Investing in US/UK Startups, Possible from Ireland?

Hi Guys,

There have been a number of startup companies that I've been interested in investing in, some of which I've found through here:



They talk about how you need to be an accredited investor: http://www.sec.gov/answers/accred.htm

Which looks like you need to be US based but I just wanted to see if anyone here has had any experience in this?

Or of investing in UK companies directly?

Thanks!