[chatmasta]

The OP is not talking about employee shares. He's talking about advisory shares, and maybe some 1099 work. What does a startup get out of that? Unless you're seriously qualified with relevant knowledge, why would a startup give precious equity to you? Sure it's "only" 0.05%, but it's still one more name on the cap table. And this attitude of "it's only 0.05%" is exactly what leads to the dilution you're talking about.

If a startup is valued at $2mm, they don't need your measly $1k. To make that worthwhile they would need to get $1k investment from dozens of different investors. And at that point they're no longer giving up "only 0.05%." Also, if they need an advisor, they can find one. If they need a contractor, they're not going to pay via shares, because the whole point of issuing options/equity is to align the long term incentives of the startup and the investor/employee. A contractor does not work long term, so there is no need to give away shares.

Also, the suggestion of the OP -- a place for investors to get advisory shares in companies -- already exists. It's called Angellist.