Seasoned financial advisors working with founders and business owners in Palo Alto, 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 run a business or founded a startup in Palo Alto, you face unique financial challenges like managing irregular income and planning for business growth or sale. Without experience in these areas, advisors might overlook how your business decisions impact your personal wealth.
- Business cash flow insight. Look for advisors who understand how your company’s income cycles affect your personal finances and investment capacity.
- Exit strategy planning. Confirm they can help you align your business sale or succession plans with your long-term financial goals.
- Tax impact awareness. California’s high income taxes and property tax limits under Proposition 13 require careful planning to optimize your tax situation.
- Experience with founders. Seasoned advisors here have navigated the complexities of founder finances, including equity compensation and reinvestment decisions.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
-
Victor M
CFP®, PFS™, Series 63
Los Altos, CA
Cetera
Victor Mandella's 28 years of experience and CFP® and PFS™ credentials equip him to address the complex financial needs of founders and business owners in the Palo Alto area, including retirement plans like SEP and solo 401(k). Affiliated with Cetera, a large firm offering diverse portfolio management and financial planning solutions, he provides flexible flat-fee and hourly consulting options, distinguishing him from advisors with more rigid fee structures.
Experience: 29 years
Avg account: $306,089
-
Jim L
Series 66
Palo Alto, CA
J.P. Morgan Securities
Jim Lucas brings 24 years of experience advising founders and business owners in Palo Alto, combining his expertise in wealth management with a deep understanding of business cash flow and exit strategy planning. Affiliated with J.P. Morgan Securities, a large firm offering institutional consulting and customized performance reporting, he charges a 0.30% annual fee and supports clients retaining final decision authority, distinguishing him from advisors with smaller firm backgrounds or different fee structures.
Experience: 24 years
Avg account: $318,381
-
Kanaka S
CFP®, Series 63
Los Altos, CA
Gates Pass Advisors, LLC
Kanaka Szabo Cummings brings 26 years of experience advising founders and business owners, with expertise in retirement, income, and tax planning tailored to high-net-worth clients near Palo Alto. Her firm offers flat-fee, independent wealth management emphasizing tax-aware portfolio construction and diversified asset allocation, distinguishing her from others by combining comprehensive planning with a turn-key asset management platform.
Experience: 27 years
Avg account: $3,008,496
-
Hilary J
Series 66
Palo Alto, CA
Merrill
Hilary Jones brings 22 years of experience advising founders and business owners in Palo Alto, combining expertise in retirement planning, wealth management, and ESG investing. As a Vice President at Merrill Lynch, she offers a 1.10% AUM fee for managed strategies under $2 million, blending traditional advice with customized solutions, which may appeal to baby boomer clients seeking seasoned guidance within a large firm setting.
Experience: 22 years
Avg account: $860,085
-
Ellice P
Series 63, Series 65
Los Altos Hills, CA
UBS Financial Services
Ellice Papp's 49 years of experience and focus on founders and business owners equip her to address complex financial needs like equity compensation tax strategy and cash flow management. Affiliated with UBS Financial Services, she offers large-firm resources and serves high-net-worth clients, providing tailored wealth management through institutional trading and model-based asset allocations, distinguishing her from advisors with smaller firm backgrounds.
Experience: 49 years
Avg account: $693,691
Want help finding the right advisor?
Answer a few questions to see advisors matched to you.
Advisors focused on
People also searched
Popular in Palo Alto, CA
Find advisors by type
Not sure where to start?
We'll help you think it through—whether you ultimately need an advisor or not. Warmer helps you compare advisors clearly, so you can choose with confidence.
For advisor listings, we rely on sources including public filings and data provided by advisors, and we cannot guarantee that all information is current or accurate. Advisors are independent and may not have reviewed or updated this information. Please review an advisor’s Form ADV and do your own diligence before deciding whether to work with them.
Advisor matching and introductions are provided by FinanceHQ LLC (“FHQ”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Warmer and an SEC-registered investment advisor. We receive compensation from certain participating advisors for introductions or referrals. This creates a conflict of interest because we have an incentive to recommend advisors who compensate us, including those who pay us more. You pay no fee to use our matching service, and advisor fees are not increased because of a referral or introduction. We do not review the ongoing performance of advisors, manage or hold assets, guarantee performance, or provide advice about specific investments.
By using our service, you agree to our Terms of Service and Advisory Agreement, and acknowledge our Privacy Policy. Please review FHQ’s ADV Part 2A and Form CRS. Logos provided by Logo.dev
© 2026 Warmer Holdings Inc. (“Warmer”)