Advisor Equity Calculator
Calculate appropriate equity compensation for your startup advisors.
Company Stage
Affects baseline equityEarlier stages grant more equity due to higher risk
Advisor Details
Type & ContributionTime Commitment
Hours & DurationEquity Value (Optional)
Calculate dollar valueRecommended Equity
Based on your inputsRecommended Equity Grant
0.325%
Low Range
0.130%
High Range
0.650%
Your Configuration
- Stage: Seed
- Advisor: Well-Connected
- Time: 5-10 hours/month
- Duration: 2 years
Vesting Schedule
Recommended structureDuration
2 years
Cliff
3 months
Vesting
Monthly
How it works: No equity vests until the cliff period ends. After the cliff, equity vests monthly over the remaining period.
Key Insights
Always use a formal advisor agreement (like FAST Agreement) to document terms
Advisors typically receive NSOs, not ISOs (ISOs are for employees only)
Stage Benchmarks
Baseline equity by stageNote: These are baseline ranges before adjustments for advisor type, time commitment, and contribution level.
Quick Reference
Standard FAST Agreement Tiers
- Idea Stage: 0.25% - 1.0%
- Startup Stage: 0.10% - 0.50%
- Growth Stage: 0.05% - 0.25%
Best Practices
- Use formal agreements with clear expectations
- Set measurable milestones for advisory relationships
- Review advisor contributions quarterly
- Include confidentiality and IP assignment clauses
This calculator provides general guidance based on industry benchmarks. Actual advisor equity should be negotiated based on specific circumstances, advisor value, and company needs. Consult with legal counsel when structuring advisor agreements.
Want to learn more?
Learn how to structure advisor agreements, choose the right vesting schedule, and negotiate equity grants with our comprehensive guide to startup advisor compensation.
Read the complete guide