The SEC definition, explained plainly.
Under Rule 501(a) of Regulation D, an accredited investor is a person or entity permitted to participate in certain private securities offerings that are not registered with the SEC, including many of the real estate and fund opportunities referenced on this website. The rule limits these unregistered offerings to investors presumed to have the financial sophistication, or the financial cushion, to bear the risk.
You qualify if you have earned more than $200,000 in each of the past two years, or $300,000 combined with a spouse or spousal equivalent, and reasonably expect the same in the current year. Both years have to clear the threshold on their own. One strong year after a weaker one does not qualify.
You qualify with a net worth over $1 million, individually or jointly with a spouse or spousal equivalent, excluding the value of your primary residence.
Yes. The SEC recognizes three licenses, held in good standing: the Series 7 (general securities representative), Series 65 (investment adviser representative), and Series 82 (private securities offerings representative). A lapsed or inactive license does not qualify.
Yes. Directors, executive officers, and general partners of the company selling the securities, or of its general partner, qualify regardless of income or net worth. Family clients of a qualifying family office qualify. Knowledgeable employees of a private fund qualify for investments in that specific fund.
An entity qualifies if it owns investments over $5 million, or if it is a corporation, partnership, LLC, trust, 501(c)(3) organization, employee benefit plan, family office, or family client with assets over $5 million. An entity also qualifies if every one of its equity owners is independently an accredited investor. Registered investment advisers, SEC-registered broker-dealers, banks, savings and loan associations, insurance companies, registered investment companies, and business development companies qualify as well.
Many of the opportunities shared through our investor network are private offerings intended only for accredited investors, consistent with each sponsor's own offering documents. Confirming your status helps us understand which opportunities may be relevant to share with you. It does not guarantee access to any specific investment.
This page is for general information only. It is not legal, tax, or investment advice, and it does not verify your accredited investor status. Some offerings, particularly those conducted under Rule 506(c), require independent third-party verification. Speak with your attorney or accountant to confirm how these rules apply to you.
Questions about accredited investor status as it relates to a specific opportunity may be sent to shawn@tellicocapital.com.
Source: U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, "Accredited Investors," Regulation D Rule 501(a), last reviewed April 24, 2026.
Tellico Capital Partners does not provide investment, legal, or tax advice. Tellico Capital Partners does not offer, sell, or solicit any investment and is not compensated for introducing investors to any opportunity. Shawn Summey holds a partner or officer role in each opportunity referenced here, which is offered directly by its sponsor through its own offering materials, only to qualified investors where applicable. Shawn Summey is a licensed REALTOR® with Greater Downtown Keller Williams (TN License #377793, GA License #441716, 423-637-7250). Equal Housing Opportunity.