[jacobsimon]

If you only have $25,000 in savings, please don't invest it in a startup! Until you can write a check that you're okay with never seeing again, you should invest in more conservative assets.

Technically speaking, no private startup can legally take investment from someone who does not meet the SEC's definition of an "accredited investor." The Jobs Act was supposed to change this, but that part of it hasn't come into effect yet sadly.

[blaincate]

it is what i think I can afford to invest keeping my nest egg safe!

I was thinking of investing as partner, financially + hard work!

[smt88]

Putting your nest egg in a startup is very nearly a guarantee that you'll lose it. Even the best of the best are terrible at picking winning startups.

If you want to keep your nest egg and see it grow at least a little bit, you need to find something low-risk, low-reward. Startups are literally the worst thing you could invest in.

[leesalminen]

Our newest co-founder joined us in this way. He demonstrated value right off the bat, and we all get along socially as well.

In this case it was pure luck, but it is possible.

[brudgers]

Start your own startup and doing those things is frictionless.

[logn]

Startups can take money from anyone, but it's a lot less complicated with accredited investors.