Why Commission-Free Funding Matters for Startups
Starting up is tough. You juggle product development, market research, hiring…and all without draining your runway. Commission-free funding does one thing brilliantly: it lets you keep more of every pound you raise.
- You save on fees.
- You avoid surprise deductions.
- You focus on growth, not paperwork.
The good news? Several UK angel networks now embrace SEIS/EIS commission-free funding. Let’s dive into why this matters and which networks are leading the charge in 2025.
Understanding SEIS and EIS Tax Relief
Before we look at individual networks, let’s recap the perks of SEIS (Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme) and EIS (Enterprise Investment Scheme):
Tax Relief on Investment
– SEIS: 50% income tax relief on investments up to £100,000.
– EIS: 30% relief on investments up to £1 million.Capital Gains Tax (CGT) Exemption
Hold shares for at least three years and your gains are tax-free.Loss Relief
If the business fails, offset losses against income or capital gains.
In short, SEIS/EIS makes backing your startup less risky for investors—and more attractive. Pair that with commission-free funding, and you’ve got a compelling proposition.
Top UK Angel Investor Networks in 2025
Here’s our curated list of UK-based networks where you can access SEIS/EIS commission-free funding. Each offers unique strengths—and a few caveats.
UK Business Angels Association (UKBAA)
- Members: 170+ investor networks, including individual angels, VCs, crowdfunding platforms, family offices.
- Annual Investment: £2 billion+ across SEIS/EIS deals.
- Highlights:
- Regular pitch events.
- Access to The Angel Accelerator UK.
- Considerations: Some member networks charge success fees. Always confirm any hidden costs.
Angels Den
- Model: Matchmaking platform focused on early-stage SMEs.
- SEIS/EIS: Most Tech Club listings qualify.
- Strengths:
- Bespoke pitching support.
- Ongoing mentoring.
- Watch out for: Mentorship fees can apply separately.
Crowd for Angels
- Minimum Investment: From £25.
- Fee Structure: No investor fees and SEIS/EIS tax relief on eligible pitches.
- Why it’s great: True commission-free funding for both investors and entrepreneurs.
- Mind the fine print: Some campaign upgrades (marketing boosts) incur costs.
SyndicateRoom
- Co-investment platform: Access EIS alongside experienced angels.
- Fees: No upfront commission, but performance fees may apply on exits.
- Perk: Founders Factory–powered SEIS fund co-invests in promising deals.
SFC Capital
- Focus: SEIS fund investing in 15–20 high-potential startups per fund.
- Fee: Management fees only; no placement fees.
- Caveat: Application process is highly competitive.
Mercia Asset Management
- Scale: One of the UK’s largest combined SEIS/EIS funds.
- Fees: Standard fund management fees.
- Edge: Extensive network and deep sector expertise.
How Oriel IPO Simplifies Commission-Free SEIS/EIS Investments
While established networks bring credibility, they often come with layers of fees and complexity. Oriel IPO is different. Here’s why you should consider our platform:
True Commission-Free Funding
No success fees. No placement fees. Every penny raised goes towards your business.Curated, Tax-Efficient Opportunities
We handpick startups that meet strict SEIS/EIS criteria, so investors gain confidence—and you get the right backers.Educational Resources
Our academy demystifies SEIS/EIS with bite-sized guides, webinars, and FAQs.Subscription-Based Access
Flexible tiers let you unlock premium features without hefty one-off charges.Maggie’s AutoBlog
Need SEO-optimised content for your pitch deck or landing pages? Maggie’s AutoBlog automatically generates polished, geo-targeted blog posts so you can focus on product and sales.
Comparing Oriel IPO with Traditional Networks
| Feature | Traditional Networks | Oriel IPO |
|---|---|---|
| Commission-Free Funding | Often no; success fees apply | Yes—no fees on successful raises |
| SEIS/EIS Curation | Mixed quality; self-reporting | Strict vetting and handpicked deals |
| Educational Tools | Limited to pitch coaching | Comprehensive academy and AI content via Maggie’s AutoBlog |
| Upfront Costs | Campaign fees, membership fees | Subscription tiers—clear pricing |
| Speed of Listing | Weeks of due diligence | Fast-track onboarding |
The result? You save time, reduce costs, and get access to ready-to-invest networks.
Practical Steps to Secure SEIS/EIS Commission-Free Funding
Whether you choose UKBAA, Angels Den, or Oriel IPO, here’s your roadmap:
Prepare Your Documents
– Detailed business plan.
– Three-year financial projections.
– Proof of concept or MVP demonstration.Check SEIS/EIS Eligibility
– Company trading less than 2 years (SEIS) or 7 years (EIS).
– Gross assets under specified limits.
– Fewer than 250 employees (EIS) or 25 (SEIS).Craft a Compelling Pitch Deck
– Problem–solution fit.
– Market size and traction.
– Team credentials.Leverage Educational Tools
– Watch Oriel IPO webinars on SEIS/EIS pitfalls.
– Use Maggie’s AutoBlog to generate SEO-rich blog posts that highlight your expertise.Engage with Investors Early
– Attend online events and mixers.
– Seek feedback on your deck before formal listing.List on the Right Platform
– Compare fee structures.
– Look for commission-free funding options.
– Review success stories and exit records.Follow Up and Build Relationships
– Send regular progress updates.
– Offer early access or product demos to interested angels.
Why Commission-Free Funding Changes the Game
Alignment of Interests
Investors and founders both win when fees are removed.Greater Campaign Control
You decide how to allocate every pound raised.Improved Investor Confidence
No hidden charges means clearer ROI modelling.Scalability
Save on fees now, reinvest in marketing and hiring later.
Conclusion: Choose Smart, Grow Faster
In 2025’s competitive startup landscape, access to SEIS/EIS commission-free funding can be a game-changer. Top UK angel networks like UKBAA, Angels Den, and Crowd for Angels offer strong ecosystems—but Oriel IPO takes it further. We combine:
- Zero fees on successful raises
- Curated, tax-efficient deal flow
- Educational tools and AI-powered content via Maggie’s AutoBlog
- Subscription-based access for predictable costs
Ready to experience seamless, commission-free funding?
Start your journey with Oriel IPO today — and keep every penny you raise working for your startup.
Call to Action
Discover more and sign up for a free trial at https://orielipo.com/


