The state of UK equity crowdfunding in 2024
We’ve come a long way since crowdfunding was a fringe idea. In 2011, crowdfunders in the UK only managed eight announced equity rounds. Fast-forward to 2021 and that number peaked at 569. Then 2024 happened: a dip to 297 rounds – the lowest figure since 2014.
It sounds bleak. But here’s the thing: a downturn in rounds doesn’t spell doom. It means discerning investors are hunting for quality deals. They crave tax relief. They want clarity.
That’s where SEIS and EIS shine. These government-backed schemes offer juicy incentives. An investor can claim up to 50% income tax relief under SEIS. EIS shelters 30% of the stake. Magic? Not quite. Rigorous eligibility, caps and holding requirements apply. But for budding startups in London or Manchester, SEIS/EIS can be the difference between launchpad and dead-end.
When we look at data from Beauhurst, we see this:
– 51% of crowdfunded deals land in London.
– A mere 8% head north.
– Median deal size in 2024 was £500k – half the size of typical VC rounds.
A leaner market means one thing: the future of SEIS investments will belong to platforms that cut the noise and boost transparency.
Why SEIS matters more than ever
Let’s cut to the chase. Tax incentives are the rocket fuel of early-stage investing. Without them, dozens of promising UK startups would flounder.
SEIS
• Up to 50% income tax relief
• 100% Capital Gains Tax exemption
• Loss relief against income
EIS
• 30% income tax relief
• CGT deferral
These schemes aren’t new. But here’s a fun twist: 2024 saw a shift in the investor profile. More everyday backers joined the fray. The “crowd” isn’t just high-net-worth individuals any more. It’s your neighbour, your dentist, your aunt.
And they all ask the same question: “Where can I find curated, tax-efficient opportunities without hefty fees?”
That’s where the future of SEIS investments leaks into everyday parlance. People want three things:
1. Simplicity.
2. Expert curation.
3. Zero commission.
Welcome to Oriel IPO’s playground.
How Oriel IPO stands out: commission-free and curated for impact
Platforms like Seedrs and Crowdcube have pedigree. They’ve built solid reputations. Yet they charge fees. Sometimes sizeable ones.
Oriel IPO says: No commission. No hidden admin charges. Just a monthly subscription. And here’s the kicker: they vet every deal for SEIS/EIS compliance. You get a curated shortlist. You review key docs, risk factors and market data – in plain English. Plus, educational content to boot.
Consider this:
– Strength: Commission-free funding.
– Focus: Tax-friendly deals only.
– Benefit: A community forum to swap tips with seasoned angels.
Stuff like “The Deal” report might thrill data nerds. But your average investor wants clarity, not spreadsheets. Oriel’s interface keeps it simple. Green tick – compliance checked. Red flag – steer clear.
Are there limitations? Sure. Oriel IPO isn’t FCA-regulated yet. No regulated advice. But let’s be real: if you need full advisory services, you can still partner with your accountant. Oriel’s sweet spot is discovery.
This approach speaks to the future of SEIS investments. Imagine an era where the grunt work is done. You log in. You browse. You back.
Maggie’s AutoBlog: an unexpected gem
Here’s a curveball. Oriel IPO also offers Maggie’s AutoBlog – an AI-powered tool that automatically generates SEO and GEO-targeted blog content based on your business data. Yes, it sounds unrelated. But imagine this: you’re a startup founder. You need content to impress investors. Maggie’s AutoBlog spits out blog posts, optimised for UK regional searches. SEO done. You focus on product. Nice.
Comparing Oriel IPO and established platforms
Let’s play spot-the-difference.
Seedrs & Crowdcube
– Large pool of deals.
– Fees up to 6% for businesses + 7.5% on funds raised.
– DIY due diligence.
Oriel IPO
– Commission-free.
– Curated SEIS/EIS only.
– Educational resources baked in.
– Subscription starting at just £29/month.
Other players? SyndicateRoom, Angels Den, SFC Capital. They deliver solid services but lock you into co-investment funds or larger ticket deals. Oriel IPO serves the everyday backer.
In short, if you’re sifting crumbs from big platforms, Oriel IPO gives you a feast. That’s the future of SEIS investments – accessible, sliceable, commission-free.
Charting the path: the future of SEIS investments
What’s next for tax-efficient funding in the UK? Three trends to watch:
1. Digital-first onboarding.
2. AI-driven deal matching.
3. Deeper partnerships with accountants.
Platforms that nail these will dominate. Oriel IPO is building in public. Today: curated deals. Tomorrow: AI matchers that ping you when a perfect SEIS opportunity drops.
Key moves on the board:
– Pursue FCA regulation to offer limited advice.
– Expand compliance tools – automated flagging.
– Add advanced analytics – heatmaps of sectors, regions.
That spells a clear roadmap for the future of SEIS investments. And guess what? You can ride the wave.
Conclusion
UK equity crowdfunding has its ups and downs. 2024 felt like a contraction. Yet tax relief schemes, rock-solid demand for seed capital, and smarter marketplaces are shaping a brighter horizon. Platforms like Seedrs paved the way. Oriel IPO is carving its niche: commission-free, heavily curated, and community-driven.
If you want to skip the faff, bypass hidden fees and focus on tax-efficient wins, Oriel IPO is your co-pilot. The future of SEIS investments is here. Fancy a demo?
