Would you work for a percentage of a company

[WelshPixels]

I am in a really strange situation. I am currently struggling to set up my own web design business and every penny I have has been invested in that. However I have had an idea for a web site that has potential to be really big.

I have no money left to invest in the idea and I don’t believe I have enough technical skills to make the site into a really great site.

This is just a theoretical question, but is there are any web developers out there that would take on work for a share in the web site rather than payment in pound notes?

[Eagle]

If you're thinking about identity and logo design as part of the package, I might be persuaded. :)

[Coding Monkey]

If you're thinking about identity and logo design as part of the package, I might be persuaded. :)

Nice logo designs there.

I'd be interested in any investment in anything. That doesn't mean I'd be interested to pursue it, but interested in the concept to then decide.

[DuaneJackson]

Nope, I wouldn't.

My theory being that if someone has a good enough concept and has the belief that it can do well financially then they'd be a fool to not raise the 5k or whatever through other means to pay for my time rather than offer me equity which is going to be worth £50k in 2 years time.

Having said that, if a compelling case was made and I had faith in the person behind it then I'd give it due consideration.

[mattk]

Yes, I've worked in the past for a percentage of revenue. It was for a very good friend of mine, who I knew would make a go of it, but it benefitted us both, as it reduced his initial layout and I got a fair price for a good site.

I would rather have a percentage of revenue, up to an agreed amount, rather than a percentage of the business, as this could potentially get a bit messy if people have different ideas!

[Astaroth]

Whilst I havent done any freelance development for serveral years it is something that I would have seriously considered when I did do development.

I guess the problems would have been:

1) I wouldnt have wanted to be a silent partner and would want to be actively involved in the company after it is established

2) As I have a (say) a 30% stake in the company I would want a significant say in the design/ functionality of the website which is a potential conflict of interest with myself also as the developer of it - at least 2 arguing partners will normall have the independant "expert" of a developer for a 3rd opinion