An accredited investor is an individual or entity that meets certain financial criteria set by regulatory authorities (such as the SEC in the U.S.) allowing them to invest in private securities offerings, including venture capital funds. An accredited investor is an individual or entity that meets certain financial criteria, such as having a net worth of at least $1 million or an annual income of at least $200,000. Accredited investors are allowed to invest in certain types of private investment opportunities that are not available to non-accredited investors.