Record OS Raises $2M Pre‑seed Round From Episode 1 and Angel Investors

Why It Matters

By simplifying digital tax compliance for a growing segment of freelancers and property owners, Record OS could lower filing errors and reduce reliance on costly accountants, accelerating adoption of the UK’s Making Tax Digital agenda.

Key Takeaways

• Record OS raised $2 million in pre‑seed round.
• Platform targets self‑employed and landlords under Making Tax Digital.
• Founded by former Wise employees with fintech veteran investors.
• Combines automated filing with expert review for accuracy.
• Aims to reduce tax‑return errors for non‑accountants.

Pulse Analysis

The United Kingdom’s Making Tax Digital (MTD) program has shifted the tax landscape, mandating that millions of self‑employed workers and landlords file returns online. While the policy promises greater efficiency, many users lack the technical know‑how or resources to navigate the new system, leading to costly mistakes. This regulatory pressure has sparked a wave of fintech solutions aimed at bridging the gap between raw data entry and professional tax advice, creating a fertile market for innovative platforms.

Record OS entered this space leveraging deep fintech experience from its founders, Dhruv Chadha and José Luis De La Peña, both alumni of Wise. Their $2 million seed injection—spearheaded by Episode 1 and a roster of angels from Wise, Revolut, Deliveroo, and Alphabet—underscores confidence in a hybrid approach that marries algorithmic filing with human expert review. The platform’s early focus on accountants evolved into a consumer‑centric tool after the founders discovered personal tax errors, prompting a mission to eliminate friction for everyday taxpayers.

If Record OS can deliver on its promise of error‑free, streamlined filings, it could reshape how freelancers and small‑scale landlords manage compliance, potentially reducing the market share of traditional accounting firms. Moreover, the solution may set a benchmark for future MTD‑compliant products, encouraging broader adoption of digital tax filing across the UK economy. Investors and regulators alike will watch its rollout as a barometer for the success of fintech‑driven tax automation.

Deal Summary

Record OS, a self‑assessment and Making Tax Digital platform founded by former Wise employees, has closed a $2M pre‑seed round. The funding was led by Episode 1 and supported by a group of angel investors, including former executives from Wise, Revolut, Deliveroo and Alphabet. The capital will be used to expand the platform for self‑employed workers and landlords.