Raising investment is tough enough without getting tangled in the detail of SEIS and EIS. That’s where our Equity Rewards & Venture Capital Schemes team steps in. We don’t just help you fill out forms or run through a basic checklist. Anyone can do that.
Instead, we bring real-life experience, deep technical knowledge, and a proactive, sleeves‑rolled‑up approach to spotting risks, avoiding pitfalls and shaping a raise that stands up to investor scrutiny and HMRC expectations.
When you work with us, you get more than compliance support. You get a partner who knows how HMRC actually behaves in practice, what usually derails applications, and what investors expect from a strong fundraising story.
SEIS & EIS: Not Just Rules, But Real‑World Strategy
SEIS and EIS sit at the crossroads of tax, investment, growth strategy and good governance. That means qualifying isn’t just about meeting the criteria at the start, you need to stay compliant throughout the entire investment period.
We help you understand how the schemes really work, how they impact your fundraising strategy, and how to structure your raise so you get the reliefs you’re expecting without compromising your commercial plans. No jargon. No grey areas. Just clarity and direction.
Advance Assurance That Gives Investors Confidence
HMRC has tightened up its approach to Advance Assurance. Many applications stall or fail because something was poorly explained, inconsistent, or not fully considered.
We go deeper by:
- Stress‑testing your business model against the risk‑to‑capital conditions
- Flagging anything likely to trigger HMRC questions
- Preparing supporting evidence that backs up your narrative
- Making sure your investment structure actually works with the legislation
Because we’ve seen how HMRC responds in real cases, we shape your application to give you the best possible chance of quick clarity and a smoother investor conversation.
Documentation That Does More Than “Meet the Rules”
Investment documents need to be clear, consistent and investor‑ready. We review your:
- Articles of Association
- Investment and subscription agreements
- Pitch decks and investor materials
- Corporate structure
- Plans of how you will use the funds to ensure compliance
But we don’t stop at checking the basics. We highlight hidden issues, subtle inconsistencies and wording that could jeopardise relief later down the line. Our aim is simple: everything you present should hold up under HMRC scrutiny and investor due diligence.
Post‑Investment Support That Keeps You Compliant
Getting SEIS/EIS approval isn’t the finish line. Staying compliant is just as important.
Common problems – like changes to your trade, movement of funds, or returns of value – can all put relief at risk if you don’t spot them early.
We help you avoid those headaches by:
- Preparing and filing compliance statements
- Advising on how funds can and can’t be used
- Monitoring your qualifying conditions over time
- Catching risks before they become real issues
- Handling HMRC enquiries quickly and effectively
We’re here to prevent fires, not just put them out.
Future‑Proofing for Your Next Raise or Exit
Investors and buyers will always look closely at your SEIS/EIS position. Any gaps, inconsistencies or missing documentation can slow things down, or worse.
We make sure you’re always due‑diligence ready by ensuring your SEIS/EIS position is:
- Clearly documented
- Aligned with your legal agreements
- Reflected properly in filings and communications
- Free from common red flags investors pick up on
We know what they look for, because we’ve been through it countless times.
A Partner That Thinks Beyond Compliance
At Cooper Parry, we don’t just complete the forms. We bring strategic thinking, deep technical knowledge and a proactive mindset that gives you, and your investors, confidence.
Whether it’s your first SEIS raise, your transition into EIS, or strengthening the foundations for future funding, we help you stay compliant, investor‑ready and fully aligned with what HMRC expects. Get in touch.
