Firstbase Review 2024 — Is It Right for Your Startup?

Firstbase review.

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. 

Recommended: Incorporate with Firstbase and unlock exclusive partner rewards and deals worth over $350K. Get started today.

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.

Best Online Incorporation Service: Firstbase

Over 10,000 entrepreneurs worldwide have launched their ventures with Firstbase. Sign up today to incorporate, manage, and grow your startup – all in one place.

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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
    • 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.io Alternatives

There is no one-size-fits-all service for forming a startup. It ultimately depends on your unique business model and company type. Firstbase works well for entrepreneurs who can afford the $399 one-time fee, but may not be ideal if you need to minimize costs.

For instance, if you simply need your LLC formed, there are less expensive options out there – such as Northwest Registered Agent. They offer affordable plans starting at $29 (plus state fees), as well as excellent customer support and a full year of premium registered agent services.

Firstbase

$399 One-Time Fee

Best for: Startup founders who need to form a corporation and want access to exclusive software deals.

Northwest

$29 + State Fees

Best for: Small business owners who are ready to form an LLC.

Along with Northwest, LegalZoom and Tailor Brands are also good options for new businesses to consider instead of Firstbase. If you need legal help beyond just forming your company, LegalZoom may be the better choice. Or, if you need branding and online presence tools on top of company formation, Tailor Brands is a recommended pick. 

Final Thoughts on Firstbase.io

For entrepreneurs looking to turn their business idea into reality, Firstbase provides an appealing incorporation solution. Their user-friendly platform, extensive resources, and bundle of services simplify the process of getting your company legally registered and compliant. While no service is perfect, Firstbase delivers well-rounded formation features targeted to the needs of most startups.

Incorporate your company with Firstbase.io today to tap into the platform's exclusive startup tools and rewards. ($399 One-time fee)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Firstbase do?

Firstbase assists entrepreneurs in establishing a US-based company, making it significantly easier for foreign founders to navigate the incorporation process for both LLCs and C-Corps. They provide services such as obtaining a Tax ID (EIN), getting a business address, opening business bank accounts, and ensuring payroll tax compliance when you hire employees.

Is Firstbase.io reliable?

Firstbase.io is widely considered a reliable partner. The platform boasts a significant number of benefits and positive reviews from entrepreneurs who have used its services.

What is a competitor to Firstbase.io?

Stripe Atlas and Clerky are two major competitors to Firstbase.io that also provide services for forming LLCs and C-Corps, obtaining important documents like an EIN, opening business bank accounts, and more.

Is Firstbase.io free?

No, Firstbase.io isn't free. They charge for their services, with the pricing dependent on the specific package and features chosen. However, they do offer a seven-day money-back guarantee on certain packages.

Does Firstbase help startups open a business bank account?

Yes, Firstbase facilitates startups in opening a business bank account. They even provide an option to open a business bank account without an EIN, although this is subject to approval by their banking partner, Mercury.

Where is Firstbase.io located?

Firstbase is located in New York City.

Who is the CEO of Firstbase.io?

Firstbase.io's CEO is Mark Milastsivy.