Hey all. I have a startup advisor for my startup for 3 people. He’s now talking about also being an advisor to one of our competitors. They are working on a slightly different problem but is in the same space, using the same technology, and we’ll eventually be doing the exact same thing if we both succeed. Should I try to stop this? I know you’re not supposed to worry about competition in Silicon Valley and you’re supposed to accept that it’ll always be there. But to have a member of your team advising a competitor just seems crazy. PS- no longer at uber
He might have trying to execute with other team so he could have a better share and strong portfolio this is dangerous for you as your IP would be on stake.
Dump him.
Just me, but if there was even a hint of advisor having not been 100% upfront, I’d kick them to the curb today. And if they had been totally upfront, I’d have a frank conversation and tell them they need to pick and probably just get rid of them if they pushed back at all. It seems shady as fuck. I’d also let competitor know this is happening.
I was that advisor with a company this summer. As soon as I saw the trend, I talked to the second team to disclose the conflict and stepped out. They appreciated it and we've remaimed friendly since. This world is too small to do screw people like that.
Why is this even a question? Unless your advisor is bill gates or equivalent?
Yes... stop if you have a better long term play.