Stripe Atlas
Stripe's incorporation product. Forms Delaware C-Corporations for $500 with integrated Mercury banking.
Definition
Stripe Atlas is Stripe's incorporation service launched in 2016. Forms a Delaware C-Corporation for $500 one-time. Includes EIN application, Mercury bank account opening, and SAFE templates. Stripe Atlas only forms C-Corps, not LLCs.
Context
Atlas is a popular choice for VC-track tech startups. By Stripe's public statements (Patrick Collison, 2021), approximately 25% of all Delaware C-Corps formed by early-stage startups in recent years used Atlas.
Example
A YC-funded startup forms via Stripe Atlas. The Delaware C-Corp comes with standard SAFE templates and Mercury banking. Total cost $500.
Common pitfalls
- Atlas only forms C-Corps; founders wanting LLCs need a different service.
- Atlas's Mercury-only banking creates risk for non-resident founders if Mercury rejects.
- C-Corp federal tax (21%) plus dividend withholding makes pass-through LLC structure preferable for bootstrap founders.