Topic
VCT, EIS & SEIS · Analysis
£276m was raised under SEIS in 2024 to 2025, up 14% on the year before, according to HMRC statistics published on 21 May 2026. Growth has slowed since the April 2023 expansion, and the latest two years of figures are provisional.
VCT, EIS & SEIS · Explainer
The three venture capital schemes trade relief for risk: SEIS gives 50% income tax relief on the youngest companies, EIS 30% on larger unlisted ones and VCTs 20% on a listed fund. The April 2026 changes cut VCT relief and doubled the EIS and VCT company investment limits; SEIS was left alone.
VCT, EIS & SEIS · Guide
Under the 2026 to 2027 rules, a young UK company can raise up to £250,000 under SEIS, and its investors can claim 50% income tax relief on up to £200,000 each a year. The company must pass tests on its trade, gross assets, staff and independence, issue SEIS shares before any EIS shares, and file a compliance statement before investors can claim.
Venture & angel · Explainer
Early-stage companies are among the riskiest things a private investor can own: most fail, the shares are hard to sell and any return can take many years. UK tax reliefs soften losses without removing them, and the FCA's crowdfunding rules are built around the risk of losing everything.
VCT, EIS & SEIS · Analysis
On a £10,000 stake, SEIS relief cuts the money at risk to £5,000 and EIS relief to £7,000 before loss relief. If the company fails, an additional-rate taxpayer loses £2,750 net under SEIS and £3,850 under EIS: the reliefs change the size of the bet, not the odds.
Venture & angel · Explainer
Convertible loan notes and advance subscription agreements both let a start-up take money now and issue shares later, usually at a discount to the next round. The difference that matters to UK investors is tax: an ASA can qualify for SEIS or EIS if it meets HMRC's conditions, while shares from a converting loan generally cannot.
