EIS / SEIS Ready · Investor-Grade Structure

Company Registration for Startups
— Plan Your Formation Clearly

Get your startup onto a solid legal footing from day one. Learn about equity, EIS/SEIS eligibility, enterprise contracts, and the practical steps involved in forming a company.

Start My Startup Application

Partner terms, fees, and eligibility are set by Tide and should be checked before applying.

Why Structure Matters from Day One

Built to Scale, Not Retrofit

EIS & SEIS Investment-Ready

UK investors can claim up to 50% income tax relief via SEIS — but only when investing in a UK limited company. Register early to stay investor-ready.

Equity for Co-Founders

Issue shares to co-founders, advisors, and future employees. Define equity splits from day one and avoid messy renegotiations later.

Protect Your IP

Register intellectual property — brand names, code, designs — under your company, not your personal name. Your IP travels with the business, not the individual.

Sign Enterprise Contracts

NDAs, SaaS agreements, and B2B contracts require a legal entity. A limited company lets your startup punch above its weight from week one.

Launch with a clear plan

Electronic filing can simplify the process, but Companies House processing times vary and are not guaranteed.

Startup Grants & Schemes

Many UK startup grants, Innovate UK awards, and accelerator programmes require a limited company. Register before you apply.

What You Need to Register

Have These Ready Before Applying

1A unique company name (check availability at Companies House)
2A UK registered office address for official mail
3At least one director aged 18 or over
4Share structure — how equity is split between founders
5A SIC code describing your business activity
6A UK bank account, subject to provider eligibility
Everything Included

Your Complete Formation Package

Electronic filing directly with Companies House
Certificate of Incorporation (PDF, after acceptance)
Memorandum & Articles of Association
Share Certificates for each founder
Tide business bank account application
Current filing costs and partner terms checked
Start My Formation Application

Partner terms, fees, and eligibility are set by Tide and should be checked before applying.

Startup FAQs

Founder Questions Answered

When should I register my startup as a limited company?
Ideally before you sign your first commercial contract, accept any payment, or bring in a co-founder with an equity stake. Many startup founders also register before they start building, so intellectual property (code, designs, brand name) is owned by the company from the outset rather than needing to be transferred later. There is no minimum revenue or traction required to register.
What is EIS and SEIS, and why does my startup need to be a limited company?
SEIS (Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme) and EIS (Enterprise Investment Scheme) are UK government schemes that give investors significant income tax relief — up to 50% for SEIS and 30% for EIS — in exchange for investing in qualifying UK startups. These schemes are only available to qualifying UK private limited companies. If you plan to raise angel or seed investment, registering as a limited company is essential.
How do I structure shares between co-founders?
The most common approach for early-stage startups is to issue ordinary shares divided between co-founders based on their agreed equity split. You specify this during registration: for example, 100 shares total with 60 issued to Founder A and 40 to Founder B. You can add vesting schedules and shareholder agreements separately. If you have more than two co-founders or complex arrangements, a startup-specialist solicitor can help.
Can I change the shareholding or add investors later?
Yes. You can issue new shares to investors via a share allotment at any time after registration. You can also transfer existing shares. This is a standard process handled via Companies House filings, typically with a solicitor involved for investment rounds.
Does my startup need a solicitor to register?
For a standard formation — one or two founders, simple share structure, standard articles — you may not need a solicitor. A partner formation journey does not replace advice for complex structures, investor documents, shareholder agreements, or an imminent funding round.
What are the ongoing obligations for a startup limited company?
Each year you must: file a Confirmation Statement with Companies House (free, takes 5 minutes), prepare and file annual accounts (statutory accounts), and submit a Corporation Tax return to HMRC. You must also register for PAYE if you pay salaries, and for VAT once your turnover exceeds £90,000. Most startups use an accountant — typically £500–£1,500/year for basic compliance.
Launch Your Startup Today

Your Startup, Legally Launched

Everything you need to start building, raising, and selling — with the formation steps clearly explained.

Register My Startup

Any partner offer is subject to Tide’s current eligibility criteria and terms.