Technology and Start-Ups
Investors back a story told in numbers. We build the finance function they expect, secure the reliefs you are entitled to and keep your runway in clear view.
Start-ups and scaling software companies
Owner-led companies at every stage, from the first line of code to a growing team.
- Start-upsFrom your first year of trading through your first funding round and beyond.
- Scaling software businessesSoftware and SaaS companies with recurring revenue, board reporting and larger rounds to prepare for.
What owners and investors watch
Runway
Knowing precisely how many months of cash remain as the team grows.
Investor reporting
Metrics and board packs that withstand scrutiny.
Reliefs
R&D tax relief and investment schemes that are often overlooked.
Director capital
Funds that directors and shareholders put in and take out, as shares, a director’s loan or pay, recorded and taxed correctly.
Where we make the difference
One dedicated team for your books, accounts, tax and advice, shaped around how technology and start-ups works.
- Investor-ready booksMonthly books closed on time, with the metrics investors expect, from day one.
- R&D and investment reliefsR&D tax relief claims and SEIS and EIS advance assurance, prepared with the evidence HMRC now expects.
- Strategic financial adviceA part-time finance director to help you price, hire and invest with confidence, testing each decision against your runway.
- Directors’ pay and exit planningHow directors draw money from the company, and planning for an eventual sale, with the reliefs available at exit.
Our latest thinking
- Growth and advisoryAccounting and bookkeepingThe SaaS metrics investors will ask for, and how to keep them honestGuide2 min read2 min read
- TaxGrowth and advisoryR&D tax relief under the merged scheme: what it is worth, and how to claimGuide2 min readUpdated 2 min readUpdated
- Growth and advisoryLeadership and strategyFunding growth: loans, asset finance, invoice finance and equity comparedGuide2 min read2 min read
Frequently asked questions
Can we claim R&D tax relief?
If you are resolving genuine technological uncertainty, such as building something that cannot simply be done with existing know-how, you may qualify. The relief comes as a credit against your tax bill or, for some loss-making companies, as a payment. HMRC checks claims closely and expects first-time claimants to tell it in advance, so we plan the claim early and prepare the technical case and evidence with you.
Read: R&D tax relief under the merged scheme: what it is worth, and how to claimHow do SEIS and EIS help us raise investment?
They give your investors income tax relief on what they invest, SEIS for the earliest rounds and EIS for larger ones, which makes your round more attractive. We help you apply for HMRC advance assurance before you raise, which investors usually expect, and keep the company within the rules afterwards.
Read: Funding growth: loans, asset finance, invoice finance and equity comparedHow can directors take money out before the company makes a profit?
Dividends can only be paid from profits, so early on it is usually a modest salary, or a loan from the company. A loan still owed nine months after the year end brings a temporary tax charge for the company, and owing it more than £10,000 can be a taxable benefit for you. Money you put in is usually best recorded as a loan or as shares. We plan how directors are paid so none of it becomes a surprise.
Read: Directors’ loan accounts: the small balance with big consequencesWhat should our monthly reporting show investors?
Cash burn, runway, revenue growth and a forecast compared with actual results, alongside the few metrics that matter for your model, such as recurring revenue or customer retention. We produce a monthly pack you can send to your board and investors as it is.
Read: The SaaS metrics investors will ask for, and how to keep them honestHow should we prepare the company for a future sale?
Start years ahead, with clean books, contracts and intellectual property owned by the company, a clear share structure and a record of every share issue. Reliefs on a sale depend on conditions met for some time before it, so we review them early and keep the company eligible.
Read: Selling your business in the next three years: start preparing nowTalk to us about technology and start-ups
Tell us about your business. We will reply within one working day and arrange a call with the people in our team best placed to help.