Founder Advisor Standard Template (FAST) by Founder Institute
The Founder Advisor Standard Template (FAST) by Founder Institute is a structured, plain-language agreement that defines the relationship, compensation, and confidentiality terms between a startup and its advisor, ensuring clear expectations and fair equity grants. It is part of the Founder Institute’s widely trusted library of open, lawyer-vetted standard agreements.
Founder Advisor Standard Agreement
Version 2.0
This Founder Advisor Standard Template (this “Agreement”) is entered into as of the date set forth on the signature page by and between the undersigned company (the “Company”) and the undersigned advisor (the “Advisor”).
The parties agree as follows:
Services. Advisor agrees to act as a mentor or advisor to the Company and provide advice and assistance to the Company from time to time as further described on Schedule A attached hereto or as otherwise mutually agreed to by the parties (collectively, the “Services”).
Compensation. For the provision of the Services, Advisor shall be entitled to receive the compensation as detailed on the signature page hereto. The Company will seek written approval or have a meeting of the Board of Directors to authorize the Advisor compensation and deliver definitive stock purchase or option agreements regarding the stock compensation within 30 days from the date of this Agreement. If the Company fails to provide the foregoing documentation within such 30-day period, then Advisor shall have the right to contact directors of the Company.
Expenses. Subject to the prior written approval of the Company following a detailed request by Advisor which includes a maximum amount to be reimbursed, the Company shall reimburse the reasonable travel and related expenses incurred by Advisor in the course of performing services hereunder.
Term and Termination. The term of this Agreement shall continue until terminated by either party for any reason upon five (5) days prior written notice without further obligation or liability except for the compensation earned by Advisor through such date of termination.
Independent Contractor. Advisor’s relationship with the Company will be that of an independent contractor and not that of an employee. Advisor will not be eligible for any employee benefits, nor will the Company make deductions from payments made to Advisor for employment or income taxes, all of which will be Advisor’s responsibility. Advisor will have no authority to enter into contracts that bind the Company or create obligations on the part of the Company without the prior written authorization of the Company.
Nondisclosure of Confidential Information.
Agreement Not to Disclose. Advisor agrees not to use any Confidential Information (as defined below) disclosed to Advisor by the Company for Advisor’s own use or for any purpose other than to carry out discussions concerning, and the undertaking of, the Services. Advisor agrees to take all reasonable measures to protect the secrecy of and avoid disclosure or use of Confidential Information of the Company in order to prevent it from falling into the public domain or the possession of persons other than agents of the Company or persons to whom the Company consents to such disclosure. Upon request by the Company, any materials or documents that have been furnished by the Company to Advisor in connection with the Services shall be promptly returned by Advisor to the Company.
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