Starting a new business is an exciting yet challenging experience. The early stages of a pre-funded startup can be particularly daunting as founders must navigate a variety of decisions that will shape the trajectory of their company. One of the most important decisions is whether or not to join an accelerator program, and if so, what program to apply for.

Accelerators offer startups the opportunity to access funding, mentorship, and valuable resources, but the terms of these programs can vary widely. In episode 7 of Startup Confidential, we explore the story of Jive Travel, a company that joined an accelerator and agreed to questionable terms. We examine the differences between good and abusive accelerator programs and provide insights for founders who are considering joining one.

Another crucial aspect of building a successful startup is assembling an advisory board. Advisors can provide guidance, support, and valuable industry connections. However, engaging with savvy business-people for the first time can be tricky, especially when it comes to negotiating equity in exchange for their support.

In episode 7 of Startup Confidential, we follow Jive Travel as they build their advisory board and explore the global standards for these engagements. We delve into the complexities of engaging with advisors and provide tips for founders on how to effectively manage these relationships.

Nimrod Vromen is also the author of Prompting Happiness - a book about the pursuit of happiness in the age of artificial intelligence (now on Amazon).

Jordan is managing partner of Global Upscale, an international marketing and design firm, which produced this series.