Top startup equity planning financial advisors in Aurora, CO

The right financial advisor for you depends on how you weigh location, expertise, experience, the clients they typically serve, and how they work with you.

If you have startup equity like stock options or restricted stock units (RSUs), you need an advisor who understands how to plan around these assets' unique tax and liquidity challenges. A common mistake is treating startup equity like regular investments, which can lead to missed tax savings or poor timing decisions.

  • Equity type expertise. Confirm they know the differences between options, RSUs, and other equity grants, and how each affects your financial plan.
  • Exit event planning. Ask how they help you prepare for liquidity events like IPOs or acquisitions, including tax implications and cash flow needs.
  • Tax timing strategies. Look for advisors who consider your state’s flat income tax and how it impacts when and how to exercise or sell equity.
  • Integration with overall finances. Ensure they coordinate equity planning with your broader goals, such as retirement or debt management, not just focus on the equity alone.

Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.

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David M

Series 66

Aurora, CO

Merrill

David Martinez is a financial advisor at Merrill with five years of industry experience. He holds a Series 66 designation and has worked at several major firms, including Bank of America, Morgan Stanley, J.P. Morgan Securities, and Wells Fargo Bank. Merrill, together with its affiliate Managed Account Advisors LLC, provides managed account services through the Select Portfolio Solutions Program, offering model-based and discretionary strategies for individuals, high-net-worth clients, pension plans, corporations, and charitable organizations.

Tax-loss harvesting Active portfolio management Wealth management

David B

Series 66

Denver, CO

Edward Jones

David Bartfeld is a financial advisor with Edward Jones in Aurora, Colorado, holding a Series 66 license and bringing 22 years of industry experience. He has been with Edward Jones since 2013. Edward Jones is a full-service wealth management firm serving over four million individual and institutional clients, with approximately $1.01 trillion in assets under management. The firm offers a range of advisory programs and investment solutions, including discretionary and non-discretionary strategies, separately managed accounts, and affiliated mutual funds, operating under a fiduciary standard.

Retirement income strategy Divorce financial planning General estate planning guidance Wealth management Retirement plans for business owners (SEP, solo 401k) Retired Founder/Business Owner Executive
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John R

Series 66

Aurora, CO

Key Investment Services LLc

John Ranieri III is a financial advisor at Key Investment Services LLC with a Series 66 designation. He has one year of industry experience and previously worked at UBS and MVision Private Equity Advisers. He completed his education at the University of Colorado Boulder. Key Investment Services LLC serves individuals, trusts, estates, small businesses, and corporate clients through various advisory programs, including wrap-fee programs, model portfolios, and separately managed accounts. The firm emphasizes client-directed model selection supported by financial professionals’ recommendations and provides access to third-party discretionary managers along with ongoing oversight and reporting.

ESG / Sustainable investing Tax-loss harvesting Passive / index investing Active portfolio management
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Darren W

Series 63, Series 65

Parker, CO

J.P. Morgan Securities

Darren Woon is a financial advisor at J.P. Morgan Securities with Series 63 and Series 65 credentials and five years of industry experience. His prior roles include positions at Trinity Wealth Securities, Florida Financial Advisors, and J.P. Morgan affiliates. J.P. Morgan Securities primarily serves institutional clients and retirement plan sponsors, providing investment consulting and advisory services through a quantitative asset-allocation process combined with centralized due diligence. The firm applies an ESG eligibility framework and offers a range of approved funds and strategies on a non-discretionary basis.

Wealth management Executive Founder/Business Owner
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Tonya H

Series 63, Series 65

Aurora, CO

OSAIC Institutions, INC.

Tonya Harper is a financial advisor at Osaic Institutions, Inc. with 31 years of industry experience. She holds Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and has worked at Bellco Credit Union since 2012 and CUSO Financial Services, LP from 2012 to 2023. Outside of her advisory work, she is the managing member of TM Harper Ltd, a private business. Osaic Institutions serves individuals, charitable organizations, corporations, and retirement plans, offering advisory and brokerage services through customized engagements, financial planning, ERISA plan services, wrap fee programs, and access to alternative investments. The firm operates primarily with non-discretionary assets and integrates brokerage and advisory solutions through a broad network of investment adviser representatives.

Annuities Tax-loss harvesting Founder/Business Owner Executive

Kimberly H

CFP®, CRPC®

Troy, MI

Innermost Wealth Management, LLC

I founded Innermost™ Wealth Management to create a more personal, thoughtful approach to financial planning and wealth management. My background in both finance and psychology shaped my belief that money is not just about numbers. It is deeply personal and connected to your values, goals, and life experiences. I work with professionals who want to grow and simplify their wealth, with a special focus on women navigating career growth, equity compensation, and major life transitions such as divorce. Many of my clients are balancing busy lives and complex financial decisions, and they value having a long-term financial partner who truly understands their needs. My firm is centered on ongoing wealth management through investment advisory relationships. Clients work with me for comprehensive financial planning and investment management that evolves with them over time. As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® Professional, Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor℠, and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® Candidate, I provide technical expertise and strategic guidance, while also recognizing the emotional side of financial decisions. My approach is compassionate, judgment-free, and designed to reduce stress while helping you feel more confident in your choices. I operate a fully virtual firm, working with clients across the country who appreciate flexibility and convenience. My goal is to simplify your financial life, provide clear advice, and help you align your wealth with what matters most to you. Outside of work, I enjoy traveling, photography, cooking, and spending quality time with my Beagle, Gracie.

General retirement planning General tax planning Wealth management Startup equity planning Divorce financial planning Women Professionals Life coaching / goal alignment Established Professionals Approaching retirement Dual Income Family

George S

Series 66

Hartford, CT

Merrill

George Silvester is a Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, serving as a member of the Boston Executive Services Team since 2017. He works primarily with founders, executives, and key associates at both privately held and publicly traded companies, focusing on the intricacies of equity ownership and equity compensation. George's approach begins with understanding what is most important to his clients and assessing their current position relative to their goals, ultimately developing customized financial strategies that align with their evolving life needs, resources, and aspirations. George began his career at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management as a Summer Analyst in 2016, where he developed an understanding of the client-advisor relationship and the collaborative pursuit of clients’ life goals. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Management with a concentration in Finance from Tulane University’s A.B. Freeman School of Business. Additionally, George has earned the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor™ (CRPC™) designation awarded by the College for Financial Planning, as well as the Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designation. Outside of his professional work, George’s personal interests include biking, bowling, chess, cooking, golfing, hiking, and reading.

Exec comp design Startup equity planning Liquidity event planning Wealth management ESG / Sustainable investing Founder/Business Owner Executive

James V

Series 66

Stuart, FL

Fidelity

James Van Nice is a Benefits & Planning Consultant specializing in Executive Services. In this role, he partners with executives to help them understand their employer benefits and develop plans to work towards their financial goals. James has professional experience as an Investment Solutions Representative III at Fidelity Investments from 2023 to 2025 and as an Investment Solutions Representative II at Fidelity Investments from 2022 to 2023. Prior to that, he worked at Merrill Lynch as an Investment Solutions Representative I from 2021 to 2022 and as a Financial Advisor from 2018 to 2019. Outside of his professional work, James engages in fishing, fitness, golf, running, and volunteering.

Exec comp design Liquidity event planning Startup equity planning Executive

Adam N

CFP®, Series 66

Mankato, MN

Edward Jones

Adam Neubauer is a CFP® with 11 years of industry experience. He has been with Edward Jones since 2014 and is based in Mankato, MN. Edward Jones is a full-service wealth management firm serving more than four million individual and institutional clients. The firm manages approximately $1.01 trillion in assets and offers a wide range of investment strategies and affiliated services through a large nationwide network of financial advisors and branch offices.

Retirement income strategy Business exit / sale strategy Charitable giving & philanthropy Startup equity planning General retirement planning Retired Founder/Business Owner Executive
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Juan P

Series 66

San Francisco, CA

Optimo Capital

Juan Polanco is a Series 66 licensed financial advisor with Optimo Capital in San Francisco, CA, and has 11 years of industry experience. Before founding Optimo Capital, he worked at Carr & Ferrell LLP for two years. Outside of his advisory role, Mr. Polanco works full-time as an engineer at PacBio and mentors startups and founders at the Founder's Institute and LoyalVC. Optimo Capital advises founders of venture-backed companies, recently funded startups, and private investors on portfolio supervision and capital-raising. The firm uses a combined top‑down and bottom‑up analytical approach with a supervisory and consultative model, focusing on tailored services such as Investment Policy Statements, due diligence management, and pitch material preparation.

Business ownership considerations Wealth management Founder/Business Owner

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