Founder services
How you benefit
- Reduced lifetime tax liability
- Optimized structure for fundraising
- Increased after-tax exit proceeds
- Clear equity and compensation roadmap
- Strategic positioning for QSBS eligibility
- Streamlined business and personal finances
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.
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