Building a Solid Board

Would any veteran entrepreneur or someone with previous experience out there share some insights into how to recruit a board of directors for a start up.

  1. How do you approach your prospects given that you may not have direct relationship with >50% of the potential candidates?

  2. Would it be worth trying to get someone on board that you know wouldn't contribute much in order to simply leverage their name in pitching the company?

  3. Also how do you deal with compensation in light of a relatively small budget initially?

I've read a couple of books on the topic but would love to hear some real stories/past experiences; what to avoid, and what to focus on in terms of the process...

 
Best Response
  1. Try to network so you can be referred by someone. Much higher likelihood of success compared to a cold-call

  2. Yes, but why are you "pitching" the company? To VCs? To potential clients? If it's VCs, don't really see how it would help so early -- you actually have to deliver a solid product / service to get funding...especially in this market. who is on your advisory board doesn't just open the wallets automatically unless thi sguy is a superstar. If it's potential clients and the person gives you cred, then why not.

  3. I've heard of companies giving a small amount of options that vest over x years. Although the options wont be worth much Day 1, you at least want them to feel like there is some aligned incentive here.

Good Luck, Patrick


Please help us get to 20,000 members by March 31st and win a free WSO shirt! http://www.printfection.com/wso-store http://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forums/march-to-20000-members-t-shirt-contest Invite People Here: http://www.wallstreetoasis.com/invite

 
  1. Try to network so you can be referred by someone. Much higher likelihood of success compared to a cold-call

  2. Yes, but why are you "pitching" the company? To VCs? To potential clients? If it's VCs, don't really see how it would help so early -- you actually have to deliver a solid product / service to get funding...especially in this market. who is on your advisory board doesn't just open the wallets automatically unless thi sguy is a superstar. If it's potential clients and the person gives you cred, then why not.

  3. I've heard of companies giving a small amount of options that vest over x years. Although the options wont be worth much Day 1, you at least want them to feel like there is some aligned incentive here.

Good Luck, Patrick


Please help us get to 20,000 members by March 31st and win a free WSO shirt! http://www.printfection.com/wso-store http://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forums/march-to-20000-members-t-shirt-contest Invite People Here: http://www.wallstreetoasis.com/invite

 
  1. Try to network so you can be referred by someone. Much higher likelihood of success compared to a cold-call

  2. Yes, but why are you "pitching" the company? To VCs? To potential clients? If it's VCs, don't really see how it would help so early -- you actually have to deliver a solid product / service to get funding...especially in this market. who is on your advisory board doesn't just open the wallets automatically unless thi sguy is a superstar. If it's potential clients and the person gives you cred, then why not.

  3. I've heard of companies giving a small amount of options that vest over x years. Although the options wont be worth much Day 1, you at least want them to feel like there is some aligned incentive here.

Good Luck, Patrick


Please help us get to 20,000 members by March 31st and win a free WSO shirt! http://www.printfection.com/wso-store http://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forums/march-to-20000-members-t-shirt-contest Invite People Here: http://www.wallstreetoasis.com/invite

 

Corrupti quasi non est maiores quis. Et at tempore sunt eveniet natus. Ex repellendus perspiciatis ipsa vitae aut. Ipsum deleniti repudiandae itaque quo dignissimos aut. Molestias nemo nihil eos ipsa.

Minima ea omnis qui laborum. Esse beatae sit in quam explicabo harum incidunt. Autem voluptatem iusto voluptatibus quia hic eligendi.

Perspiciatis est dolores accusamus rem dolorem recusandae. Quisquam asperiores quia quis sed. In nulla repudiandae quas vero velit at.

Career Advancement Opportunities

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Jefferies & Company 02 99.4%
  • Lazard Freres No 98.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 18 98.3%
  • Harris Williams & Co. New 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 04 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Harris Williams & Co. 18 99.4%
  • JPMorgan Chase 10 98.8%
  • Lazard Freres 05 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.7%
  • William Blair 03 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Lazard Freres 01 99.4%
  • Jefferies & Company 02 98.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 17 98.3%
  • Moelis & Company 07 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 05 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (5) $648
  • Vice President (20) $385
  • Associates (91) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (14) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (33) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (68) $168
  • 1st Year Analyst (205) $159
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (146) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”