Board of One vs Advisory Board
Advisory boards cost equity and are available monthly. Is there a better way to get strategic guidance without diluting your cap table?
The real cost of advisory boards
Quick comparison
| Advisory Board | Board of One | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | 0.25-1% equity + cash retainer | Fixed monthly subscription |
| Availability | Monthly/quarterly meetings | 24/7, instant access |
| Perspectives | 1 per advisor (need multiple) | Multiple built-in |
| Context retention | Needs re-sync each meeting | Always loaded |
| Network value | Introductions & credibility | None |
| Documentation | Rarely documented | Full decision logs |
| Commitment | Equity vests over 2 years | Cancel anytime |
When to choose Board of One
You primarily need strategic thinking, not networking
Equity preservation matters—every point counts
You need guidance now, not at next month's meeting
You want multiple perspectives without hiring multiple advisors
You value documented decisions over verbal advice
When to choose an advisory board
You need introductions to investors, customers, or partners
Their name on your site adds credibility
They've seen your exact situation many times before
You want a long-term relationship and mentorship
The equity cost is worth it for the relationship value
The smart combination
Many founders are rethinking how they use advisors:
- 1-2 advisors for network/credibility (where relationship value is irreplaceable)
- Board of One for everything else (daily strategic thinking, decision frameworks)
This gives you the best of both worlds: human relationships where they matter, AI-powered strategic support for everything else. And you keep more of your cap table.
Frequently asked questions
Do I really need advisors if I have Board of One?
Depends on what you need from advisors. If it's strategic thinking and analysis—Board of One handles that. If it's introductions to investors, industry credibility, or specific pattern-matching from lived experience—that's where human advisors still excel. Many founders find they need fewer advisors, not zero advisors.
How much equity do advisors typically get?
Typically 0.25-1% for a formal advisor, vesting over 2 years with monthly or quarterly meetings. At a £10M exit, that 0.5% is £50,000. At £100M, it's £500,000. Plus many advisors also expect cash retainers of £500-2,000/month. The equity cost alone often exceeds what you'd spend on Board of One for years.
But my advisor has industry connections I need
That's a valid reason to have an advisor. Board of One doesn't replace relationship value—introductions, references, and network access. What it replaces is the strategic thinking component. If your advisor's primary value is their network, keep them. If it's their strategic input, evaluate whether you're getting good value.
What about the credibility advisors provide?
Having notable names on your advisory board can signal quality to investors and customers. This is real value that Board of One can't provide. But be honest: is that credibility worth the equity? And are the advisors actually providing strategic value, or just their name? Often one or two high-profile advisors for credibility + Board of One for actual guidance is the optimal mix.
How do I get multiple perspectives without multiple advisors?
Board of One provides multi-perspective analysis by design—finance, marketing, operations, product viewpoints all weighing in on decisions. Getting that breadth from human advisors would require 4-5 people, each taking equity. Board of One gives you the equivalent of a full advisory board at a fraction of the cost.
Can advisors and Board of One work together?
Absolutely. Use Board of One for frequent decisions and day-to-day strategic thinking. Reserve advisor meetings for high-stakes decisions where their specific experience matters, or for leveraging their network. This makes your limited advisor time more impactful—you're not spending it on routine decisions.
Keep your equity
Get strategic guidance without diluting your cap table.