Bringing on advisors can be transformative for startups (shout-out to our amazing advisors!📣). The right advisor can provide expertise, connections, and insights that help take your business to the next level. But to ensure the relationship is smooth and productive, having a well-drafted advisor agreement is key.
Fortunately, you don’t have to start from scratch. Plenty of excellent advisor agreement templates are available to help you formalize these relationships quickly and effectively. Here’s a closer look at some of the best resources available—and how they can save you time and effort.
So which Advisor Agreement should you use?
Most likely...
FAST (Founder / Advisor Standard Template) by the Founder Institute [download]
But lets also look at some of the Advisor Agreement templates that are available.
HubSpot’s Startup Advisor Agreement Template
HubSpot’s advisor agreement template is a strong foundation for startups looking to cover all the essentials:
Roles & Responsibilities: Defines what the advisor will contribute.
Compensation: Details the form of payment—equity, cash, or otherwise.
Intellectual Property Rights: Clarifies ownership of ideas and work.
Dispute Resolution: Provides a clear process for resolving disagreements.
This template is easy to customize and includes helpful guidance, making it a great option for first-time founders. [download]
Gavel’s Free Advisor Agreement Template
Gavel offers a straightforward, lawyer-backed template accessible through their app:
Perfect for standard advisory agreements, with options to tailor to your specific needs.
It’s free, making it a fantastic choice for cost-conscious startups.
This template is ideal if you need a professional-grade agreement without the added expense.[download]
Founder Institute’s FAST Agreement
The Founder/Advisor Standard Template (FAST) simplifies advisor agreements:
Engagement Levels: Specify light, standard, or heavy involvement.
Company Stage: Match the advisor’s role to your company’s maturity—early, growth, or later.
Equity Calculation: Automatically adjusts compensation based on these inputs.
The FAST agreement is well-regarded in the startup world and is an efficient way to set expectations and allocate equity fairly.[download]
Cooley GO's Form of Advisor Agreement
Cooley GO provides a comprehensive advisor agreement template tailored to U.S.-based startups. It’s designed to help founders define relationships clearly, covering areas like roles, compensation, and intellectual property rights. [download]
Wilson Sonsini Advisor Agreement Template
Created in partnership with Carta and 500 Startups, Wilson Sonsini’s template is designed for non-technical advisors. It emphasizes standardizing terms and simplifying the process, making it particularly useful for founders new to advisor relationships. [download]
UpCounsel’s Advisory Agreement Template
UpCounsel’s free, downloadable template is polished and practical:
Covers essentials like confidentiality, work expectations, and compensation.
Ready to adapt for your specific needs.
It’s a reliable choice for startups looking for a straightforward, no-cost solution. [download]
Why Use an Advisor Agreement Template?
An advisor agreement isn’t just a piece of paper; it’s the backbone of a strong partnership. With a clear agreement, you can:
Clarify Expectations: Everyone knows their role and deliverables.
Protect Intellectual Property: Ensure the company retains ownership of ideas and work.
Set Up Fair Compensation: Avoid confusion around equity or payment.
While templates are a great starting point, always have your agreement reviewed by a legal professional to make sure it aligns with your company’s needs and complies with local laws.
Which Template Should You Choose?
If you’re unsure where to start, the FAST agreement is a popular choice. It’s widely referenced and used, making it feel like the “standard” for advisor agreements in the startup world.
That said, every template has its strengths:
HubSpot or UpCounsel: If you want a broad, comprehensive approach.
Gavel or Wilson Sonsini: For simplicity and professional backing.
Cooley GO: Great for U.S.-focused startups with a need for clarity.
FAST: Best for equity-based relationships with clearly defined advisor roles.
Remember, all templates come with the caveat that they’re for informational purposes only, and you should consult legal counsel to ensure compliance with local laws.
No matter which template you choose, having a clear advisor agreement ensures you can focus on what matters—building your business with the right people by your side.
For more resources and insights, check out the JIGO AI Blog.