
Founders - use this post to push back on advisors who ask for 1% of your pre-seed startup.
Advisors - apologies! Some of you really are worth 1% or more to these early founders. But you gotta make the case as to why you're in the top decile of startup advisors.
Resurfacing this data after a unsolicited wave of DMs on the subject, seems like a lot of companies are considering taking on advisors as we kick off the new year (which is cool).
Data in the graphic reflects the full option grant % given to advisors by stage. Split into low (25th pct), medium (50th pct), high (75th pct) and super high (90th pct).
And please ensure these advisors have a vesting schedule! Typically 2-years with a short cliff or you can set specific performance milestones (eg Advisor A gets 0.1% equity after they complete the following tasks for the business).
#startups #advisors #advisorequity #preseed
Big report on early-stage cofounder equity due out on Jan 21st - get your copy here: https://lnkd.in/gC2Y-xfR
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