Even I wouldn't call companies like that a "startup". There's a VC-backed shoot-the-moon vanity startup bias on HN, for sure, and it manifests itself in arguments about what the word "startup" means --- but nobody I know calls consultancies startups.
You should hit searchyc.com and look up submissions containing the word "Freelance"; they tend to have the best info about consulting.
You should hit searchyc.com and look up submissions containing the word "Freelance"; they tend to have the best info about consulting.