Where does it say only American companies can have projects? I'm from the UK and my friends successfully raised £1000 to fund their project, although it is true the money you receive is only in US Dollars but this standardised measurement is probably more usefl since the US is were a prevalent majority of backers will come from, and they will be more likely to spend money if they know exactly how much it costs them.
Right there in the eligibility requirements for creating projects:
"Be a permanent US resident and at least 18 years of age with a Social Security Number (or EIN), a US bank account, US address, US state-issued ID (driver’s license), and major US credit or debit card."
It seems to be tied to Amazon Payments. I didn't know this myself until recently when the guys making the documentary told me (they had to jump through some hoops because they're German).