Using Stripe Atlas: A Review

Many founders here are aware of Stripe Atlas, but for those that aren't, I'll explain. Atlas is a product from Stripe that allows founders to easily create an LLC or C Corp business. Atlas manages the filings, sets up a registered agent, and guides you through the paperwork you need to complete. The service costs $500.

My co-founder and I decided up front that if our current project, Orbiter, started making money, we'd move off my old LLC and create a new company (officially becoming co-founders). Well, within the first week we started landing our first paying customers, so it was time to create a new business venture.

I've created LLCs through LegalZoom and manually through the State of Texas in the past. This time, I wanted the simplicity of Stripe, and I wanted the perks. So, we completed our Stripe Atlas application and were approved almost immediately. That meant that Stripe would take care of all our filings. Surprisingly, we received our employer identification number from the IRS the next day. With this, we were in business!

We immediately opened our business banking account and had our Stripe account set up to accept payment literally two days after going through the Atlas submission process. It was painless.

Because I've manually handled LLCs before, I can say that if you don't need Stripe, don't care about the perks, and/or don't want to pay the $500, it's not a terrible experience to set a business up on your own. But I was blown away by how easy Stripe Atlas made things.