Setting up your US entity
Most founders incorporate in Delaware as a C-Corp. This is what investors expect. Use Stripe Atlas, Clerky, or a lawyer to do this.
Stripe Atlas: $500, fast, good for simple setups. Clerky: More comprehensive, better for complex cap tables. Lawyer: More expensive but gives you someone to call.
Banking
Mercury is the community favourite for startup banking. Free, online, good API, no minimum balance. Open in minutes.
Brex or Ramp for corporate cards — both have good rewards and expense management.
Personal banking: Chase or Bank of America for a personal account. Bring your passport, visa, and proof of address.
Accounting
Pilot or Bench for bookkeeping. Both are popular with early-stage startups.
For tax, you'll need a US CPA. Ask in the WhatsApp group for recommendations.
Legal
Orrick, Cooley, or Wilson Sonsini are the go-to SF tech law firms. Expensive but worth it for fundraising.
Clerky for standard documents (SAFEs, NDAs, offer letters).
Insurance
Embroker for startup insurance (D&O, E&O, general liability). Fast and startup-friendly.
Health insurance for employees: Gusto or Rippling for HR and benefits administration.
Payroll
Gusto is the community favourite for US payroll. Simple, reliable, good support.
Equity
Carta for cap table management. Essential once you have investors or employees with equity.
Community tip
The ANZ network has people who've done all of this. Ask in the WhatsApp group before spending money on anything — someone has probably already figured out the best option.