For founders, summer can feel like a standstill, investors go quiet, inboxes slow down, and it’s tempting to press pause. But the quieter months can also be a golden opportunity to lay foundations, get your house in order and gain a head start on your next raise.

In this insightful  session, funding expert Ava Shoraka and investment expert Yanki Kizilates from the SeedLegals Customer Experience team share practical, founder-tested ways to make the most of the off-season – from prepping your SEIS/EIS application and refining your cap table, to spotting strategic admin you can tidy now to speed things up later.

Whether you’re basking in the sun or planning a product launch, this session will help you turn downtime into a decisive growth advantage.

Key takeaways

Why you shouldn’t sleep on fundraising over the summer 

• Summer might feel slow, but it’s the perfect time to prep for a raise: fewer distractions mean more time to get investor-ready.
• Proactive founders use this window to polish pitch decks, update financials, and build relationships before investor inboxes fill up again.
• Investors often appreciate founders who stay active and organised through the “quiet” months, as it signals long-term commitment.

SEIS/EIS : What you can (and should) do early

• You can start your SEIS/EIS application without a confirmed investor – but HMRC expects at least 25% of the round in soft commitments.
• Those commitments don’t have to be legally binding, but they must be genuine. This means no made-up names or placeholder promises.
• Now’s the time to check shareholder structures, confirm eligibility, and avoid last-minute surprises that can delay your round.

Tidy your cap table before it trips you up

• Summer is ideal for sorting your cap table. Early messiness creates headaches during due diligence.
• Founders should clarify FFF (friends, family, fools) investments and ensure share classes, option pools and founder equity are cleanly structured.
• Avoid overloading with micro-investors early, as it’s harder to negotiate future rounds if your table is cluttered.

Use the downtime to build investor confidence

• Update your lead list, write thoughtful outreach messages, and refine your pitch story. Small wins now will pay off in speed later.
• Investors want to see traction, but also preparation: well-organised data rooms and confident messaging go a long way.

Think of this as rehearsal season: practice your pitch, research your market, and sharpen your strategy.