Why SEIS/EIS Matters for Equity Crowdfunding UK
Equity crowdfunding UK is booming. But government-backed schemes like the Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS) and the Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) make it sweeter. Here’s why:
- Huge tax relief: Up to 50% income tax relief via SEIS; 30% via EIS.
- Capital gains deferral: Defer or even wipe out your CGT bill on qualifying shares.
- Loss protection: If the business fails, you can offset losses against income tax.
- Attract serious investors: Tax perks draw a savvy crowd, not just fans.
These advantages explain why equity crowdfunding UK often ties itself to SEIS/EIS deals. Investors get more bang for their buck. Startups enjoy a broader pool of backers.
Key Criteria for Choosing a Platform
Not all platforms are equal. Especially when you want commission-free investing under SEIS/EIS. Look out for:
- Commission structure: Zero fees on investment? Yes, please.
- EIS/SEIS eligibility: Clear, upfront details.
- Due diligence: A robust vetting process protects you.
- User experience: Easy dashboards, swift payments, clear updates.
- Supporting resources: Guides, webinars, articles—anything to keep you informed.
Leading Equity Crowdfunding UK Platforms
Here’s a roundup of the top players in equity crowdfunding UK—from industry veterans to agile newcomers.
Oriel IPO: Commission-Free, Curated, Educational
Oriel IPO is a fresh face in the UK investment marketplace. It brings three core USPs:
- Commission-free funding: No fees on your SEIS or EIS investments.
- Curated deals: Hand-picked startups with strong growth potential.
- Educational library: Step-by-step guides on equity crowdfunding UK, SEIS, EIS and more.
Plus, Oriel IPO integrates Maggie’s AutoBlog, an AI-powered platform that generates SEO-optimised content for SMEs. Think pitch decks polished automatically. Or blog posts that attract savvy investors. It’s a neat bonus for founders who want to refine their story—and for investors who crave context.
Pros
- Transparent fee model (£0 commission).
- Responsive support via chat and email.
- Subscription tiers unlock deeper analytics and sector reports.
Cons
- Still awaiting FCA regulation—useful for those seeking regulated advice.
- Smaller deal flow than legacy platforms (but quality over quantity).
Seedrs
Seedrs needs little introduction. A heavyweight in equity crowdfunding UK:
- Fee: 7.5% on funds raised + 0.5% secondary market fee.
- Due diligence: Comprehensive legal and financial vetting.
- Investor network: 500,000+ registered users.
It’s proven. But fees add up. And you’re at the mercy of their timetable for secondary share trading.
Crowdcube
Crowdcube pioneered equity crowdfunding in the UK:
- Fee: 6% platform fee + 2% on funds raised.
- Focus: Consumer brands, tech ventures, food and drink.
- Highlights: Strong social proof through “Invested by X people” stats.
A solid choice. Yet those charges can chip away at returns—especially on smaller investments.
InvestingZone
InvestingZone specialises in SEIS/EIS:
- Fee: 5% on funds raised.
- Niche: Deep expertise in tax-advantaged deals.
- Extras: Investor events and workshops.
Great for seasoned investors. Less intuitive for first-timers.
Honourable Mentions
- Crowd for Angels (no investor fees, from £25 min).
- SyndicateRoom (co-invest alongside angel syndicates).
- Angels Den (matchmaking platform; Tech Club for high-growth SMEs).
- Mercia Asset Management (large combined SEIS/EIS funds).
Each has its tone and ticket size. But if you’re hungry for equity crowdfunding UK with minimal levers, Oriel IPO’s fee-free approach stands out.
How to Invest Commission-Free Under SEIS/EIS
Ready to dive into equity crowdfunding UK without commission headaches? Here’s your roadmap:
- Sign up: Create an Oriel IPO account.
- Verify your status: Confirm you’re eligible for SEIS/EIS relief.
- Browse curated deals: Use filters for sector, stage, funding target.
- Review due diligence packs: Financials, cap table, founder bios.
- Commit funds: Online payment—no hidden fees.
- Track progress: Dashboards update live.
- Claim relief: HMRC forms at your fingertips.
Simple. Transparent. And zero commission.
Practical Tips for SMEs Seeking Funding
If you’re a startup eyeing equity crowdfunding UK, don’t just rely on tax perks. Nail these:
- Tell a clear story: Investors back people as much as products.
- Show traction: Even small sales prove market fit.
- Offer realistic valuations: Sky-high numbers deter savvy backers.
- Leverage video: A two-minute pitch video beats walls of text.
- Engage your network early: First investors build momentum.
And remember: Oriel IPO’s educational tools will guide you through pitch creation, legal docs and investor updates. No guesswork.
Final Thoughts
Commission-free equity crowdfunding UK still feels rare. But Oriel IPO proves it’s possible. With SEIS/EIS perks, curated deals and AI-driven support via Maggie’s AutoBlog, it’s a solid choice for startups and investors alike.
Ready to give it a go?
