startup advisory
You don't have to figure this out alone.
Building a startup is hard. Not "hard like a difficult maths problem" hard — hard like making consequential decisions every day without a rulebook, without enough information, and often without anyone in your corner who's actually been through it.
That's where I come in.
I'm Chad Stephens. I've built and exited multiple startups, raised capital, hired teams, made plenty of mistakes, and learned what actually moves the needle at the early stage. My advisory work is built around one idea: founders make better decisions when they have an experienced thinking partner in their corner.
What startup advisory actually looks like
This isn't a monthly retainer where I show up to a call and nod along. It's hands-on, practical support — the kind you'd get from a co-founder who's been through the journey before.
Depending on where you are and what you need, we might work on:
Strategy & business model Stress-testing your assumptions, sharpening your positioning, and identifying the moves that matter most right now versus the ones that can wait.
Fundraising preparation Getting you investor-ready — narrative, materials, target list, and process — before you start knocking on doors.
Founder development The strategic stuff matters, but so do you. We'll work on decision-making, resilience, and how to lead effectively as your company grows.
Operational clarity Helping you build the right structure, hire the right first people, and avoid the operational mistakes that slow early-stage companies down.
This is for you if…
You're pre-seed or seed stage and making decisions that feel too big to get wrong
You're a first-time founder who wants experienced perspective, not generic advice
You've hit a wall — fundraising, hiring, strategy — and need a clear path forward
You want someone who'll be direct with you, not just tell you what you want to hear
Frequently asked questions
How is this different from a startup accelerator or incubator? Accelerators run cohorts on fixed timelines. Advisory with me is one-on-one, tailored to your specific situation, and doesn't require equity in exchange for access. You get focused attention, not a program.
What stage are you best suited to working with? Pre-seed and seed is my sweet spot — when the stakes are high, the uncertainty is greatest, and the decisions you make set the trajectory for everything that follows.
Do you invest in the companies you advise? Sometimes. I'm an active angel investor, and if your startup aligns with my focus areas I may invest directly. That said, advisory and investment are separate conversations.
How do I get started? Book a free intro call. We'll spend 30 minutes getting clear on where you are, what you need, and whether we're a good fit.