StartFleet vs Clerky - US LLC Formation for Non-US Residents

December 29, 2025

When you’re ready to turn an idea into a real U.S. company, the StartFleet vs Clerky decision isn’t about features—it’s about intent.

Do you need to get live fast, open a bank account, and start accepting payments?

Or are you building a venture-backed startup that needs investor-grade legal structure from day one?

StartFleet and Clerky solve very different problems.

Choose the wrong one, and you either overpay for legal polish you don’t need—or stall your launch waiting on things that should’ve been simple.

This guide breaks down who each platform is actually built for, where they excel, and—most importantly—which one helps you move forward faster.

Criteria

  • Anchor your decision in real user feedback. Look for reviews from founders building businesses like yours. Pay close attention to what they say about response times, clarity, and whether support feels genuinely human and patient when things get messy.
  • Compare pricing the grown-up way. Don’t stop at the setup fee. Map out annual costs, renewal fees, and the add-ons you’ll realistically need.
  • Project the real cost over time. Ask yourself: What will this actually cost me over the next 12–24 months? That answer matters more than any headline price.
  • Think beyond paperwork. You’re not just buying forms—you’re choosing a long-term teammate.
  • Choose confidence, not friction. Pick the option that keeps you informed, supported, and calm as your company grows, not one that leaves you guessing when it counts.

What is Starfleet?

Startfleet is the best U.S. LLC formation service purpose-built for non-U.S. residents who want a fast, clean, and fully guided way to set up a U.S. company without flying, guessing, or juggling five different providers.

Think of StartFleet as an all-in-one launch system. It doesn’t just file paperwork—it helps you go from zero to a bank-ready, payment-ready U.S. LLC, with clear steps and real human guidance along the way.

Company formation, expedited EIN, registered agent, and U.S. banking support are handled in one streamlined workflow, so you’re not stuck deciphering IRS rules or chasing banks on your own.

When you evaluate StartFleet, you’re really answering three practical questions:

  • Is this built for founders like me?
  • Where does it clearly outperform alternatives?
  • What trade-offs should I accept upfront?

StartFleet shines when the goal is speed, simplicity, and certainty—especially for global founders who want to start earning from U.S. customers without bureaucratic friction.

Who is it Best For?

StartFleet is designed for founders who value clarity over complexity and want to get operational fast.

  • You live outside the U.S. but sell to U.S. customers
  • You want Stripe or PayPal without traveling
  • You run an e-commerce store, service business, SaaS, dropshipping brand, or Amazon FBA
  • You’re a solo founder or small team that wants a stress-free LLC setup
  • You prefer guided checklists over legal puzzles and IRS guesswork

Pros

  • Built from the ground up for non-U.S. founders—no SSN or ITIN required
  • True done-for-you launch pad instead of DIY filing
  • One simple Startup Plan that bundles:
    • LLC formation
    • Registered agent (included)
    • Expedited EIN (typically 8–12 business days)
    • U.S. business bank account opening support
  • Extremely strong track record with EIN approvals for non-residents, where many competitors cause delays
  • “Launch-ready” setup for Stripe, Amazon, Shopify, and other platforms
  • Transparent, upfront pricing—no confusing tiers, surprise renewals, or aggressive upsells
  • Clean, guided workflow: choose your state, submit one form, and the team handles filings
  • Responsive human support that explains things clearly instead of sending canned replies

Cons

  • No phone support—communication happens via email, live chat, WhatsApp, Telegram, or Apple Messages

What is Clerky?

Clerky is a startup legal platform designed for founders who want Silicon Valley law-firm–level structure without hiring a law firm on day one. It’s built to help serious, venture-oriented startups set up a Delaware C-Corporation, manage equity, and stay legally tidy as they grow.

Think of Clerky less as a “business launch service” and more as a legal infrastructure tool. It shines when your priority is investor-ready paperwork, formation documents, stock issuance, option grants, and board changes—all handled in a way that lawyers and VCs instantly recognize and trust.

But that focus also makes Clerky narrow by design. It assumes you already know what you’re building, why you’re building it, and that venture funding is part of the plan.

Who is it Best For?

  • Founders building a venture-backed startup
  • Teams planning to raise from angels or VCs
  • Companies that need a Delaware C-Corp
  • Founders working closely with lawyers and investors

Pros

  • Clean, lawyer-friendly workflows for founders, co-founders, and counsel
  • Centralized dashboard for stock, board actions, and fundraising docs
  • One year of registered agent included
  • Automatic reminders for annual reports and Delaware franchise tax

Cons

  • Delaware-only — no Wyoming, Florida, Texas, or flexibility
  • C-Corp only — not suitable if you want an LLC or aren’t VC-bound
  • No Help with IRS Tax reporting (Form 5472/Pro Forma 1120)
  • No payment setup support — Stripe and PayPal are not part of the workflow
  • Not built for non-U.S. founders — assumes you already know how to navigate U.S. systems
  • Not an all-in-one launchpad — you’ll need additional services for banking, payments, and operational setup
  • Can feel overkill (and expensive) if you’re bootstrapping or testing an idea

StartFleet vs Clerky

Choosing between StartFleet and Clerky isn’t about which brand looks more “prestigious.”

It’s about what you’re building, how fast you need to move, and what problems you need solved right now.

Here’s the blunt truth.

If you’re a global founder who wants a U.S. LLC that actually works in the real world, StartFleet is built for you. It doesn’t stop at filing paperwork—it helps you become operational.

You get:

  • U.S. company registration
  • Expedited EIN
  • Help getting Stripe and PayPal ready
  • U.S. business banking
  • A bundle of startup-friendly perks

All designed for founders who want to start charging customers fast, not just admire clean PDFs.

Clerky, on the other hand, is aimed squarely at venture-backed startups. It’s excellent if your top priority is a Delaware C-Corp. Its service shine in formation, hiring, fundraising, and equity management—but that’s where its focus ends.

Why StartFleet is the better choice for most founders

StartFleet wins when execution matters more than theory.

  • Clerky helps you look VC-ready. StartFleet helps you become revenue-ready.
  • Clerky assumes you already know how to handle banks and payments. StartFleet walks you through them.
  • Clerky is narrow by design (Delaware C-Corp only). StartFleet is flexible and practical, especially for LLCs.
  • Clerky is ideal after you’ve validated your startup. StartFleet is ideal when you’re starting from zero.

For non-U.S. founders especially, this gap matters. Legal perfection means little if you can’t open a bank account or accept payments.

Final thoughts

Both services are good—but they solve very different problems.

  • Choose StartFleet if you need a U.S. base, banking, and payments quickly, and want a clear, guided path to getting operational.
  • Choose Clerky if you’re already on a venture track, raising money soon, and need law-firm-grade legal structure from day one.

If you’re unsure, ask yourself honestly:

  • Where will my customers live this year—not five years from now?
  • How soon do I need Stripe or PayPal to go live?
  • Am I building to earn revenue, or preparing to raise capital?

For most global founders focused on speed, simplicity, and actually getting paid, StartFleet is the more practical—and powerful—choice.

Best clerky alternatives for LLC registration

If you like the idea of guided U.S. company formation but Clerky feels too narrow, too legal-heavy, or simply not built for how you want to start, there are better options—especially if you’re forming an LLC or you’re based outside the U.S.

Here’s the strongest clerky alternative, and the one that makes the most sense for most global founders.

1. StartFleet (Best Clerky alternative for non-U.S. founders)

StartFleet is the #1 Clerky alternative if your goal isn’t just perfect legal docs—but a working, bank-ready U.S. LLC you can actually use to earn money.

Clerky is built around Delaware C-corps, fundraising, and attorney workflows. StartFleet is built around getting you operational.

What makes StartFleet the better alternative:

  • LLC formation in any U.S. state (not Delaware-only)
  • Expedited EIN for non-U.S. residents (typically 8–12 business days)
  • Registered agent included (no separate yearly add-on)
  • U.S. business bank account support + debit card
  • Stripe & PayPal consultation so you can accept payments faster
  • SMLLC IRS tax reporting available for $299–$499 (Most customers pay $299, instead of paying high fixed fees elsewhere)
  • Annual compliance guidance handled for you
  • Clear, upfront pricing—no VC-style assumptions, no surprise upgrades

Most importantly, StartFleet doesn’t assume you already know the U.S. system. It’s designed for founders who need practical help, not just clean paperwork.

Why StartFleet beats Clerky for LLC founders

  • Clerky focuses on VC-ready C-corps → StartFleet focuses on revenue-ready LLCs
  • Clerky offers legal structure, but no banking or payments help → StartFleet helps you actually open accounts and get paid
  • Clerky is narrow by design → StartFleet is flexible, affordable, and founder-friendly


If you’re outside the U.S., want an LLC (not a C-corp), and care about speed, banking, and payments—not just legal polish—StartFleet is the strongest and most cost-efficient alternative to Clerky.

2. ZenBusiness

ZenBusiness is a low-cost, beginner-friendly alternative that works well if you just need simple LLC paperwork filed quickly.

  • Affordable starter plans
  • Good for budget-conscious founders
  • Less international-focused support compared to StartFleet

Best for: U.S.-based entrepreneurs and simple filings.

3. Northwest Registered Agent

Northwest is known for strong privacy protections and solid customer support.

  • Excellent registered agent services
  • Transparent fees
  • No banking or payment-processor support for non-U.S. founders

Best for: Privacy-focused founders comfortable with DIY banking.

4. Bizee (formerly IncFile)

Bizee offers some of the cheapest formation packages, even free + state fees in some cases.

  • Great for extremely tight budgets
  • Upsells can add up
  • Weak international founder support

Best for: Basic LLC formation with minimal guidance.

5. LegalZoom

A well-known legal service provider with broad offerings.

  • Trusted brand
  • Slower turnaround times
  • Higher pricing on add-ons

Best for: Founders who want legal templates and don’t mind paying more.

Which Clerky Alternative Should You Choose?

If you’re a non-U.S. founder looking for the simplest, fastest, and most reliable way to form a U.S. LLC and open a bank account — StartFleet is the clear winner.

The other platforms are solid options, but none match StartFleet’s combination of:

  • International founder support
  • Fast EIN handling
  • Banking + payment integrations
  • Transparent pricing
  • Year-round compliance help

How to form an LLC with Starfleet

Once you’ve picked StartFleet as your launchpad, forming your LLC is more like filling out a simple online order than wrestling with legal paperwork.

You just follow five quick steps on their site.

  1. First, you pick your state and choose “LLC” as your structure. This sets up your limited liability company in the right place from day one.
  2. Next, you choose a plan that fits you, like Freelancer or Startup.
  3. Then you add your company name and company details, like what you do and where you’re based.
  4. After that, you add a contact person so StartFleet knows who to reach.
  5. Last step: payment. You check out, they handle filings, and you get back to building your business.

Wrapping it up

At the end of the day, this isn’t about which platform is “better” in theory—it’s about which one fits how you’re actually building.

If your priority is speed, simplicity, and getting operational fast—opening a U.S. company, setting up banking, and accepting payments without friction—StartFleet is the practical choice. It’s built for founders who want to launch, earn, and grow without getting stuck in legal complexity too early.

If you’re on a venture track, raising capital, and need investor-grade legal structure from day one, Clerky makes sense for that specific path.

Be honest about your timeline, funding plans, and tolerance for complexity.

The right service won’t just check boxes—it will remove friction and help you move forward with confidence.

Need Help Setting up your SMLLC or MMLLC?  

StartFleet helps you with your US Company formation. Apartfrom helping you to register a US company we offera lot more:

  • LLC and Corporation formation in Wyoming, Delaware, Florida and all other US States
  • Over $500,000 perks from our partners
  • US Business Bank Accounts Opening
  • Expedited EIN Application
  • Stripe/Paypal application consultation
  • Shopify and Amazon FBA setup consultation
  • Customized Website Policies for your website
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