Firstbase Review 2024 — Is It Right for Your Startup?

Launching a new startup involves a lot of moving parts, but one of the most important initial steps is to formally establish your business entity. For many entrepreneurs, using a professional incorporation service can simplify this process and save valuable time and resources. But with so many software options out there, which one can you trust to get the job done right? Enter Firstbase.io.

In our Firstbase review, we’ll dive deep into what the platform offers, how it compares to others on the market, and whether it’s the right choice for your startup’s needs. 

What Is Firstbase?

Firstbase is an incorporation service built to support entrepreneurs looking to form a limited liability company (LLC) or C corporation (C corp) in the United States. The startup-centric platform also includes compliance, mailroom, growth, and accounting services for businesses. With an emphasis on startups, Firstbase’s platform includes features and tools that are exceptionally valuable to high-growth businesses like venture capital (VC) discovery and exclusive discounts and perks relevant to startups. 

Firstbase At a Glance

Jump Ahead:

• Pros and Cons
• Firstbase Pricing
• Customer Reviews
• Firstbase Alternatives

Pros and Cons of Firstbase.io

Pros

• Easy to Use: Firstbase offers a user-friendly interface. Even if you’re not tech-savvy, you’ll find it simple to navigate.
• Comprehensive Services: It doesn’t just handle incorporation; it also helps with other startup needs like banking and compliance.
• Substantial Rewards: With Firstbase, users gain access to an exclusive network that offers perks valued at over $350,000.
• Quick Processing: If you’re in a hurry, Firstbase can help. Most users report quick turnaround times for their paperwork.
• Great Customer Support: They have a strong support team that’s responsive to questions and concerns. This is crucial for first-timers who might have lots of questions.
• Firstbase Discovery: A unique advantage for startups looking for investment, this program connects users with a network of VCs.

Cons

• Not a Substitute for Legal Advice: While Firstbase is great for general incorporation, you might still need a lawyer for more challenging business and legal situations.
• Pricier than Some Competitors: There are other platforms that might be more affordable yet offer fewer features.

Firstbase Pricing and Features

Firstbase.io provides transparent pricing combined with robust features designed to fully cover your business’s incorporation and compliance needs. Here’s a quick overview of their main products and features:

Core Products

• Firstbase Start – $399 one-time fee
  • LLC or C-Corp formation 
  • US bank account opening
  • Employer Identification Number (EIN)
  • $200,000+ in deals/rewards
  • Lifetime support
• Firstbase Agent – Starting at $99/year per state
  • Registered agent service in all 50 states
  • Compliance reminders
  • Document access
  • Tax filings
• Firstbase Mailroom – Starting at $35/month
  • Physical or virtual business address
  • Mail forwarding
  • Document digitization

Firstbase also offers a variety of add-ons, including payroll tax registration, accounting, and general liability insurance.

Notable Add-Ons:

Exclusive Partner Rewards

In addition to their own services, Firstbase has established partnerships with various companies to provide their users with valuable tools and incentives worth over $350,000. For example, they partner with Stripe to enable users to easily accept payments, and they have partners that offer tax consultation services, etc.

These integrations and rewards are carefully selected to support users’ business growth by offering cash incentives, credits, automated processes, and time savings. Overall, Firstbase’s partner network gives users turnkey access to a suite of services and perks that help drive business forward.

Accounting – Pricing depends on your company’s operational expenses

Firstbase.io offers a smart accounting service that combines expert bookkeeping with artificial intelligence. This service makes tax time less stressful by ensuring your financial statements are always ready for tax filings and investor reviews. It’s designed to take the complexity out of managing your business finances, offering real-time insights to keep you informed.

Pricing depends on your company’s operational expenses.

Payroll

Firstbase’s payroll solution simplifies the daunting task of managing payroll taxes across all 50 states. Whether you’re expanding or hiring remotely, they handle the legwork, ensuring your payroll is compliant and your team is paid on time. It’s all about making payroll easy so you can focus on growing your business. You can add this on to their Agent™ Payroll plan for $599/state/year.

Insurance – Starting at $26/month

Firstbase offers tailored insurance solutions, including essential general liability insurance for e-commerce businesses and startups. With quick, personalized quotes and a 60-Day Money Back Guarantee, they ensure you get the coverage you need without the hassle.

Firstbase Reviews

We really like Firstbase’s incorporation services, but you don’t have to just take our word for it. There are plenty of reviews out there from startups that have tried out their products. 

While most Firstbase.io reviews are overwhelmingly positive, some customers have complained of slower response times for customer support inquiries. However, the company formation service seems quick to address any issues raised and has made improvements based on user feedback.

Here are some verified customer reviews from Trustpilot by people who used Firstbase.io:

“Firstbase is the perfect partner for a new entrepreneur, especially when you’re incorporating in the US as a foreign national. Super easy to use, they guide you through the process step by step and leave nothing to guesswork. The platform is intuitive and helps to keep on top of all the moving parts. Pricing is also very reasonable so no complaints at all. Great service, great product.”

“They were within the time frames and everything was done as they advertised. My small complaint would be that their support times aren’t perfect as they might even reply back after 3 days. A live chat support or quicker times for customers would be appreciated.”

“[S]uper in almost everything, they would deserve 7 stars if they also had a CHAT with a human, it is too unpleasant to write with a useless robot, or via email.”

“Firstbase allowed me to register a business in the US easily and quickly. Their automated forms guided me through the entire process clearly. Moreover, they have an automated service to automatically submit tax forms and other documents.”

Firstbase Alternatives

Firstbase offers comprehensive formation services as well as other features to support businesses. However, to determine whether this is the right platform for your business needs, it is important to compare the service to other providers in the industry. Northwest Registered Agent, Stripe Atlas, LegalZoom, and Clerky are popular formation services providers, here’s how they compare to Firstbase in price, features, and usability for different business types. 

Northwest Registered Agent vs. Firstbase

Northwest is our top choice for LLC formation services overall. The company’s formation services cost just $29 plus state filing fees and include a free year of registered agent services, mail forwarding, an operating agreement template, and more, making it a great value for the cost. However, startups looking for features that are built specifically for rapid-growth companies may prefer the startup-specific features (e.g., VC discovery) offered by a platform like Firstbase. 

Stripe Atlas vs. Firstbase

Stripe Atlas is an incorporation service offered by payment services company Stripe. The platform boasts similar features to Firstbase, including EIN registration and access to extensive legal documents. However, Firstbase is a more affordable option at $399 vs. Stripe Atlas’ $500 incorporation package. Furthermore, Firstbase offers LLC and C corp formation services in Delaware and Wyoming, giving entrepreneurs more flexibility in terms of formation. Firstbase offers a better value overall, but Stripe Atlas may be a better choice for entrepreneurs looking to integrate Stripe’s payment solutions with their business services platform. 

LegalZoom vs. Firstbase

LegalZoom is known for accessible online legal services, including business formation and compliance features. With LegalZoom, entrepreneurs can form their business in a number of different business structures (e.g., C corp, LLC, and nonprofit). LegalZoom is a strong choice for business owners who don’t require Firstbase’s startup-centric feature set, but instead need more robust legal features like attorney consultations and customizable legal documents. 

Clerky vs. Firstbase

Similar to Firstbase, Clerky is built for startups and high-growth companies. Clerky’s platform is loaded with helpful legal services and features, and the company offers a lifetime formation package that provides entrepreneurs with business services and support throughout the lifespan of their business. Clerky has a higher price point than Firstbase at $819 vs. Firstbase’s more cost-effective $399 formation package. However, entrepreneurs looking for a formation and business services platform that makes collaborating with cofounders and attorneys easy may prefer the Clerky platform. 

Is Firstbase.io Right For Your Startup?

While Firstbase’s formation package offers a great value, it’s important to determine if the service is the right fit for your startup’s unique requirements. 

It’s particularly well-suited for:

• Startups looking to raise VC funding early on 
• International startups looking to form a business in the United States
• Entrepreneurs looking to combine several business services on one platform for ease of use

However, it may not be the best fit if:

• You’re forming a small business that’s unlikely to experience rapid growth
• You’re looking for only basic formation services 

The bottom line? Firstbase’s formation package offers immense value with  EIN obtainment, lifetime customer support, and VC discovery. Plus, the platform offers an array of additional startup services like a professional business address and compliance support. For startups and high-growth companies, Firstbase is an excellent choice for formation, compliance, and more. However, entrepreneurs looking to start a small business that won’t likely take on VC funding may prefer a platform like Northwest Registered Agent. 

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