We’re proud to share that Haatch Co-Founder and General Partner, Fred Soneya has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the Enterprise Investment Scheme Association (EISA), alongside Wyndham North (British Business Bank) and Tom Wilde (Shoosmiths).

The EISA is a trade body that supports the Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) and Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS) frameworks, which have powered over £34 billion of investment into 59,000 start-ups since launch. These schemes are critical in enabling private investors to back innovative, fast-growing companies at the earliest stages, the very heart of what we do at Haatch.

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.”

Joanna Jensen, Chair of EISA, 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."

Why this matters

EIS and SEIS aren’t just tax-efficient investment structures; they’re the lifeblood of the UK’s economy. They give founders the capital they need to build category-defining businesses and give investors access to exciting opportunities that can drive both growth and returns.

With new board appointments, EISA strengthens its ability to champion these schemes at a pivotal time, when start-ups need backing more than ever and investors are demanding more from their portfolios.

We’re delighted that Fred will bring Haatch’s founder-first, innovation-driven perspective to the EISA Board and play a role in shaping the future of early-stage investing in the UK.