The end of the UK tax year is approaching – and with it, a major fundraising opportunity.

In this session, Lara Danani, SeedLegals Funding Associate, and Zülal Erdoğan, SeedLegals Funding Team Lead, share practical, fast-paced strategies to help founders raise efficiently before the 5 April deadline. The conversation focuses on how SEIS and EIS shape investor behaviour at tax year-end, how to structure your round for speed, and how to avoid common delays that cost startups capital.

As the tax year closes, investor activity often accelerates – but many founders are not fully prepared to take advantage. Without a clear structure, confirmed SEIS or EIS eligibility, and streamlined documentation, rounds can stall at the wrong time.

At the same time, investors want reassurance around compliance, timing, and execution before committing funds ahead of the deadline.

By structuring your raise efficiently– using tools such as Instant Investment, securing advance assurance, and communicating clear timelines – you can create urgency and unlock additional capital before the tax year ends. Preparation and clarity can allow you to raise more, faster, while avoiding unnecessary friction. Find out more below.

Key takeaways 

The tax year deadline drives investor behaviour

• Many angels accelerate investments before 5 April to optimise EIS and SEIS tax relief.
• Unused allowances often create a final push in March and early April.
• Founders who understand this timing can align their raise to real investor motivations.

Advance assurance builds investor confidence

• Investors are significantly more comfortable committing when advance assurance is in place.
• Clear communication about EIS or SEIS eligibility reduces friction and speeds up decisions.
• Leaving this too late can stall otherwise ready investors.

Urgency works – but only when it’s credible

• A visible close date tied to the tax year creates natural momentum.
• Clear progress updates and transparent allocation build confidence.
• Artificial pressure without structure damages trust.

Preparation determines how much you can raise

• Having documents, valuation, and compliance ready allows you to move quickly when investors engage.
• Delays in legals or eligibility can cost you end-of-tax-year capital.
• The most successful raises treat March as a strategic opportunity – not a last-minute scramble.