Stripe Atlas
Startup incorporation for founders wanting a fast Delaware C-Corp setup
How it works
Stripe Atlas is a business formation service from Stripe that helps entrepreneurs incorporate a US company. For a $500 one-time fee, Atlas handles Delaware C-Corp or LLC formation, IRS EIN registration, founder equity issuance with cap table setup, 83(b) election filing, and the first year of registered agent service. It also facilitates opening a US business bank account through partners like Mercury and provides standardized legal document templates created with Cooley LLP, a top-tier international law firm. Atlas includes over $50,000 in partner credits from AWS, HubSpot, Notion, and other services. It is designed for internet-first businesses, particularly those that plan to use Stripe for payment processing. Atlas is a web-only service with no mobile app.
Is it right for you?
Consider if you
- International founders who need a US business entity and bank account to access Stripe payments
- Startup founders planning to raise venture capital (Delaware C-Corp is the VC standard)
- First-time founders wanting a streamlined, guided incorporation with legal docs from Cooley LLP
Skip if you
- Founders wanting a non-Delaware incorporation (only Delaware C-Corp or LLC available)
- Businesses not planning to use Stripe for payment processing
- Those needing custom legal structuring or ongoing legal/tax advisory beyond setup
Your money and data
Stripe Atlas operates on Stripe's infrastructure, which is PCI-DSS Level 1 certified and maintains SOC 1 and SOC 2 compliance. Incorporation documents are filed directly with the Delaware Secretary of State and the IRS. Legal document templates are created and maintained by Cooley LLP, a major international law firm with expertise in startup formation. Registered agent services ensure ongoing compliance with Delaware's legal requirements. Stripe's standard privacy policy governs the handling of all personal and business data submitted through Atlas.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- All-in-one incorporation including EIN, bank account setup, and legal docs created with Cooley LLP
- Includes $50K+ in partner credits (AWS, HubSpot, Notion, and more) that often exceed the $500 cost
- Fast, guided process: most founders complete incorporation within days rather than weeks
Cons
- $500 upfront fee is more expensive than DIY incorporation through state websites (~$100-300)
- Delaware C-Corp or LLC only; no S-Corp election, nonprofit, or B-Corp options
- No ongoing legal, tax, or accounting advisory included (registered agent renewal is $100/year)
Pricing details
$500 one-time setup fee covers: Delaware C-Corp or LLC incorporation, IRS EIN registration, founder equity issuance, 83(b) election filing, first year of registered agent service, and legal document templates. $100/year registered agent renewal after year 1. No ongoing subscription fees. $50K+ in partner discounts included (AWS Activate, HubSpot for Startups, Notion, etc.). Note: Delaware corporations owe annual franchise tax ($175 minimum, $400+ for larger companies). State-specific annual report fees may also apply.
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