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Help, the moment you need it

Plain-English answers to the questions founders bring us most often. Search for an answer, or filter by topic below.

SH01 Form

Learn when and how to file an SH01 form with Companies House when issuing new shares. This guide explains what an SH01 is, when it is required, the information you need to provide, and the different ways to submit your filing.

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Share certificates - all you need to know

Learn everything you need to know about share certificates, including what they contain, how they are issued through FounderCatalyst, and how investors can access them. This guide explains the difference between nominal value and investment price, share certificate requirements, and answers common questions about ownership evidence and lost certificates.

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Share classes / alphabet shares

Learn how share classes work, when (and when not) to use alphabet shares, and the implications for SEIS/EIS eligibility. This guide explains the different rights attached to shares, common investor expectations, compliance considerations, and answers frequently asked questions about share classes and redesignations.

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Share Options Guide

Learn how to create, approve, and manage share option schemes in FounderCatalyst. This guide covers EMI and unapproved options, setting up an EMI valuation, granting options with different vesting schedules, and managing option holders throughout the lifecycle of the scheme.

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Share splits & SH02 filings

A guide explaining share splits and SH02 filings, including what a share split is, why companies use them, how to file with Companies House, and how to complete and reflect share splits on the FounderCatalyst platform.

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State Aid, De Minimis Aid & Minimal Financial Assistance (MFA)

Understand how state aid, De Minimis Aid, and Minimal Financial Assistance (MFA) can affect your startup and SEIS fundraising. This guide explains the differences between subsidy types, how they interact with SEIS/EIS, how to identify the support you've received, and the records you should keep to remain compliant.

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Term sheets with incorrect information (eg: investment amount, number of shares etc.)

Understand what happens when signed term sheets contain outdated or incorrect details, such as investment amounts or share allocations. This guide explains why these changes are common during fundraising, why they do not usually cause issues, and how final legal documents take precedence over the initial term sheet.

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Understanding Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs)

Learn how Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) work, their advantages and disadvantages for founders and investors, and how to use them on FounderCatalyst. This guide explains how to add an SPV to your funding round, record beneficial owners for SEIS/EIS compliance, and answers common questions about share certificates, voting rights, agile rounds, and nominee structures.

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Using offline signing

Learn how offline signing works on FounderCatalyst for investors or shareholders who cannot sign documents through the platform. This guide explains how to request offline signers, what changes to the signing process, the impact on SEIS/EIS documentation, and answers common questions about offline signatures.

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