How did equity splits become normal?

Software Engineers are often offered equity as payment for their efforts in early stage startups. This began in the 50s when companies like Fairchild Semiconductors started offering it. Nowadays it’s out of control. Founders are offering 100% equity arrangements in exchange for lots of labor.

What other industry are professionals expected to work for free?

A lawyer? They’d laugh you out of the building.

A cab driver? Watch out when you get kicked to the curb.

A dentist? Enjoy those cavities.

It’s no wonder non-technical founders have such a hard time finding someone.

Let’s flip this on its head. How about non-technical founders start trying to get recruited to startups rather than recruiting people to their startup?

But eating humble pie is the one option founders don’t want to face.