What Is the Difference Between Advisory Board and Board of Directors?

In the world of startups, there are two types of boards that are commonly used to help guide and advise the company: the advisory board and the board of directors. While both serve important roles, there are significant differences between the two. In this article, we will explore the key distinctions between these two types of boards and why they are important for the success of a startup.

Advisory Board

An advisory board is a group of external experts who are brought in to provide guidance and advice to a company. Advisory board members are not involved in the day-to-day operations of the company, but rather offer their knowledge and expertise to help the company achieve its goals. Members of an advisory board are typically chosen for their experience in a particular industry or functional area, and they may be compensated for their time and expertise.

The role of the advisory board is to provide the startup with a broad perspective on its business strategy, product development, marketing, and other areas. The advice and insights provided by the advisory board can help the startup avoid common pitfalls and make better-informed decisions. Members of the advisory board may also be able to introduce the startup to potential customers, partners, or investors.

Board of Directors

The board of directors, on the other hand, is responsible for overseeing the management of the company. The board is typically made up of a group of elected or appointed individuals who represent the interests of the company's shareholders. The board of directors sets the overall strategy for the company, hires and fires the CEO, and approves major decisions such as acquisitions, major investments, or changes in corporate structure.

Unlike the advisory board, the members of the board of directors have a legal and fiduciary responsibility to act in the best interests of the company and its shareholders. Board members are typically compensated for their time and may be expected to attend regular meetings and participate in discussions about the company's strategy and performance.

Board of Directors Has Higher Involvement

The key difference between the advisory board and the board of directors is the level of involvement in the company's operations and decision-making process. While the advisory board provides advice and guidance, it is the CEO and management team that make the final decisions.

The board of directors, on the other hand, has a more direct role in the company's decision-making process and is responsible for ensuring that the company is being run in a way that is in the best interests of its shareholders.

Board of Directors Has Fiduciary Duty to Shareholders

Another key difference is the level of legal and fiduciary responsibility. Members of the board of directors have a legal obligation to act in the best interests of the company and its shareholders, while members of the advisory board do not. This means that the board of directors can be held liable if they act in a way that harms the company or its shareholders.

Hire a Startup Advisor

Both the advisory board and the board of directors are important for the success of a startup, but they serve different roles. The advisory board provides valuable guidance and expertise to the startup, while the board of directors is responsible for overseeing the management of the company and ensuring that it is being run in a way that is in the best interests of its shareholders. By understanding the differences between these two types of boards, startups can make informed decisions about which one is best suited for their needs.

Upthriving is a fully integrated startup growth service for entrepreneurs that have built a product with market fit. More than a startup advisory service, we execute projects that maximize revenue for your business while you focus on building the product.