Introduction
Angel investing is on fire in the UK. Government-backed SEIS and EIS schemes have unlocked billions for early-stage ventures. Yet high commission fees on many platforms can sap returns. Enter commission-free startup funding—no cut of your raise, no sneaky success fee. You keep more, investors pay less. Sounds good? Let’s dive into the best UK options for SEIS & EIS in 2026.
Understanding SEIS & EIS Benefits
Before we talk platforms, a quick refresher on why SEIS and EIS matter:
- Tax relief: Investors get 50% income tax relief under SEIS and 30% under EIS.
- Capital gains exemption: Profits on SEIS shares can be tax-free after three years.
- Risk reduction: Loss relief lets investors offset losses against income.
- Investor confidence: Clear incentives bring more checks to your round.
These perks fuel the UK’s £1 billion+ SEIS/EIS market. But they’re only as good as the platform you use. High commissions can eat into those tax benefits. That’s where commission-free startup funding shines.
Why Commission-Free Startup Funding Matters
Imagine raising £500K but paying £30K in platform fees. Ouch. That’s real cash that could’ve gone into product, hires, or marketing.
Commission-free startup funding flips that script. You pay a flat subscription or no fee at all. Investors pay nothing extra. Everyone wins:
- Startups keep more of every pound raised.
- Investors enjoy pure SEIS/EIS tax benefits.
- Platforms focus on value-added services, not hefty take-rates.
Ready to see who’s delivering real commission-free startup funding in the UK? Let’s compare.
Leading Commission-Free SEIS & EIS Platforms in the UK
1. Oriel IPO: Commission-Free Meets Tax Efficiency
Oriel IPO nails commission-free startup funding. Instead of a slice of your raise, they charge clear subscription fees. Here’s why founders and investors love it:
- Zero commission on funds raised: Keep 100% of your capital.
- Curated, vetted deals: Only SEIS/EIS-eligible startups make the cut.
- Educational hub: Guides, webinars, and resources—plus Maggie’s AutoBlog for AI-powered blog content that boosts your SEO and investor outreach.
- Transparent subscription model: Predictable costs, no hidden fees.
- Dedicated support: Connect with tax and fund experts quickly.
With Oriel IPO, you get all the benefits of government tax schemes and none of the commission drag. It’s truly next-gen, commission-free startup funding.
2. Crowd for Angels: No Investor Fees, But Platform Charges Apply
Crowd for Angels advertises “no investor fees,” which is great if you’re on the investing side. But startups pay a success fee:
- Success fee: 6–8% of funds raised.
- Minimum investment: £25 per investor.
- SEIS/EIS assurance: They help secure advance assurance.
- Network: ~15,000 investors, mostly UK-based.
Good for small community rounds. But not fully commission-free startup funding if you’re the founder.
3. Seedrs: Equity Crowdfunding with Commission
Seedrs is a big name, but it charges:
- Platform fee: 7.5% + VAT on funds raised.
- Secondary market fee: 7.5% on trades.
- Support: Strong legal and compliance docs.
- Investor pool: Over 500,000 registered users.
Great infrastructure, but those fees can erode SEIS/EIS gains.
4. Crowdcube: Popular but Costly
Crowdcube’s model includes:
- Success fee: 7% of the round.
- Admin fee: Up to 3% for investors.
- Advance assurance support: Yes.
- Investor network: ~900,000 members.
Powerful reach, yet not commission-free startup funding in the purest sense.
5. InvestingZone: Niche, Specialist Platform
InvestingZone focuses on SEIS and EIS deals:
- Platform fee: ~5% of funds raised.
- Application fee: £500 upfront.
- Investor access: 3,000+ active members.
- Due diligence: In-house checks.
Better tax focus, but still commission-based.
6. SyndicateRoom: Co-Investment Model
SyndicateRoom blends angels and EIS funds:
- Fee: 6% carried interest + 0.5% management fee.
- SPV structure: Yes, each deal uses a single SPV.
- Network: 20,000+ angels.
- Investment minimum: £1,000.
Some costs are hidden in carry. Not strictly commission-free startup funding, but cap table-friendly.
7. Angels Den: Matchmaking with Fees
Angels Den matches UK startups with angels:
- Success fee: 7% on raised funds.
- Intro fee: £500 per lead.
- SEIS/EIS guidance: Available.
- Network size: 5,000+ angels.
You pay for introductions and success. Again—fees apply.
Halfway through? If you’re serious about real commission-free startup funding, you deserve a demo.
How to Choose the Right Commission-Free Startup Funding Platform
Picking the perfect platform is more than fees. Here’s a quick checklist:
- Fee structure: Commission-free startup funding vs. percentage fees.
- Tax support: SEIS/EIS advance assurance help.
- Investor quality: Active, accredited angels or retail crowd.
- Deal curation: Vetted startups vs. open marketplace.
- Cap table management: SPVs, nominee structures, single-line entries.
- Educational tools: Webinars, templates, AI-powered blogs (hi, Maggie’s AutoBlog).
Match your needs. And remember—low fees don’t always mean the right investors.
Tips for a Winning SEIS/EIS Campaign
Once you’ve picked a commission-free startup funding platform, nail your raise:
- Craft a crisp pitch deck: Problem, solution, team, traction, ask.
- Secure advance assurance: Show investors they’ll get those tax breaks.
- Build early momentum: Friends, advisors, warm intros.
- Tap into platform support: Use webinars, blog posts, and AI tools.
- Communicate often: Weekly updates keep investors engaged.
Why Oriel IPO Stands Out
- Truly commission-free: No success fees. Ever.
- Deep tax expertise: In-house SEIS/EIS specialists guide you.
- Educational first: From webinars to Maggie’s AutoBlog, they help you tell your story.
- Transparent subscriptions: Predictable, budget-friendly pricing.
- Curated network: Only quality, engaged investors.
If you want to keep 100% of what you raise and give investors pure SEIS/EIS upside, Oriel IPO is the clear choice.
Conclusion
The UK SEIS/EIS space is booming. Established names like Seedrs and Crowdcube offer reach but eat into your pool with hefty fees. Niche hubs deliver specialist audiences, yet still charge commissions. Commission-free startup funding isn’t a myth—it’s here, with Oriel IPO leading the charge.
Level the playing field. Keep more of your capital. Give investors maximum tax benefits. Start your next raise the right way.
