[richcollins]

Another idea: Contract for $200 an hour for 6 months and make $200,000. Invest that into the company, get 5 - 10%, and join as an employee to influence the outcome of your investment.

Even better idea: Do the same but invest it into your own company. Keep 99% and convince someone else to take 1% + pocket change to work for you for a few years.

[osxwm]

Go read about investor qualification and why taking on an unqualified investor at an early stage can hurt your company.

[richcollins]

You're right, you'd have to wait 2 years:

have made at least $200,000 each year for the last two years (or $300,000 together with his or her spouse if married) and have the expectation to make the same amount this year."[1] This rule came into effect in 1933 by way of the Securities Act of 1933.[citation needed]

You wouldn't for my "even better" option.

[rdl]

It's different if you're actively involved in the business, vs. soliciting people for investment. It's fine for someone who makes $25k/yr as your security guard, who inherits $50k and doesn't know what to do with it, to buy an extra $5k of equity if he wants. (this is not legal advice, I am not a lawyer)

[rdl]

It's different if you're actively involved in the business, vs. soliciting people for investment. It's fine for someone who makes $25k/yr as your security guard, who inherits $50k and doesn't know what to do with it, to buy an extra $5k of equity if he wants.