Specifically: "Under the Securities Act of 1933, a company that offers or sells its securities must register the securities with the SEC or find an exemption f

Specifically: "Under the Securities Act of 1933, a company that offers or sells its securities must register the securities with the SEC or find an exemption from the registration requirements." Edit: Emphasis and point of my statement "exemption" (see below) http://www.sec.gov/answers/accred.htm http://www.sec.gov/answers/accred.htm Offering securities is a whole different ballgame then becoming an investor, say, in the pizza shop or web startup. As shown by "friends and family" investing situations. It depends on size. http://www.sec.gov/answers/regd.htm http://www.sec.gov/answers/regd.htm http://www.sec.gov/answers/rule504.htm http://www.sec.gov/answers/rule504.htm http://www.sec.gov/answers/rule505.htm http://www.sec.gov/answers/rule505.htm Etc.