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An Advisor Agreement outlines the formal relationship between a company and its business advisor or consultant in Ireland. It spells out the advisor's role, compensation structure, and duties while protecting both parties' interests through clear terms and confidentiality provisions.

Under Irish commercial law, these agreements help prevent future disputes by defining key aspects like scope of services, payment terms, and intellectual property rights. They're especially common among Irish startups and tech companies seeking expert guidance on growth, strategy, or fundraising, while maintaining compliance with local business regulations and tax requirements.

Use an Advisor Agreement when bringing on experienced professionals to guide your Irish business through critical phases like expansion, fundraising, or strategic planning. This becomes essential before your advisor starts providing any consulting services, especially if they'll have access to sensitive company information or intellectual property.

The agreement proves particularly valuable for Irish startups engaging industry veterans, venture capitalists, or technical experts as advisors. It helps prevent misunderstandings about compensation, commitment levels, and confidentiality obligations while ensuring compliance with Irish corporate governance standards and protecting both parties' interests from day one.

• Fixed-Term Advisory: Used for specific projects or time-bound consultations, typically including milestone-based compensation and clear deliverables.
• Equity-Based Agreement: Common among Irish startups, offering company shares or options as compensation, often with vesting schedules.
• Board Advisory Agreement: More formal arrangement for senior advisors who guide corporate strategy and governance decisions.
• Technical Advisory: Tailored for subject matter experts providing specialized knowledge in areas like technology or regulatory compliance.
• Mentorship Agreement: Less formal structure focusing on guidance and knowledge transfer, often with flexible meeting schedules and reduced compensation terms.

• Companies and Startups: Irish businesses seeking expert guidance on growth, strategy, or industry-specific challenges.
• Business Advisors: Experienced professionals offering strategic consulting services, often former executives or industry experts.
• Legal Counsel: Corporate lawyers who draft and review these agreements to ensure compliance with Irish law.
• Board Members: Directors who approve advisor appointments and oversee their integration into company operations.
• Company Secretaries: Maintain official records and ensure proper documentation of advisor relationships under Irish corporate governance requirements.

• Advisor Details: Gather full contact information, qualifications, and expertise areas of the proposed advisor.
• Scope Definition: Outline specific services, deliverables, and time commitments expected from the advisor.
• Compensation Terms: Determine payment structure, including fees, equity arrangements, or other benefits.
• Duration Planning: Set clear start dates, term length, and renewal conditions.
• Confidentiality Needs: Identify sensitive information the advisor will access.
• Performance Metrics: Define measurable goals and evaluation criteria.
• Exit Strategy: Establish termination conditions and post-engagement obligations.

• Parties & Roles: Clear identification of the company and advisor, including registered addresses and contact details.
• Services Scope: Detailed description of advisory duties, deliverables, and performance expectations.
• Compensation Terms: Payment structure, equity arrangements, and reimbursement policies.
• Confidentiality Provisions: Protection of sensitive information and trade secrets under Irish law.
• Intellectual Property Rights: Assignment of any IP created during the engagement.
• Term and Termination: Duration, renewal options, and grounds for early termination.
• Irish Law Compliance: GDPR requirements, governing law clause, and dispute resolution mechanisms.

While an Advisor Agreement and an Agency Agreement might seem similar at first glance, they serve distinct purposes in Irish business law. The key differences lie in their scope, authority levels, and legal obligations.

• Authority and Representation: Agency Agreements grant the agent power to act on behalf of and legally bind the company, while Advisors provide guidance without decision-making authority.
• Duration and Commitment: Agency relationships typically involve ongoing operational involvement, whereas Advisor Agreements often focus on strategic guidance with limited time commitments.
• Legal Liability: Agents can create legal obligations for the company they represent, while advisors bear minimal liability beyond their advisory role.
• Compensation Structure: Agency Agreements usually include commission-based payments or regular fees, while Advisor Agreements might incorporate equity compensation or project-based fees.