I built a small site/app once for 5%. I mostly only did it because I wanted a project that would force me to get some experience in certain technologies, and if

I built a small site/app once for 5%. I mostly only did it because I wanted a project that would force me to get some experience in certain technologies, and if I made any money that'd be a nice bonus (i.e. I never expected for the shares to be worth anything). The company folded about 6 months afterwards, they didn't even bother notifying me when they went under. The point is, don't expect to get paid if you do this kind of thing. I'd advise only do it if: - the project is very limited scope, and you make it clear that they're not buying an on-call support person after delivery - everything is in writing, using standard terms - everybody is friendly when there's no money on the table, not so much when your % cuts into their $$$ (c.f. The Facebook) - you actually want to do the project, you don't need the money, and you're not going to be pissed off if you never see a dime Edit: Forgot to mention, ask for a lot of points - you're shouldering a lot of risk that you're never going to get paid for your time. If they push back, point out that the company is not established, and you have no input into the direction of the company, so you are operating at basically 100% risk. Lotto tickets should have big jackpots, or what's the point?