How UK Startups Access Commission-Free Grants with SEIS, EIS & Google Founders Funds

SEO Meta Description: Learn how UK startups can secure non-dilutive, commission-free funding through SEIS, EIS, and Google Founders Funds on Oriel IPO. Follow our practical guide.
Introduction
Raising capital for a new venture often feels like navigating a minefield of fees, equity dilution and red tape. The game-changer? Commission-free startup funding means no platform fees, no hidden charges—and you keep more of your business. In this guide, you’ll discover how to blend the UK’s SEIS/EIS tax incentives with Google for Startups Founders Funds, and why Oriel IPO’s commission-free platform should be your go-to resource.
We’ll cover:
– What commission-free startup funding really entails
– How SEIS and EIS cut investor risk and slash your costs
– Equity-free grants from Google for Startups Founders Funds
– A side-by-side look at Google’s grants versus Oriel IPO’s platform
– Step-by-step actions to secure your capital
Let’s get started.
Understanding Commission-Free Startup Funding
Commission-free startup funding means you can access cash, grants or investor matches without paying a cut to the platform. No fees on capital raised. No hidden extras. Just straightforward funding.
Why it matters:
– You retain more runway
– Investors trust transparent, fee-free deals
– Your equity stays under your control
Exploring SEIS and EIS: The UK’s Tax-Incentivised Schemes
The Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS) and the Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) are powerful tools in the UK, offering generous tax relief and zero platform commissions when you raise funds via Oriel IPO.
What is SEIS?
SEIS supports very early-stage companies.
– Raise up to £150,000
– Investors get 50% income tax relief
– Capital gains on SEIS shares are tax-free
– Loss relief cushions potential downfalls
Imagine raising £100,000 and your backers effectively risk just £50,000. Attractive, right? And absolutely commission-free.
What is EIS?
EIS steps in once you’ve outgrown SEIS limits.
– Raise up to £5 million a year (£12 million total)
– 30% income tax relief for investors
– Capital gains deferral or exemption
– Loss relief on failed investments
EIS keeps your funding momentum going—without a penny in platform fees.
Qualifying for SEIS and EIS
To secure SEIS/EIS relief, you must:
– Be a UK-registered trading company
– Have fewer than 25 employees (SEIS) or 250 (EIS)
– Hold gross assets below £200k (SEIS) or £15 million (EIS)
– Use funds for qualifying business activities (no property or banking services)
Keep clear records. HMRC may request proof. Oriel IPO’s secure portal helps you store and share documentation with investors.
Benefits for Startups and Investors
- Credibility: HMRC approval inspires confidence
- Risk reduction: Tax relief softens investment losses
- Investor appetite: SEIS/EIS deals attract angels and VCs
- Commission-free startup funding: Zero platform fees on Oriel IPO
Google Founders Funds: Equity-Free Support
Google for Startups established its Founders Funds in 2020. It’s poured over $58 million into more than 600 founders—no equity taken.
Overview of Google Founders Funds
Key perks:
– Cash awards without equity dilution
– Mentorship from Google experts
– Product credits (Cloud, Firebase, Ads)
– Hands-on workshops and technical support
Past cohorts:
– Black Founders Fund Europe: Up to $150k + $100k Cloud Credits
– Women Founders Fund APAC
– Latino Founders Fund (U.S.)
– Ukraine Support Fund: $10 million
All entirely equity-free. A prime example of commission-free startup funding.
Applying to Google’s Programmes
- Visit the Google for Startups site
- Check eligibility by region and focus area
- Submit your pitch deck and traction metrics
- Await selection—these grants are highly competitive
Tailor your application. Show how cash and credits fuel your growth.
Side-by-Side Comparison: Google Founders Funds vs Oriel IPO
| Feature | Google Founders Funds | Oriel IPO Platform |
|---|---|---|
| Funding model | One-off cash awards, equity-free | Ongoing SEIS/EIS matches, no commissions |
| Tax incentives | None | SEIS/EIS relief for investors |
| Equity dilution | None | You determine share terms—no platform cut |
| Support | Mentorship, product credits | Community, webinars, educational resources |
| Access | Cohort-based, invite or selection | Open to eligible UK startups, HMRC-approved |
| Limitations | Limited slots, fixed award amounts | Dependent on investor interest, paperwork |
| Commission-free startup funding | ✓ | ✓ |
The synergy? Use Google’s equity-free grants for a cash injection, then top up via Oriel IPO’s commission-free SEIS/EIS platform.
How to Secure Commission-Free Startup Funding on Oriel IPO
Follow this proven process to raise commission-free startup funding:
- Sign up for free
Create your Oriel IPO profile—no fees apply. - Verify your startup
Submit registration docs and director details. - Prepare your pitch materials
– Problem, solution, traction in slides
– Use Maggie’s AutoBlog, Oriel IPO’s AI content tool, to craft SEO-friendly decks quickly. - Obtain HMRC advance assurance
Work with your accountant to confirm SEIS/EIS eligibility. - List your round
Set your target, valuation and upload key docs. - Engage investors
Use Oriel IPO’s forums, webinars and AMAs. Answer questions promptly. - Close the deal
Issue shares and let investors claim their tax relief—straightforward and commission-free. - Scale responsibly
Apply funds to hiring, R&D and market expansion.
Practical Tips for a Winning Campaign
- Start the HMRC advance assurance early—it can take weeks.
- Be crystal clear on how you’ll use funds.
- Share monthly updates to build trust.
- Join Oriel IPO’s networking events and investor meet-ups.
- Read success stories on the Oriel IPO blog for inspiration.
Conclusion
Accessing commission-free startup funding has never been easier. By combining the UK’s SEIS/EIS incentives with Google for Startups Founders Funds and Oriel IPO’s commission-free marketplace, you get the best of all worlds: tax relief, equity-free grants, mentorship—and zero platform fees.
Ready to power your next funding round with no hidden costs?
Start your free trial on Oriel IPO and make every pound count.
