Learn all about Advisory Shares for your Startup

In the ever-evolving landscape of startup businesses, advisory shares have emerged as a crucial component of equity distribution. These shares allow startup founders to capitalize on the expertise and networks that industry professionals offer, providing a form of compensation that benefits both parties.

This article aims to demystify advisory shares, highlighting their significance and how they can be utilised effectively in the startup arena. We will explore what advisory shares are, how they differ from other types of shares, and their specific value to startups.

Additionally, we will examine the best practices for distributing these shares, including the legal aspects to consider, negotiation strategies, and potential hurdles. 

By the end of this article, startup founders will have a thorough understanding of advisory shares and how to leverage them strategically in their ventures.

‍

What Are Advisory Shares?

Advisory shares are a distinct category of equity often awarded to startup advisors as a reward for their contributions. These contributions range from offering industry insights and strategic guidance to connecting the startup with crucial networks. Unlike salaries paid to employees or fees for contractors, advisors receive a stake in the company's equity, referred to as 'advisory shares.'

These shares are different from standard and preferred equity shares. 

Common shares are typically allocated to founders, employees, and early investors, whereas preferred shares are generally earmarked for investors and come with certain privileges like dividend preferences or preferential treatment during liquidation. 

Advisory shares, in contrast, typically do not confer these advantages but instead provide a share in the ownership of the company.

Advisory shares usually come with a vesting schedule, ensuring that advisors earn their shares progressively over time. This approach encourages advisors to stay engaged with the startup over the long haul, offering ongoing valuable input.

Determining how to distribute advisory shares is a crucial strategic decision for startup founders. It requires a thoughtful balance between fairly compensating advisors and maintaining enough control and motivation among other vital contributors to the company. Understanding the role and mechanics of advisory shares helps startup founders leverage them effectively as part of their broader business strategy.

Read more: Small Businesses Operating as Corporations in the U.S. Must File Tax Form 1120.

‍

Should You Compensate Your Advisors with Cash?

Choosing between offering your advisors cash or equity, like advisory shares, depends on several factors, including the startup's financial health, the advisor's preference, the anticipated value the advisor will add, and the company's growth expectations.

It is generally believed that compensating advisors with equity, such as advisory shares, better aligns their interests with the company's long-term objectives, making it a favored approach for rewarding advisors. 

Equity has the potential to become significantly more valuable over time if the company succeeds, providing a strong incentive for advisors to contribute meaningfully to the startup's growth. Moreover, this form of compensation keeps the company's cash reserves.

On the other hand, if a startup is financially robust and the advisor prefers a direct form of payment, cash compensation might be considered. This method is straightforward and avoids diluting the equity of current shareholders. However, paying advisors in cash leads to questions about their commitment to the company's future success, suggesting they prioritize immediate gains over long-term value.

‍

Significance of Advisory Shares in Startups

Advisory shares are crucial for startups, creating a symbiotic relationship between the company and its advisors. They offer several key advantages for startups, outlined as follows:

Enhancing Expertise: Startups can attract seasoned professionals who offer crucial insights and strategic advice by offering advisory shares. This access to expertise is invaluable for navigating the hurdles that early-stage companies typically encounter.

Ensuring Alignment of Interests: Providing advisors with company equity aligns their motivations with the startup's success. As stakeholders, advisors will likely go beyond their primary responsibilities, actively championing the startup's growth and leveraging their networks to support its objectives.

Optimizing Resource Utilisation: For startups with limited funds, issuing advisory shares is a smart way to compensate advisors without depleting their cash reserves. This approach allows startups to secure vital guidance and support while preserving their financial resources.

Motivating Advisors: Equity stakes in a startup with high growth potential can be significantly more attractive to advisors than regular cash payments. This potential for substantial future value can make advisory roles more appealing, and help startups attract top-tier talent.

‍

Strategies for Distributing Advisory Shares

The distribution of advisory shares is a critical and nuanced task that requires balancing various factors. Startup founders should consider the following elements when allocating these shares:

Advisor's Contribution: Evaluate the significance of the advisor's contributions, encompassing their expertise, industry experience, network access, and commitment level. Advisors who provide more substantial value may deserve a larger equity share.

Vesting Terms: Implementing a vesting schedule for advisory shares is common, typically extending over two to four years. This arrangement ensures that advisors earn their equity gradually, encouraging them to remain engaged over a more extended period. Vesting serves as an incentive for ongoing contribution and commitment.

Startup Lifecycle: The startup's development phase significantly influences the amount of equity offered. In the initial stages, startups might allocate a larger equity share to compensate for higher risks and the abundant available equity. As the startup evolves and its valuation increases, subsequent advisors might receive smaller equity percentages.

Industry Benchmarks: Familiarizing oneself with the industry's standard practices for advisory share allocations can provide useful benchmarks. Although advisory equity usually ranges between 0.1% and 1%, specific allocations can vary based on each situation's unique aspects.

Legal and Tax Considerations: Understanding the legal and tax ramifications of issuing advisory shares is crucial. Checking with legal and financial experts can help clarify the impact on the company's capital structure and ensure adherence to relevant regulations and best practices.

‍

Understanding the Legal Dimensions of Advisory Shares

When integrating advisory shares into their compensation structures, startups must navigate several legal aspects to prevent future complications.

Key Legal Considerations and Issues

Ensuring compliance with securities regulations is paramount when issuing advisory shares. Non-compliance can result in legal/financial repercussions. Additionally, the startup and the advisors should be aware of the potential tax implications accompanying equity compensation.

Advisory shares might be structured through agreements resembling 'phantom stock' or 'synthetic equity,' which promise the economic benefits of shares without actual issuance. While this might initially simplify matters, it can lead to intricate legal and tax challenges.

‍

Significance of Shareholder Agreements

Shareholder agreements are vital in clarifying the specifics of advisory share arrangements. They outline the advisory shares' terms, including vesting details, the advisor's rights and responsibilities, transfer provisions, and what occurs upon the advisor's exit or during significant company events.

These agreements also provide frameworks for dispute resolution, safeguarding all involved parties' interests.

Due to the intricate legalities associated with advisory shares, startups are encouraged to seek experienced legal guidance to ensure proper adherence to regulations and best practices. A robust advisory share framework fosters beneficial, enduring relationships with advisors.

‍

Negotiating Advisory Share Agreements

Negotiating the terms for advisory shares requires clear communication and a mutual understanding of value:

Value Congruence: Align the startup's vision and goals with the advisor, ensuring their commitment to your objectives. This foundational understanding facilitates smoother compensation discussions.

Mutual Advantages: Articulate the reciprocal benefits, demonstrating how the advisor's contributions will significantly impact the startup, thereby justifying the equity offering.

Adaptability: Stay adaptable during negotiations, acknowledging the diverse values different advisors might offer, tailored to their specific contributions and commitments

.

Effective Stakeholder Communication on Advisory Shares

Keeping stakeholders informed and engaged about advisory share decisions is crucial:

Clarity: Maintain transparency about your intentions to distribute advisory shares, ensuring all stakeholders, particularly shareholders, are well-informed.

Justification: Provide clear rationales for issuing advisory shares, elucidating the expected benefits and reasoning behind particular allocations.

Openness: Foster an environment conducive to feedback, allowing stakeholders to voice concerns or suggestions, which should be addressed diligently.

‍

Addressing Challenges and Mitigating Risks

While advisory shares offer strategic advantages, they also have potential drawbacks, such as the risk of equity over-dilution or misalignments between advisors and founders. 

To avert these issues:

Define Clear Terms: Draft detailed agreements specifying the advisor's roles, commitments, and performance expectations.

Balance Equity: Carefully allocate equity to prevent excessive dilution, preserving sufficient equity for future needs and stakeholders.

Seek Expertise: Consult with legal and financial experts to navigate the advisory shares' complexities, ensuring informed decisions that mitigate risks and foster successful advisory relationships.

Check out Inkle Books. 

‍

Wrapping It Up

Diving into the world of advisory shares is like forging new friendships rooted in mutual growth and success. It's about bringing people on board who are just as excited about your startup's journey as you are, ready to roll up their sleeves and help navigate through the ups and downs. 

These aren't just advisors; they're partners, mentors, and sometimes even cheerleaders, offering knowledge and connections without draining your precious cash reserves.

Yet, it's not all smooth sailing. Like any relationship, it needs balance and care. You've got to be mindful not to give away too much of your company or to set expectations that don't align with reality. 

Meet and greet on LinkedIn.