Too early to onboard a TV celebrity advisor? How much equity?

No money ='s no equity.

I love that someone just wants in on the possible upswing but has no skin in the game. Oh we can use your name but you're not giving any money, suck it. Oh you're "invested" but not going to help actually fundraise, suck it. How much would she ACTUALLY work. Let's be real, this is a HORRIBLE DEAL!

This is the opportunity of a lifetime. Having a personality with a fan base could get investors who want to be seen as being invested in the same startup. Also she can have her tell her fans about it and also may get connections to celebrity investors. Do all of things you thought above. If you start to catch real traction you will probably be able to get her further involved. Also google how other companies are using celebrities. Look at the kim k mobile game its killing it.

Why low traction without the celebrity? . Something to analyze .

Have to agree with earlier comments about the value of the celeb's investment/returns and I wouldn't give more than 2.5%.

What do you know about her other <em>ambassador</em> projects? Did her fan base deliver, are they your market and motivated to pay for your product?

Regardless of the amount I equity, make sure it vests over time.

I say go for it, and put other ppl on the advisory board. People that can really help you like this person seems to can.

I think some of the haters on this thread are unrealistic about marketing. To get a celebrity to do an advertisement can cost a big brand millions of dollars. If they are relevant to what you do and can promote you then I say go for it! For sure do vesting, just in case they don't actually promote the way they should.

Just a side note- interesting new research has shown that youtube stars can get equal or better traction than a big name celebrity and they usually cost much less.

I agree with the "haters". OP consider this. This is the first celebrity or person that has approached you to get involved. She is for sure not the ideal spokesperson for you company, just the first. If you allow her to be your spokesperson you are simply taking the path of least resistance, not the best one. I am in a similar situation where a semi-known radio personality wants in on my company. She wants a hefty 5-10%. I flat out said know and educated her why. #1 she is not relevant to my demographic, she would simply open doors a little sooner than I can on my own because if you know how to grind and talk to people you can get through to the same people. And by the way those people would want something for their contribution too and that equals you giving up more and more. Unless you sell sneakers and she is the female Michael Jordan, I personally don't think you need her.