For any growing business, securing the right capital is often a challenge. The Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) provides an attractive solution for startups and scale-ups in the UK, offering investors substantial tax relief while helping businesses raise the funds needed for growth.
With numerous active EIS funds available, it’s essential to choose the one that best aligns with your business goals. In this guide, we’ll explore 25 active EIS funds, their specific areas of focus, and how your business can benefit from them. Whether you’re a tech startup or an innovative sustainability company, there’s an EIS fund that fits your needs.
What Are EIS Funds and How Do They Work?
EIS funds are managed investment vehicles that channel capital from multiple investors into qualifying businesses. These funds are designed to support companies with high growth potential, offering not only funding but also guidance and strategic support to help businesses scale.
If you’re in the early stages of growth, you might want to consider the Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS), which provides tax incentives for first-time investors and can be crucial for securing initial funding. Once your business is ready to scale, EIS can provide the funding needed to propel it forward.
Why Should You Consider EIS Funding?
Here are some key benefits of EIS funding for your business:
- Equity-based Funding: EIS investments are equity-based, meaning you can secure funding without taking on additional debt. This keeps your financial structure more manageable and avoids interest payments.
- Supportive Investors: EIS investors are typically highly supportive of growth-stage businesses. They bring not just capital but also valuable insights, mentorship, and networking opportunities to help your business succeed.
- Strategic Guidance: Many EIS funds offer more than just money. They provide strategic guidance and mentoring, helping your business navigate the challenges of scaling and positioning itself for success in a competitive market.
How to Secure EIS Funding for Your Business
Securing EIS funding can be a game-changer, but it requires careful preparation. Follow these steps to increase your chances of success:
1. Confirm Your Eligibility
Your business must meet specific criteria to qualify for EIS funding, including:
- Operating in a high-growth sector
- Employing fewer than 250 full-time employees
- Having gross assets of less than £15 million
Review the full eligibility requirements to ensure your business qualifies before applying.
2. Build a Strong Investment Proposition
Investors are looking for businesses with clear growth potential. To stand out, your business should have:
- A compelling pitch deck that clearly outlines your value proposition
- A scalable and sustainable business model
- A detailed plan on how the investment will be used to drive growth
A solid investment proposition makes it easier to attract the right investors and secure EIS funding.
3. Work with EIS Experts
The EIS process can be complex, so partnering with professionals who understand the scheme can significantly improve your chances of success. Experts can help you:
- Identify the best EIS funds for your business
- Prepare investor-ready documentation
- Navigate compliance and tax structuring
By working with experts, you ensure that your business is positioned as an attractive investment opportunity and that you meet all the necessary requirements.
25 Active EIS Funds in the UK (2025 Edition)
Here’s a list of 25 active EIS funds across various sectors. Each fund has a unique focus, so it’s important to approach those that best align with your business goals.
Technology & Software EIS Funds
- Fuel Ventures
Focus: Scalable digital startups in industries like SaaS, fintech, and logistics.
Approach: Hands-on support, co-working space for 12 months, and investment in high-growth tech companies. - Haatch
Focus: B2B businesses with proven product-market fit and recurring customer contracts.
Approach: Investment alongside Tier 1 funds, helping businesses scale quickly. - Deepbridge Technology
Focus: Emerging technology companies.
Approach: Early-stage funding with active investment management. - Symvan Capital
Focus: B2B software companies.
Approach: Capital growth investments with a 5-7 year exit strategy. - Oxford Capital
Focus: Early-stage UK tech and science startups.
Approach: Series A onwards, backing ambitious founders with disruptive solutions. - Ascension Ventures
Focus: Tech companies with early product-market fit.
Approach: Co-investing in high-growth startups with scalable go-to-market strategies. - Velocity Capital
Focus: Technology and digital sector.
Approach: Investments in disruptive startups challenging traditional models.
Healthcare & Life Sciences EIS Funds
- Downing Investment Management
Focus: Energy, infrastructure, and property finance.
Approach: Flexible funding through equity or debt. - Mercia Asset Management
Focus: Life sciences, AI, clean tech, and deep tech.
Approach: Diversified high-growth portfolios, with efficient capital deployment. - Praetura Investments
Focus: SMEs, especially in the North of England.
Approach: EIS growth fund with hands-on support and industry expertise. - Deepbridge Life Sciences
Focus: Healthcare innovation.
Approach: Funding for disruptive ventures with strong intellectual property strategies. - Calculus Capital
Focus: Technology, healthcare, and entertainment.
Approach: £1m–£3m investments in UK-based businesses, with a hands-on approach.
Renewable Energy & Sustainability EIS Funds
- Green Angel Syndicate
Focus: Early-stage companies addressing climate change.
Approach: Investments in innovative solutions with measurable environmental impact. - Sustainable Ventures
Focus: Climate-tech startups.
Approach: Funding, mentorship, and tailored programs for businesses driving sustainability. - Green Angel Ventures
Focus: Renewable energy and sustainability solutions.
Approach: EIS investments in businesses tackling long-term climate change. - Earthworm
Focus: Sustainable startups creating positive social and environmental change.
Approach: Early-stage funding for companies focused on sustainability.
Deep Tech & University Spinouts EIS Funds
- Parkwalk Advisors
Focus: University spinouts and technology companies.
Approach: Co-investing with specialist funds to commercialize academic research. - Britbots
Focus: Robotics, AI, and automation.
Approach: Scale-up investments in knowledge-intensive companies.
Generalist & Sector-Agnostic EIS Funds
- SFC Capital
Focus: Deep tech, B2B software, and consumer businesses.
Approach: Backing early-stage startups with high growth potential. - Jenson Ventures
Focus: Innovative businesses across sectors.
Approach: EIS funding up to £500,000 with follow-on investments. - Octopus Ventures
Focus: A wide range of sectors, including software, fintech, and health.
Approach: Founder-focused venture capital, supporting businesses from idea stage through growth. - Blackfinch Ventures
Focus: High-growth businesses in multiple sectors.
Approach: Open EIS portfolios for early-stage businesses. - Par Equity
Focus: Enterprise software and deep tech.
Approach: Co-investing in high-growth startups in the North of the UK. - Rockpool Investments
Focus: Profitable private companies across various industries.
Approach: Investing £5m-£15m in SMEs for MBOs and growth finance. - Guinness EIS Service
Focus: Diverse sectors, including technology, healthcare, and retail.
Approach: Generalist EIS funding with diversified portfolios to minimize risk.
Taking the Next Step with EIS Funding
EIS funds are a fantastic route for high-growth businesses in the UK to secure the capital they need. With a wide range of funds available, each catering to different sectors and business stages, there’s an EIS fund to suit your company’s needs. By selecting the right fund and ensuring your business is well-prepared, you can access the growth capital necessary to elevate your business to the next level.
