SEIS vs EIS - What’s the difference for Bristol startups?
Let’s break down the difference between SEIS and EIS for Bristol businesses:
SEIS - for early-stage startups
- 50% income tax relief
Investors get 50% income tax relief
- Raise up to £250,000You can raise up to £250,000
- Under 3 years, <25 staff, <£350k assets
Your company must be under 3 years old, have fewer than 25 staff and under £350k in gross assets
EIS - for growing companies
- 30% income tax relief
Investors get 30% income tax relief
- Raise up to £12 million
You can raise up to £12 million (or £5 million per year)
- Under 7 years, <250 staff, <£15m assets
Your company must be under 7 years old, have fewer than 250 staff and under £15 million in assets
These schemes help founders raise money by making it safer and more attractive for investors.
Advance Assurance explained for Bristol businesses
Advance Assurance is a letter from HMRC confirming your company appears eligible for SEIS or EIS. You show this to investors so they know they'll get their tax relief later.
Why it’s essential:
- It makes you more investable
- Investors expect to see it
- Without it, fundraising takes longer
- It shows you've got your act together
Book your free specialist call
What happens if you skip Advance Assurance?
Some Bristol founders try to raise money without it. Here's what usually happens:
- Investors hesitate or walk away
- You scramble to get it mid-round
- It takes weeks and slows down your raise
- HMRC might reject it if your structure isn't right
Advance Assurance protects your round. It’s one of the first things investors check.
Where can I get support?
Our partner has helped more startups across Bristol and the UK get Advance Assurance than anyone else. Here’s why thousands trust them:
- 🌐Supporting 1 in 3 early-stage UK funding rounds
- ✅98%+ success rate with HMRC
- ⚡️8X faster than a traditional law firm
- 📞Unlimited support from SEIS/EIS experts
- 💷Fixed price — no hourly billing
- 📈Raised over £1 billion on the platform to date
How the process works
It’s quick and easy for Bristol businesses to get started with SEIS and EIS:
1. Share your company details
Answer a few questions online to confirm if you qualify for SEIS, EIS, or both.
2. Upload your docs
Include your business plan, pitch deck, cap table, and potential investors.
3. Your application is prepared
An expert checks everything meets HMRC’s rules, spots red flags, and fixes them fast.
4. Submission to HMRC
Your application is sent to HMRC and progress is tracked on your behalf.
5. Get your Advance Assurance letter
Once approved (typically within 15 days), you can share it with investors right away.
Book your free specialist call
SEIS & EIS timeline and expectations
It doesn’t take long for Bristol founders to get Advance Assurance:
| Stage | What happens | Typical time |
|---|---|---|
| Day 0 | You sign up and answer a few questions | Immediate |
| Day 0 | Upload your business docs | 30 minutes |
| Weeks 0–2 | Application prepared and submitted | 2 weeks |
| Weeks 2–4 | HMRC processes and responds | 2 weeks |
| After approval | You use Advance Assurance to raise funds | Ongoing |
What’s included in the £999 + VAT?
No hidden fees. No hourly rates. Just expert help for Bristol founders:
- Full Advance Assurance application
- Expert review of your business plan and forecast
- SEIS/EIS share structuring help
- Submission to HMRC
- Handling of all HMRC queries
- Guidance on post-funding compliance
What happens after you’re approved?
Advance Assurance is just the beginning. Once you raise money for your Bristol business, our partner can help you:
- 📑Issue compliant share certificates
- 📤Submit SEIS1/EIS1 to HMRC
- 📥Get investor tax forms (SEIS3/EIS3) issued
- 🏛️Update Companies House
- ✅Keep your cap table up to date
- 🔁Stay SEIS/EIS compliant every year
Book your free specialist call
Exceptions to the 7-year rule for EIS
While most Bristol companies must raise EIS investment within 7 years of their first commercial sale, there are three key exceptions:
- Follow-on funding. If your company raised SEIS, EIS, or VCT funds within the original 7-year period, you can continue raising EIS later, as long as it was part of a long-term funding plan outlined from the start.
- Knowledge-intensive companies. If your company qualifies as “knowledge-intensive” (e.g., you carry out significant R&D or employ highly skilled staff), the time limit is extended to 10 years. You may also benefit from more flexible investor and fundraising limits.
- Entering a new market. You can still qualify for EIS after 7 years if the investment will help you enter a completely new product or geographic market, and the funding is at least 50% of your company’s average annual turnover. You’ll need to demonstrate that the expansion is distinct from your current operations.
Not sure if you qualify? A specialist can guide you through the rules and help build a strong case in your Advance Assurance application.
FAQs about EIS & SEIS for Bristol businesses
Do I need investors in place to apply?
No. Advance Assurance is meant to help you get investors.
Can I apply for SEIS and EIS together?
Yes. Many rounds are split between SEIS and EIS — an expert can help you structure it properly.
What if HMRC asks for more info?
Our partner replies to HMRC on your behalf and handles any follow-ups.
What if my company doesn’t qualify?
Our partner helps you restructure or explore other options — and explains clearly why.
Do I still need a lawyer or accountant?
Nope. Our partner replaces both for this process — and they’re a fraction of the cost.
Final thoughts
SEIS and EIS doesn’t have to be confusing. Our partner helps you apply quickly, get approved fast, and show investors you’re ready.
Whether you’re raising £50k or £5 million, it all starts with Advance Assurance.
