Paul shares an office with this guy. I assume they're similar ages, and seem to be similarly experienced (both early Googlers, now retired). Is advisor really the right word, here?
$25k starting bonus is unusual, so far as I know, particularly for an early stage startup that, in theory, has no money and would mostly be paying someone like employee #2 mostly in equity.
It's a good way to help someone along who might have significant unvested options at a larger company. It might not match the "on the table" money, but might sweeten the deal a bit.
