How to Fund Your UK Business: SEIS/EIS, Angels, Grants, Debt & R&D Tax Credits

Описание: Raising money in the UK in 2026 is harder than it was — seed activity is down, valuations are tighter, and investors want proof. In this 60-minute replay, Swoop’s Ciaran Burke and FounderCatalyst’s Sam Simpson break down the smartest routes to funding: SEIS/EIS, angel and equity fundraising realities, debt vs equity trade-offs, Growth Guarantee Scheme options (to reduce personal guarantee exposure), plus grants and non-dilutive levers like Innovate UK and R&D tax relief.

Explore your options and scan the market for funding options via Swoop: https://swoopfunding.com/

🤝 & don't forget to connect with Ciaran Burke on LinkedIn for future events like this.

Timestamps
00:00 – Welcome & introductions
02:53 – The 2026 fundraising climate (what’s changed)
04:22 – Why smart founders use a blended funding mix
05:35 – Debt financing: options and instruments
05:41 – Ownership, affordability & cash flow forecasting
07:16 – Banks vs alternative lenders (speed vs price)
09:25 – Growth Guarantee Scheme explained
11:24 – Selective invoice finance (real example)
13:13 – The rise of revolving credit facilities
13:33 – Revenue-based finance for e-commerce businesses
15:14 – Asset-based lending & pricing dynamics
16:28 – Equity funding essentials: SEIS & EIS
16:48 – What equity rounds really mean for founders
17:33 – UK equity options & why SEIS matters
19:23 – SEIS & EIS tax reliefs, limits & timelines
22:12 – Advance Assurance: what investors expect
23:30 – Investor readiness: the 5 must-have documents
25:11 – Debt vs equity: choosing (and mixing) wisely
27:07 – Control, timing & cash-flow impact
29:28 – Smart capital & reducing personal guarantees
34:43 – Non-dilutive funding: grants explained
35:40 – Cloud credits from big tech providers
36:36 – Technology Readiness Levels (TRL 4–8)
38:04 – Innovate UK loans: terms & eligibility
39:05 – R&D tax credits: benefits & recent changes
40:45 – How the Swoop platform works
41:11 – Founder Catalyst equity support
42:56 – Angels & grants for battery / deep-tech startups
46:18 – Using SAFEs with US investors
47:53 – EIS Advance Assurance for a new raise
52:05 – Funding options with bad credit (and recovery)
55:25 – Live pitch deck review offer
56:06 – Founder salaries: before & after raising
57:26 – Wrap-up & final thank-yous