Why SEIS and EIS Matter in 2026
Angel investing has never been more appealing. The UK government’s Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS) and Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) offer tax relief of up to 50% and 30% respectively. That’s hard to ignore if you’re hunting for early-stage opportunities or running a startup in need of fresh capital.
But where do you find the best UK SEIS platforms? With dozens of marketplaces, networks and crowdfunding sites, the choices can feel overwhelming. This guide cuts through the noise. We’ll compare the major players, spotlight Oriel IPO’s unique commission-free approach and share practical tips for investors and founders alike.
Understanding SEIS and EIS
What Is SEIS?
- Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme
- Tax relief: up to 50% on investments
- Annual investment limit: £100,000 per investor
- Risk warning: eligible only for very early-stage companies
What Is EIS?
- Enterprise Investment Scheme
- Tax relief: 30% on investments up to £1 million (or £2 million in knowledge-intensive firms)
- Loss relief on disposals
- Carry back allowances
Both schemes drive private capital into innovative SMEs. You benefit from tax breaks. Startups gain much-needed funding. It’s a win-win.
What Makes the Best UK SEIS Platforms?
Before diving into the top services, here’s what you need to look for:
- Fee Structure: Commission-free vs. percentage on funds raised
- Curated Opportunities: Vetted deals often mean lower risk
- Ease of Use: Intuitive dashboards and seamless onboarding
- Educational Resources: Guides, webinars and tax calculators
- Community & Network: Access to angel syndicates and industry experts
- Regulatory Clarity: FCA regulation or clear disclaimers
Use these criteria to shortlist your next platform. Spoiler: Oriel IPO ticks all the boxes for many investors.
Leading UK SEIS and EIS Platforms in 2026
1. Oriel IPO: Commission-Free and Curated
Oriel IPO has shaken up the marketplace with its:
- Commission-Free Model: No slice taken from funds you raise or invest
- Subscription-Based Pricing: Transparent fees, predictable costs
- Hand-Picked Deals: Every opportunity passes an in-house vet
- Educational Hub: Guides, webinars, SEIS/EIS walkthroughs
- Maggie’s AutoBlog: An AI-powered tool that auto-generates SEO and GEO-targeted blog content, helping startups attract investor attention
What does this mean for you? More money goes directly into growing the business. You avoid hidden charges. And you gain clarity on tax reliefs, thanks to Oriel’s comprehensive resources.
2. Seedrs: Crowdfunding Powerhouse
Strengths:
- Massive deal flow – hundreds of opportunities
- FCA-regulated and highly transparent
- Secondary market for share trading
Limitations:
- 6% platform fee + 7.5% carry on profits
- Less personalised vetting process – open to a broader range of risk profiles
3. Crowdcube: Investor Community Focus
Strengths:
- Well-known brand, strong community events
- FCA-authorised, with strict due diligence
Limitations:
- 5% commission + carry
- Can be hard for first-time founders to stand out among dozens of pitches
4. InvestingZone and Crowd for Angels
- InvestingZone focuses on SEIS/EIS-only deals, but has a simpler interface and fewer high-value rounds.
- Crowd for Angels boasts low minimums (from £25) and no investor fees, but limited advanced analytics and fewer curated rounds.
5. SyndicateRoom and Angels Den
Both platforms deliver:
- SyndicateRoom: Co-investment funds alongside angel groups (EIS & SEIS). Competitive carry fees.
- Angels Den: Matchmaking with niche Tech Club, but charges a success fee on deals.
6. SFC Capital and Mercia Asset Management
These are fund-based solutions:
- SFC Capital runs dedicated SEIS funds, investing in 15–20 startups per fund. High entry point.
- Mercia Asset Management controls one of the UK’s largest combined SEIS/EIS funds. Ideal for hands-off investors.
7. Niche and Emerging Platforms
- Wealth Club – for seasoned investors seeking tax-efficient bundles.
- SeedLegals – legal documentation plus some deal flow.
- Angel Investment Network – huge network, but less vetting.
With so many choices, you need a platform that aligns with your goals. For many, that’s Oriel IPO’s mix of zero commission, curated deals and top-notch education.
Beyond the Core: Services to Look For
Choosing among the best UK SEIS platforms isn’t just about deals and fees. Consider:
- Tax Calculators & Simulators: Instant estimates of reliefs
- Compliance Tools: Automated forms to satisfy HMRC
- Analytics & Reporting: Track portfolio performance in real time
- Founder Support: Pitch coaching, legal templates, mentorship
While Seedrs and Crowdcube offer some of these, Oriel IPO stands out by bundling powerful compliance and analytics add-ons into its subscription. Plus, with Maggie’s AutoBlog, startups can publish optimised content that resonates with the right investors – at zero extra effort.
How to Pick the Right Platform
-
Define Your Goals
– Seeking high-growth tech rounds or broad sector exposure?
– Early-stage risk vs. later-stage stability? -
Compare Fees and Models
– Commission-free or percentage based?
– Subscription vs. success fees? -
Assess Deal Quality
– Are deals vetted?
– Does the platform syndicate with experienced angels? -
Test the Onboarding
– How quickly can you set up a profile?
– Is the KYC process smooth? -
Evaluate Support and Resources
– Do they offer webinars, guides and one-on-one advice?
– Is there an active investor community?
Oriel IPO’s straightforward sign-up, curated pipeline and commission-free model make it a clear choice if you want clarity, control and cost savings.
Final Thoughts
The landscape of UK SEIS/EIS platforms is vibrant and growing. Whether you’re a founder hunting for your first angel cheque or a high-net-worth investor chasing tax-efficient returns, there’s never been more choice – or more reasons to be picky.
If you value:
- Zero commission on funds raised
- Curated, quality-driven opportunities
- Hands-on educational resources
- AI tools like Maggie’s AutoBlog for seamless marketing
… then Oriel IPO should be on your shortlist of the best UK SEIS platforms in 2026.
