⚡ Quick Verdict
If you are a non-US founder who desperately needs a packaged US business bank account and Stripe integration, Stripe Atlas is the ultimate growth hack. If you are a US-based founder raising a pre-seed round who needs highly customizable post-incorporation legal documents (like SAFEs and NDAs), Clerky is the superior legal engine.
📊 Full Feature Comparison
| Feature | Stripe Atlas | Clerky |
|---|---|---|
| Core Focus | Payments & Banking Onboarding | Pure Corporate Legal Software |
| Initial C-Corp Formation | ✅$500 (flat fee inclusive) | $400 + $429 Lifetime Software Fee |
| Delaware Expedited Filing | ✅Included standard | Requires additional state courier fees |
| Founder Vesting Setup | Standardized 4-year, 1-year cliff | ✅Highly customizable vesting terms |
| Post-Formation Docs (SAFEs) | Limited generation capabilities | ✅Industry standard SAFE generation |
| Foreign Founder Support | ✅Incredible (Global banking access) | Requires SSN/ITIN for many features |
| Registered Agent (1st Yr) | Included (via partner) | Included (via partner) |
| 83(b) Election Filing | Prepares form; founder must mail | ✅Prepares form; excellent tracking system |
| Employee Equity Pool setup | Very basic stock issuance | ✅Robust Option Plan generation |
| VC Familiarity | Widely accepted | ✅Considered the Silicon Valley gold standard |
| Offical Website | Explore Stripe Atlas | Explore Clerky |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need a Delaware C-Corp if I am just testing an idea?
Probably not. If you are just testing a concept and have not yet secured investor commitments, an LLC in your home state is far cheaper and avoids complex corporate tax filings. You can always undergo a "Statutory Conversion" to a Delaware C-Corp when you are ready to accept venture checks.
Why is the 83(b) election so critical for startups?
If your stock is subject to vesting (which is required by all VCs), the IRS taxes you on the value of the stock as it vests. Because startup stock is practically worthless on day one, filing an 83(b) election within 30 days tells the IRS you want to be taxed immediately on the current $0.0001 value, potentially saving you millions in personal taxes later if the company succeeds. Clerky excels at tracking this.
Does Stripe Atlas help me bypass US Visa requirements?
No. Stripe Atlas allows you to form a US entity and open a bank account completely remotely from almost anywhere in the world. However, it does not grant you a US Visa, nor does it circumvent federal export and OFAC sanctions.