Small startup CTO and ex-contractor here: Raise your rates and don't make a special exception for small startups. Equity/royalties for contract-work is awful

Small startup CTO and ex-contractor here: Raise your rates and don't make a special exception for small startups. Equity/royalties for contract-work is awful dodgy. Equity/revenue share is generally reserved people who want to make a long-term investment in the company, either through money or time.