Introduction
If you’re running a startup investment marketplace, you know that SEIS and EIS are game-changers. They cut investors’ tax bills and turbocharge deal flow. In 2025, the UK’s SEIS/EIS market is riding a wave of new capital and fresh momentum. But beneath the headline numbers lies a story of shifting expectations, tougher revenue hurdles and hungry investors demanding proof of unit economics.
In this article, we’ll:
- Unpack the latest SEIS/EIS numbers.
- Share benchmarks for Seed, Series A and B rounds.
- Compare popular platforms.
- Show how Oriel IPO’s commission-free model and curated deals give you an edge.
Buckle up. It’s going to be a clear, concise ride.
Why SEIS and EIS Matter in 2025
You’ve heard it before: SEIS and EIS slash up to 50% off your tax bill. But it’s more than a carrot. It’s the glue that binds angels to startups. Here’s why these schemes matter now:
- Investor appetite is surging. 2024 saw over £1 billion committed under SEIS/EIS.
- Government backing stays strong. New policy tweaks improve flexibility.
- Competition for deals is fierce. Only the most compelling startups win funding.
A robust startup investment marketplace will leverage these schemes to attract both seasoned angels and first-time investors. Let’s see how the 2025 landscape shapes up.
SEIS/EIS Fundraising Benchmarks 2025
Data from UK platforms, Carta and FJ Labs shows a clear pattern: more dollars, flat deal volume. That means bigger cheques, but you need stronger traction.
Seed Stage Trends
- Deal count: ~30 in H2 2024 (flat vs. 2023).
- Total funding: £90 million (up 15%).
- Average cheque: £3 million (up 10%).
- Median valuation: £12 million pre-money.
Seed investors now expect at least £1 million in revenue before writing a cheque. If you’re on £500k, you might need to bootstrap further or sweeten terms.
Series A Benchmarks
- Deals done: 20 (on par with 2020 levels).
- Total invested: £150 million (up 20%).
- Average round size: £7 million.
- Median valuation: £45 million.
Revenue bar: ~£2.5 million. Growth rates of 60–80% are the new norm. Anything below that lands you in “Series A No Man’s Land.”
Series B Insights
- Number of rounds: 15 (back to pre-pandemic levels).
- Funding pool: £300 million (up 25%).
- Average cheque: £20 million.
- Median valuation: £150 million.
Series B companies need £5–6 million in revenue, plus a clear path to profitability. Investors are laser-focused on unit economics and contribution margin.
Halfway point? Let’s pause and act.
The Drivers Behind These Trends
Why this shift? A few simple truths:
-
Unit economics rule
Investors want clear take rates and margins. No more “growth at any cost.” -
Tax incentives fuel demand
SEIS/EIS offers up to 50% income tax relief and 100% inheritance tax exemption. Irresistible. -
Digital marketplaces win
Platforms that streamline compliance, vet deals and automate reporting score higher trust. -
Capital efficiency matters
Founders must stretch every pound. Profitability paths matter as much as growth curves.
Together, these factors shape a startup investment marketplace that favours disciplined growth, solid traction and seamless investor experience.
Comparing Major UK Platforms
The UK marketplace scene is crowded. Let’s compare a few:
-
Seedrs
• Pros: Deep pool of angel investors, strong regulatory track record.
• Cons: Commission on funds raised reduces startup take-home. -
Crowdcube
• Pros: High visibility, large investor community.
• Cons: Fee-heavy and less focus on tax-efficient deals. -
InvestingZone
• Pros: SEIS/EIS specialist.
• Cons: Limited deal variety.
Now, meet Oriel IPO:
- Commission-free model. Startups keep more.
- Curated SEIS/EIS-eligible opportunities. Quality over quantity.
- Educational resources: guides, webinars and the Oriel IPO knowledge centre.
Plus, we offer Maggie’s AutoBlog, our AI-powered content tool that crafts SEO-optimised articles for SMEs. It’s a nifty bonus for startups looking to boost their online presence.
If you run a startup investment marketplace, you’ll appreciate the difference.
How Oriel IPO Solves Key Limitations
Most platforms give you deal flow and exit. But they miss a few ticks:
- Regulatory clarity.
- Zero commissions.
- Tax-focused curation.
- Investor education.
Oriel IPO fixes that:
- No surprise fees. Ever.
- Only SEIS/EIS–eligible deals make the cut.
- Webinars and guides demystify tax relief.
- Dedicated support to navigate HMRC requirements.
In short, Oriel IPO turns complexity into confidence.
Actionable Steps for Founders
So you’ve got traction and a solid team. Here’s how to nail your next round:
- Polish unit economics. Show clear take-rate forecasts.
- Hit revenue milestones:
– Seed: £1 million.
– Series A: £2.5 million.
– Series B: £5 million. - Optimise burn rate. Stretch every pound of runway.
- Craft a killer SEIS/EIS proposition. Highlight tax savings.
- Use curated platforms. Consider Oriel IPO for commission-free access plus expert resources.
Follow these steps and watch your startup investment marketplace pitch shine.
Preparing for 2026 and Beyond
Looking past 2025, keep these in mind:
- AI and automation will reshape deal sourcing.
- ESG criteria will steer more funds into impact startups.
- Partnerships with accountants and advisors will be key growth levers.
- Platforms must adapt to regulatory tweaks in SEIS/EIS.
Stay nimble. Keep learning. And lean on tools like Maggie’s AutoBlog to maintain an edge.
Conclusion
The UK SEIS/EIS landscape in 2025 is a tale of bigger rounds, flat deal counts and a premium on capital efficiency. To thrive, you need a solid grasp of unit economics, clear revenue targets and a tax-focused fundraising strategy. That’s where a commission-free, curated startup investment marketplace like Oriel IPO comes in.
Why wrestle with fees and guesswork? With Oriel IPO, you get:
- Seamless SEIS/EIS compliance.
- Zero commission.
- Expert guides and webinars.
- AI-driven content via Maggie’s AutoBlog.
Ready to elevate your fundraising game?
