Entrepreneurs should define the model of engagement with an advisor very carefully BEFORE starting the engagement, so that expectations are set right at the beginning.
10% equity for an advisor role is simply excessive. Not just in the generally accepted model of ‘advisors’ (i.e. where an experienced individual guides the company with his/her perspectives and insights), but it is excessive even if the individual was providing advisor services as a commercial model, with clearly defined outcomes.
10% equity is something that may be given to someone who comes in as a co-founder status, and who puts his/her skin fully into the game along with other founders. Not for someone who will leverage his network to fast-track the venture, whether it is for product development, sales or fund raising.
Overall, find mentors/advisors who are keen to assist you NOT for the financial outcomes, but because they like what you do, and would like to see you succeed. Even if the individual is not seeking financial returns, it is a good gesture to offer nominal equity (0.25 -1%, depending on the nature of the engagement).
My advice to entrepreneurs is to define the mentor/advisor model, and then offer similar terms to all mentors/advisors, so that you do not get into a ‘commercial’ negotiation on an outcome based model.
However, advisors and mentors who engage with startups via formal accelerator or incubation programs will take higher equity, usually shared by the accelerator/incubator from the equity they have taken for the program.
“Simply accede” would have been my simple and neat answer before reading the post to the question posed…..but now surely I am thrown into a dilemma!
But good gyan and more importantly needed gyan along the way for an entrepreneur I would like to say!?