Understand how liquidation preferences and exit priorities can impact the distribution of proceeds when a company is sold or wound up. This guide explains different types of liquidation preferences, their SEIS/EIS considerations, the advantages and risks for founders, and common approaches used in early-stage fundraising.

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Loans and SEIS & EIS

A guide explaining how loans interact with SEIS and EIS relief, including loan conversions, repayment using SEIS or EIS funds, founder loans, third-party loans, and the safest ways to avoid relief issues.

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Make custom changes to documents

Learn how to request custom amendments to your FounderCatalyst legal documents beyond the standard platform options. This guide explains the process for small and extensive document changes, how markdown edits work, important limitations, and best practices to avoid conflicts with platform-generated paperwork.

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Making use of SEIS in a new company by transferring existing IP from another company

Learn how transferring intellectual property to a new company can affect SEIS eligibility. This guide explains HMRC's rules around "new qualifying trades," the key considerations when moving IP between companies, and the steps to maximise your chances of obtaining SEIS Advance Assurance.

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Managing ASAs (and other convertible instruments)

A comprehensive guide to managing Advanced Subscription Agreements (ASAs) and other convertible instruments on the platform, including how to issue ASAs, handle conversions in funding rounds or at longstop, manage off-platform agreements, and understand the investor journey.

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Managing Investor Expectations

Learn what investors typically expect during a fundraising process and how to prepare for due diligence. This guide outlines the key documents and information you should have ready to build investor confidence and support productive fundraising conversations.

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Pitch deck

Learn how to create an effective pitch deck for investors and HMRC, including what to include, what to avoid, and how to structure your presentation. This guide covers best practices for investor pitches, HMRC Advance Assurance requirements, common pitfalls, and tips to improve your chances of securing investment and SEIS/EIS approval.

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Pre-emption rights: what founders & investors need to know

A detailed guide explaining statutory pre-emption rights under UK company law, how they apply during share issuances, when they are typically waived, key exceptions, and how pre-emption rights are handled on the FounderCatalyst platform.

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Raising tranche-based investments

Learn how to structure a tranche-based funding strategy to raise investment in stages as your business grows. This guide explains how to plan milestone-based raises, optimise valuation, incorporate SEIS/EIS, attract the right investors, and minimise founder dilution over multiple funding rounds.

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