we are two technical co-founders who have just hired an intern to help us for the summer. We've decided to pay him going hourly rate based on the market. But w

we are two technical co-founders who have just hired an intern to help us for the summer. We've decided to pay him going hourly rate based on the market. But we have also told him that based on his "impact" on the product he is eligible for equity. If you are going to get great contribution from them then it doesn't matter if they are an intern. And just like any other contributors to your product they deserve equity. IMO, they are going to be helping your "technical guy" bring YOUR idea to life, which it seems you are not capable of doing yourself. Doesn't that deserve equity? If they are smart and contribute then the possibility of equity makes them take ownership of your product which is something an offshore team or "hacker for hire" might not do.