I'd love to give YC advisory shares in a future startup. We're eventually dissolving the corporation, but need to handle cash out properly.

Give, or sell, shares? I am just wondering if you consider YC involvement so valuable that you would actually hand over shares just to have them on board in a venture.

That's exactly what I'm saying. I haven't asked pg or jl if they'd be willing to do it like this. The paperwork is certainly cheaper, but their stock would have fewer rights. I don't plan on needing the money.

thats quite common for advisary board positions (usually < 1%)

It's surprising isn't it? that's the same amount you'd give an early engineer. Makes it sound like advisory board positions add an equal amount of value.

That entirely depends on how early, right? Advisers can definitely be worth more than a single engineer.

Yep, I think my big trouble is 'can' and 'will'. An engineer, being a full-time employee will come in and kick all sorts of ass, while an advisor may or may not help you make the right decision, make the right connections, etc.

Not saying that it isn't good to give your advisors equity but just wondering if you might be better of hiring great engineers and giving them more equity. Probably need personal experience to figure out the right answer (if there is one).

I'm all for giving shares based on performance, not on day 1, both for 'advisors' and 'engineers'.

Prove it, then get rewarded.