A clear startup funding strategy now sets you up for success later. Investors see your SEIS/EIS track record. They see traction. They see you know your numbers.
At that point, VCs feel safer opening chequebooks.
Your Next Steps
You’ve got the roadmap. Now take the wheel. Oriel IPO’s platform offers:
- Commission-free SEIS/EIS listings.
- Curated investor matches.
- Educational tools and Maggies AutoBlog.
Let’s make your startup funding strategy a reality—without commission fees dragging you down.
Ready to Launch Your Funding Campaign?
Oriel IPO’s easy interface and tax-focused marketplace are just a click away. Get started today.
