We are delighted to announce that Wyndham North (British Business Bank), Fred Soneya (Haatch) and Tom Wilde (Shoosmiths) have been appointed to the EIS Association’s Board of Directors to support the continued success of the EIS and SEIS in facilitating private investment into fast-growth, innovative start-ups in the UK.
The scheme was introduced by the government in 1994 to encourage investment in startups through a number of significant tax incentives, including income tax relief and no CGT on investments. EIS has played a critical role in driving investment into early-stage businesses. To date, the SEIS and EIS have facilitated £34 billion of investment into 59,000 startups across the UK.
Wyndham North is the Managing Director of Investor Relations & Business Strategy for the British Growth Partnership, part of the British Business Bank. In this role, he oversees the creation of an investment vehicle designed to attract pension fund investment and support UK growth opportunities. With over a decade at HM Treasury, Wyndham led work on tax, investment, and international cooperation, including serving as Deputy Director for Customs, helping to negotiate and guide trade policy.
Commenting on his appointment, he said: “I’m honoured to join the EISA Board and help build on its vital work ensuring that EIS and SEIS continue to channel investment into the UK’s most promising growth businesses. With the Mansion House Accord creating more opportunities for pension funds to access private markets, there is huge potential for EIS and SEIS to play an even greater role in fostering innovation across the UK. My work at HM Treasury and the British Business Bank has reinforced my appreciation of the crucial role early-stage investment plays in driving growth and innovation, and I look forward to supporting that mission.”
Fred Soneya has spent the past twelve years supporting early-stage startups as an operator, investor, and board advisor, helping founders navigate the journey from idea to exit. Before co-founding Haatch in 2013, he led several high-profile digital innovation projects at Kiddicare.com and, following its acquisition, at Morrisons, the UK’s 4th largest supermarket. As Co-Founder & General Partner of Haatch, Fred leads the firm’s strategy and day-to-day operations, having overseen the launch of its tax-efficient funds in 2018 and institutional funds in 2022. Over the past 12 years, he has led the completion of 350+ investments into 150+ companies, onboarded more than 2,000 investors, and pioneered industry firsts in retail investor access, syndicate strategies, and fund technology. He remains deeply involved post-investment, offering hands-on support beyond capital from go-to-market strategy and fundraising preparation to board-level guidance and network introductions, helping founders and investors drive lasting performance.
Fred Soneya commented: “I am honoured to join the EISA board at such a pivotal time for our industry. Having seen first-hand the transformational impact SEIS and EIS can have on both founders and investors, I am passionate about ensuring these schemes continue to thrive, driving innovation, job creation and economic growth across the UK. I look forward to helping champion the positive role of SEIS and EIS on both a national and international stage.”
Tom Wilde is a Partner and Head of the Tax & Incentives Department at Shoosmiths, specialising in and leading the firm’s EIS and SEIS practice. He and his team provide the full range of S/EIS advice, from advising on structuring of investments, reorganisations and exits, to liaising with HMRC to obtain advance assurances (where required), and providing opinions to a range of EIS funds and investee companies. Tom is a Chartered Tax Adviser. Shoosmiths has been a finalist in and received commendations in the EISA Awards each year since 2017.
Commenting on his appointment, he added: “I am delighted to be joining the Board of EISA and very much looking forward to getting further involved with the great work that the Association does. I am passionate about the SEIS and EIS schemes being a force for good that benefits companies, investors and the UK economy alike. I hope I can repay the Board’s faith in me by doing my bit to represent all parts of the EIS industry, serve the Association, and help advocate to ensure the continued success of the schemes.”
Joanna Jensen, Chair of the EIS Association, said: “Wyndham, Fred and Tom are all heavily involved in the early-stage ecosystem and bring a wealth of experience to our Board. Their knowledge and expertise will help us ensure that the schemes are supporting as many founders as possible and will help drive awareness across the UK.
The recent increase in SEIS limits has had a tangible impact, with a 51% surge in investment. This much-needed increase in funding has supported early-stage UK companies as they embark on their growth journey. With wider economic challenges and the government’s focus on growth, schemes like the EIS and SEIS must keep pace and the success of these changes demonstrates just how impactful a similar update to the EIS could be in supporting scaling UK businesses.”