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Write advisor equity offer letter
Describe the advisor and your terms. Get a clear offer letter covering equity, vesting, time commitment and exactly what you need from them.
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.
Advisor equity follows common ranges rather than fixed rules. At pre-seed and seed, grants from a fraction of a percent up to about one percent are widely cited, with more for advisors who join early, meet often or open doors that close deals, and less at later stages or for occasional help. Founder Institute publishes a free Founder/Advisor Standard Template (FAST) that maps involvement and company stage to an equity grant. Whatever the number, vesting protects both sides if the relationship fades.
How It Works
Describe the advisor
Say who they are, what you need from them, and any equity or time terms you have in mind.
River writes the letter
A one-page offer covering why them, the ask, equity, vesting and how either side can end it.
Confirm the terms
Check each term marked to confirm, and have your company's lawyer prepare the grant paperwork.
Formalize in chat
Send the letter, then ask River to draft the matching advisor agreement from the same terms.
What You Get
- Professional advisor equity offer letter
- Clear equity terms (percentage, vesting, cliff)
- Specific scope and time commitment
- A pointer to a standard advisor agreement, such as Founder Institute's free FAST template
- Compelling reason why they're right fit
Common questions
How much equity should I offer an advisor?
There is no fixed rate, but grants from a fraction of a percent up to about one percent are common at pre-seed and seed. Offer more to an early advisor who meets often or makes introductions that matter, and less later on or for occasional help. Founder Institute's FAST template is a useful public reference. Tie the grant to vesting so it tracks real contribution.
Should I use FAST agreement or custom contract?
A standard template is usually enough. Founder Institute's free FAST template covers equity, vesting, commitment and termination in plain language, and many advisor relationships fit it. Choose a custom agreement when terms are unusual, such as cash plus equity, milestone vesting or significant intellectual property. Either way, the equity grant still needs board approval, so involve your company's lawyer.
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?
Have your company's lawyer at least look at it. A template like FAST keeps the agreement simple, but the equity grant itself has to be approved by the board and recorded properly, and stock grants done wrong are expensive to fix later. A short review usually costs far less than drafting from scratch, and River's letter sets out the terms so the review goes quickly.
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. Most advisor agreements, including FAST, let either side end the arrangement. 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.
Write advisor equity offer letter
Describe what you need, add any files you have, and your workspace opens with the work already underway.