[onlyup]

Doesn't this idea fail because the person with the idea could hire someone and give away no equity? How much would an MVP usually cost?

[z-factor]

There's value in getting it done fast and right the first time and having quality talent invested in the success. The upfront money is more of a way to guarantee that the idea person is invested in the success as well.

You could be right as well and then it's a testament to disproportionate leverage money has in our world.