Why SEIS & EIS Matter
Ever dreamt of backing the next big UK startup? SEIS (Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme) and EIS (Enterprise Investment Scheme) are your backstage passes. They’re government programmes designed to boost risk-taking. You get tax love, and startups get capital. A classic win–win.
But there’s a catch. It’s tricky to find the right SEIS crowdfunding platform that ticks every box: tax relief, deal flow, simplicity. You’ve seen names like Crowd2Fund and Seedrs. They’re solid. Yet they each have limits. Advice gaps. Fee surprises. We’ll break it down. And show you how Oriel IPO levels up.
Throughout this guide, we’ll cover:
- SEIS vs EIS at a glance
- How to pick a SEIS crowdfunding platform
- A side-by-side: Crowd2Fund vs Oriel IPO
- Pro tips to squeeze every penny of relief
- Risks and how to manage them
By the end, you’ll know exactly how to back startups with confidence.
SEIS in a Nutshell
Short. Sweet. Tax-savvy.
- Relief: 50% of your investment can be offset against income tax.
- Holding period: 3 years minimum.
- Loss relief: Net against income.
- Company cap: £150,000 raised.
- Your limit: £100,000 per tax year.
Picture this. You invest £10,000 into an SEIS deal. You can slash £5,000 off your tax bill. You hold for three years. Any profit? Tax-free. If the startup fails, you claim losses. Not bad, huh?
Key SEIS Crowdfunding Platform Features
When scouting a SEIS crowdfunding platform, look for:
- Clear labelling of SEIS deals.
- Easy capital gains deferment.
- Transparent fees.
- Educational resources.
- Secondary market access (if you need to exit).
Most platforms claim these. Few nail them all.
EIS Explained
For the slightly more mature startup.
- Relief: 30% income tax reduction.
- Holding: 3 years too.
- Loss relief: Yes, on net exposure.
- Company cap: £5 million raised per year.
- Your limit: £1 million annually (or £2 million if you target knowledge-intensive firms).
Think of EIS as SEIS’s big sibling. More room to play. Lower relief percentage. But still juicy.
Comparing SEIS Crowdfunding Platform Options
There’s no shortage of choices. But two names often pop up:
- Crowd2Fund
- Oriel IPO
Let’s see how they stack up.
Crowd2Fund at a Glance
Strengths:
– Loan and occasional equity mix.
– Clear SEIS/EIS labels.
– FSCS warnings and risk summaries.
But:
– Primarily debt-based – equity pops up sometimes.
– Fees can lurk in platform costs.
– Limited curated deals – you sift through lots of listings.
– Advice is hands-off. You need your own expert.
Oriel IPO: A Fresh Take
Oriel IPO is a true SEIS crowdfunding platform for equity. Here’s why it’s different:
- Commission-free funding: startups keep more.
- Curated, tax-efficient deal flow: only SEIS/EIS-eligible.
- Subscription fees: simple and transparent.
- Educational hub: guides, webinars, and insights.
- Vetting process: quality you can trust.
In short, we focus on equity. We focus on tax relief. And we give you tools to feel confident.
Why Oriel IPO beats one-size-fits-all platforms:
- No surprise commission on fund raises.
- Deals hand-picked by experts.
- Handy tutorials on SEIS and EIS rules.
- A growing community of savvy investors.
Still on the fence? Keep reading.
Picking Your SEIS Crowdfunding Platform
Not all platforms are equal. Here’s what really matters:
-
Tax Clarity
You want zero doubt on reliefs. Oriel IPO highlights every SEIS/EIS deal. It’s clear. No sneaky caveats. -
Fee Structure
Commission-free? Brilliant. Some platforms charge a slice on money raised. We stick to a flat subscription. -
Deal Quality
Vetting is vital. We check company docs, track record and growth potential before listing. -
Support & Education
You’ve never done this before? No sweat. Access our webinars. Join Q&A sessions. Learn as you invest. -
Exit Options
SEIS/EIS requires three-year hold. But life happens. Oriel IPO is building a secondary market to help you out.
Still evaluating? Here’s a quick table:
| Feature | Crowd2Fund | Oriel IPO |
|---|---|---|
| Primary focus | Loans + occasional equity | SEIS/EIS equity |
| Commission | Yes, hidden in costs | No |
| Educational resources | Basic FAQs | Webinars, guides |
| Deal vetting | Light | Rigorous |
| Secondary market | Limited | In development |
Halfway through and itching to jump in?
Step-by-Step: Investing on Oriel IPO
- Sign up in minutes.
- Browse curated SEIS and EIS opportunities.
- Dive into company summaries and risk reports.
- Make your investment.
- Track performance via your dashboard.
- Claim relief at tax time with our handy reports.
Simple. Transparent. Tax-friendly.
Pro Tips to Maximise Relief
- Spread risk: don’t lock all cash in one startup.
- Use capital gains deferment: roll gains into an EIS deal within 12 months.
- Keep records: HMRC loves neat paperwork.
- Claim loss relief early: offset against income in the same year.
- Stay informed: attend our webinars.
Understanding and Managing Risks
High returns often come with high risk. That’s life. To manage:
- Only invest what you can afford to lose.
- Diversify across sectors.
- Check business plans and founder backgrounds.
- Factor in holding periods.
Oriel IPO’s educational hub helps you navigate these waters. You’re never flying blind.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best SEIS crowdfunding platform can make or break your experience. Crowdfunding giants like Crowd2Fund have their merits. But if you want a laser-focused, tax-optimised, commission-free equity marketplace, Oriel IPO has you covered.
From curated deal flow to robust educational support, we set the bar high. Ready to back the next British success story?
