Find the right startup advisor
for your company
Access 12k+ advisors across 120 countries — from market entry specialists to fundraising experts and go-to-market operators. Pay only when you find the right person.
What they do
What does a startup advisor do?
A startup advisor is an experienced operator or executive who works with your company on a part-time basis — typically in exchange for a small equity stake, a monthly retainer, or both. Unlike a consultant who delivers a report, an advisor gets involved, makes introductions, and has skin in the game.
The best advisors bring three things: a relevant network you can access immediately, hard-won experience that shortens your learning curve, and credibility that opens doors with customers, partners and investors.
90% of companies using Boardio are looking for expertise outside their home market — making cross-border advisor searches the most common use case on the platform.
Common advisor types
How it works
Simple, risk-free process
From brief to shortlist in 2–4 weeks. Boardio runs the full process for you with Turnkey.
Describe your company, target market, and the type of advisor you're looking for. The more specific your brief, the faster and more accurate the match.
Boardio searches its network of 12k+ and presents a curated shortlist of relevant candidates. Advisors apply directly — you see real profiles and actual track records.
Boardio curates the shortlist for you, then you review applicants and decide who to bring on board at your own pace.
Pricing
Pay only if you find the right person
No upfront cost. No retainer. The success fee is charged only once you start working with an advisor we found — priced to match your company's stage. The exact fee depends on your company's stage and the scope of the search.
Startups
success fee + VAT · for pre-revenue and early-stage companies
- Curated shortlist, not raw applicants
- You only pay if you start working with someone we found
- 100% Growth Guarantee included
Scaleups
success fee + VAT · for revenue-generating companies scaling their advisory team
- Curated shortlist, not raw applicants
- You only pay if you start working with someone we found
- 100% Growth Guarantee included
Established
success fee + VAT · for established companies and larger, more complex searches
- Curated shortlist, not raw applicants
- You only pay if you start working with someone we found
- 100% Growth Guarantee included
If your advisor underdelivers on the agreed, measurable outcomes, we run a new search at no extra cost. You pay once — we stand behind the quality of the match.
Further reading
Guides on finding and working with startup advisors
Practical articles on finding, evaluating and compensating startup advisors.
Frequently asked questions
What is a startup advisor?
A startup advisor is an experienced operator or executive who works with your company part-time, typically in exchange for equity (0.1–1%) or a small monthly retainer. They bring relevant networks, hard-won experience, and credibility that helps the company grow faster.
How much does it cost to find a startup advisor?
Finding an advisor through Boardio's Turnkey service costs from €1,900 ($2,200) for startups, from €3,900 ($4,500) for scaleups, and from €5,900 ($6,900) for established companies — paid only if you start working with someone Boardio found. The advisor's own compensation — typically equity or a retainer — is agreed directly between you and the advisor.
How do I find a startup advisor outside my home country?
Boardio specialises in cross-border advisor searches. With 12k+ advisors across 120 countries, 90% of companies on the platform find advisors outside their home market. Start a Turnkey search.
How is a startup advisor different from a consultant?
Consultants typically charge by the hour or project and deliver analysis or reports. Advisors work part-time on an ongoing basis, are compensated with equity or retainers, and have a personal stake in the company's success. Advisors make introductions and get involved — consultants advise from a distance.
Startup advisors by industry
Browse advisors with deep expertise in your sector.
Find startup advisors by country
Browse advisors with local networks in your target market.
