How to Secure EIS and SEIS for Product Design Start-Ups in 2026

Published by Rida Ahmed posted in EIS, Product Design Companies, SEIS on 11 November 2025

Product design start‑ups in the UK often face difficulties securing the funding they need to grow. In 2026, the Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) and Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS) offer valuable opportunities, with significant tax relief to attract equity investment. However, the complex application processes and strict eligibility criteria can make navigating these schemes difficult. That’s where Apex Accountants steps in. With nearly two decades of experience, we specialise in helping you access EIS and SEIS for product design start-ups, ensuring you meet all requirements and fully capitalise on these funding opportunities for growth.

Understanding EIS and SEIS for Product Design Start-Ups in 2026

The investment landscape for start‑ups is changing, with SEIS and EIS continuing to play a key role in raising capital for early‑stage businesses, including product design start‑ups.

In 2023–2024, 2,290 companies raised £242 million through SEIS, marking a 51% increase from the previous year. This underscores SEIS as a vital funding source for early-stage ventures. Although EIS funding dropped to £1.575 billion in 2023–2024, it remains an essential funding stream for more established product design businesses. SEIS and EIS offer several benefits to product design start‑ups:

These schemes incentivise investors by offering tax reliefs, making your business more appealing.
Investors can claim tax reliefs of 50% for SEIS and 30% for EIS, which can significantly reduce their investment risk.
Being eligible for SEIS/EIS signals credibility to potential investors, as they are often more likely to invest in businesses with government-approved tax relief for product design start-ups.

2026 Strategy for Product Design Start-Ups

As we move into 2026, product design start‑ups must consider the following:

Eligibility for SEIS:

SEIS may be more accessible for early-stage companies. It offers a faster route to funding for businesses with innovative prototypes but little revenue.

Sector Relevance:

Investors often focus on sectors like manufacturing, technology, and R&D, which are key areas for product design start-ups. Apex Accountants offers strategic advice on how to align your business with investor interests, helping you secure funding for your product design start‑up.

Investor Focus:

Tailor your business to align with investor interests and SEIS/EIS criteria. Apex Accountants assists in assessing your business’s eligibility for SEIS/EIS, ensuring you meet all the criteria before you approach investors.

Compliance Risk and Documentation:

Ensure strict adherence to HMRC documentation for product design start-ups. Mistakes in share issuance or compliance statements could result in losing tax relief eligibility. Apex Accountants help prepare and review all necessary documentation, including share certificates and compliance statements, to ensure they meet HMRC’s requirements.

How Can Product Design Companies Apply for SEIS/EIS in 2026?

Product design start‑ups in the UK must meet specific criteria to apply for SEIS or EIS in 2026. SEIS is designed for early-stage companies. To qualify, your business must have fewer than 25 employees, assets of £350,000 or less, and be less than two years old. SEIS is ideal for start‑ups looking for initial investment to develop and launch products.

EIS is for more established companies. To qualify, your business must have assets up to £15 million, fewer than 250 employees, and be within seven years of your first commercial sale. EIS is perfect for product design businesses that need funding to scale.

Key Steps for Applying

Ensure all HMRC documentation for product design start-ups is in order
Use funds for activities like R&D, prototype development, or asset purchases.
Ensure all necessary paperwork is in order, including share certificates and compliance statements.
Meet all submission deadlines to avoid losing eligibility.

Case Study: Apex Accountants guides a Product Design Start-Up to secure SEIS funding

Apex Accountants recently helped a product design start‑up in securing initial funding and managing the financial risk associated with high-interest loans. The start-up had developed an innovative product but lacked the capital to move forward with prototype finalisation and small-scale manufacturing.

We guided them through the process of applying for SEIS, allowing them to raise £300,000 from investors who benefited from 50% tax relief. This funding enabled them to complete their prototype and begin production without taking on costly debt. By leveraging SEIS, they were able to scale their business and focus on growth, free from the financial burden of traditional loans.

Why work with Apex Accountants?

At Apex Accounting, we help product design start-ups navigate the EIS and SEIS schemes, ensuring you meet all eligibility criteria and maximise funding opportunities. Working with Apex Accountants means: