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Investor Accreditation & Compliance

Last updated: 10 October 2026

This page explains investor eligibility requirements in different jurisdictions and the distinction between identity checks and investment eligibility. Angelinvest is a networking platform, not a broker, investment adviser or regulator. Investors and issuers remain responsible for complying with the laws applicable to each proposed investment.

Why This Matters

Early-stage investing is regulated differently across countries. Some opportunities are limited to investors who meet specific income, wealth, or professional criteria. Others simply require that the investor understands the risks involved.

This page explains:

  • What "accredited" or "professional" investor status means
  • How eligibility works in the US, UK, EU, and internationally
  • The distinction between identity checks and investment eligibility
  • When documentation may be required

It's transparent, simple, and helps ensure our community invests responsibly.

1. What Is an Accredited Investor?

An accredited investor is someone who meets certain income, wealth, or professional experience requirements and is therefore eligible to invest in certain types of private market opportunities.

The definition varies by region.

Below is a simple summary; official guidance references are listed where appropriate.

2. Accredited Investor Criteria (United States)

Rule 501(a) of Regulation D: Summary

Individuals may qualify if they meet ANY of the following:

  • Net worth over $1 million (excluding primary residence), individually or with a spouse/partner
  • Annual income over $200,000 (or $300,000 with a spouse/partner) for the last two years, with the expectation of the same this year
  • Professional financial credentials, including Series 7, Series 65, or Series 82 licenses
  • Director, executive officer, or general partner of the company issuing the investment
  • Knowledgeable employee at a private fund (for private fund investments)

Entities may qualify if ANY of the following apply:

  • Assets over $5 million
  • All equity owners are accredited investors
  • Registered financial institutions (banks, investment companies, insurance companies)
  • Registered investment advisers or exempt reporting advisers

Official guidance:

  • SEC: Accredited Investors - Regulation D
  • SEC: Assessing Accredited Investors under Regulation D

3. Professional Client Criteria (EU & UK)

European Union (MiFID II)

Under MiFID II, individuals may request to be treated as "professional clients" if they meet at least two of the following criteria:

  • The client has carried out significant transactions (average of 10 per quarter) in the relevant market over the last four quarters
  • The client's investment portfolio exceeds €500,000 (including cash deposits and financial instruments)
  • The client has worked in the financial sector for at least one year in a professional position requiring knowledge of the transactions or services envisaged

These criteria help ensure investors understand the risks of early-stage investing.

Official guidance:

ESMA: MiFID II Directive - Annex II (Professional Clients)

United Kingdom

The UK applies similar "professional client" rules under FCA regulations. Individuals may qualify by meeting criteria related to transaction volume, portfolio size, and professional experience.

Official guidance:

FCA Handbook: COBS 3.5 (Professional Clients)

UK investors should consult the FCA or a qualified adviser to confirm their eligibility.

4. International Investors

Investor eligibility varies significantly across jurisdictions.

Requirements may include:

  • Specific income or wealth thresholds
  • Professional experience
  • Local regulatory registration
  • Compliance with cross-border tax or reporting rules

Investors are responsible for ensuring they meet the requirements in their jurisdiction before investing.

5. Identity Checks and Investor Eligibility

Angelinvest may review profiles and supporting information for platform access, authenticity and safety. Investors may also use available identity-check options. An identity check confirms identity only; it does not establish income, net worth, investment experience or accredited investor status.

Profile approval, an identity-verification badge or any platform review must not be treated as certification of investment eligibility. Angelinvest does not independently determine, certify or guarantee that an investor meets a legal investor classification.

Investors are responsible for the accuracy of their declarations. The issuer and investor must arrange any verification required for a particular offering, using qualified advisers where appropriate.

6. Documentation That May Be Required for an Offering

Depending on the jurisdiction and offering, an issuer or its appointed adviser may require supporting documentation. Examples include proof of income, net worth, professional credentials or entity structure.

These examples do not mean Angelinvest collects or verifies these documents for accreditation purposes. Identity documents requested through a platform identity-check process serve a separate purpose and do not establish investment eligibility.

7. Cross-Border Investment Considerations

Investing across borders may involve tax, reporting, or legal obligations depending on the investor's jurisdiction.

Angelinvest does not provide legal or tax advice.

Investors should consult their legal, tax, or financial advisors to ensure compliance with local regulations.

8. Disclaimer

This page is for informational purposes only.

It is not legal, financial, or tax advice, and it does not replace the official regulatory definitions. Regulations may change, and investors are responsible for ensuring they meet eligibility requirements in their jurisdiction.