Advisor Agreement Template

An advisor agreement formalizes the relationship between a startup and its advisors, defining the scope of advisory services, equity compensation, vesting schedule, and confidentiality obligations.

Startup advisors typically receive equity (0.1-1% depending on stage and involvement level) in exchange for strategic guidance, introductions, and expertise. A clear agreement protects both parties and ensures expectations are aligned.

Our AI-generated advisor agreements follow industry standards (including the FAST Agreement framework) while allowing customization for your specific needs.

Select Contract Jurisdiction

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California Advisor Agreement

California has some of the most employee and contractor-friendly laws in the United States. The state's strict worker classification rules under AB5, ...

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🇺🇸

Texas Advisor Agreement

Texas is widely considered a business-friendly state with strong contract enforcement traditions. The state follows at-will employment, enforces reaso...

View template

🇺🇸

New York Advisor Agreement

New York is a major commercial hub with sophisticated contract law shaped by centuries of case precedent. The state's courts are experienced with comp...

View template

🇬🇧

United Kingdom Advisor Agreement

United Kingdom contract law is governed by common law principles, the Employment Rights Act, and extensive regulations implementing retained EU law in...

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Key Clauses Included

Advisory Services

Defines the expected advisory contributions — strategic guidance, introductions, technical expertise, or board participation.

Equity Compensation

Sets the equity grant amount, vesting schedule (typically 2 years monthly), and any cliff period.

Time Commitment

Specifies the expected hours per month and availability requirements.

Confidentiality

Protects the company's proprietary information and strategic plans shared with the advisor.

Non-Compete and Non-Solicitation

Restrictions on the advisor working with competitors or soliciting employees during and after the engagement.

Who needs this?

Early-stage startups building an advisory board
Founders seeking industry expertise and connections
Companies formalizing existing advisory relationships
Serial entrepreneurs advising portfolio companies

When to use it

When bringing on a new advisor to your startup
When an advisor will receive equity compensation
Before sharing confidential business information with a potential advisor
When formalizing a mentor relationship with equity involvement

Frequently Asked Questions

How much equity should I give an advisor?

Standard ranges: 0.1-0.25% for light involvement (a few hours/month), 0.25-0.5% for moderate involvement, and 0.5-1% for heavy involvement (weekly calls, strategic guidance). Early-stage companies typically grant more.

What vesting schedule is standard for advisors?

The most common schedule is 2 years with monthly vesting and no cliff. Some agreements use a 1-year vesting with quarterly periods. The FAST Agreement standard is 2 years monthly.

What's the difference between an advisor and a board member?

Advisors provide informal guidance without fiduciary duties. Board members have legal obligations to the company and its shareholders, participate in governance, and have voting rights on major decisions.

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Generate your advisor agreement now

Create a customized advisor agreement in 60 seconds with AI.

Get Started Free

Advisor Agreement Template

An advisor agreement formalizes the relationship between a startup and its advisors, defining the scope of advisory services, equity compensation, vesting schedule, and confidentiality obligations.

Our AI-generated advisor agreements follow industry standards (including the FAST Agreement framework) while allowing customization for your specific needs.

Select Contract Jurisdiction

🇺🇸

California Advisor Agreement

California has some of the most employee and contractor-friendly laws in the United States. The state's strict worker classification rules under AB5, ...

View template

🇺🇸

Texas Advisor Agreement

Texas is widely considered a business-friendly state with strong contract enforcement traditions. The state follows at-will employment, enforces reaso...

View template

🇺🇸

New York Advisor Agreement

New York is a major commercial hub with sophisticated contract law shaped by centuries of case precedent. The state's courts are experienced with comp...

View template

🇬🇧

United Kingdom Advisor Agreement

United Kingdom contract law is governed by common law principles, the Employment Rights Act, and extensive regulations implementing retained EU law in...

View template

Key Clauses Included

Advisory Services

Defines the expected advisory contributions — strategic guidance, introductions, technical expertise, or board participation.

Equity Compensation

Sets the equity grant amount, vesting schedule (typically 2 years monthly), and any cliff period.

Time Commitment

Specifies the expected hours per month and availability requirements.

Confidentiality

Protects the company's proprietary information and strategic plans shared with the advisor.

Non-Compete and Non-Solicitation

Restrictions on the advisor working with competitors or soliciting employees during and after the engagement.

Who needs this?

Early-stage startups building an advisory board
Founders seeking industry expertise and connections
Companies formalizing existing advisory relationships
Serial entrepreneurs advising portfolio companies

When to use it

When bringing on a new advisor to your startup
When an advisor will receive equity compensation
Before sharing confidential business information with a potential advisor
When formalizing a mentor relationship with equity involvement

Frequently Asked Questions

How much equity should I give an advisor?

What vesting schedule is standard for advisors?

The most common schedule is 2 years with monthly vesting and no cliff. Some agreements use a 1-year vesting with quarterly periods. The FAST Agreement standard is 2 years monthly.

What's the difference between an advisor and a board member?

Generate your advisor agreement now

Create a customized advisor agreement in 60 seconds with AI.

Get Started Free