The short answer to this question is that average investors cannot buy into companies before they trade publicly. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) sees early investments in companies as extremely risky investments, so it imposes a wealth or income threshold to ensure that investors can afford to lose their money. These "accredited investors" include those with a net worth of more than $1 million (excluding their primary residence) or annual earned income of more than $200,000 ($300,000 for couples).