I applied to a few startups for positions that asked for ~5 years experience right out of school.

My email usually consisted of asking if they would consider someone of lesser experience (perhaps as a half-year trial) with pay of course commensurate with experience. Some companies seemed very receptive to the concept.

Also: EVERYONE I interviewed for was far more impressed with personal projects than academic credentials

I got very far with one Boston startup, where they debated internally whether taking me or holding out for someone older would be a better idea, but I eventually took a different offer instead (from a small-company, but not a startup)