Introduction
Raising early-stage capital in the UK is a maze. SEIS/EIS schemes promise juicy tax reliefs. But many equity platforms charge hefty fees—eating into your runway. You want access to angel investors, not hidden 6–7% cuts. Enter commission-free crowdfunding. In this article, we’ll:
– Compare top SEIS/EIS platforms.
– Spotlight their fees, pros and cons.
– Explain why Oriel IPO leads the pack.
No fluff. No surprises. Just clear insights.
Why SEIS/EIS Matter for Startups and Investors
The UK government’s Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS) and Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) are hugely popular. Here’s why:
– Investors get up to 50% (SEIS) or 30% (EIS) tax relief.
– Capital gains tax exemptions on profits.
– Loss relief if things go south.
– Startups tap a larger pool of retail and sophisticated investors.
But. Those benefits vanish if the platform slices off chunks in commission. You need a solution that champions real commission-free crowdfunding and keeps incentives intact.
Evaluating Top UK Equity Crowdfunding Platforms
We’ve analysed fee structures, eligibility, network size and additional services. Here’s the rundown.
Seedrs
Pros:
– Huge investor community.
– Secondary market for share liquidity.
– Robust due diligence.
Cons:
– Platform fee: 6% of funds raised.
– Payment processing: 0.5%.
– £2,000 completion fee.
Verdict: Great if you need liquidity, but fees can quickly add up.
Crowdcube
Pros:
– Wide exposure to retail investors.
– Secondary market like Seedrs.
Cons:
– Platform fee: 7%.
– Payment processing: 0.75–1.5%.
– Lengthy application.
Verdict: Transparent and regulated, but pricey for smaller raises.
SyndicateRoom
Pros:
– Co-investment alongside experienced angels.
– Access EIS fund for syndicate backing.
Cons:
– £2,200 one-off fee.
– Minimum £400k round size.
– Rigorous vetting.
Verdict: Strong for larger rounds, less ideal for seed stage.
Crowd2Fund
Pros:
– Equity and debt options.
– Secondary market for sales.
Cons:
– Platform fee: 6%.
– 6–18% APR on loans.
– Strict UK-only focus.
Verdict: Flexible but still not commission-free crowdfunding.
Angel Investment Network
Pros:
– Global network of angel investors.
– No minimum investment.
Cons:
– Subscription: Free trial → £2,499/quarter.
– Success fees up to 15% for brokerage.
Verdict: Good reach, but ongoing cost and high success fees.
Other Notable Mentions
- InvestingZone: Specialist EIS/SEIS opportunities. Fees vary.
- Crowd for Angels: Peer-to-peer lending + equity. 7% platform fee.
- SFC Capital & Mercia: Funds with multiple investments. Management fees apply.
- Vestd, Wealth Club, SeedLegals, Angel Investment Network: Niche services around equity management and legal.
Most platforms charge 5–7% on successful rounds. Even if you get a tax boost, you lose a slice to commissions. You deserve better.
Oriel IPO: Commission-Free Crowdfunding for SEIS/EIS
Imagine a world of commission-free crowdfunding. No surprise deductions. Startups keep every penny investors commit. That’s Oriel IPO:
- Zero commission on funds raised.
- Transparent subscription fee.
- Curated SEIS/EIS-eligible deals.
- Educational hub: guides, webinars and templates.
We vet each opportunity. Your investor sees only quality, compliant deals. And you avoid the typical 6–7% fee. It’s lean. It’s focused. It’s ideal for SMEs.
Key Advantages
-
Maximised capital
Every pound raised lands in your bank account. -
Curated quality
We screen for SEIS/EIS eligibility and viability. -
Educational support
Navigate tax reliefs and compliance with confidence. -
Subscription model
Predictable costs. No hidden extras.
By removing commission, we preserve the very incentives that SEIS/EIS schemes were designed to deliver.
How to Choose the Right Platform for Your SEIS/EIS Raise
Here’s a quick checklist:
- Fees and commissions: Aim for commission-free – every percent saved extends your runway.
- Investor network: Match platform reach with your raise size.
- Secondary market: Liquidity is tempting, but not at the cost of fees.
- Regulation and vetting: Strong due diligence builds trust.
- Support and resources: Tutorials, legal templates and webinars can save days of research.
No single metric rules all. But if you’re hunting commission-free crowdfunding, Oriel IPO ticks every box.
Making the Most of Commission-Free Crowdfunding
Even the best platform needs a killer campaign. Follow these steps:
- Craft a clear, punchy pitch deck.
- Highlight SEIS/EIS tax perks—investors love them.
- Leverage social proof: early commitments, testimonials.
- Engage via webinars or live Q&As.
- Keep backers updated post-raise with milestones.
With Oriel IPO’s educational resources and curated format, you get both the platform and the playbook.
Conclusion
Most UK equity platforms charge you for what should be a win-win. At Oriel IPO, we believe in true commission-free crowdfunding, where startups and investors share full benefits of SEIS/EIS relief. No surprises. No deductions. Just straightforward, tax-efficient funding.
Ready to maximise your raise?
