Top startup equity planning financial advisors in Oakland, CA

Michael Britton is a Series 66-credentialed advisor with PlanMember Securities Corporation, based in Alameda, CA, and has four years of industry experience. Prior to joining PlanMember, he worked at Raymond James Financial Services Advisors and has held a director role in supply planning and co-manufacturing at Peet's Coffee since 2017. Outside of his advisory work, he maintains a self-employed practice focused on investment-related insurance services. PlanMember Securities Corporation provides retirement-plan advisory services to employers and plan participants, focusing on ERISA Section 3(38) fiduciary responsibilities and participant-level investment options. The firm employs a top-down strategic asset allocation framework and manages risk-based mutual fund portfolios, while offering education and support services including seminars and personalized retirement planning.

Corey Hayashi is a CFP® and Series 66-registered financial advisor with Edward Jones in Alameda, CA. He has 15 years of industry experience and has been with Edward Jones since 2010. Edward Jones is a full-service wealth management firm serving individual and institutional clients, with approximately $1.01 trillion in assets under management and over 23,700 financial advisors nationwide. The firm offers a range of advisory programs, including discretionary and non-discretionary wrap fee strategies, separately managed accounts, and affiliated mutual funds, operating under a fiduciary standard.

Edward Kofman is a financial advisor at OSAIC with 40 years of industry experience. He holds the CFP® designation and has worked at Royal Alliance Associates and Cal Cap Planning, among other firms. Kofman serves on several nonprofit boards in Alameda, including as president of the Alameda Community Fund and treasurer for the Temple Israel of Alameda Foundation. He is also a financial educator and a wedding officiant. OSAIC Wealth, Inc. serves a diverse client base including individuals, high-net-worth investors, pension plans, and charitable organizations through a large network of advisors. The firm offers integrated brokerage and advisory services with a focus on asset allocation, risk management, and access to third-party money managers and unified managed accounts.

Todd Wellnitz is a financial advisor with Legacy Wealth Management, LLC, based in Alameda, CA. He has one year of industry experience and has been with Legacy Wealth Management since 2024. Prior to this, he has been involved with Wellguard Insurance Solutions, Inc. since 2010. Legacy Wealth Management is a multi-advisor firm serving individuals, charitable organizations, and business entities. The firm offers discretionary and non-discretionary portfolio management, financial consulting, and planning through a multi-team platform, emphasizing tailored strategies and continuous account monitoring.

Kevin Kennedy is a CFP® with 28 years of industry experience and the principal of Kevin Kennedy, LLC, where he has worked since 2004. He also serves on the Board of Directors for Bank of Marin Bancorp. Additionally, he has been employed by the City of Alameda since 2000. Kevin Kennedy, LLC provides comprehensive financial planning and investment advisory services to individuals, pension plans, and not-for-profit organizations, utilizing SEI-managed account programs and model portfolios for asset allocation and investment selection. The firm primarily offers non-discretionary services and focuses on retirement plans and institutional clients.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.