Introduction
Finding the right investor can feel like hunting for a needle in a haystack.
Especially when you want tax perks.
Enter SEIS and EIS—two UK schemes that make early-stage investing more attractive.
But you need more than tax breaks.
You need guidance.
That’s where commission-free mentorship comes in.
With so many angel clubs and networks, how do you choose?
You want hands-on support, curated deals, and zero surprise fees.
Sounds dreamy.
Not impossible.
In this guide, we list the top UK angel clubs and networks.
We explain the SEIS/EIS benefits.
And we show how a platform like Oriel IPO stands out with commission-free mentorship, streamlined fundraising, and free educational tools.
Why SEIS/EIS Matters for Startups
Investing in a seed or growth-stage company is risky.
SEIS and EIS help tilt the balance.
-
Huge tax relief
• SEIS: Up to 50% income tax relief on investments.
• EIS: Up to 30% income tax relief. -
Capital gains exemption
Hold shares for three years? No CGT on profits. -
Loss relief
If a startup fails, offset losses against income tax. -
Carry back
Invest now, claim relief on last year’s return.
These aren’t gimmicks.
They’re real.
They make chasing unicorns less scary.
What to Look for in an Angel Club
You want more than money.
You want a network, advice, and yes—commission-free mentorship.
Here’s a quick checklist:
- SEIS/EIS Expertise
Are they focused on government-backed schemes? - Active Community
Regular events or virtual meetups? - Track Record
Case studies. Success rates. - Fee Transparency
Any hidden cuts? - Mentorship Model
Do they pair you with seasoned angels? - Tech & Tools
Portfolio dashboards. Secondary market options.
Leading UK Angel Clubs & Investment Networks
We sifted through the noise.
Here are the clubs and networks you need to know.
Angel Investment Network
- What they offer: Global platform, 1.4 million investors.
- SEIS/EIS focus: Yes, many pitches qualify.
- Fees: Success fee on funds raised.
- Mentorship: Peer-to-peer, but not commission-free.
Angels Den
- What they offer: A matchmaking portal.
- SEIS/EIS focus: Tech Club meets criteria.
- Fees: 5% of funds raised.
- Mentorship: One-on-one sessions. Fee applies.
SFC Capital
- What they offer: Top SEIS fund by deals in 2023/24.
- SEIS/EIS focus: Pure SEIS play.
- Fees: Standard fund management.
- Mentorship: In-house support, fees hidden in carry.
Mercia Asset Management
- What they offer: One of the UK’s largest combined SEIS/EIS funds.
- SEIS/EIS focus: Seed tech companies.
- Fees: Management and performance fees.
- Mentorship: Network events, but no dedicated free coaching.
Crowd for Angels
- What they offer: Crowd investing from £25.
- SEIS/EIS focus: Many deals qualify.
- Fees: No investor fees, but platform takes a cut from issuers.
- Mentorship: Basic peer forum.
SyndicateRoom
- What they offer: Co-investment with angels.
- SEIS/EIS focus: EIS & SEIS funds and syndicates.
- Fees: 1.5% carry + management fee.
- Mentorship: Syndicate leads share insights (fee built in).
Crowdcube
- What they offer: Leading equity crowdfunding.
- SEIS/EIS focus: Most offers eligible.
- Fees: 7% success fee.
- Mentorship: CrowdCube Academy, but costs remain.
Wealth Club
- What they offer: Tax-efficient deals for seasoned investors.
- SEIS/EIS focus: Curated opportunities.
- Fees: 2% entry + 20% carry.
- Mentorship: On-demand webinars.
Oriel IPO
- What they offer:
- Commission-free funding.
- Curated SEIS/EIS deals only.
- Subscription-based, transparent cost.
- SEIS/EIS focus: Entire platform.
- Fees: No success fee.
- Mentorship: Expert-led commission-free mentorship.
- Extras:
- Educational guides and webinars.
- Maggie’s AutoBlog for startups needing SEO content.
Oriel IPO is unique.
You pay a straightforward subscription.
You get tailored deals.
You get free coaching from industry veterans.
No surprise cuts from your round.
A Quick Note on SeedBlink
Platforms like SeedBlink let you:
– Diversify your portfolio.
– Manage investments with analytics.
– Access a secondary market.
– Join an exclusive SeedBlink Club.
Great stuff.
But they:
– Charge trading fees.
– Don’t focus only on SEIS/EIS eligibility.
– Lack a pure commission-free mentorship model.
Oriel IPO tackles these gaps head-on.
How Commission-Free Mentorship Works in Practice
You might ask: “What does commission-free mentorship even look like?”
Glad you asked.
-
Dedicated Angel Pairing
Each founder gets matched with an angel based on sector fit. -
Hands-On Workshops
Live sessions on pitch decks, term sheets, and valuations. -
On-Demand Office Hours
Drop in. Ask questions. No extra cost. -
Peer Feedback Loops
Weekly founder meetups. Honest feedback. Zero fees. -
Maggie’s AutoBlog
Need blog content? AI-powered, SEO-friendly posts.
Get weekly outputs that drive traffic.
No commission means mentors aren’t waiting for a payday on your exit.
They’re in it for the learning and the network.
That’s powerful.
Maximising SEIS/EIS Benefits
Even with the right network, you need to nail your application and investor relations.
- Check Eligibility Early
Use official gov.uk guides to confirm. - Prepare a Solid Pitch Deck
Highlight market, traction, team. - Leverage Educational Resources
Read Oriel IPO’s step-by-step SEIS/EIS guides. - Engage with Mentors
Tap into commission-free mentorship. - Maintain Compliance
Keep records. HMRC loves paperwork. - Follow Up
Build relationships. Investors fund people they trust.
Conclusion
The UK is awash with angel clubs and networks.
SEIS/EIS schemes shine a light on early-stage ventures.
But you need more than a platform.
You need:
- Clear, curated deals.
- Transparent pricing.
- Expert guidance without a catch.
Oriel IPO delivers all that.
Enjoy commission-free mentorship, subscription pricing, and dedicated SEIS/EIS expertise.
Ready to supercharge your startup’s funding journey?
Join the platform that keeps your interests front and centre.


