Raising Funds For Your Business In Seychelles

Published on October 30, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

The Seychelles, a paradise archipelago in the Indian Ocean, is not just a dream destination for tourists. This island nation also offers a favorable business environment, particularly thanks to its advantageous tax regime and political stability. If you’re considering creating or developing your business in the Seychelles, fundraising will likely be a crucial step in your entrepreneurial journey. In this article, we’ll guide you through the different steps to successfully secure funding in this unique context.

The Hidden Treasures of Seychellois Financing

In the Seychelles, entrepreneurs have access to various funding sources, each with its own advantages and specificities. It’s essential to understand these options well to choose the one that best fits your project and needs.

Local banks are often the first point of contact for entrepreneurs seeking funding. In the Seychelles, several financial institutions offer business loans, including Seychelles Commercial Bank and Nouvobanq. These banks typically offer competitive interest rates and good knowledge of the local market. However, they may be more cautious in granting credit, especially for startups or innovative projects.

Private investors and business angels represent an interesting alternative, especially for businesses in the startup phase. These investors, often experienced entrepreneurs or wealthy professionals, can bring not only funds but also their expertise and network. In the Seychelles, the investor network is expanding rapidly, with initiatives like the Seychelles Business Angel Network that facilitate connections between entrepreneurs and investors.

Investment funds are a preferred option for more mature businesses or those with significant funding needs. Several international investment funds are interested in opportunities offered by the Seychelles, particularly in tourism, renewable energy, and technology sectors. For example, the African investment fund Helios Investment Partners recently invested in several projects in the Seychelles.

Crowdfunding is gaining popularity, although its development in the Seychelles remains limited. International platforms like Kickstarter or Indiegogo can be used to raise funds from a broad audience, particularly for innovative projects or those with strong social impact.

Government assistance and grants should not be overlooked. The Seychelles government has implemented several business support programs, particularly through the Seychelles Investment Board (SIB). This assistance can take the form of direct grants, preferential rate loans, or tax advantages.

Prepare Your File: The Key to Successful Funding

Meticulous preparation of your funding file is crucial to convince potential investors. In the Seychelles, where competition for funding can be tough, a solid and well-structured file will make all the difference.

The business plan is the centerpiece of your file. It must clearly and convincingly present your business project, your economic model, your market analysis, and your financial projections. In the Seychelles context, it’s important to highlight the specificities of the local market and the competitive advantages related to establishing in the Seychelles. For example, if your business operates in the tourism sector, emphasize how you plan to leverage the Seychelles’ international reputation as a luxury destination.

The market study must be particularly thorough. The Seychelles constitute a unique market, with its own dynamics and challenges. Your study must demonstrate a fine understanding of the local economic environment, consumption trends, and competition. Don’t hesitate to include numerical data from reliable sources, such as reports from the Central Bank of Seychelles or sector studies conducted by the Seychelles Investment Board.

Financial projections must be realistic and well-supported. In the Seychelles, it’s crucial to consider tax and regulatory specificities in your calculations. For example, the corporate tax rate in the Seychelles is 15%, which is relatively advantageous compared to many other countries. Your projections must reflect this reality and show how you plan to leverage this tax advantage to maximize your business’s profitability.

The management team plays a crucial role in investors’ decisions. Highlight your team’s skills and experience, especially if some members have in-depth knowledge of the Seychelles market or valuable local connections. If your team lacks expertise in certain key areas, consider recruiting local talent or experienced advisors to strengthen your credibility.

The exit strategy is an often overlooked but crucial element for many investors. In the Seychelles, where the mergers and acquisitions market is still developing, it’s important to present realistic exit scenarios. This could include an IPO on the Seychelles Stock Exchange (Trop-X), a sale to an international strategic investor, or a buyout by the management team.

The Art of Persuasion: Present Your Project Brilliantly

Once your file is ready, the next step is to present it convincingly to potential investors. In the Seychelles, where personal relationships play an important role in the business world, how you present your project can be just as crucial as the content itself.

The pitch is your opportunity to make a memorable first impression. In the Seychelles context, it’s important to adapt your presentation to your audience. If you’re addressing local investors, emphasize how your project will contribute to the Seychelles’ economic development. For international investors, highlight the strategic advantages of establishing in the Seychelles, such as political stability, advantageous tax regime, and strategic geographic position between Africa and Asia.

The visual presentation must be professional and impactful. Use graphs and images to illustrate your key points, ensuring they’re easily understandable. Don’t hesitate to include photos of the Seychelles to subtly remind them of the exceptional setting in which your business will operate.

Mastery of numbers is essential. Investors in the Seychelles, like everywhere else, expect you to know your financial projections inside out. Be prepared to explain in detail your revenue assumptions, operating costs, and cash flow projections. Show how you plan to leverage the tax advantages offered by the Seychelles to maximize your business’s profitability.

Anticipating questions will allow you to demonstrate your expertise and preparation. In the Seychelles, investors might be particularly interested in your strategy for facing specific local market challenges, such as the limited size of the domestic market or logistical costs related to being an island nation. Prepare convincing answers to these potential questions.

Demonstrating your commitment to the Seychelles can tip the balance in your favor. Show how your project aligns with the country’s development priorities, such as promoting sustainable tourism or developing the blue economy. If possible, highlight your partnerships with local businesses or your commitment to creating jobs for the Seychellois population.

Negotiate Like a Pro: Get the Best Terms

Negotiating funding terms is a crucial step that can significantly impact your business’s future. In the Seychelles, where the funding market is rapidly evolving, it’s essential to approach this phase with strategy and flexibility.

Your company valuation is often the starting point of negotiations. In the Seychelles, where the startup market is still relatively young, it can be difficult to find direct comparables to justify your valuation. Prepare to explain your valuation methodology in detail, relying on concrete data like your growth projections, unique assets (for example, patented technology), and your target market’s potential.

Investment terms go beyond just the amount invested. Be prepared to discuss investment structure (common stock, preferred stock, convertible debt, etc.), voting rights, investor protection clauses, and exit conditions. In the Seychelles, where the legal framework for venture capital investments is still developing, it’s crucial to work with experienced lawyers to ensure the agreement terms comply with local legislation.

The fund disbursement schedule can significantly impact your cash flow. In the Seychelles context, where administrative delays can sometimes be longer than elsewhere, negotiate a realistic schedule that accounts for potential delays. Consider proposing disbursement in tranches linked to achieving specific objectives, which can reassure investors while giving you the necessary flexibility.

Post-investment commitments are often overlooked but can be just as important as financial terms. Discuss openly the expected involvement of investors in business management. In the Seychelles, where the business network is relatively small, the contribution in terms of contacts and local expertise from a well-connected investor can be invaluable.

Flexibility and creativity are essential in negotiations. If investors hesitate on certain points, be prepared to propose alternatives. For example, if valuation is a sticking point, you could propose an investment structure with performance milestones that would adjust the valuation based on future results.

Cultivate Your Relationships: Post-Investment Follow-up

Once funding is obtained, the work is just beginning. Investor follow-up is crucial to maintain their trust and potentially obtain additional funding in the future. In the Seychelles, where the business community is relatively small, managing these relationships can significantly impact your reputation and future opportunities.

Regular communication is key to a healthy relationship with your investors. Establish a clear reporting schedule, with monthly or quarterly updates according to your investors’ preferences. These reports should include not only financial results but also progress made toward set objectives, challenges encountered, and identified opportunities. In the Seychelles context, don’t hesitate to include information about the evolution of the local market and how your business is adapting to it.

Transparency is essential, even when the news isn’t good. If you encounter difficulties, inform your investors quickly and present your plan to overcome these obstacles. In the Seychelles, where rumors can spread quickly in the small business community, it’s better for your investors to learn bad news directly from you rather than from other sources.

Investor involvement can go beyond simple financial reporting. Solicit their expertise and contacts when it can benefit your business. In the Seychelles, where personal networks play an important role in business, your investors can open valuable doors for you, whether for business partnerships or navigating the local regulatory environment.

Events and in-person meetings are particularly important in the Seychelles context, where personal relationships are highly valued. Organize regular meetings with your investors, perhaps combining a formal results presentation with a more informal moment, like a dinner or local activity. This will allow you to strengthen personal bonds while discussing business.

Preparing for the future should be a constant concern. Keep your investors informed of your long-term growth plans and future funding needs. If you’re considering a new funding round, involve your current investors in the process from the beginning. Their support can be crucial for attracting new investors, especially in the small Seychelles market.

Conclusion: Your Springboard to Success in the Seychelles

Raising funds for your business in the Seychelles may seem like a major challenge, but with the right approach and meticulous preparation, it’s an exceptional opportunity to launch your project in a unique and promising economic environment.

The Seychelles offers an attractive framework for entrepreneurs, with its advantageous tax regime, political stability, and strategic position between Africa and Asia. By understanding the specificities of the local market, preparing a solid file, presenting your project convincingly, and negotiating skillfully, you maximize your chances of success.

Remember that funding is just the beginning of the journey. Post-investment follow-up and managing relationships with your investors are just as crucial for your business’s long-term success. In the unique context of the Seychelles, where personal relationships and reputation play a predominant role, these aspects take on particular importance.

Finally, keep in mind that fundraising is a continuous learning process. Every interaction with potential investors, every negotiation, and every challenge encountered are opportunities to refine your approach and strengthen your project.