What is SEIS / EIS?
Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS) and Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) are UK government programmes that give UK angel and early-stage VC investors a 50% (SEIS) or 30% (EIS) tax break on their investment. SEIS / EIS eligibility is a critical attraction factor for UK investors in your round.
How is this different from Stripe Atlas?
Stripe Atlas focuses on Delaware C-Corps; a UK Ltd is the optimal structure for an EU-resident team. SEIS/EIS eligibility check (must-have for UK investors), Shareholders Agreement (with option pool) and ICO data-controller registration — overall more efficient than a Delaware C-Corp for a UK SaaS startup.
What should the option pool percentage be?
A typical UK SaaS startup starts SEIS / EIS rounds with 10–15% option pool; before Series A it's often expanded up to 20%. The Shareholders Agreement included is drafted with flexibility for future expansion.
Why is ICO registration required?
ICO registration is mandatory for every UK Ltd that processes personal data (annual £40–£2,900). A SaaS product inherently processes user personal data — without registration it counts as a UK GDPR breach with risk of fines.
For an EU-resident founder, UK Ltd or Estonia OÜ?
Attracting UK investors: UK Ltd (SEIS/EIS eligibility). EU B2C consumer customers: Estonia OÜ (OSS single-VAT return, 0% undistributed-profit tax). Hybrid is possible — UK Ltd parent + Estonia OÜ EU sales subsidiary. Let's plan the strategy together.