What funding exists if I'm pre-revenue with no IP?

Realistic UK funding options for founders who have not yet built revenue or patentable IP.

**Quick Answer**

Pre-revenue, no-IP founders typically have three realistic options: a Start Up Loan for founder bridge capital, SEIS-backed angel investment if the proposition is investor-ready, and free local-growth-hub support to validate the idea. R&D Tax Relief and Patent Box are not available until you are spending on R&D or hold granted patents respectively.

**Most realistic first step**

A Start Up Loan plus mentoring through an accredited Delivery Partner. It does not require IP, revenue, or investor traction, and it does not burn your SEIS allowance.

**Next realistic step**

Once you have a working prototype, a UK-incorporated company and a credible lead investor, raise £100k–£250k under SEIS.

**What does NOT work at this stage**

- R&D Tax Relief — requires genuine R&D expenditure.
- Patent Box — requires granted patents.
- Innovate UK Smart Grants — requires a defined R&D project, almost always with a delivery team and prior technical evidence.
- EIS — typically requires SEIS-level traction first.

**Conservative Note**

This is editorial sequencing guidance only. Confirm investor-readiness and tax position with a SEIS-specialist accountant before issuing shares.