Stripe Atlas
FreeFreeFree tier
About Stripe Atlas
Stripe Atlas is a service that helps entrepreneurs rapidly incorporate their business in the United States, set up a US bank account, and start accepting payments. It is designed for founders at any stage, providing the legal and financial infrastructure needed to fundraise, bank, and accept payments—often within two business days. Beyond the incorporation itself, Stripe Atlas offers a library of guides covering topics like equity, fundraising, taxes, hiring, and scaling an internet business. The service integrates seamlessly with the broader Stripe ecosystem, including payments, billing, and financial tools.
Key Features
Delaware C‑corporation or LLC formation in two business days
US business bank account setup
Stripe payments account for accepting credit cards and local payment methods
Access to a collection of guides on equity, taxes, fundraising, hiring, and business management
Integrated tools for cap table management, 83(b) elections, and board resolutions
Support for fundraising with investor‑friendly documentation and legal templates
Access to Stripe’s broader financial infrastructure (billing, connect, issuing, radar, etc.)
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Fast incorporation process (often completed within 2 business days)
- All‑in‑one package: legal formation, bank account, and payment processing
- Extensive, high‑quality educational guides written for internet business founders
- Deep integration with the full Stripe payments and financial platform
- Streamlined administrative tasks (83(b) elections, board resolutions, cap table management)
Cons
- Primarily targets US‑based founders or those seeking a US entity; international coverage is limited
- Incorporation fee (e.g., $500 for C‑corp) may be costly for very early‑stage bootstrapped startups
- No built‑in legal advice; founders should still consult with attorneys for complex situations
- Dependence on Stripe’s ecosystem may lock founders into using Stripe for payments and banking
- Some services (like bank account opening) require a US address or presence
Best For
Founding a new internet startup and incorporating as a Delaware C‑corpForming an LLC for a small e‑commerce or SaaS businessSetting up a US entity for non‑US founders to access US investors and customersPreparing a company for seed or Series A fundraisingQuickly launching a business that needs to start transacting online immediatelyLearning best practices for early‑stage business operations via curated guides
FAQ
What does Stripe Atlas include?
Stripe Atlas includes Delaware C‑corporation or LLC formation, a US bank account, a Stripe payments account, cap table management, 83(b) election filing, board resolution templates, and access to a library of guides on running an internet business.
How long does it take to incorporate with Stripe Atlas?
Stripe Atlas typically completes the incorporation process within two business days, after which you can immediately start fundraising, banking, and accepting payments.
Who is Stripe Atlas for?
Stripe Atlas is designed for entrepreneurs starting an internet business—both in the US and internationally—who need a fast, integrated way to incorporate, open a bank account, and accept payments.
Does Stripe Atlas provide legal advice?
Stripe Atlas provides legal templates and guidance, but it does not offer personalized legal advice. Founders are encouraged to consult with an attorney for their specific legal needs.
What types of companies can be formed with Stripe Atlas?
Stripe Atlas supports the formation of Delaware C‑corporations and LLCs. It also provides the necessary documents for fundraising and equity management.