Trade body UKIE is alerting developers to the Government's new Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS) which aims to help UK startups by making them more attractive to potential investors.

Through the new scheme, businesses can receive a maximum funding of £150,000, while investors can benefit from income tax relief worth 50 percent of the amount they invested.

Planting seeds

Eligible startups must have no more than 25 employees, have less than £200,000 in assets, and must not be listed by a recognised stock exchange.

The scheme also only applies to investments made from 6 April onwards.

"Getting funding can be a real barrier for many games and interactive entertainment businesses at the start-up stage," said UKIE CEO Dr Jo Twist.

"We recommend that any games or interactive entertainment start-ups that are looking for money, and fit the qualification criteria, should make sure that they discuss SEIS with any potential investors."

A fact sheet with further advice on the scheme can be found on UKIE's site.

[source: UKIE]