Firstbase
All-in-One US Business Platform for Global Founders
Business Initiative
Business Intelligence That Forms Your Business
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
Business Initiative
HQ: New York, NY (virtual/nationwide operations)
Ownership: Private (founder-owned)
Employees: 1
Formations: Not publicly disclosed (quality-focused, low volume)
Key Milestones
- Launched 2021 as educational platform
- Evolved to full-service formation + RA services
- Built AI tools, stats library, and provider directory
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
Business Initiative Services
Formation types:
- ✓ LLC
- ✓ Corporation (C-Corp, S-Corp)
- ✓ Partnerships
- ✓ Foreign LLC/Corp qualifications
- ✓ Change of Registered Agent
Differentiators:
- All state/federal fees included upfront
- Business intelligence platform (stats, AI selector, education)
- Directory of other providers
- Founder-led, transparent education
Both offer nationwide RA coverage. Compare differentiators above to see where each shines.
Pricing & Value
| Category | Firstbase | Business Initiative | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Year Total | ~$399 + $299 (Start + Agent; full One ~$2,388/yr) | ~$310+ (LLC formation + RA) | Tie |
| RA Annual Fee | $99-$299/year (Agent Autopilot; bundled in One) | $125/year per state (multi-company discounts) | — |
| Value Score | 8.5/10 | 8.5/10 | Tie |
Speed & Performance
Firstbase
Avg formation: 1-3 business days (automated + expedited)
Expedited: Included in Start (fast processing)
Business Initiative
Avg formation: 7-14 business days standard
Expedited: 1-3 business days ($25-$200); same-day before 1 PM EST
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)
Business Initiative — Pros
- ✓ All fees included (transparent value)
- ✓ Privacy-first RA ($125 flat)
- ✓ Educational platform (stats/AI tools)
- ✓ Fast human support
- ✓ Nationwide + foreign quals
Business Initiative — Cons
- ✗ Newer (fewer formations track record)
- ✗ Limited review volume
- ✗ Basic add-ons
- ✗ No 24/7 chat
- ✗ Virtual-only operations
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 Business Initiative if: Beats competitors on all-in costs and smarts—perfect for informed operators who want a partner, not just a filer.
Higher rating: Business Initiative (8.7/10)