If you’re a growing, ambitious, “let’s shake things up” kind of business, you’ve probably already heard of the Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS).
It’s one of the government’s most powerful tools for helping innovative companies raise the investment they need to scale. In return, investors get some tasty tax reliefs for backing businesses that are early-stage, exciting, and a little bit risky.
If you’re a founder looking to raise investment under EIS, getting HMRC’s Advance Assurance is a game-changer.
Find out why and hear from Cooper Parry’s Equity Rewards & Venture Capital Schemes team below.
EIS Advance Assurance Gives Investors Confidence
Angel investors and early-stage funds want confidence and clarity. They want to know that if they back you, the tax reliefs will actually be available.
EIS Advance Assurance is essentially HMRC’s way of saying, “Yep, this company looks like it qualifies – carry on.”
Suddenly, conversations get easier, and pens hover closer to dotted lines.
EIS Advance Assurance Speeds Up Your Funding Round
Nothing kills deal flow like uncertainty. And when investors insist on seeing Advance Assurance before they commit – which most do – you don’t want to be scrambling.
With the Advance Assurance in hand:
- Due diligence moves quicker
- Term sheets progress faster
- Funding rounds close sooner
- You avoid those frustrating “We’ll wait and see” investor delays
It Catches Any EIS Issues Before They Blow Up Your Round
Applying early means HMRC checks the important bits before any investment lands. This includes:
- Your trade
- Your structure
- Your fundraising plan
- Your share terms
No founder wants to explain to investors that their shares don’t qualify after the cash hits their account. Advance Assurance protects you from that.
EIS Advance Assurance Reduces Risk on Both Sides
Investors feel safer knowing HMRC has already looked things over. You feel safer knowing you haven’t accidentally fallen foul of the EIS rules.
Everyone sleeps better. Everyone wins.
EIS Advance Assurance Makes You More Investable
When you can wave around an EIS Advance Assurance letter, it signals three things loud and clear:
- You’re organised
- You’re compliant
- You’re serious about the raise
And investors love that.
If two companies are pitching and only one has Advance Assurance, you can guess where the capital flows.
Need a Hand Navigating EIS Advance Assurance?
The EIS application and Advance Assurance process can be a bit of a minefield, full of forms, rules, eligibility criteria and supporting documents.
Our Equity Rewards & Venture Capital Schemes team help founders:
- Get their EIS Advance Assurance right, first time
- Stay compliant
- Structure their raise properly
- Remove all the stress and guesswork
As a result, you can focus on what really matters: growing your business and landing the investment it deserves.
Get in touch today to find out how our team can support you.
