Introduction: Smooth Sailing from Day One
Stepping into a new advisory role can feel like navigating uncharted waters. You’ve got expertise. You’ve got enthusiasm. But without an advisor onboarding checklist, it’s easy to drift off course. This guide will set you up for success. We’ll cover everything from clarifying your scope to tapping into Oriel IPO’s commission-free EIS matchmaking platform. By the end, you’ll know exactly which steps to follow—and which tools to leverage.
Ready to get started? Use our Revolutionising Investment Opportunities in the UK with our advisor onboarding checklist to ensure a rock-solid foundation for every engagement. You’ll gain clarity, reduce friction, and unlock tax-efficient strategies for your founders. Let’s chart the course.
Why You Need an Advisor Onboarding Checklist
Becoming a startup advisor is more than a title. It’s a commitment. An advisor onboarding checklist turns guesswork into a clear plan. It helps you:
- Set expectations early.
- Define milestones and deliverables.
- Align on equity or cash compensation.
- Avoid legal headaches down the line.
Think of the checklist as your pre-flight inspection. Missing a step could mean unexpected turbulence: misaligned goals, confusion over SEIS/EIS guidelines, or worse, legal disputes. With Oriel IPO’s educational resources, you’ll fill any knowledge gaps on the UK’s SEIS and EIS schemes. No more scrambling for answers mid-engagement.
Step-by-Step Advisor Onboarding Checklist
Below is a comprehensive advisor onboarding checklist designed for first-time and seasoned advisors alike. Each step comes with practical tips and pointers to Oriel IPO’s strengths.
1. Define Your Role and Expectations
First things first: get clear on what you’ll actually do. Have a candid chat with the founder about:
- Specific areas of guidance (e.g., go-to-market, product strategy).
- Frequency of check-ins (weekly calls? Monthly workshops?).
- Mode of collaboration (virtual or in-person).
- Decision-making authority (feedback only, or hands-on execution?).
Jot these details into a one-page summary. You’ll avoid scope creep and keep everyone accountable.
2. Understand SEIS and EIS Basics
Much of your value comes from advising on tax-efficient investments. But if SEIS and EIS are new to you, it pays to learn fast:
- SEIS offers up to 50% income tax relief on investments.
- EIS covers larger rounds, with 30% income tax relief and inheritance tax perks.
- Both schemes require companies to meet HMRC eligibility criteria.
Oriel IPO’s webinars and guides break down these schemes into bite-sized modules. Bookmark their resources to brush up anytime.
3. Leverage Oriel IPO’s Educational Resources
No need to reinvent the wheel—or tax guidance. Oriel IPO provides:
- Step-by-step guides on SEIS/EIS compliance.
- Recorded webinars with industry experts.
- FAQs that address common founder and advisor pitfalls.
Refer your team to these materials during onboarding. They’ll appreciate the clarity. You’ll look like a rock star.
4. Use the Commission-Free EIS Matchmaking Platform
One of Oriel IPO’s standout services is its commission-free EIS matchmaking platform. Here’s why you should plug it into your checklist:
- Curated deal flow: hand-picked, HMRC-eligible startups.
- Transparent fees: subscription-based, not a cut of funds raised.
- Quality assurance: vetted opportunities only.
Point your investors here. It simplifies introductions and builds credibility for founders. Plus, deals move faster when paperwork is clear and fees are upfront.
Revolutionising Investment Opportunities in the UK with our advisor onboarding checklist
5. Establish Communication Channels
Solid communication is non-negotiable. Set up:
- A dedicated Slack or Teams channel.
- A shared project board (Trello, Asana) for action items.
- A recurring calendar invite (30 minutes every two weeks).
Document all meetings and decisions. That way, you can reference context when emails get lost or founders need a refresher.
6. Align on Reporting and KPIs
Define success metrics early. Depending on your focus, these could include:
- Number of investor introductions made.
- Percentage of EIS-eligible funds closed.
- Timeliness of deliverables (e.g., pitch deck revisions).
Track progress in a single dashboard. Oriel IPO’s platform integrates easily with reporting tools—so you can pull live updates without chasing data.
7. Document Legal Agreements and Equity Terms
Always follow up conversations with a legal agreement. Here’s what to cover:
- Advisor compensation (shares, options, cash).
- Vesting schedule and cliff.
- Confidentiality and IP clauses.
- Termination terms and exit procedure.
The FAST advisory agreement is a quick, stage-appropriate template. Adapt Schedule A to match your time commitment. Legal clarity reduces disputes—and keeps you focused on high-impact work.
8. Final Review and Launch
Before you dive in:
- Run through your advisor onboarding checklist one last time.
- Confirm all stakeholders have signed off.
- Share an onboarding pack (roles, resources, key dates).
Then hit “go.” With a clear path mapped out, you’re ready to steer the startup towards tax-efficient success.
Midway Check-In and Next Steps
You’ve covered definitions, schemes, tools, and legalities. Now comes the magic: execution. As you guide founders through their first investor pitches, keep your advisor onboarding checklist close. Looking for a seamless way to tie in EIS matchmaking? Oriel IPO has you covered on both education and connections.
Revolutionise your advisor onboarding checklist for tax-efficient deals
Testimonials
“I was sceptical about EIS complexities. Oriel IPO’s guides made it clear in minutes. My startup investors felt confident, and we closed our round faster than expected.”
— Jane Roberts, CTO of GreenWave Tech
“Oriel IPO changed our advisory workflow. The commission-free matchmaking platform saved us thousands in fees. Now our portfolio founders get top-tier introductions, no stress.”
— Samir Patel, Angel Investor
“As an advisor, I juggle many hats. Having a ready-made, HMRC-compliant process from Oriel IPO cut my prep time in half. My focus is now on strategy, not paperwork.”
— Lydia Wong, Growth Consultant
Conclusion: Launch with Confidence
Advising a startup is a privilege—and a responsibility. A robust advisor onboarding checklist ensures you deliver consistent, tax-savvy results every time. Remember to leverage Oriel IPO’s educational resources and commission-free EIS platform. They’ll keep you—and your founders—ahead of the curve.
Ready to implement your advisor onboarding checklist today? Start your advisor onboarding checklist with Oriel IPO and embark on your most impactful advisory engagement yet.
