Early-stage startup advisory and fiduciary boards are often set up… incorrectly.Breen Sullivan, founder of The Fourth Effect, unpacks: • how the right board structure can transform early-stage companies • the untapped potential of properly structured advisory relationships • why experienced executives often struggle to provide value to startups, and how they can, if set up correctlyIf you’re a founder looking to build strategic advisory relationships, or an executive wanting to break into the board ecosystem, this episode offers invaluable insights on maximizing these relationships for mutual benefit.Timestamps:0:00 – Introduction & SXSW highlights3:29 – Intro to Breen Sullivan & The Fourth Effect5:43 – How The Fourth Effect’s marketplace works10:52 – Building trust in a board-matching marketplace15:09 – The evolution of advisory relationships in startups24:03 – Understanding the three types of board seats32:42 – Why startups need proper board structures38:20 – The challenges corporate executives face when joining startup boards48:11 – The Fourth Effect’s future and investment plans👍 Like, subscribe, and share if you found this conversation valuable! What board structures have worked for your startup? Share your experiences in the comments below.#startups #founder #entrepreneur #entrepreneurship #podcast #interview
Startup Boards That Actually Drive Results with Breen Sullivan of The Fourth Effect
Apr 13, 2025
Decelerator with Rob Kenedi
Tech is a commodity, the industry is eating itself, and everyone's scrambling for what's next. Decelerator is post-hype media that makes sense of it all, with interviews, analysis, and sharp takes on how tech founders, investors, and ecosystems are building in this new era. Informed, opinionated, occasionally funny.
Tech is a commodity, the industry is eating itself, and everyone's scrambling for what's next. Decelerator is post-hype media that makes sense of it all, with interviews, analysis, and sharp takes on how tech founders, investors, and ecosystems are building in this new era. Informed, opinionated, occasionally funny.Listen on
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