An accredited investor is an individual or entity meeting SEC thresholds for income, net worth, or professional knowledge to participate in unregistered private securities offerings. For individuals: $200,000+ in annual income (or $300,000 with spouse) for the past 2 years with reasonable expectation of continuing, OR net worth exceeding $1 million excluding primary residence, OR specific professional certifications like Series 7, 65, or 82 added under the 2020 SEC rule expansion. The qualification covers most startup financings under Regulation D Rule 506(b) and 506(c). It is the SEC's regulatory gate that determines who can legally participate in [Startup Investment] through private securities, and one of the most-impo...