We’re a clean tech startup this is growing extremely fast, doubling in size every week. We’re receiving inquiries from major corporations for our products and quality investors are approaching us. Because we’re a start up, expenses must be kept to a minimum. Therein lies the rub. We want to scale good habits, not bad habits, and will be keeping the organization tight while building value. We are quite conscious that we are not a large, successful, multinational corporation, yet. However, we do have a picture of one. What is the best way to build a team of the best and brightest marketing, legal counsel, finance, operations and HR gurus without the enormous expenses associated with building such a team?

What would the structure of the agreements look like? Stock, options, deferred payment, commission

Who should come first, second, third, etc.?

What are the pitfalls of using this approach?

What are the best ways to find these uniquely talented individuals on a startup budget?

<Anxiously awaiting the answer>

But seriously.  These are the issues that plague the entrepeneur.  First of all, congratulations on the discovery and execution on the opportunity you are taking advantage of in our industry.  I am a cross-over A/V pro that made my way here by way of the IT track.  Most of my work was related to internet ventures so I’ll share with you some things from that side of the tracks.

You are inquiring about having your business incubated.  That’s the term we used and I’m sure is still applicable.  Check out what Bill Gross put together over at idealab.com where he has been incubating companies since 1996.  Let this wet your appetite:

“In addition to capital, Idealab provides a full range of resources to infuse start-ups with the support they need to rapidly introduce innovative products and services. Resources include office space and the accompanying office services, development and technology, product and graphic design, marketing, financial advice, human resources, competitive research, legal, accounting and business development support and services. In addition, Idealab provides advice on strategy, branding and corporate structure.”

This is exactly what you’re looking for, now you need to research options for this type of service.  May your sales continue and grow.