The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) recently expanded the definition of an "accredited investor" to include individuals with professional knowledge or certifications, not just wealth. However, there's no clear path for people to gain the required expertise, leaving many qualified individuals unable to participate in private markets. This limits both their financial opportunities and the capital available to startups and private companies.

Educational Pathway to Accreditation

One way to address this gap is by creating an educational platform focused on preparing individuals for financial licensing exams like the Series 7, 65, and 82—credentials already recognized by the SEC. The platform could offer:

• Comprehensive courses covering exam content and practical investing skills
• Flexible learning formats (self-paced, instructor-led, or hybrid)
• Advanced modules on private market investing and due diligence

Over time, the platform could develop its own certification program and seek SEC recognition as an alternative pathway to accredited investor status.

Stakeholder Benefits and Execution

This approach creates value for multiple groups:

• Aspiring investors gain access to private markets
• Startups and private companies tap into a broader investor pool
• The SEC achieves its goal of inclusive accreditation without compromising investor protection

Execution could begin with an MVP offering online prep courses for existing SEC-recognized licenses to validate demand. Subsequent phases might include developing proprietary content and eventually petitioning the SEC for certification approval.

Differentiation from Existing Solutions

While companies like Kaplan offer financial licensing courses and platforms like Coursera provide general finance education, this idea specifically targets the accredited investor pathway. Unlike these broader offerings, it would combine exam preparation with practical private market investing skills and potentially create a new SEC-recognized certification.

By addressing this regulatory gap through education, the approach could democratize access to private markets while maintaining investor protections—benefiting individuals, companies, and the financial ecosystem as a whole.