Do I need an adviser for every startup decision?
No; use the size and reversibility of the decision to decide whether outside challenge has value. Begin with a written decision memo and bring in a specialist when a legal boundary or costly, hard-to-reverse commitment is involved.
How quickly can a decision review be done?
A deliberately bounded memo may be reviewed across several sessions, but there is no validated standard turnaround. Ask candidates to quote a milestone plan that fits the real deadline and explicitly list dependencies.
What if my investor and adviser disagree?
Record each person’s assumptions and incentives separately; disagreement is useful evidence rather than proof that one party is wrong. For securities or governance questions, put the legal interpretation to qualified counsel. Broker-Dealers — US SEC
Should I give an adviser equity?
Only compare equity after modelling dilution and valuing the work and commitments; it can add incentive conflicts. Seek legal review for vesting, termination, conflicts and required approvals. The SAFE — Y Combinator
Can an NDA make advice privileged?
A confidentiality agreement can create contractual duties, but it is not a substitute for attorney-client privilege. Ask counsel which communications, parties and documents will receive legal protection.
Should I pivot after one failed launch?
Not necessarily; distinguish poor distribution, insufficient testing and a genuine absence of demand. YC cautions that abandoning an idea merely to avoid selling is a poor reason to pivot. All about pivoting — Y Combinator
What is a pre-mortem for founders?
Imagine that a chosen course has failed and list plausible causes before committing. Turn each major cause into a prevention control or an early warning signal, then record who will act.