Founder services

How you benefit

By Louis Green, CFP®, CFA, CRPS®

Owner of Prestiq Wealth, retirement-focused financial advisor and author of 5 Steps to Retirement Planning. Updated August 17, 2026.

From Formation to Liquidity to Legacy

Our founder focused planning integrates entity strategy, equity optimization, retirement design, employee benefits, exit planning, and post-liquidity wealth management so your business success converts into lasting financial independence. Founders also receive the full wealth management experience outlined in 5 Steps to Retirement Planning, integrating investment planning, tax strategy, estate coordination, retirement modeling, and lifestyle design into one cohesive framework.

Prestiq's services

Founder services offered

Our founder focused planning integrates entity strategy, retirement design, employee benefits, and exit planning so your business success converts into lasting independence.

Entity

Entity Strategy Consulting

S Corp vs C Corp

S Corp vs C Corp Analysis

S Corp

S Corp Salary Optimization

Founder

Founder Compensation Structuring

Payroll

Payroll vs Distributions Optimization

Tax

Multi-Owner Tax Allocation Modeling

Advanced Tax

Advanced Tax Planning

QSBS

QSBS Qualification Review

Section 1202

Section 1202 Strategy Analysis

Capital Gains

Capital Gains Modeling

Deferred Comp

Deferred Compensation Planning

Equity

Equity and Early-Stage Strategy

83(b)

83(b) Election Guidance

Founder

Founder Share Structuring

Planning

Investment, Tax, Estate, Financial, Retirement & Lifestyle Planning

founders

Frequently Asked Questions

The right structure depends on growth goals, investor plans, payroll strategy, and potential exit. C Corporations are often preferred for venture-backed startups and QSBS eligibility, while S Corps and LLCs may provide pass-through tax benefits for lifestyle businesses.

Both can offer pass-through taxation, but S Corps allow owners to split income between salary and distributions, potentially reducing self-employment taxes.

C Corps allow multiple stock classes, are preferred by institutional investors, and may qualify for QSBS under Section 1202.

QSBS under Section 1202 may allow founders to exclude up to 100% of capital gains on eligible stock held more than five years, subject to limits and qualifications.

 
 

The company must be a qualified C Corporation, meet asset thresholds, and operate in an eligible business category at the time of stock issuance.

 

An 83(b) election allows founders receiving restricted stock to pay taxes at grant instead of vesting. It is often beneficial when the stock’s initial value is low and expected to appreciate significantly.

 

Deferred compensation allows income to be postponed to a future date, potentially reducing current taxable income and smoothing income post-exit.

 

Yes. Solo 401(k)s, defined benefit plans, and cash balance plans can significantly increase deductible contributions.

Planning may include QSBS qualification review, charitable strategies, installment sales, and trust-based planning.

Immediately. Early structuring decisions can impact millions in eventual exit proceeds.

It depends on valuation, liquidity needs, tax exposure, and long-term company outlook.

A secondary sale allows founders to sell shares privately before an IPO, creating partial liquidity.

 

Taxation depends on entity structure, holding period, QSBS eligibility, and transaction structure.

 

Preparation includes tax modeling, asset allocation strategy, estate planning updates, and charitable planning before closing.

 

A properly structured 401(k) with profit-sharing or cash balance components can maximize owner contributions while remaining compliant with nondiscrimination rules.

A safe harbor 401(k) requires employer contributions but allows owners to maximize deferrals without failing compliance testing.

 

Yes. We provide workplace financial wellness programs, retirement education workshops, and personalized guidance for employees.

Yes. Deferred compensation plans allow executives to postpone income and potentially manage future tax exposure.

Competitive benefits enhance employee retention, improve morale, and reduce turnover — all of which can positively impact company performance and valuation metrics.

additional resources

Related financial planning tools

Use these tools to dig deeper into a long-term retirement plan.

Rebuild your personal balance sheet after asset, debt and property ownership changes.
Re-test whether your current savings and income still support your retirement goals.
Estimate what you may need to save after retirement assets and future contributions change.
Estimate retirement benefits and include divorced-spouse eligibility in your broader claiming review.

Build the next financial chapter around the life you have now.

Schedule a call for a complimentary review of your investments.

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