Write advisor equity offer letter
AI creates clear advisor agreement proposal from your terms (equity, time, scope) ready to send.
Write advisor equity offer letter
River's Advisor Agreement Writer creates clear equity offer letters for advisors. You provide terms and advisor details, and the AI writes a professional letter with specific value you need from them, clear equity offer with vesting terms, time commitment expectations, formal agreement structure (FAST or custom), and compelling reason why they're right fit. Whether adding first advisor or building advisory board, clear offers set proper expectations and show professionalism.
Unlike vague 'join as advisor' requests, we create specific, structured proposals. The AI states equity clearly (percentage, vesting, cliff), defines scope and time commitment realistically, explains what you need from them specifically, references standard advisor frameworks (FAST agreement), and maintains the professional, respectful tone that attracts quality advisors. You get offers that make advisors understand exactly what you're proposing.
This tool is perfect for founders adding first advisors, anyone building advisory board, first-time founders unfamiliar with advisor equity, or anyone whose advisor offers feel too casual. If you want an advisor but don't know how to structure formal offer, this tool helps. Use it when you've identified advisor and need to send professional proposal.
What Makes Advisor Agreements Clear and Fair
Good advisor agreements balance value and compensation fairly. The best agreements specify what you need from advisor (domain expertise, intros, strategic guidance), offer appropriate equity (0.25%-1% typical, 4-year vest), set realistic time expectations (4 hours monthly standard), use standard agreements (FAST or simple equity grant), and build relationship, not just transaction. Weak agreements either over-compensate (2% equity for occasional advice), under-specify commitment (advisor does nothing), or lack structure (no vesting, unclear scope). Fair compensation for real value. Structure that protects both sides.
Standard advisor equity follows established norms. Early-stage (pre-seed/seed): 0.25%-1% equity, 4-year vest, 1-year cliff. More equity if: early advisor (pre-product), heavy involvement (weekly calls), exceptional value (makes key intros that close deals). Less equity if: later stage (Series A+), light involvement (quarterly calls only), limited scope (one-off help). Use FAST agreement (standardized by Founder Institute) or simple restricted stock agreement. Don't overcomplicate. Advisor equity is about relationship and alignment, not complex contracts.
What You Get
Professional advisor equity offer letter
Clear equity terms (percentage, vesting, cliff)
Specific scope and time commitment
Reference to FAST or standard agreement
Compelling reason why they're right fit
How It Works
- 1Provide offer termsShare advisor name, equity, scope, time commitment, why them (80-250 words)
- 2AI writes letterOur AI creates professional offer in 1 minute
- 3Send to advisorReview, personalize if needed, send
- 4Formalize agreementUse FAST agreement or have lawyer draft
Frequently Asked Questions
How much equity should I offer an advisor?
Standard: 0.25%-1% with 4-year vest, 1-year cliff. Factors: Stage (earlier = more), Time (weekly calls = more than quarterly), Value (makes key intros = more), Seniority (ex-CEO = more than mid-level). Typical: First 1-2 advisors (pre-product): 0.5%-1%. Later advisors (post-traction): 0.25%-0.5%. Heavy involvement (10+ hours/month): 1%. Light involvement (4 hours/month): 0.25%-0.5%. Don't offer 2%+ unless truly exceptional and early. Use this calculator: (hours/month ÷ 10) × 1% as baseline. Adjust up/down based on value and stage.
Should I use FAST agreement or custom contract?
Use FAST (Founder/Advisor Standard Template) for simplicity. It's free, standardized, understood by everyone, and covers key terms (equity, vesting, termination). Benefits: No lawyer needed, both sides know what to expect, under 2 pages, signing takes minutes. Custom only if: Non-standard terms (cash + equity, specific milestones), Complex IP situations, Advisor wants their own contract. For 95% of advisor relationships, FAST works perfectly. Download from Founder Institute website. Fill in: equity %, vesting schedule, time commitment. Sign. Done. Lawyers cost $2K+ for custom. FAST is free and standard.
What time commitment should I expect from advisors?
Standard: 4 hours per month. Format: One 1-hour call per month + occasional emails/intros + quarterly dinner or event. Don't expect: Weekly calls (too much), Always available (they have jobs), Doing work for you (advisors advise, not execute). Do expect: Strategic guidance, Network intros, Perspective from experience, Help with specific challenges. Set clear expectations upfront. Monthly call cadence. Advisor who won't commit 4 hours monthly isn't really advisor, they're logo on website. Real advisors contribute meaningfully but aren't employees.
Do I need lawyer to create advisor agreement?
Not if using FAST agreement. FAST is standardized, legally sound, and free. You can execute without lawyer. Custom agreements: yes, need lawyer ($2K-$5K). When to go custom: Complex cash + equity, Milestone-based vesting, IP or non-compete clauses, Advisor wants own contract. For most advisor relationships: Use FAST, sign, done. Have lawyer review your first one if you want peace of mind ($500 review vs $2K drafting). But FAST is designed to not need lawyers. That's the whole point. Save legal fees for important contracts (employee agreements, investor docs). Advisor agreements are standardized.
What if advisor isn't helping after signing?
Address it directly but professionally. First: Talk to them. 'Hey, we haven't connected in 2 months. Can we set up monthly call?' Many advisors just need nudge. Second: If no improvement, invoke vesting terms. FAST allows either side to terminate. Advisor stops vesting. Keeps what vested already (fair). Third: Don't ghost them or complain publicly. Handle professionally. Most advisor relationships fail due to founder not actively engaging (advisors wait for you to reach out) or unrealistic expectations (expecting them to do work vs advise). Be proactive. Set standing monthly calls. Come prepared with specific asks. Good advisors respond to engaged founders. Bad advisors don't contribute regardless. Know difference.
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