* all founders -> potential investors, investor strategy
* most founders -> hiring advice, hiring network, exec eval
* b2b founders -> warm intros to potential buyers who trust the advisor, validation through association
* non-tech founders -> understanding and mental model of tech team dynamics
* first-time CEOs -> "how to CEO", coach-like role, potential BOD independent path
* seeking exit -> connection to strategic acquirers, indirect signaling
* solo founders -> talk through decisions/choices/what-ifs without impacting the organization
Sometimes this evolves over time, if the relationship lasts a while. The longer the relationship, the more areas it tends to cover. Often, the more experienced the founder, the more specific the initial expectation.
It might be difficult for founders to express their needs directly in transactional terms, especially if the advisor is perceived to be an influential person in their industry/milieu.
The second biggest thing is for there to be trust and respect in the relationship, in both directions. This is often harder than it sounds, especially for people who are being cold-introduced to each other. It often helps to go through an unpaid get-to-know-each-other period without legalities and commitments.