&gt; Most startups are more than happy to take your money. Just email or meet with the founders, explain your enthusiasm for the company, and you&#x27;re usually good to go!<p>I would be <i>highly</i> skeptical of any startup founder who is going to take money from just anyone. Taking in random investment dollars could come back to bite founders and company in the ass pretty badly. From the time demanded by the investor, to working on subsequent financing rounds, you could really shoot yourself in the foot by doing this.<p>This is one reason why Angels are more sought after than &quot;friends and family.&quot;<p>&gt; For higher-profile deals, though--e.g., Uber--you wouldn&#x27;t be able to invest such a small amount.<p>No. For late stage investments, even if you <i>had</i> the capital, you&#x27;re beholden to the terms dictated by whomever is leading the round. They&#x27;re not going to invest large sums of money and want to share rights with just anyone with the cash.