Introduction
Looking for startup funding?
Want to tap into SEIS and EIS tax incentives without paying hidden fees?
You’re in the right place.
We’ll walk you through the best angel networks across the UK – London, the North, Scotland, Wales, and beyond. Plus, we’ll show you how a commission-free SEIS platform like Oriel IPO changes the game for founders and investors alike.
By the end, you’ll know where to pitch, who to partner with, and why going commission-free matters.
Why SEIS & EIS Matter
The UK government’s SEIS (Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme) and EIS (Enterprise Investment Scheme) are more than acronyms. They’re lifelines:
- Up to 50% income tax relief on SEIS investments.
- Up to 30% relief via EIS.
- Capital gains tax exemptions.
- Loss relief if things go south.
In plain English?
Investors keep more money in their pockets. Founders get easier access to capital.
And that sparks innovation.
The Power of a Commission-Free SEIS Platform
Most marketplaces charge a slice of your raise. Oriel IPO does not.
Here’s how our commission-free SEIS platform stands out:
- Transparent subscriptions instead of hidden deal fees.
- Curated, tax-efficient opportunities pre-vetted by experts.
- Educational resources (guides, webinars, toolkits) to demystify SEIS/EIS.
- A vibrant community of angel investors ready to back your vision.
In short: you keep more funds for growth, and investors enjoy higher net returns.
No surprises. Just straight-up support.
Top National Angel Investment Networks
If you want scale, look national. These groups have deep pockets and sector expertise.
- 24Haymarket
• Sector-agnostic but loves healthtech, industrial, consumer and media.
• Typical cheque: £500k–£5m. - Advantage Business Angels
• 200+ years of combined experience.
• 70% of founders hit their fundraising target. - Ventures Together
• 150+ angels backing 80 startups a year.
• Most deals SEIS/EIS eligible. - AngelClubRCA
• Design-led ventures across agri-tech, med-tech, clean-tech.
• Investments from £10k up to £500k. - Ascension Syndicate Club
• SEIS-focused, managed by Ascension Ventures.
• Targets media, healthcare, sustainability, fintech.
These networks have created success stories. But there’s a catch:
you still pay upward of 5% in deal commissions. That can mean tens of thousands off your raise.
Regional Angel Networks
Angel investors aren’t just in London. They’re everywhere. Here are some key regional hubs:
North of England
- GC Angels (Greater Manchester)
Average deal: £356k. - NorthInvest (Technology & digital focus)
Free investor-readiness coaching.
South
- Bristol Private Equity Club
3–4 deals a year, ~£458k total. - Dorset Business Angels
£50k–£1m per deal.
East
- Cambridge Angels
Tech-heavy, £50k–£1m per round. - Anglia Capital Group
Rigorous selection, pitch events year-round.
Scotland
- Archangels
World’s oldest angel syndicate, extends only SEIS/EIS deals. - Equity Gap
£100k–£500k initial investments.
Wales & Ireland
- Angels Invest Wales
Part of Development Bank of Wales, £8m co-investment fund. - Halo Business Angel Network (HBAN)
Covers RoI & NI, Medtech to manufacturing.
Each network has its style. Some host pitch events. Others work on a rolling basis. All require a solid pitch.
How to Choose the Right Angel Group
Finding an angel syndicate is like dating. You need chemistry, shared values, and trust.
Ask yourself:
- What’s your sector?
- What stage are you at?
- How hands-on do you want your angel?
- Do you need a local network or a national one?
Score your options. Then weigh:
- Investment size vs. equity stake.
- Value-add (mentorship, connections).
- Fee structures.
Spoiler: the lower the fees, the more runway you get.
Comparing Commission-Free SEIS Platform vs Traditional Models
Traditional platforms like Seedrs and Crowdcube have merits. They offer large communities and due diligence, sure. But they take a cut:
- Seedrs: ~7.5% commission + success fee.
- Crowdcube: ~7% commission.
- InvestingZone: investor fees up to 2%.
Here’s where Oriel IPO’s commission-free SEIS platform shines:
- Zero deal commission
You keep more capital to hire, market, and scale. - Subscription-based
Predictable costs. No surprises on deal day. - Curated opportunities
We vet startups against SEIS/EIS criteria before listing. - Education-first
Webinars, step-by-step guides, expert clinics.
The result? A smoother fundraising journey. Less friction. More capital where it counts.
Getting Pitch-Ready with Oriel IPO
You’ve picked a network. Now what? Time to prepare:
- Polish your deck.
- Nail your financial projections.
- Practice a lean, 3-minute pitch.
We built Oriel IPO’s resources to help:
- SEIS/EIS eligibility checker.
- Tax relief calculators.
- Access to mentors who’ve raised millions.
And while you focus on fundraising, leverage Maggie’s AutoBlog to automate SEO-driven content. Keep your online presence buzzing—investors notice digital traction.
Conclusion
The UK’s angel scene is diverse: national powerhouses, regional champions, and women-led collectives. Each plays a vital role. But fees can eat into your raise.
Switch to a commission-free SEIS platform and keep more funds for growth. Oriel IPO’s transparent model, curated opportunities, and top-notch resources give you the edge.
Ready to start?
Invest smarter. Raise easier. Connect with the right angels.
