Top startup equity planning financial advisors
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 equity in a startup, like stock options or restricted stock units (RSUs), you face complex decisions about when and how to exercise or sell them. A common mistake is misjudging the tax impact or timing, which can lead to unexpected tax bills or lost value.
- Equity type expertise. Confirm the advisor understands different startup equity forms and their unique tax and liquidity challenges.
- Exit strategy planning. Ask how they help align your equity decisions with potential company events like IPOs or acquisitions.
- Tax timing insight. Look for guidance on managing tax events triggered by exercising options or selling shares.
- Vesting schedule management. Ensure they consider your equity vesting timeline to optimize financial outcomes.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Kimberly H
VerifiedCFP®, CRPC®
Troy, MI
Innermost Wealth Management, LLC
Kimberly Houston specializes in startup equity planning, offering expertise in managing complex equity compensation decisions such as stock options and RSUs, with a focus on tax timing and exit strategy alignment. Based in Troy, MI, she provides flat-fee and tiered AUM pricing, serving primarily women professionals and established clients through a fully virtual, personalized approach that integrates financial planning with life coaching and goal alignment.
Experience: 11 years
Avg account: $0
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George S
Series 66
Hartford, CT
Merrill
George Silvester specializes in startup equity planning, working closely with founders and executives to navigate equity ownership complexities, including stock options and liquidity events. Based in Hartford, CT, he brings eight years of experience at Merrill, a large firm, and offers a 1.10% AUM fee for managed strategies under $2 million, distinguishing him with a focus on mid-career professionals and high earners not yet rich, alongside expertise in executive compensation and ESG investing.
Experience: 9 years
Avg account: $860,085
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James V
Series 66
Stuart, FL
Fidelity
James Van Nice specializes in startup equity planning, executive compensation design, and liquidity event planning, making him well-equipped to guide clients through complex decisions involving stock options and RSUs. Based in Stuart, FL, he brings seven years of industry experience and works within the large-firm environment of Fidelity, offering structured resources and executive-focused financial strategies that may differ from smaller or less specialized advisors.
Experience: 8 years
Avg account: $234,793
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Adam N
CFP®, Series 66
Mankato, MN
Edward Jones
Adam Neubauer specializes in startup equity planning, offering expertise in managing stock options and exit strategies, which is crucial for navigating complex tax and liquidity challenges. Based in Mankato, MN, he brings 11 years of experience and CFP® certification, working within Edward Jones, a large firm managing over $1 trillion in assets, providing access to diverse investment strategies and a broad support network.
Experience: 11 years
Avg account: $246,728
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Juan P
Series 66
San Francisco, CA
Optimo Capital
Juan Polanco specializes in startup equity planning, offering expertise in managing stock options and RSUs with a focus on tax timing and exit strategies. Based in San Francisco, he provides flat-fee and hourly services through Optimo Capital, which supports startups and founders with no account minimums, combining macro analysis and security research to tailor financial advice for emerging company executives and employees.
Experience: 11 years
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