Very difficult stuff. Only a lawyer can answer this. What I can say is get out - now - and don't do another second of free work for this clown. I've been in a

Very difficult stuff. Only a lawyer can answer this. What I can say is get out - now - and don't do another second of free work for this clown. I've been in a similar situation myself up until very recently (hence the throwaway)... Was initially (briefly) paid as a contractor, money supposedly running out, volunteered to take equity instead to help keep the project afloat, equity never materialised. After 2 years the whole enterprise is now in the final stages of falling apart. Speaking to employees of another of the owner's companies, they're in a similar situation of being massively underpaid with vague promises of equity that have also failed to materialise. Any attempt to confront the owner on this is met with a lot of hand waving and/or an abrupt change of subject. Thankfully in my case I maintained some independence and kept up enough other contracting work to stay afloat, but it still leaves an awful taste in the mouth. Unfortunately I can't say the same for the employees of the other company who are still being strung along day by day.