How do I incorporate a Delaware C-corp as a non-US or first-time founder?

The short answer

Use Stripe Atlas or Clerky, they handle the Delaware filing, EIN, founder stock, and templates for a flat fee, and you don't need to be in the US. Atlas is faster and bundles credits; Clerky is the attorney favourite for clean, fundable paperwork. Whichever you pick, file your 83(b) election within 30 days of receiving stock or you'll regret it at tax time.

Go deeper, your way

2 hand-picked resources, 2 link-checked. Pick how you want to dig in.

🛠️ Tool

✓ Link checked Paid Intermediate

Why we picked it The most popular guided path to a Delaware C-corp for global and first-time founders, with Cooley-drafted templates, EIN, founder stock, and 83(b) handling in one flow. It removes almost all the guesswork.

Stripe Atlas: Incorporate your startup (Delaware C-corp)

From stripe.com/atlas by Stripe Guided incorporation service

Sets up a Delaware C-corp, EIN, founder stock, and 83(b) filing for a flat fee
You don't need to be in the US, and can add up to four co-founders
File your 83(b) election within 30 days of receiving stock

Open stripe.com →

🛠️ Tool

✓ Link checked Paid Intermediate

Why we picked it The attorney-favourite platform for clean, fundable startup paperwork, run by startup lawyers obsessed with avoiding due-diligence problems. Its free founder handbooks are excellent even if you incorporate elsewhere.

Clerky: Startup Legal Paperwork & Delaware Incorporation

From clerky.com by Clerky Legal paperwork platform + founder handbooks

Delaware C-corp incorporation, founder stock with vesting, SAFEs, and hiring docs in one place
Built to produce paperwork that survives investor due diligence
Free legal-concepts handbooks explain the 'why' behind each document

Open clerky.com →

Terms in this answer

Delaware C-Corp 83(b) Election

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