How to Leverage SEIS & EIS for High-Value B2B SaaS Fundraising in the UK

Why SEIS & EIS Matter for B2B SaaS Fundraising

If you’re a UK-based B2B SaaS founder, you know the drill. Long sales cycles. Complex integrations. Cash burn. Now add capital raising on top. Sounds daunting? It doesn’t have to be.

SEIS (Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme) and EIS (Enterprise Investment Scheme) are two government-backed tax relief programmes. They act like trailblazers for early-stage ventures. For B2B SaaS companies chasing that coveted Series A or strong seed round, they:

• Reduce investor risk with up to 50% income tax relief (SEIS).
• Offer up to 30% income tax relief (EIS).
• Provide capital gains tax relief on disposals.
• Encourage repeat investments via loss relief.

In plain English: more investors, bigger cheques, less friction. That’s the secret sauce behind many successful B2B SaaS fundraising campaigns.

Understanding SEIS & EIS – The Essentials

Before you dive in, let’s break these down.

SEIS at a glance

For very early bets.

• Eligibility: Companies <2 years old, <25 employees, <£200k raised.
• Investor benefit: 50% income tax relief on up to £100k invested.
• Capital gains: Gains on SEIS shares can be tax-free.

EIS at a glance

For scaling and serious rounds.

• Eligibility: Companies <7 years old, <250 employees, <£5m gross assets.
• Investor benefit: 30% income tax relief on investments up to £1m per year.
• Capital gains deferral: Defer CGT on gains from other assets.

Think of SEIS as a training wheel, EIS as solid spokes. Together, they stabilise your financial journey.

Why UK Startups Choose SEIS/EIS for B2B SaaS Fundraising

B2B SaaS is a high-reward, high-cost space. You need to:

• Build robust code.
• Hire niche talent.
• Win over risk-averse enterprises.

Here’s where SEIS/EIS shine:

1. Investor magnet: Tax relief is a conversation starter.
2. Deal velocity: Less time haggling over valuations.
3. Community buzz: SEIS/EIS networks are active and engaged.
4. Follow-on funding: Successful SEIS backers often join EIS rounds.

No wonder platforms like Oriel IPO see the market for these schemes topping £1 billion annually in the UK.

Steps to a Successful SEIS/EIS Round

Ready to pitch? Here’s your playbook.

1. Get HMRC Advanced Assurance

A quick nod from HMRC boosts investor confidence. It tells them you’re eligible for tax relief. Apply early.

2. Nail your valuation

Under- or over-value your share price? Either one can trip you up. Do your homework:

• Review recent deals in similar B2B SaaS niches.
• Use cap tables to show real dilution impact.

3. Highlight the tax perks in pitches

Fancy product demo. Great. But investors care about returns. Spell out:

• “You get 50% tax relief up front.”
• “Your gains are tax-free after three years.”

Make it impossible to ignore.

4. Leverage a commission-free platform

Fees can slice your round by 3–5%. Oriel IPO is commission-free. You pay zero. Nada.

5. Engage your community

Host webinars, Q&As, Slack rooms. Educate on SEIS/EIS. Build trust.

6. Close and celebrate

Once funds hit your bank, shout it from the rooftops. Social proof drives the next wave.

Leveraging Commission-Free Platforms with Oriel IPO

Equity crowdfunding sites and VC firms can charge a hefty commission. Oriel IPO flips that on its head:

• Commission-free investment process.
• Accessibility for first-time and veteran investors.
• Educational resources on SEIS & EIS.
• Community-driven support and networking.

Plus, as an Oriel IPO member, you get access to Maggie’s AutoBlog—an AI robot that crafts SEO-targeted content in seconds. Perfect for those investor updates that need sparkle.

When you compare Oriel IPO vs regulated crowdfunding platforms:

• No platform fee vs 1–5% fees
• Transparent process vs hidden charges
• Real-time investor matching vs batch rounds

You get the picture. Who wouldn’t want that edge in B2B SaaS fundraising?

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Case in Point: Europe’s Appetite for B2B SaaS

In late 2024, Germany’s Robin Capital closed a €13 million fund for B2B SaaS startups. It shows two things:

1. Europe is back on the map for tech investing.
2. B2B SaaS remains a magnet for venture capital.

UK SEIS/EIS schemes can help you tap that same enthusiasm. You’re not just chasing funds locally. You’re opening doors to cross-border investors hungry for tax-efficient deals.

Marketing & Communications: Tools to Amplify Your Round

Raising money isn’t only about spreadsheets. It’s storytelling. You need:

• Investor one-pagers: Punchy, visual, benefits-first.
• Email sequences: Short, sweet, action-oriented.
• Social proof: Testimonials from advisers or beta clients.

Maggie’s AutoBlog can whip these up in moments. No more staring at blank pages. Just click and customise.

Tracking & Scaling Your Funding Success

After the round:

• Monitor investor metrics (commitment rates, follow-on interest).
• Use Oriel IPO dashboards for real-time updates.
• Share quarterly progress via automated blogs.

It’s like GPS for your growth. You’ll spot bottlenecks early. Pivot fast. Keep investors on board.

Conclusion

SEIS and EIS are powerful levers for securing high-value B2B SaaS fundraising. Combine them with a commission-free platform like Oriel IPO. Get HMRC assurance. Nail your pitch. Engage your community. And use AI tools—like Maggie’s AutoBlog—to stay sharp.

Ready to fund your next growth spurt? No fees. No fuss. Just capital.

Get a personalised demo