Why Commission-Free Platforms Matter
You’ve got a brilliant idea. You’ve nailed your pitch deck. But fees can eat into your hard-won capital. That’s where a commission-free EIS crowdfunding platform comes in. No surprises. No hidden percentages. Just straight-up funding you keep.
- More runway.
- Better margins.
- Clearer forecasting.
Traditional platforms often charge 5–7% plus legal and completion fees. That’s thousands you could have reinvested in R&D or marketing. Commission-free means every pound raised stays with you.
Understanding SEIS and EIS Schemes
The UK government’s SEIS (Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme) and EIS (Enterprise Investment Scheme) give investors tax breaks. That draws more angels. And better angels mean bigger checks.
- SEIS: Up to 50% Income Tax relief on investments up to £100,000 per tax year.
- EIS: 30% Income Tax relief on investments up to £1 million per tax year.
An EIS crowdfunding platform must meet HMRC criteria. That means vetted startups, compliance checks, and clear investor reporting. It sounds complex. But once you get your head around it, you unlock deeper pockets.
Introducing Our Curated Top 10 List
We’ve scoured the market. We’ve compared costs, features and user feedback. Here are the ten best UK platforms where investors pay zero commission, and startups access tax-efficient capital with confidence.
1. Oriel IPO
Overview
Oriel IPO is our very own commission-free EIS crowdfunding platform. No fund-raise fees. Instead, it operates on a transparent subscription model. You won’t lose a penny of your round to hidden charges.
Pros
– Commission-free for startups and investors
– Curated, HMRC-vetted deals only
– Educational hub on SEIS/EIS essentials
– Integrates Maggie’s AutoBlog to power SEO-rich blog content
Cons
– Subscription fee applies after trial
– Not FCA-regulated for advice
Oriel IPO shines if you want zero surprises. And if you need content for your campaign page, Maggie’s AutoBlog kicks in—AI-generated, optimised blogs in seconds.
2. Crowd for Angels
Overview
A peer-to-peer platform where many pitches qualify for SEIS and EIS relief. Investors start from as little as £25, with no commission charged.
Pros
– Low minimum ticket
– No investor fees
– Secondary market for liquidity
Cons
– Higher application fees for issuers
– Limited support for compliance
Crowd for Angels blends affordability with tax incentives. Perfect if you’re testing a small cohort first.
3. InvestingZone
Overview
An EIS crowdfunding platform tailored for SEIS/EIS investments. It presents curated opportunities with no investor commission.
Pros
– Dedicated SEIS/EIS focus
– Clear investment dashboards
– No hidden charges
Cons
– Smaller investor pool
– Limited educational resources
If you want pure SEIS/EIS action without the noise, InvestingZone keeps it simple.
4. Angels Den
Overview
A matchmaking service between UK SMEs and angel investors. Most listed SMEs qualify for EIS/SEIS.
Pros
– Hands-on investor introductions
– No commission on investments
– Mentor-led growth advice
Cons
– Selective application process
– Upfront membership fee
Angels Den suits founders looking for both cash and coaching—without per-deal cuts.
5. SFC Capital
Overview
A leading SEIS fund investing in 15–20 startups per fund. No commission to investors.
Pros
– Proven track record
– Expert due diligence
– Long-term support
Cons
– Strict investment criteria
– Slow application turnaround
For startups with solid traction, SFC Capital offers deep expertise and zero investor fees.
6. Mercia Asset Management
Overview
One of the UK’s largest SEIS/EIS fund managers. No fees for investors, only management costs.
Pros
– Large asset pool
– Tech focus
– Investor networking events
Cons
– High fund minimums
– Management fees for issuers
Mercia is ideal if you crave the backing of a heavyweight fund.
7. SyndicateRoom
Overview
Co-investment platform offering both SEIS and EIS funds. Investors face no platform commission.
Pros
– Angel syndicate co-funding
– Access EIS fund for institutional co-investment
– Secondary market
Cons
– Minimum round size requirements
– One-off fees for issuers
SyndicateRoom’s model matches angel flair with institutional muscle.
8. Crowd2Fund
Overview
Primarily loan-based but also hosts equity rounds under SEIS/EIS. No investor commission on equity.
Pros
– Hybrid debt and equity
– Transparent investor statements
– Secondary market option
Cons
– Loan APR can be high
– Longer setup time
If you need flexibility between debt and equity, Crowd2Fund has your back.
9. Vestd
Overview
Equity management platform that supports SEIS/EIS rounds. Zero commission to investors.
Pros
– Share scheme integration
– Automated compliance
– Cap table management
Cons
– Platform fees for issuers
– Not a pure crowdfunding site
Vestd suits founders who want crowdfunding plus long-term equity control.
10. Wealth Club
Overview
An investment community for experienced investors in SEIS/EIS deals. No commission taken.
Pros
– Curated cohorts
– Tax-efficient portfolio building
– Exclusive webinars
Cons
– High investor eligibility bar
– Platform fees apply after trial
Wealth Club is for seasoned angels seeking hand-picked, commission-free deals.
Choosing the Right EIS Crowdfunding Platform
Picking the best EIS crowdfunding platform comes down to:
- Fees: Commission-free vs low-fee structures
- Investor pool: Quantity vs quality
- Value-adds: Mentorship, secondary markets, compliance tools
- Branding: How your story is presented (bonus points for AI-generated blogs via Maggie’s AutoBlog)
Take time to match your stage and sector to the platform’s strengths. And always check eligibility with HMRC guidelines.
How Oriel IPO Simplifies Your Journey
Oriel IPO isn’t just another platform. It’s built for you:
- Commission-free rounds—keep every penny raised.
- Curated, HMRC-vetted deals—no time wasted on ineligible investors.
- Educational resources—guides, webinars and checklists on SEIS/EIS.
- Subscription model—predictable pricing, no surprise fees.
Plus, if you need content that ranks, Maggie’s AutoBlog auto-generates SEO-optimised blogs tailored to your startup’s niche. It’s a one-two punch: funding and visibility, under one roof.
Final Thoughts
Navigating the UK’s bustling startup funding scene can feel like a maze. A commission-free EIS crowdfunding platform cuts through the clutter. Our top 10 list arms you with ten options—each with its own flair, but all with zero commission for investors. And if you’re ready to streamline your fundraising, keep more capital and tap expert resources, Oriel IPO awaits.
