Financial advisors for founders in San Francisco, California

Which financial advisor should I talk to as a founder in San Francisco?

For founders in San Francisco, talk to a fee-only planner who has worked through a liquidity event, ideally well before you sign anything. The most valuable decisions, like QSBS eligibility and gifting shares, usually have to be made ahead of the sale. Records to start with include Henri Moudi of Mission Creek Capital Partners, Janet Hoffmann of Sand Hill Global Advisors and William Reynolds of Fire Capital Management.

How many fee-only financial advisors in San Francisco work with founders?

The Wellspent public graph lists 51 fee-only advisors for founders in San Francisco, at 20 firms. We counted every advisor record that lists this work, as of October 2026.

How do fee-only advisors for founders in San Francisco charge?

The most common fee among fee-only advisors for founders in San Francisco is a percentage of assets, used by 92% of the 51 with fees on file. Many use more than one: 45% charge by the hour and 33% charge performance-based fees.

How much do fee-only financial advisors charge in San Francisco?

Fee-only financial advisors in San Francisco charge a median of $6,000 a year for ongoing planning. We found this across the published prices of 14 San Francisco firms.

How much does a one-time financial plan cost in San Francisco?

A one-time financial plan from a fee-only firm in San Francisco has a median price of $3,000. We found this across the published prices of 11 San Francisco firms.

See every fee-only advisor fee in California

What credentials should a financial advisor for founders have?

For founders, look for the CFP and CFA. In San Francisco, 29% of the 51 advisors listed hold the CFP.

Does California tax income on top of federal tax?

Yes. California has a state income tax, so a financial plan for a California resident should project it alongside federal tax.

What happens to stock pay if you move to or from California?

States often tax stock pay based on where you worked between grant and vesting, so a move to or from California can split that income across states. Tell any advisor about moves during a vesting period.

What should I ask a financial advisor as a founder in San Francisco?

1. How many clients have you taken through an exit, and at what size?
2. How would you check whether my shares qualify for QSBS?
3. What should I do before a term sheet that I can't do after?
4. How would you invest the proceeds in the first year?
5. How will you plan for California tax alongside federal tax?
6. If I move before my grants vest, which states can tax them?

How current is this list of fee-only advisors for founders in San Francisco?

Wellspent last checked these records against SEC records in October 2026 and firm websites in October 2026. Each advisor's page shows the date for that record.