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