Skip the Advisor Equity
Advisors cost 0.5% equity and are available quarterly. You need pricing analysis tonight, not "let's schedule something for next month."
The problem: expensive, busy, and misaligned
Traditional advisors want 0.25-1% equity plus cash retainers. They're available for a monthly or quarterly call—if they're not traveling, sick, or just too busy with their portfolio of 15 other companies.
You don't need help on their schedule. You need help when you're facing a decision. At 10pm on Sunday. Before the board meeting on Monday. Right now, while the opportunity is hot.
And honestly? Many advisor calls are spent getting them back up to speed on your context. By the time they understand the situation, the call is over. Next month: repeat.
What Board of One does instead
Board of One gives you expert analysis at your pace. No scheduling, no equity, no getting them up to speed. Your business context is always loaded. Ask about pricing at 10pm — your expert panel already knows your margins, competitors, and customer segments.
Traditional Advisors
- ✗0.25-1% equity + cash retainer
- ✗Monthly or quarterly availability
- ✗Needs context re-sync every call
- ✗One perspective (their background)
- ✗Scheduling friction and delays
- ✗Quality varies by their mood/energy
Board of One
- ✓Fixed monthly cost, no equity
- ✓Available 24/7, instantly
- ✓Context always loaded
- ✓Multiple expert perspectives
- ✓No scheduling, immediate access
- ✓Consistent quality every time
The real cost of advisors
That's $4,000+ per hour of advice at a $10M exit. Plus cash retainers of $500-2,000/month.
Who this is for
Stage
Any stage where decisions outpace your team. When advisory budgets are tight and equity is precious.
Situation
You've considered advisors but balked at the equity cost. Or you have advisors but can't get time with them when you need it.
Need
Strategic guidance more than networking. You need help thinking through decisions, not introductions to VCs.
When human advisors still make sense
Board of One doesn't replace everything advisors provide. Keep advisors who:
- Open doors—introductions to investors, customers, partners
- Provide credibility—their name on your board signals quality
- Have seen your exact situation—specific pattern-matching from lived experience
- Offer mentorship—emotional support, career guidance, personal development
For strategic analysis, decision frameworks, and thinking through options—that's where Board of One excels. Save your equity for advisors who provide irreplaceable human value.