Firstbase
All-in-One US Business Platform for Global Founders
Active Filings
Fast & Affordable Business Formation Since 2001
Side-by-side comparison. Data as of 2026-02-16.
Company Background
Firstbase
HQ: New York, NY (51-200 employees)
Ownership: Private (YC-backed; founder-led)
Employees: 51-200
Formations: 30,000+
Key Milestones
- Founded 2019 in NYC by Mark Milastsivy
- YC Winter 2021 batch
- Hit 30k+ companies formed
- Launched Firstbase One (all-in-one bundle)
- Expanded Agent Autopilot to all 50 states
Active Filings
HQ: Dania Beach, Florida (381 E Sheridan St)
Ownership: Private (independent, founder-owned; no VC backing)
Employees: 4
Formations: 100,000+ satisfied customers
Key Milestones
- Founded 2001 by immigrant Roberto Neuberger in Florida
- Expanded from FL-only to all 50 states + DC + PR
- Pioneered online incorporation tech (pre-VC era)
- Developed proprietary compliance review system
- Remained independent (no institutional investors)
Core Services
Firstbase Services
Formation types:
- ✓ LLC
- ✓ Corporation (C-Corp)
- ✓ Foreign Qualification (all states)
- ✓ Change of Registered Agent
Differentiators:
- All-in-one: formation + compliance + bookkeeping + taxes
- Bank account for non-residents (no SSN needed)
- Agent Autopilot (own entities in 50 states)
- $350k in founder perks (Stripe credits, legal, etc.)
- 24/7 human support from anywhere
Active Filings Services
Formation types:
- ✓ LLC
- ✓ Corporation (C-Corp, S-Corp)
- ✓ Nonprofit
- ✓ Foreign Qualification (all states)
- ✓ International Incorporation Plan (for non-US residents)
- ✓ Change of Registered Agent
Differentiators:
- More free services than competitors (lifetime support, checklists)
- 19+ years experience; 3rd oldest service
- Error-free filing guarantee
- Proprietary compliance tech
- Dedicated support for law firms & small biz
Both offer nationwide RA coverage. Compare differentiators above to see where each shines.
Pricing & Value
| Category | Firstbase | Active Filings | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Year Total | ~$399 + $299 (Start + Agent; full One ~$2,388/yr) | ~$0 + state fees (RA included) | Firstbase |
| RA Annual Fee | $99-$299/year (Agent Autopilot; bundled in One) | Free Year 1 (with formation); $99/year renewal | — |
| Value Score | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 | Firstbase |
Speed & Performance
Firstbase
Avg formation: 1-3 business days (automated + expedited)
Expedited: Included in Start (fast processing)
Active Filings
Avg formation: 2-5 business days standard
Expedited: 2 business days (varies); same-day in select states
Pros & Cons
Firstbase — Pros
- ✓ All-in-one (formation to taxes)
- ✓ Non-resident bank accounts
- ✓ 50-state Agent Autopilot
- ✓ 24/7 global humans
- ✓ $350k perks
Firstbase — Cons
- ✗ Premium pricing
- ✗ Bundle-heavy
- ✗ Limited domestic focus
- ✗ Payroll setup variability
- ✗ Newer (2019)
Active Filings — Pros
- ✓ Lifetime free support
- ✓ 3rd oldest; proven track record
- ✓ All 50 states + international
- ✓ Error-free guarantee
- ✓ Strong Spanish support
Active Filings — Cons
- ✗ Small team (less scale)
- ✗ RA renewal after free year
- ✗ Fewer reviews than giants
- ✗ Basic tech vs. AI tools
- ✗ Expedited varies by state
The Verdict
Choose Firstbase if: The ultimate platform for non-US founders—handles everything from formation to taxes in one place. Perfect if you're building remotely and want zero hassle.
Choose Active Filings if: Veteran player with human touch—great for immigrants needing reliable help, but check pricing vs. budget options.
Higher rating: Firstbase (8.4/10)