Roles & People
Advisor
Also Known As
Strategic AdvisorAdvisory Board Member
A startup advisor is an experienced professional who provides strategic guidance, expertise, and network connections to a startup, typically in exchange for a small equity stake (0.25-1%) or advisory fees.
What is a Startup Advisor?
Advisors are experts who help startups without being employees or board members. They provide domain expertise, strategic guidance, and introductions. The best advisors actively engage; the worst are names on a website.
Advisor Types
- Domain Expert: Deep industry knowledge
- Functional Expert: Sales, marketing, tech expertise
- Network Connector: Opens doors to customers/investors
- Celebrity Advisor: Brand/credibility (less common)
Advisor Compensation
| Engagement Level | Equity | Vesting |
|---|---|---|
| Light (1-2 hrs/mo) | 0.25% | 2 years |
| Standard (2-4 hrs/mo) | 0.5% | 2 years |
| Heavy (5+ hrs/mo) | 0.5-1% | 2 years |
Getting Value from Advisors
✅ Do:
- Set clear expectations
- Have regular meetings
- Make specific asks
- Leverage their network
❌ Don't:
- Collect advisors like badges
- Give equity for nothing
- Expect them to do work
- Ignore their advice
Studios as Built-in Advisors
Venture studios provide advisor-level support as part of the model, reducing the need for external advisors early on.
Example Usage
“She served as a sales advisor to three studio portfolio companies, helping them build their go-to-market.”