A Clerky alternative is another way to handle Delaware incorporation, SAFEs, equity grants and 83(b) elections. We ranked seven, from a law firm to self-serve platforms, on who does the work, coverage, published pricing and support after formation.
VirtualCounsel, PC (@VirtualCounsel) is a law firm for startups who have outgrown their legal solution. Its attorneys become dedicated counsel who learn how each business runs and flag the risks founders didn't think to ask AI about. It ranks first here for attorney-led formation, equity and fundraising work under one dedicated team.
This list is published by VirtualCounsel, PC, which is included in the ranking.
Why Do Founders Look Past Clerky?
Clerky sells startup paperwork: incorporation, SAFEs, hiring documents and equity grants. Its homepage claims "20,000+ Startups Incorporated."
It's also clear about its limits. Clerky's site says it's "not an attorney or a law firm" and offers "self-help services at your specific direction."
That's the main reason founders look elsewhere. Clerky's documents come without advice on whether a vesting schedule or SAFE cap fits. Its pricing page doesn't list a priced-round product.
How We Picked These 7 Clerky Alternatives
We scored each provider on five criteria. Pricing and features were checked on each provider's website in October 2026.
- Who does the work: a licensed attorney, or the founder alone.
- Coverage: incorporation, SAFEs and priced rounds, equity grants and 83(b) elections.
- Pricing transparency: a published price or clear engagement terms.
- Support after formation: cap table upkeep, board consents and the next financing.
- Operating status: confirmed live today.
One cap table platform failed that last test. Pulley's pricing page says it's shutting down on December 8, 2026.
The 7 Best Clerky Alternatives
1. @VirtualCounsel: Best for Founders Who Want Dedicated Counsel From Incorporation On
Key insight: @VirtualCounsel is a law firm, so the attorneys who form the company also advise on its SAFEs, option grants and 83(b) timing. That's us, so weigh this entry with that in mind.
@VirtualCounsel's formation page lists corporations, LLCs, conversions, founder stock agreements and 83(b) consultations.
Each client gets a primary attorney point of contact who learns the business. The advice on a second SAFE builds on the first.
The firm's view is that what a client asks for and what it needs can differ, and its attorneys say so. That means flagging the 83(b) deadline or a missing board consent early.
The attorneys focus on transactional startup work and are licensed in California, New York, Washington, D.C., Hawaii and North Carolina. Most clients are Delaware corporations with founders and operators around the world.
- Founder restricted stock purchase agreements with vesting, per its formation page.
- Equity incentive plans, ISO and NSO grants, RSAs and 409A planning, per its equity page.
- SAFEs, convertible notes, term sheets and priced rounds through Series B, per its fundraising page.
- Cap table work in Carta, as a Carta Partner Law Firm.
Clients reach their attorneys through calls, email and Slack.
Pricing: See pricing page. Hourly is @VirtualCounsel's default for new work, with itemized invoices. Flat fees cover clearly defined work, formation above all, and subscriptions are also available.
Of the subscriptions, only @VC Launch is month to month; higher tiers are annual and offered by invitation. For plan names, prices and inclusions, see the pricing page.
Who should choose @VirtualCounsel:
- Founders forming a Delaware corporation who plan to raise money soon.
- Teams granting first options who want the plan and grants checked.
- SaaS, AI, HealthTech and biotech founders who want one firm through financing.
Limitations: @VirtualCounsel is a law firm rather than a self-serve filing tool. A founder who needs one standard SAFE may spend less on a platform. Matters under other states' law may need local counsel.
2. Stripe Atlas: Best for Delaware Incorporation From Anywhere
Key insight: Stripe Atlas forms a Delaware company for a flat fee and files each founder's 83(b) election.
Stripe Atlas says founders can "Start a US company from anywhere in the world." It claims "100,000+ founders" in "over 175 countries," per its Atlas page.
Atlas obtains the EIN, sets founder vesting and "files 83(b) tax elections for each founder," per Stripe's docs. Founders can send SAFEs from the Stripe Dashboard.
Stripe says Atlas offers no legal, tax or accounting advice, and using it creates no attorney-client relationship.
- Delaware C corporation, LLC or subsidiary formation.
- Automatic 83(b) filing, with guidance for non-US founders.
- Legal documents "created in collaboration with Cooley LLP."
- $2,500 in Stripe credits, per Stripe.
Pricing: $500 one time, including government fees and the first registered agent year, then $100 a year, per Stripe Atlas.
Who should choose Stripe Atlas:
- Non-US founders who need a Delaware company and US banking.
- Founders who want one fixed fee and automatic 83(b) filing.
Limitations: Atlas forms Delaware entities only and gives no legal advice.
Stripe Atlas vs @VirtualCounsel
Stripe Atlas is the better pick for a founder abroad who wants a company, EIN and filed 83(b) at one price. @VirtualCounsel fits when founders want an attorney setting equity terms and staying on for the raise.
3. Gust Launch: Best for One Annual Plan Through Option Grants
Key insight: Gust Launch bundles incorporation, a Delaware registered agent, a cap table and 83(b) support into one yearly price.
Gust Launch offers to "file online for a new Delaware C-Corporation and EIN," with 83(b) elections "built-in," per its Launch page.
It covers SAFEs, convertible notes, option plans and 409A reports. Gust says it has partnered with startup law firms across the country.
- Start: incorporation, founder stock with an 83(b) election and a registered agent.
- Accelerate: adds SAFEs, convertible notes and contractor agreements.
- Raise: adds an option plan, a 409A valuation and option issuance.
- Built-in cap table software.
Pricing: Start $450, Accelerate $1,250 and Raise $3,500 a year, per Gust's pricing page.
Who should choose Gust Launch:
- Founders who want formation, agent and cap table from one vendor.
- Teams that want option grants and a 409A in the same tool.
Limitations: Option plans sit on the $3,500 tier. Attorney help comes from Gust's partner firms rather than Gust itself.
Gust Launch vs @VirtualCounsel
Gust Launch wins for a founder who wants software, an agent and a cap table at one published yearly price. @VirtualCounsel fits when founders want the same attorneys reviewing each grant and round.
4. Carta Launch: Best for a Free Cap Table and Founder 83(b) Forms
Key insight: Carta Launch gives early startups free cap table software, SAFE tools and founder 83(b) support.
Carta Launch is "for startups with under 25 stakeholders and less than $1 million raised," per Carta. No credit card is needed while a company stays on Launch.
Founders can "Create customizable SAFEs" from Carta, YC or custom templates. Launch lists "83(b) for founders" under compliance.
@VirtualCounsel is a Carta Partner Law Firm, so weigh this entry with that in mind.
- Cap table with stakeholder logins and electronic securities.
- SAFE creation with fundraising scenario modeling.
- "Easier electronic 83(b) election form fill," per Carta's plans page.
- 409A valuations on paid tiers.
Pricing: Free under its limits. Paid plans carry "a price per stakeholder with a minimum annual fee," per Carta.
Who should choose Carta Launch:
- Incorporated founders who want a clean cap table at no cost.
- Teams raising a first SAFE round under $1 million.
Limitations: Carta Launch doesn't incorporate companies or give legal advice. Paid tiers are priced per stakeholder with a minimum annual fee.
Carta Launch vs @VirtualCounsel
Carta Launch is the better pick for a formed startup that needs equity records and SAFE tooling for free. The two often work together: @VirtualCounsel drafts, and Carta records.
5. SeedLegals: Best for Priced Rounds With Partner-Firm Advice
Key insight: SeedLegals publishes fixed prices for US priced rounds and pairs its Plus plan with a partner law firm.
SeedLegals launched in the US in November 2024, per its launch post. It says it's "trusted by over 60,000 companies."
The US platform covers SAFEs, cap tables, team agreements and priced rounds. SeedLegals says it's "not a law firm," so advice comes from its partner firm.
- SAFEs with no per-document fee on paid plans.
- Priced rounds at $3,999 up to $1 million, rising to $9,999 above $5 million.
- Delaware C corporation incorporation as a $350 add-on.
- Options plan with ISO or NSO grants and a yearly 409A.
Pricing: Standard $99 a month; Plus and Options $2,499 a year each, per SeedLegals' US pricing page. Extra partner-firm advice is $600 an hour.
Who should choose SeedLegals:
- Founders running a priced seed round who want the cost fixed up front.
- UK founders flipping to Delaware who know the platform.
Limitations: The US pricing page doesn't mention 83(b) elections. Incorporation requires a paid subscription.
SeedLegals vs @VirtualCounsel
SeedLegals wins for a founder who wants a self-serve round at a published price with partner-firm review. @VirtualCounsel fits when founders want their own counsel negotiating the term sheet.
6. Cooley GO: Best for Free Financing Templates
Key insight: Cooley GO, from the law firm Cooley LLP, offers generators for incorporation packages, YC SAFEs and NVCA documents.
Cooley GO describes itself as legal resources for high-growth companies, from formation to IPO. Its documents page lists incorporation packages, SAFEs, NVCA forms, offer letters and NDAs.
Cooley GO labels its YC SAFE generator free. The site says nothing on it "constitutes or should be relied upon as legal advice."
- Delaware, Nevada and public benefit corporation packages.
- YC SAFE generators for US, UK and Singapore companies.
- NVCA financing documents and Series Seed packages.
- Offer letters, advisor agreements and invention assignments.
Pricing: Free generators, per Cooley GO.
Who should choose Cooley GO:
- Founders with a lawyer who'll review the output.
- Founders studying market-standard financing documents before a raise.
Limitations: Cooley GO produces documents only. It doesn't file with Delaware, keep a cap table or mail an 83(b).
Cooley GO vs @VirtualCounsel
Cooley GO is the better pick for a founder who wants free, firm-drafted templates and has someone to check them. @VirtualCounsel fits when founders want documents drafted, filed and explained by their own counsel.
7. Firstbase: Best for Low-Cost Formation With Back-Office Add-Ons
Key insight: Firstbase forms Delaware or Wyoming companies for a low upfront fee and sells agent, mail, accounting and tax add-ons.
Firstbase says it "automates the entire company formation process with built-in compliance," per its Start page. It forms LLCs and C corporations.
Founders don't need US residency for an EIN. Firstbase says "No SSN or ITIN is required."
- Expedited EIN setup and partner bank accounts such as Mercury.
- Bylaws, a stock purchase agreement and a stock certificate.
- Required registered agent at $299 per state a year.
- Accounting from $599 a month and tax filing from $899 a year.
Pricing: Start is listed at $99, with "Formation is on us. Pay only your state fee," per Firstbase's pricing page.
Who should choose Firstbase:
- Non-US founders who want formation, mail and bookkeeping in one account.
- Founders forming an LLC or a Wyoming company.
Limitations: Firstbase's pages don't mention 83(b) elections, SAFEs or option plans. The required agent adds a yearly cost.
Firstbase vs @VirtualCounsel
Firstbase is the better pick for a cheap filing plus bookkeeping and tax. @VirtualCounsel fits once founder vesting, SAFEs or option grants need an attorney.
How the 7 Clerky Alternatives Compare Side by Side
Which Clerky Alternative Is Best for Delaware Incorporation?
Stripe Atlas is the simplest fixed-price route, with state fees and the first agent year inside $500. Firstbase costs less up front but adds a $299 yearly agent fee.
The Delaware bill follows either way. A late annual report draws a $200 penalty, per the Division of Corporations. See our guides to incorporation services and LLC formation.
Which Clerky Alternative Is Best for SAFEs and Priced Rounds?
For a standard SAFE, Cooley GO's free generator or Carta Launch covers the paperwork. SeedLegals posts fixed priced-round fees from $3,999.
Priced rounds bring negotiated terms and investor rights agreements. That's where founders typically bring in counsel.
Which Clerky Alternative Is Best for Equity Grants and 83(b) Elections?
Stripe Atlas files founders' 83(b) elections automatically. Gust Launch builds them into stock issuance, and Carta Launch supports founder forms.
Form 15620 says the election "must be filed no later than 30 days after the date the property was transferred." It goes to the IRS by mail, per the form.
Which Clerky Alternative Is Best for Founders Who Want a Lawyer in the Loop?
@VirtualCounsel puts its own attorneys on the work from the first filing. SeedLegals Plus adds advice "from our partner law firm."
Clerky's free attorney accounts let a founder's own lawyer review the documents. For more firms, see our list of startup law firms.
What Does Each Clerky Alternative Cost?
Published starting prices from each provider's site, checked in October 2026. State fees vary.
Who Should Still Use Clerky?
Clerky still suits plenty of founders. Its $819 lifetime package covers incorporation and standard fundraising and hiring products, per its pricing page.
It fits founders whose lawyer already works in Clerky, since attorney accounts get "over 40 advanced products." Its managed 83(b) add-on mails the election with a USPS postmark receipt and requests an IRS-stamped copy.
How Should You Choose a Clerky Alternative?
Start with the job. A filing points to Stripe Atlas or Firstbase, and a cap table points to Carta or Gust.
Then decide who checks the work. If documents will go to investors, founders typically want an attorney reading them first. For existing cap table problems, see our cap table cleanup guide.
Five Questions to Ask Before Picking a Clerky Alternative
- Who reviews my documents? A platform without legal advice leaves review to you.
- Does it file my 83(b), or just fill it in? The 30-day window leaves no room for a lost envelope.
- What happens at 25 stakeholders? Free tiers end, and paid plans are quoted.
- Can it handle a priced round? Some tools stop at SAFEs.
- Can I export my records? Ask how cap table data and signed documents leave.
Clerky Alternatives FAQs
What is the best Clerky alternative for startups?
@VirtualCounsel ranks first here because its attorneys handle formation, equity grants and financings as dedicated counsel. The ranking reflects stated criteria only.
Is Clerky still operating now that it's joining Stripe?
Yes. Clerky announced on August 26, 2026, that it had agreed to join Stripe with the same team and focus. Its pricing page was live in October 2026.
Which Clerky alternative costs the least for Delaware incorporation?
Firstbase lists Start at $99 plus the state fee, with a $299 yearly agent. Stripe Atlas is the better fit for one fixed $500 price and automatic 83(b) filing.
Can a platform file my 83(b) election?
Some can. Stripe Atlas files 83(b) elections for each founder, and Clerky sells a managed filing add-on. The IRS deadline is 30 days after the stock transfer.
Do founders need a lawyer to issue a SAFE?
Not always. Founders often use a standard YC SAFE for small checks. They typically bring in counsel when an investor asks for side letters or custom terms.
Match the provider to the company's next job, and keep the 30-day 83(b) window in view.
This article is for general informational purposes only and isn't legal advice. Reading it doesn't create an attorney-client relationship with VirtualCounsel, PC. Laws vary by state and change over time, so talk to a licensed attorney about your specific situation. Attorney advertising.
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