Founder Advisor Standard Template (FAST) by Founder Institute

OLOpen Legal LibraryUpdated 13 Oct 2025

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.

Definition of Confidential Information. “Confidential Information” means any information, technical data or know-how (whether disclosed before or after the date of this Agreement), including, but not limited to, information relating to business and product or service plans, financial projections, customer lists, business forecasts, sales and merchandising, human resources, patents, patent applications, computer object or source code, research, inventions, processes, designs, drawings, engineering, marketing or finance to be confidential or proprietary or which information would, under the circumstances, appear to a reasonable person to be confidential or proprietary. Confidential Information does not include information, technical data or know-how that: (i) is in the possession of Advisor at the time of disclosure, as shown by Advisor’s files and records immediately prior to the time of disclosure; or (ii) becomes part of the public knowledge or literature, not as a direct or indirect result of any improper inaction or action of Advisor. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Advisor may disclose Confidential Information with the prior written approval of the Company or pursuant to the order or requirement of a court, administrative agency or other governmental body.

No Rights Granted. Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed as granting any rights under any patent, copyright or other intellectual property right of the Company, nor shall this Agreement grant Advisor any rights in or to the Company’s Confidential Information, except the limited right to use the Confidential Information in connection with the Services.

Assignment of Intellectual Property. To the extent that Advisor jointly or solely conceives, develops or reduces to practice any new inventions, original works of authorship, developments, concepts, know-how, improvements or trade secrets, whether or not patentable or registrable under copyright or similar laws or other intellectual property which would be deemed to be Confidential Information of the Company (collectively, “Intellectual Property”) which clearly relates to the Company’s business or technology and has been created by Advisor in the course of the performance of Services, Advisor hereby acknowledges that it is “work made for hire” for the benefit of the Company and hereby assigns all rights, titles and interest to such Intellectual Property to the Company.

Duty to Assist. As reasonably requested by the Company and only with respect to Intellectual Property created by Advisor for the Company as provided in paragraph 8 above, Advisor shall take all steps reasonably necessary to assist the Company in obtaining and enforcing in its own name any such Intellectual Property right. Advisor’s obligation to assist the Company shall continue beyond the termination of Advisor’s relationship with the Company.

Company’s Right to Disclose. During the term of this Agreement, the Company shall have the right to disclose the existence of this Agreement, Advisor’s status as an Advisor, and to include Advisor’s name, image and profile in various promotional materials, including, but not limited to, private placement memos or other offering materials, executive summaries and the Company’s world wide web page.

No Conflicts. Advisor represents that Advisor’s compliance with the terms of this Agreement and provision of Services hereunder will not violate any duty which Advisor may have to any other person or entity (such as a present or former employer), and Advisor agrees that Advisor will not do anything in the performance of Services hereunder that would violate any such duty. In addition, Advisor agrees that, during the term of this Agreement, Advisor shall promptly notify the Company in writing of any competitor of the Company for which Advisor is also performing services. It is understood that in such event, the Company will review whether Advisor’s activities are consistent with Advisor remaining as an advisor of the Company.

Miscellaneous. Any term of this Agreement may be amended or waived only with the written consent of the parties. This Agreement, including any schedules hereto, constitute the sole agreement of the parties and supersedes all oral negotiations and prior writings with respect to the subject matter hereof. The validity, interpretation, construction and performance of this Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the jurisdiction listed on the signature page, without giving effect to the principles of conflict of laws. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together will constitute one and the same instrument.

Remainder of this page intentionally left blank

Signature Page to Founder Advisor Standard Agreement

Effective Date: [effective date]

Governing Law: [governing law]

Enter the name of the state and country where the Company is based as the jurisdiction for Governing Law.

Advisor Equity Compensation:

Advisor
Performance Level

Stage

Idea Stage

Startup Stage

Growth Stage

Standard

____ (0.25%)

____ (0.20%)

____ (0.15%)

Strategic

____ (0.50%)

____ (0.40%)

____ (0.30%)

Expert

____ (1.00%)

____ (0.80%)

____ (0.60%)

Check only one box to designate the Advisor Compensation. Percentages shall be based on the number of outstanding shares of Common Stock of the Company, calculated on a fully-diluted basis of all outstanding and convertible or issuable securities as of the date the Board of Directors approves the foregoing equity compensation. The exact number of shares shall be provided in the definitive document which shall supersede this provision. 

Total Number of Shares of Common Stock: [total common shares]

If the Company’s capitalization structure is currently unknown, fill in “TBD” above.

Type of Security: ____ Option to purchase Common Stock or ____ Restricted Common Stock

Exercise/Purchase Price: [exercise/purchase price]

Exercise or purchase price shall be equal to the fair market value of the Company’s Common Stock, which will be documented in the applicable Stock Option Agreement or Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement to be entered into by Advisor and the Company.

Vesting: [vesting]

All shares shall vest on a pro rata basis monthly over a 2-year period with a 3-month cliff period. 100% of unvested shares shall vest on closing of sale of the Company

COMPANY: [company name]

Signature: ___________________________

Name: [company signatory name]

Title: [company signatory title]

Address: [company address]

ADVISOR: [advisor name]

Signature: ___________________________

Name: [advisor signatory name]

Title: [advisor signatory title]

Address: [advisor address]

Schedule A:

Services Based on Performance Level

The Advisor Compensation and Services are determined using the guidelines below.

Standard Performance Level

Monthly Commitment

Services

Compensation**

Time: Commit 5 hours.

Meetings: Attend quarterly strategy meetings and scheduled Advisory Board meetings.

Responsiveness: Provide reasonable response to email requests by the Company.

Promotion: On top of the regular advice and insights, Advisor agrees to actively promote and make introductions on behalf of the Company through Advisor’s overall network of business contacts, including forwarding the Company’s business plan and other materials as requested by the Company.

Idea Stage is 0.25%

Startup Stage is 0.20%

Growth Stage is 0.15%

Strategic Performance Level

Monthly Commitment

Services

Compensation**

Time: Commit 10 hours.

Meetings: Attend monthly strategy meetings, scheduled Advisory Board meetings and at least one meeting with a potential customer, investor, strategic partner, vendor or employee.

Responsiveness: Provide quick responses to email requests from the Company and from others associated with the Company.

Standard Performance plus

Recruiting: Advisor agrees to assist Company in finding additional, potential founding team members and employees through the Advisor’s overall network of business contacts.

Idea Stage is 0.50%

Startup Stage is 0.40%

Growth Stage is 0.30%

Expert Performance Level

Monthly Commitment

Services

Compensation**

Time: Commit 20 hours.

Meetings: Attend bi-monthly strategy meetings, scheduled Advisory Board meetings, internal project-related meetings and meetings with potential customers, investors, strategic partners, vendors or employees.

Responsiveness: Provide quick responses to email requests and phone calls from the Company and from others associated with the Company.

Strategic Performance plus

Contacts: Advisor agrees to make introductions to and assist in the acquisition of marquee customers, strategic partners and key industry contacts and attend meetings with such potential customers, partners and key contacts.

Projects: Advisor agrees to assist the Company on at least one strategic project as requested by the Company during the term of this Agreement.

Idea Stage is 1.00%

Startup Stage is 0.80%

Growth Stage is 0.60%

** The percentages are general percentages based on the outstanding on the number of outstanding shares of Common Stock calculated on a fully-diluted basis of all outstanding and convertible or issuable securities as of the date the Board of Directors approves the foregoing equity compensation. The exact number of shares shall be provided in the definitive document which shall supersede this provision.

Schedule A:

Company Stage

The Company Stage is determined using the guidelines below.

Stage

Characteristics

Idea

Team: The team consists of only part-time founder(s).

Customers: The company is in discussions with potential customers to determine demand in the market. The pricing/revenue structure has been developed, but needs market validation.

Revenue: The company has no revenue.

Investors: At least one group consisting of the founder(s), their friends or family has invested.

Product: The specifications for a minimum viable product including wireframes and system designs are complete.

Startup

Team: The team consists of full-time founder(s) and is in the process of hiring initial employees as needed.

Customers: The company has received letters of intent or customer commitments and the market need has been validated.

Revenue: The company may be collecting revenue.

Investors: Investment may have been raised via friends/family or professional investors (angel, venture capital, etc.).

Product: The launch of the minimum viable product is imminent.

Growth

Team: The team consists of full time founder(s) and is in the process of hiring employees as needed.

Customers: The company has achieved significant traction and user-based growth.

Revenue: The company is collecting revenue.

Investors: Prior investment may have been raised and the founders are prepared to pitch to professional investors if additional capital is needed.

Product: The product has been launched and is periodically refined based on customer feedback.

5.0 out of 5 on Google

Read reviews

As seen in

Law360
Artificial Lawyer
Insider
Axios Pro
San Francisco Business Times
Built In
Startups Magazine
Business Reporter
Tech.eu
Jurisdiction
General
Source
FI
Founder Advisor Standard Template (FAST) by Founder Institute
from Founder Institute
Document info
HTML document. Document created on Fri Sep 26th, 2025. Last updated on Mon Oct 13th, 2025.
This document is public
Licensed under CC BY 4.0 (Attribution).
Come to agreements faster
Write, review, negotiate, and manage legal contracts
Related documents
FeaturedEngland & Wales
Short Form Auction Confidentiality Agreement for Buyouts by BVCA
This short-form non-disclosure agreement is for the **initial stage of a buyout auction** where a high volume of bidders requires a non-negotiable legal framework. It facilitates the quick release of preliminary information like an information memorandum while deferring complex negotiations to a second-round long-form agreement.
Updated 13 Aug 2026
Germany
Term Sheet (Germany) by Seedsummit
This term sheet outlines the principal investment terms for a **Series Seed financing** of a German company. It defines the economic stakes, control rights, and investor protections such as liquidation preferences and anti-dilution clauses.
Updated 13 Aug 2026
FeaturedEngland & Wales
Executive Service Agreement (UK) by Seedsummit
This executive service agreement establishes the terms of employment for a high-level executive or company director within a UK-based firm. It defines key obligations regarding director duties, intellectual property ownership, and restrictive covenants such as non-compete and non-solicitation clauses.
Updated 13 Aug 2026
FeaturedDelaware (US)
Model PIPE Registration Rights Agreement (US Issuer) (NVCA)
This template provides registration rights to investors in a PIPE financing, requiring the company to file a registration statement with the SEC for the resale of shares. It includes provisions for liquidated damages, indemnification, and specific timelines for effectiveness.
Updated 13 Aug 2026
FeaturedCayman Islands
Pro Rata Side Letter (Caymans) by Y Combinator
This agreement grants an investor the right to maintain their ownership percentage by purchasing a proportional share of new stock during a future equity financing round. It is specifically designed to accompany a Y Combinator Post-Money Valuation Cap Safe and remains active until the equity financing closes or a liquidity event occurs.
Updated 13 Aug 2026
FeaturedGeneral
Term sheet by Common Paper
Outline the initial terms of a business deal with this non-binding term sheet. It sets a framework for negotiating a **Definitive Agreement** while including legally binding confidentiality protections for both parties.
Updated 13 Aug 2026
In these collections
Startups (UK)
Agencies (UK)

Frequently asked questions

A template isn't binding on its own - like any contract, it becomes binding once it's properly completed and signed. Templates in our curated library are professionally drafted for US or UK law; review any template before you sign it.

Yes. Chat with GitLaw to edit any section, or make changes directly in the editor.

Yes, read about team plans here.

Describe what you need in the chat and GitLaw will draft it for you.

Templates in our curated library are professionally drafted for US or UK law. The wider library comes from the GitLaw community and public sources - a solid starting point, but check any template fits your situation before you rely on it.

Mostly US and UK law. Some templates use general commercial terms that work across jurisdictions, and many note which law they're written for.

It depends on the situation. Templates work well for routine business agreements. For anything involving significant money, complex IP, employment, or areas you're unsure about, it's worth getting professional advice before you sign. GitLaw provides templates and tools, not legal advice.

Open any template in GitLaw and describe the change you want in the chat — 'make clause 4 mutual' or 'add a 30-day notice period', for example. GitLaw drafts the revised language and shows it as a suggested edit. You accept, reject, or keep editing from there.

Yes. Upload a Word, PDF, or Markdown file and GitLaw will open it in the editor. You can review, edit, or chat with GitLaw about it the same way you would with any template from the library.

Trusted by thousands of businesses

“I found GitLaw to be extremely useful and convenient in helping draft a contract. It has tracking, an easy to understand and familiar interface and has saved thousands of dollars in fees.”

MH

Michael Hawkes

Read more on Google

“I found GitLaw useful to review my medical contract. I was able to check differences from previous contract and tell me which parts are not standard.”

PM

Priyanka Mandal

Read more on Google

“Needed contracts for the brewery. Worked well, very timely, good comms. A+”

CE

Craig Edmunds

Read more on Google

“GitLaw saves us hours when reviewing contracts. The AI suggestions are useful, and the platform is easy to adopt even for non-lawyers”

BB

Bojana Banjac

Read more on Google

“GitLaw stands out because it combines AI with a practical legal workflow. It helped me understand contract terms much faster and made the review process much more efficient.”

KL

Kristijan Lazic

Read more on Google

“A thoughtfully designed legal AI platform. Whether you’re creating new agreements or reviewing existing ones, GitLaw makes the process smoother and easier to understand.”

AM

Andjela Milovanovic

Read more on Google

“I needed this! I own a small business and I wrote all my contracts by myself from templates I saw online, later switched to chatGPT, but when I found gitlaw I was genuinely blown away by it. Great value for the price!!”

RD

Romana Dražić

Read more on Google

“I’ve used this to analyse a number of contracts recently, and my initial concerns were quickly allayed. It picked up on inconsistencies that would have taken me far longer to spot on my own”

“Super useful service! I’ve used it to review a few contracts and I really like how it explains and highlights parts of the documents to review more closely or question.”

MK

Marc Kimmel

Read more on Google

“GitLaw is building an AI Legal Companion that's actually grounded in law.”

GG

Greg Gretsch

Managing Director

“They save time, reduce cost, and make legal work more accessible. It's still early days for AI in law, but the progress is already impressive.”

AB

Aleksandar Blazhev

Entrepreneur

“I found GitLaw to be extremely useful and convenient in helping draft a contract. It has tracking, an easy to understand and familiar interface and has saved thousands of dollars in fees.”

MH

Michael Hawkes

Read more on Google

“I found GitLaw useful to review my medical contract. I was able to check differences from previous contract and tell me which parts are not standard.”

PM

Priyanka Mandal

Read more on Google

“Needed contracts for the brewery. Worked well, very timely, good comms. A+”

CE

Craig Edmunds

Read more on Google

“GitLaw saves us hours when reviewing contracts. The AI suggestions are useful, and the platform is easy to adopt even for non-lawyers”

BB

Bojana Banjac

Read more on Google

“GitLaw stands out because it combines AI with a practical legal workflow. It helped me understand contract terms much faster and made the review process much more efficient.”

KL

Kristijan Lazic

Read more on Google

“A thoughtfully designed legal AI platform. Whether you’re creating new agreements or reviewing existing ones, GitLaw makes the process smoother and easier to understand.”

AM

Andjela Milovanovic

Read more on Google

“I needed this! I own a small business and I wrote all my contracts by myself from templates I saw online, later switched to chatGPT, but when I found gitlaw I was genuinely blown away by it. Great value for the price!!”

RD

Romana Dražić

Read more on Google

“I’ve used this to analyse a number of contracts recently, and my initial concerns were quickly allayed. It picked up on inconsistencies that would have taken me far longer to spot on my own”

“Super useful service! I’ve used it to review a few contracts and I really like how it explains and highlights parts of the documents to review more closely or question.”

MK

Marc Kimmel

Read more on Google

“GitLaw is building an AI Legal Companion that's actually grounded in law.”

GG

Greg Gretsch

Managing Director

“They save time, reduce cost, and make legal work more accessible. It's still early days for AI in law, but the progress is already impressive.”

AB

Aleksandar Blazhev

Entrepreneur

“I used git.law to prepare my documents for the French prefecture and it made the whole process so much easier. Everything was clear and well organized and I felt confident submitting my file. Highly recommend!”

MA

Maryia Alenina

Read more on Google

“Excellent! Really happy I found this. Easy to use and has saved me so much time”

NM

Nishant Mandal

Read more on Google

“Really impressed with the user experience. GitLaw simplifies complex legal tasks without sacrificing quality. Highly recommended”

AR

Aleksandra Radin

Read more on Google

“One of the most practical AI legal tools I’ve tried. Clean interface, helpful features, and a team that’s clearly focused on solving real business problems”

“I’ve been impressed by GitLaw’s approach to contract management. The platform is easy to use, and the AI suggestions are practical and well thought out”

AV

Anisija Vrućinić

Read more on Google

“I love it!!”

JD

Jelena Drazic

Read more on Google

“Love the founder and this company. Very beneficial for startups like ours since we can review contracts and get stuff done easily and quicker.”

TG

Tejas Gupta

Read more on Google

“The amount of time (and headaches) this saves is unreal. There’s an endless supply of templates to start from, and no futzing around with layout and formatting.”

TD

Thomas Daly

Read more on Google

“Love this! Huge opportunity to increase productivity and efficiency within SMEs who rely on regulatory compliance.”

AC

Alex Cole

Founder, TIN Ventures

“Tried the AI chat and I must say, solid UX and impressive prompt interpretation. The multi-user collaboration workflow is a clear win for in-house teams. 👏”

MB

Mrinal Bhatt

HR, People & Culture @ Peakflo

“This is so cool. I remember seeing the template library before, and pivoting to an AI agent that uses them as a foundation is genius.”

CH

Chris Hicken

Co-Founder & CEO of TheySaid

“I used git.law to prepare my documents for the French prefecture and it made the whole process so much easier. Everything was clear and well organized and I felt confident submitting my file. Highly recommend!”

MA

Maryia Alenina

Read more on Google

“Excellent! Really happy I found this. Easy to use and has saved me so much time”

NM

Nishant Mandal

Read more on Google

“Really impressed with the user experience. GitLaw simplifies complex legal tasks without sacrificing quality. Highly recommended”

AR

Aleksandra Radin

Read more on Google

“One of the most practical AI legal tools I’ve tried. Clean interface, helpful features, and a team that’s clearly focused on solving real business problems”

“I’ve been impressed by GitLaw’s approach to contract management. The platform is easy to use, and the AI suggestions are practical and well thought out”

AV

Anisija Vrućinić

Read more on Google

“I love it!!”

JD

Jelena Drazic

Read more on Google

“Love the founder and this company. Very beneficial for startups like ours since we can review contracts and get stuff done easily and quicker.”

TG

Tejas Gupta

Read more on Google

“The amount of time (and headaches) this saves is unreal. There’s an endless supply of templates to start from, and no futzing around with layout and formatting.”

TD

Thomas Daly

Read more on Google

“Love this! Huge opportunity to increase productivity and efficiency within SMEs who rely on regulatory compliance.”

AC

Alex Cole

Founder, TIN Ventures

“Tried the AI chat and I must say, solid UX and impressive prompt interpretation. The multi-user collaboration workflow is a clear win for in-house teams. 👏”

MB

Mrinal Bhatt

HR, People & Culture @ Peakflo

“This is so cool. I remember seeing the template library before, and pivoting to an AI agent that uses them as a foundation is genius.”

CH

Chris Hicken

Co-Founder & CEO of TheySaid

From template to signed, in one place

Every template opens in an editor with an AI agent alongside it.

1

Open

Pick a template and open it. Nothing to download, and no credit card to start.

Free to open

2

Edit with AI

Describe your situation in chat and the agent adapts the wording, clause by clause.

Tracked changes you can review

3

Send and sign

Share it for negotiation, then collect signatures without leaving GitLaw.

eSign included

Built for your legal work, with practicing lawyers

Trained on 5.5K+ clauses and specialist areas of law. Built with a standards committee of independent lawyers.

Portrait headshots of the independent lawyers on the GitLaw standards committee

As seen in

Law360
Artificial Lawyer
Insider
Axios Pro
San Francisco Business Times
Built In
Startups Magazine
Business Reporter
Tech.eu

Start free

No sales calls, no credit card. Just chat with GitLaw.

GitLaw provides templates and tools, not legal advice. Templates are a starting point, not a substitute for advice on your situation - for anything significant, speak to a qualified lawyer.