Honestly nothing about that seems very professional from either side. You called him names, he called you names, and everyone's feelings got hurt. That sounds like one of those "friendship" business arrangements.
Agreeing to equity might muddy the waters. Equity is worthless, but by agreeing to it in lieu of a fixed amount, you've set a value. So you likely aren't getting 17K but may get the equity you agreed to in writing (assuming you haven't already).
Hopefully your invoices contained a due date, and your contract a clause allowing interest or penalty on late payment. If he is passed due, continue to send him notices but do them via tracked postage (and include interest if applicable).
If you plan to sue, which it sounds like you'll need to, start getting everything in writing. No more phone calls at all.
If he ignores your late notices get a lawyer to write a letter giving him a final settlement amount before the suit is filed, and then have them file if he ignores it.
A layer will take this, but expect them to take the lion's share. It still might make financial sense, even based on the settlement figures you yourself suggested in the OP.
By the way:
> After him shutting down communication, I reached out to his investors, which got him talking again.
I'd make sure to honestly tell the lawyer exactly what you said to his investors, a countersuit for defamation could ruin the case (make it cost-not-viable).
Agreeing to equity might muddy the waters. Equity is worthless, but by agreeing to it in lieu of a fixed amount, you've set a value. So you likely aren't getting 17K but may get the equity you agreed to in writing (assuming you haven't already).
Hopefully your invoices contained a due date, and your contract a clause allowing interest or penalty on late payment. If he is passed due, continue to send him notices but do them via tracked postage (and include interest if applicable).
If you plan to sue, which it sounds like you'll need to, start getting everything in writing. No more phone calls at all.
If he ignores your late notices get a lawyer to write a letter giving him a final settlement amount before the suit is filed, and then have them file if he ignores it.
A layer will take this, but expect them to take the lion's share. It still might make financial sense, even based on the settlement figures you yourself suggested in the OP.
By the way:
> After him shutting down communication, I reached out to his investors, which got him talking again.
I'd make sure to honestly tell the lawyer exactly what you said to his investors, a countersuit for defamation could ruin the case (make it cost-not-viable).