Agile practices grew out of challenges in software development and have been extended to many related activities such as database design, modeling and product management. Many budding startup companies embraced agile practices. The nimble and feedback-based approach works superbly for a couple of guys burning the midnight oil in a room or garage. But, founding an actual company has always been a formal and tedious process that can take the founders’ focus off the main activities that evolve the product. Stripe decided to change that. The Atlas initiative aims to take a lot of the burden off your shoulders–including incorporating in Delaware, opening a business bank account, registering the new company with the IRS, opening a Stripe account for accepting payments, tax consulting and even more of tools and services. Atlas can also be used by non-US founders that believe incorporating in the US is the best route for their business.
Startup Ease
Atlas is still in Beta, but already has an impressive network of partners. During the beta, there is a one-time fee of $500. Once you send in your application, you should have your company up and running within a week! This is quite amazing.
How many potential new startup companies never make it out of the side project stage because of the friction and difficulty of actually starting a company? How many companies waste a lot of time and resources at the critical early stage to get their company off the ground? Atlas is an ambitious proposition and I’m very curious to see how it pans out. If you’re an aspiring entrepreneur who has considered starting your own company, Alas may be just the right thing for you.
