Yeah, started out like that. First employee in a startup (when I started it was me and the four co-owners). I helped build that thing up from the ground. I created the whole IT and software development aspect of the company. I did so for the salary of a supermarket worker, even though I was department lead with 7 people under me at the end. Yearly bonus was a €50 Amazon voucher.
I helped raise the company from 5 guys up to 50 in 3 continents. Never got anything for it.
Boss threw a big hissy fit when I didn't want to come into the office during lockdown even though it was against the law to do so.
After I handed in my resignation, the boss never even talked to me once.
Working at a startup is not high risk high reward. It's high risk, high work, no reward.