Growth Guide1/3/2026

Incorporation

TLDR Summary

Raising VC? Delaware C-Corp. Bootstrapping forever? LLC. C-Corp is the standard for high growth startups.

What is QSBS?

QSBS is Qualified Small Business Stock is a US tax rule. Hold stock for five years. Pay zero tax on the first ten million dollars of profit.

This rule is why startups use C-Corps. LLCs do not get this benefit.

The 3 Core Benefits

1

Investor Ready

VCs only invest in Delaware C-Corps. LLCs are not investable for most funds.

2

Standard Tax

C-Corps facilitate corporate tax benefits. Avoid personal tax leaks from business profit.

3

Stock Options

C-Corps make employee equity simple. LLCs require complex profit interest units.

How to Incorporate

1

Use Stripe Atlas

Use Stripe Atlas or Clerky. Click several buttons. Wait two days. You have a legal entity.

2

Get EIN

Obtain an Employer Identification Number. This is the social security number for your business.

3

Buy Your Shares

Buy your founder shares immediately. File an 83(b) election within thirty days. Do not miss this deadline.

Local LLC vs. Delaware C-Corp

FeatureLocal LLCDelaware C-Corp
InvestableNoYes
Tax PerksSimpleQSBS

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Delaware?

They have specialized business courts. Every investor understands their law.

Can I switch?

Switching from LLC to C-Corp is possible. Switching from C-Corp to LLC is expensive.

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