Offset Labs’ Pre-Seed Success Story: Raising SEIS Investment via Oriel IPO

Behind the Scenes of Winning SEIS Pre-Seed Funding

Starting a venture is thrilling. But lining up the cash? That’s a headache. In the world of tech startup funding, tax-efficient schemes like SEIS (Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme) can make or break your pre-seed round. Offset Labs, a UK–Ukrainian AI defence startup, mastered this. They tapped into Oriel IPO’s investor network and snagged €600,000 in SEIS-backed funding—all without paying commissions or navigating confusing paperwork.

In this case study, you’ll discover how Offset Labs got from idea to €804,000 pre-seed success. We’ll unpack SEIS perks, show how Oriel IPO simplifies connections, and share hands-on advice for your own tech startup funding journey. Ready to see smart moves in action? Democratizing tech startup funding via Oriel IPO

What Is SEIS and Why It Matters

SEIS stands for Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme. It’s a UK government incentive to spark innovation. Investors get:

• 50% income tax relief on investments up to £100,000.
• Capital gains tax exemption on profits made after three years.
• Loss relief if the startup fails.

In plain English: you invest £50,000, pay £25,000 less tax, and protect your downside. That’s huge for both founders and backers when seeking tech startup funding.

But SEIS is tricky. You need the right paperwork, timing, and a network of eligible investors. That’s where Oriel IPO shines.

The Offset Labs Journey: From Byne to AI Defence Visionary

Offset Labs first launched as Byne in 2022. Their pitch? Custom AI models for defence and national security. By February 2025, they were demoing secure Large Language Model agents at FinovateEurope in London. A few months later, they rebranded and set their sights on NATO clients.

Key milestones:

• Founded in 2022 by Borys Nadykto, Denys Budnyk, and Andrii Yakovyna.
• Demoed at FinovateEurope 2025, showcasing on-premise AI for secure data.
• Secured €600k in pre-seed, led by Archangel Ventures with Amadeus Capital and Seven Capital.
• Total funding now exceeds $1.1 million.

That rapid progress wasn’t luck. It was strategic leverage of tech startup funding incentives—especially SEIS.

How Oriel IPO Powered Their SEIS Round

Finding SEIS-minded investors can feel like hunting unicorns. Oriel IPO flips the script with:

• A commission-free marketplace. No fees cutting into your deal.
• Transparent investor profiles. See who’s backed similar rounds.
• Educational resources. Step-by-step guides on SEIS compliance.
• Community events. Network with angels, VCs, and execs.

When Offset Labs listed their pre-seed round on Oriel IPO, they tapped a pool of SEIS-savvy investors already primed for defence tech. Oriel’s platform even offered an AI-powered content generation service to help draft crisp investor updates and pitch decks (all SEO-optimised and geo-targeted). That saved hours and kept the pitch sharp.

The result? Over 20 investor conversations in two weeks. A shortlist of seven serious commitments. And a closed €600k round—tax benefits and all.

See how Oriel IPO simplifies tech startup funding See how Oriel IPO simplifies tech startup funding

Crafting Your Own SEIS Success

Ready to replicate Offset Labs’ win? Here are hands-on steps:

1. Get your paperwork in order
   • Secure SEIS advance assurance from HMRC.
   • Prepare clear company statements and growth forecasts.

2. Polish your pitch with AI support
   • Use Oriel IPO’s AI-powered content tool to draft investor emails.
   • Optimise for SEO so updates land in relevant feeds.

3. Target the right crowd
   • Filter Oriel IPO investors by SEIS experience.
   • Look for portfolios that match your sector—AI, defence, SaaS.

4. Leverage community events
   • Join Oriel IPO webinars on SEIS/EIS.
   • Drop in on virtual “Ask Me Anything” sessions with experts.

5. Close with confidence
   • Highlight tax relief perks.
   • Emphasise your traction—demo, early users, partnerships.

By following these, you can build momentum fast—and cut through the noise of typical tech startup funding routes.

Navigating Non-Regulated Platforms Safely

Oriel IPO isn’t FCA regulated. That can raise eyebrows. But here’s how you keep things above board:

• Do your due diligence on investors.
• Use escrow services when collecting funds.
• Review Oriel’s transparency reports on deal flow.
• Engage a finance lawyer to vet term sheets.

Offset Labs paired Oriel’s network with their legal counsel. They stayed compliant and kept investor trust intact. A non-regulated platform doesn’t mean unsafe—it just means you stay sharp.

Building Community: Beyond the Pre-Seed

Oriel IPO isn’t just about funding. It’s a living community:

• Forum threads on SEIS pitfalls and wins.
• Monthly roundtables with sector insiders.
• Access to partner resources: legal templates, tax experts, marketing support.

Offset Labs continues to tap these channels for talent recruitment and follow-on EIS rounds. They even co-hosted a webinar on AI in defence—positioning themselves as thought leaders.

Real-World Praise: What Founders Say

“Oriel IPO cut our fundraise time in half. Their SEIS guides meant no nasty surprises at HMRC.”
— Alex Morgan, Co-founder of BioSynth AI

“We used the platform’s AI content service to craft investor decks in days, not weeks.”
— Priya Patel, CEO of SolarGrid Tech

“The community is gold. We met our lead investor in an Oriel virtual roundtable.”
— Jamal Edwards, CTO of MedTech Innovate

Key Takeaways for Your Next Round

• SEIS is a powerful hook for early investors.
• Transparency and education build confidence.
• AI-powered tools keep your materials crisp and SEO-friendly.
• Community connections can lead to your lead investor.

For any ambitious founder eyeing tech startup funding, Oriel IPO offers a low-barrier, high-support path. Their commission-free, SEIS-focused platform has already propelled Offset Labs into a €1.1 million funding milestone.

Conclusion: Your Path to Pre-Seed Wins

Offset Labs’ journey proves one thing: smart use of SEIS, paired with the right network, accelerates growth. Oriel IPO gave them that network—along with tools, guidance, and a thriving community. No wonder they hit €600,000 in pre-seed within weeks.

Ready to write your own success story? Kick off your tech startup funding journey with Oriel IPO