Raising Investment Funding / SEIS / EIS

Legal Support for Businesses Raising Investment

Raising capital investment is an exciting stage in the growth of a business, but it can also feel unfamiliar, time-consuming and document-heavy,  particularly for founders who are managing the process for the first time.

We support growing companies with early-stage funding rounds, typically up to around £2 million, often involving tax break schemes such as SEIS and EIS. Our role is to help you understand the proposed terms, protect your position and put the appropriate legal documents and shareholder arrangements in place.

We work closely with companies raising investment from angel investors, high-net-worth individuals, seed investors, SEIS and EIS investors, existing shareholders and other early-stage funders. Our advice is practical, responsive and proportionate to the size and stage of the funding round.

SEIS and EIS investment

The Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS) and Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) are government-backed schemes designed to help qualifying companies raise equity investment. They can offer tax advantages to eligible investors who subscribe for qualifying shares.

The schemes are subject to detailed requirements relating to the company, its activities, the shares being issued, the use of the investment and the rights given to investors. It is therefore important that the legal documents and investment terms are considered alongside the applicable SEIS or EIS requirements.

We can work with your accountants and tax advisers to ensure that the legal structure and transaction documents reflect the intended investment arrangements. Specialist tax advice should always be obtained on SEIS or EIS eligibility and the availability of investor tax reliefs.

Supporting sustainable and purpose-led businesses

We have particular experience working with businesses that are focused on sustainability, climate technology, ethical growth, responsible innovation and positive impact.

These businesses often need legal advice that is not only technically sound, but also aligned with their values, culture and long-term ambitions.

Whether you are raising your first external investment or completing a further early-stage round, we can help you understand the process, negotiate the key terms and put the right legal foundations in place.

Practical, proportionate advice

For many growing companies, raising £500,000 or £1 million represents a significant milestone. We understand that legal costs need to be proportionate and that founders require clear, agile guidance without unnecessary complexity.

Our approach is straightforward: we explain what matters, identify areas of risk, help you make informed decisions and keep the transaction progressing towards completion.

Typical clients we support

We work with:

• sustainable and climate-tech businesses;
• B Corp and aspiring B Corp companies;
• climate-conscious businesses;
• impact-led start-ups;
• founder-led companies;
• SMEs raising early-stage investment;
• companies taking investment from angels or private investors; and
• venture capital firms and other early-stage investors.

Speak to us

If your business is raising investment, or preparing for a future SEIS, EIS, or other early-stage funding round, we would be discuss the legal steps involved and how we can support you (info@clearlybusinesslaw.co.uk)