Why SEIS & EIS Matter for Startups
The UK’s Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS) and Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) have powered thousands of high-growth startups by offering generous tax relief. For early-stage founders, that translates into:
- Up to 50% income tax relief on SEIS investments.
- Up to 30% income tax relief on EIS investments.
- Capital Gains Tax deferral and loss relief.
- A green light for risk-averse investors.
But navigating the paperwork and finding the right backers can feel like a maze. That’s why startup funding conferences play such a big role. They pack investors, founders and tax experts into one room, making the complex world of SEIS and EIS… well, a bit simpler.
At Oriel IPO, we don’t just host summits. We’ve built a commission-free investment marketplace powered by:
- Curated, tax-efficient opportunities.
- Educational guides, webinars and tutorials.
- Transparent subscription fees, no hidden cuts.
This blend helps founders meet investors and keeps more money in their pocket. No surprises. Just pure, commission-free funding.
The Rise of Startup Funding Conferences in the UK
In recent years, startup funding conferences have exploded across Europe. They are hubs for dealflow, learning and networking. Picture packed auditoriums, live pitch sessions and workshops on term sheets and rolling funds.
Take the Iowa Angel Investor Summit, for example. It’s a one-day event in Des Moines that pulls in new and active angel investors. You pay a crisp $50, pitch on-stage and (if you’re quick) join their Best of the Midwest showcase. It’s a solid model… but only in Iowa and only on one date.
UK events have taken that template and dialled it up:
- Multiple dates and cities in 2026.
- SEIS/EIS specialists on every panel.
- Dedicated founder-investor meetups.
- Real-time tax-incentive clinics.
Add in a pinch of British charm, and you’ve got a recipe for the most vibrant startup funding conferences outside Silicon Valley.
Spotlight: Iowa Angel Investor Summit vs UK Summits
Let’s quickly compare:
Iowa Angel Investor Summit
• One day, one venue (Landus, Des Moines)
• $50 entry, capped at 100 attendees
• Pitch only accredited investors
UK SEIS & EIS Conferences (2026)
• Multi-city: London, Edinburgh, Manchester, Bristol, Belfast
• Hub for angel investors, VCs, fund managers
• Full-day, two-day and half-day formats
• Dedicated tax clinics and legal Q&As
Oriel IPO helps you bridge the gap. Can’t fly to Iowa in November? Our digital marketplace keeps you plugged into global SEIS/EIS action—24/7. No matter where you are, you’ll discover commission-free funding alongside event highlights and curated deal lists.
Top 5 SEIS & EIS Investor Summits to Attend in 2026
Ready to mark your calendar? Here are the top startup funding conferences in the UK for 2026:
-
London SEIS & EIS Forum
Date: 15–16 March 2026
Venue: Excel Centre, London
What to expect: Keynotes by HMRC officials, live pitch battles, rolling fund workshops. -
Edinburgh Investor Day
Date: 9 April 2026
Venue: EICC, Edinburgh
What to expect: One-on-one investor meetings, panel on tax relief changes, networking lunch. -
Manchester Startup Showcase
Date: 22 June 2026
Venue: Manchester Central
What to expect: 10 curated pitch slots, VC roundtable, drop-in legal clinics. -
Bristol Growth Summit
Date: 14 September 2026
Venue: Bristol Harbour Hotel
What to expect: SEIS/EIS deep dives, angel syndicate networking, investor-led masterclasses. -
Belfast Founders & Funders
Date: 5 November 2026
Venue: Titanic Belfast
What to expect: Cross-border investment talks, startup success stories, afternoon drinks reception.
Each summit delivers value in different ways. Some lean heavy on legal insights, others on pitch practice. The key? Pick the startup funding conferences that match your stage and style.
How to Maximise Your Time at Startup Funding Conferences
Walking into a conference without a plan is like rowing upstream in a storm. Here’s how to win:
- Do your homework. Scan speaker bios and investor portfolios.
- Tailor your pitch. Highlight SEIS/EIS tax savings upfront.
- Network strategically. Three quality conversations beat thirty quick hellos.
- Follow up fast. Send a concise note the next day.
- Use Oriel IPO’s educational tools. Our webinars and guides demystify term sheets and compliance.
Plus, if you want to keep the buzz going long after the expo hall clears, try Maggie’s AutoBlog. This AI-powered platform automatically crafts SEO-rich blog posts about your conference appearance, so you stay top of mind.
Oriel IPO: Beyond Conferences to Continuous Commission-Free Funding
Conferences are fantastic, but they’re snapshots. You need a year-round solution. That’s where Oriel IPO shines:
- Commission-Free Model
No hidden fees. Startups pay a subscription, not a cut of funds raised. - Curated Investments
Every opportunity meets SEIS/EIS criteria. No guesswork. - Educational Hub
Guides, webinars and live Q&As help you master tax incentives. - Global Reach
Funders browse vetted deals from the UK and beyond.
Imagine this: you pitch at the Manchester Startup Showcase, secure interest from three angels, then follow up via our platform. You convert an on-site warm lead into a closed round—all commission-free. No middlemen, no surprises.
Conferences kickstart connections. Oriel IPO keeps them growing.
Final Thoughts
2026 is set to be a banner year for startup funding conferences in the UK. These events offer the perfect stage to meet SEIS/EIS investors, sharpen your pitch and learn from the best. But remember, the real magic happens when you pair live events with an always-on digital marketplace.
Oriel IPO is your partner in that journey. We help you find, vet and close commission-free funding—whether you’re in London, Belfast or on your laptop at home.
So, pick your summits, pack your slides and let’s make 2026 the year you conquer SEIS & EIS.
