Introduction
Raising seed cash is tough. You’ve built something cool. Now you need investors. Enter the Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS). It’s the UK’s favourite tax incentive for early-stage startups. But most SEIS platforms nibble away at your funds with commissions. That’s where a commission-free SEIS platform leaps ahead.
In this post, we’ll:
– Compare the top SEIS funds in the UK.
– Highlight their strengths and blind spots.
– Show how a commission-free SEIS platform like Oriel IPO can sharpen your edge.
Let’s dive in.
What Is SEIS and Why It Matters
SEIS is a government scheme that lures investors into high-risk startups by easing their tax burden. Think of it as a promise: back risky ventures, and we’ll share the reward.
Key SEIS Tax Incentives
- 50% Income Tax Relief
Reduce your income tax bill by half of your SEIS investment. - Capital Gains Tax (CGT) Exemption
Reinvest gains elsewhere? You pay no CGT on profits from your SEIS shares. - Loss Relief
If things go south, you can offset losses against your income.
Investors. Love. It. Startups. Benefit.
Top SEIS Funds for UK Startups
You’ve got options. But not all SEIS funds are created equal. Here’s a quick rundown of the big players.
SFC Capital SEIS Angel Fund
Strengths:
– FCA-regulated.
– Invests in 15–20 high-potential startups per fund.
– Deep network of universities, accelerators, angel syndicates.
Limitations:
– Traditional commission structure eats into investor returns and founder proceeds.
– Application process can feel corporate and rigid.
Mercia Asset Management SEIS/EIS Funds
Strengths:
– One of the UK’s largest combined SEIS/EIS portfolios.
– Strong track record in tech and spin-outs.
Limitations:
– Charges hidden performance fees.
– Less transparency on deal selection.
InvestingZone
Strengths:
– Dedicated SEIS/EIS platform.
– Wide array of curated opportunities.
Limitations:
– Commission fees still apply.
– Less educational support for founders.
Angels Den
Strengths:
– Low minimum investments from £25.
– No investor fees on some pitches.
Limitations:
– Less rigorous vetting on certain deals.
– Additional platform fees for founders.
…and a handful more like Crowdcube, Seedrs, Crowd2Fund. They’ve all got merits. But most share one drawback: commissions or fees that dilute your round.
Challenges with Traditional SEIS Platforms
Why do founders care about commissions? Two big headaches:
-
Reduced Funding
If you raise £200k but pay 5–7% in fees, you lose £10k–14k. That’s runway you could have used for product tweaks or hire. -
Opaque Pricing
Hidden charges, success fees, legal add-ons. It feels like you’re being nickelled and dimed.
You need clarity. You need more. You need a commission-free SEIS platform.
The Rise of Commission-Free SEIS Platforms
Imagine listing your startup, getting qualified investors, and paying zero commission on funds raised. Sounds too good? It’s real.
A commission-free SEIS platform replaces per-deal fees with transparent subscription plans. No surprises. No sneaky cuts.
Benefits of a Commission-Free SEIS Platform
- Keep More Capital
If you raise £250k, you pocket the full amount minus government due diligence costs. - Predictable Costs
Flat-fee subscriptions. Budget in advance. - Quality Assurance
Curated deals and vetting ensure investors see only genuine, SEIS-eligible startups. - Educational Resources
Webinars, guides, checklists – all built in.
With a commission-free SEIS platform, you can focus on growth instead of fee negotiations.
Competitor Comparison: SFC Capital vs Oriel IPO
Let’s face it: SFC Capital is a heavyweight. Regulated by the FCA. Backed by years of deals. They’ve won awards for SEIS and EIS management. But they still charge commission on exits or carry. Plus, their intro service is only for ‘professional investors’—meaning limited access for many angels.
Enter Oriel IPO, a fully commission-free SEIS platform. Here’s how we compare:
| Aspect | SFC Capital | Oriel IPO (Commission-Free SEIS Platform) |
|---|---|---|
| Regulation | FCA-regulated | Non-FCA, but transparent with legal disclaimers |
| Fee Structure | Success fees, carry, commissions | Subscription-based. No deal commissions |
| Investment Curation | Rigorous, but less transparent on criteria | Clear vetting, curated tax-efficient deals |
| Educational Support | Limited to fund literature | Guides, webinars, SEO tools (e.g., Maggie’s AutoBlog) |
| Investor Access | Professional investors only | SMEs, angels, family offices, open subscription |
| Platform Transparency | Complex fee schedules | Simple subscription tiers |
Oriel IPO keeps it simple. You pay a known subscription, list your SEIS round, and connect with the right investors. No hidden charges. No surprise deductions.
How Oriel IPO’s Commission-Free SEIS Platform Works
- Subscription Sign-Up
Choose a tier. Monthly or annual. - Listing Your SEIS Round
Upload your pitch, financials and SEIS compliance docs. - Curated Investor Match
Our algorithm and due diligence team vet and match you with active angels. - Engage and Close
Chat, pitch, negotiate. Once you hit your target, funds land in your account—fee-free. - Ongoing Support
Access educational guides, webinars and tools like Maggie’s AutoBlog to keep investors updated with polished content.
Curated, Tax-Efficient Investment Options
We screen each startup for genuine SEIS eligibility. That means less admin back-and-forth. Investors can trust your round is clean. You can trust they have skin in the game.
Educational Tools and Resources
Knowledge is power. We offer:
– SEIS/EIS guides and checklist PDFs.
– Live webinars with tax experts.
– AI-powered content support via Maggie’s AutoBlog—so you can automate investor updates and SEO-friendly blog posts.
Mix that with a commission-free SEIS platform, and you have a recipe for faster closes and happier founders.
Practical Steps to Launch Your SEIS Round on a Commission-Free Platform
- Prepare Your Pitch
Nail your executive summary. Highlight SEIS tax benefits clearly. - Gather SEIS Compliance Docs
HMRC advance assurance, shareholder agreements, financial forecasts. - Choose the Right Subscription
Pick a plan that fits your stage and budget. - List and Vet
Upload docs. Our team screens for eligibility and quality. - Pitch to Investors
Use the platform’s messaging, video calls and document rooms. - Close the Round
Hit your target. Receive full funds. No commission. - Post-Raise Support
Use Maggie’s AutoBlog to publish investor newsletters and SEO optimised updates.
Follow these steps, and you’ll slash fundraising friction. A commission-free SEIS platform accelerates your path from pitch to funds.
FAQs
Q: Is SEIS only for UK-registered companies?
A: Yes. You must be UK-based and meet HMRC’s criteria.
Q: What happens if my investor needs to pull out?
A: You negotiate directly. No platform commission means more flexibility on refunds or replacements.
Q: How long does vetting take?
A: Usually 5–10 business days after your subscription and document upload.
Q: Can I upgrade my subscription mid-round?
A: Absolutely. Scale up features as you grow.
Conclusion
Traditional SEIS platforms have solid track records. But their commission fees and opaque costs eat into your runway and investor returns. A commission-free SEIS platform like Oriel IPO flips the script. You pay transparent subscriptions, get curated, tax-efficient investor matches, and access rich educational tools—including AI-powered content via Maggie’s AutoBlog. Less friction. More focus. Faster closes.
Ready to keep 100% of the funds you raise?
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