Start-Up Advisor Agreement

This Advisor Agreement is for a company to hire an advisor in its early stages, and provides for payment through an employee share option plan.

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Last updated October 23, 2025

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Suitable for Australia

Start-Up Advisor Agreement

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What is a start-up advisor agreement?

A start-up advisor agreement is a contract between a company and an advisor, setting out the advisor’s role, compensation (often equity), and key terms of the engagement.
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When should you use a start-up advisor agreement?

Use this agreement when engaging an advisor to provide guidance or expertise to your start-up, especially if you plan to compensate them with share options rather than cash.
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What should be in a start-up advisor agreement?

It should include the advisor’s services, term, equity or option arrangements, vesting, confidentiality, intellectual property, and termination rights.
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Frequently asked questions

What is a start-up advisor agreement?

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When should you use a start-up advisor agreement?

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What should be in a start-up advisor agreement?

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Does this agreement cover payment in cash or only options?

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How does this agreement protect the company’s interests?

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Can the equity and service terms be customised?

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What are the next steps after preparing the agreement?

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View Sample Start-Up Advisor Agreement

Start-Up Advisor Agreement
risk level indicator at Medium level

The Legal Risk Score of a Start-Up Advisor Agreement Template is Medium

Our legal team have marked this document as low risk considering:

  • It provides for flexibility in how the services are provided.
  • The agreement can be terminated for convenience.
  • The agreement is simple to sign.

Articles about Start-Up Advisor Agreement

Starting up? Know what you're worth!
By Dominic Woolrych|Nov 11, 2013

Starting up? Know what you're worth!

Don't raise capital without understanding the true value of your business. Read about it here + use our FREE Co-Founder Agreement.

8 Essential Legal Documents for Startups
By Zoe Spanos|Aug 12, 2022

8 Essential Legal Documents for Startups

Legal documents for startups are so important. They can minimise the risk of mistakes which would be costly down the line.

Introducing SAFE Notes: Startup Funding Explained
By Tony Zhen|Nov 28, 2025

Introducing SAFE Notes: Startup Funding Explained

Learn about how the new, simplified method of funding your startup business!

Subscription vs Share Purchase Agreement
By Meru Sharma|Dec 2, 2025

Subscription vs Share Purchase Agreement

To raise capital or find new investors, businesses and startups might require a subscription agreement or a share purchase agreement. Find out more here.

Customising a Co-Founders Agreement: Key Tips
By Dominic Woolrych|Dec 5, 2025

Customising a Co-Founders Agreement: Key Tips

Learn more about how a Co-Founders agreement can ensure your business is headed in the right path.

4 Rounds of Startup Funding Every Founder Should Know
By Alex Moore|Nov 28, 2025

4 Rounds of Startup Funding Every Founder Should Know

Do you need to raise funding to grow your business? Read this article to discover more about the process and what’s involved.

The 4 Key Features Of A Unicorn Company
By Charlie Chan|Nov 5, 2018

The 4 Key Features Of A Unicorn Company

You may have heard the term ‘unicorn company’, but what does it mean? And how does a Company become one? Read on to find out.

Business Partner vs Co-Founder: Key Differences
By Ryan Tjahjono|Dec 2, 2025

Business Partner vs Co-Founder: Key Differences

A co-founder and a business partner may sound like similar roles, but in reality they are very different. Read about it in this article.

Build Your Business
By Dominic Woolrych|Dec 10, 2014

Build Your Business

Dominic Woolrych CEO Dominic is the CEO of Lawpath, dedicating his days to making legal easier, faster and more accessible to businesses. Dominic is a recognised thought-leader in Australian legal disruption, and was recognised as a winner of the Australian Legal Innovation Index and recently a winner of the LexisNexis 40 Under 40 (APAC). Ever […]

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