Top startup equity planning financial advisors in Berkeley, CA
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 shares, coming your way, you need an advisor who understands how to plan for the tax and financial impacts as your company grows or exits. A common mistake is treating startup equity like regular investments, which can lead to unexpected tax bills or missed opportunities.
- Equity type expertise. Confirm they know the difference between options, restricted stock units, and other equity forms, as each has unique tax and exercise rules.
- Exit event planning. Ask how they prepare you for liquidity events like IPOs or acquisitions, focusing on timing and tax consequences.
- Tax strategy integration. Ensure they coordinate equity planning with your overall tax situation, including state taxes and potential deductions.
- Long-term wealth impact. Look for advisors who consider how your startup equity fits into your broader financial goals, not just immediate gains.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Juan P
Series 66
San Francisco, CA
Optimo Capital
Juan Polanco specializes in startup equity planning, leveraging 11 years of experience and a Series 66 designation to assist founders and executives with complex equity types and tax strategies. Based in San Francisco, he offers flat-fee and project-based pricing through Optimo Capital, which serves startups with no account minimums and integrates macroeconomic analysis with detailed security research, distinguishing him from other advisors in the Berkeley area.
Experience: 11 years
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Akintayo O
Series 63, Series 65
Oakland, CA
Fidelity
Akintayo Ogundiya specializes in startup equity planning and liquidity event planning, making him well-equipped to handle the complexities of stock options and restricted stock units for clients in the Berkeley area. With 18 years of industry experience at Fidelity, a large firm, he integrates equity compensation into comprehensive long-term financial plans, emphasizing trust and reliability for executive and financial professional clients.
Experience: 18 years
Avg account: $234,793
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Percy M
Series 66
Oakland, CA
Merrill
Percy Mc Gee Jr. offers expertise in startup equity planning, supported by 25 years of experience and a Series 66 designation at Merrill, a large firm known for comprehensive wealth management. He serves diverse professionals including executives and founders, managing discretionary portfolios with a 1.10% AUM fee, which may appeal to clients seeking seasoned guidance near Berkeley, CA.
Experience: 25 years
Avg account: $860,085
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William F
Series 65, Series 66
San Diego, CA
LPL Financial
William Fried specializes in startup equity planning and executive compensation, making him well-equipped to handle the tax and financial complexities of startup equity in Berkeley, CA. With nine years of experience at Edward Jones, a large firm managing over $1 trillion in assets, he offers a comprehensive wealth management approach with a fee structure up to 1.35% annually, suitable for founders and business owners seeking integrated financial strategies.
Experience: 10 years
Avg account: $399,489
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