While I agree that 1% is low. 25% seems crazy? There is a lot that goes into a company before the first round is even raised and if you join after that low single digits seems quite reasonable. Often at this stage you will earn more than the founder does in cash to compensate so you take on significantly less risk.

You can work for just equity if you prefer, that's usually what the founders do for the first few months to a year, before there is enough money to pay a salary at all.