SparkLaunch vs Clerky
Clerky is the YC favorite for legal docs. SparkLaunch is the full founder platform. More features, lower price.
SparkLaunch
$399
Delaware C-Corp + EIN
Cap table (free basic)
SAFE tracking (1x free)
AI tools (free tier)
Community access
Clerky
$427–$819
Delaware C-Corp + EIN
YC-endorsed quality
83(b) support
Hiring docs (pay per use)
Foreign qualification
Full Feature Comparison
| Feature | SparkLaunch | Clerky |
|---|---|---|
| Incorporation Price | $399 | $427-$819 |
| Processing Time | 3-5 days | 1-3 days |
| EIN Application | ||
| 1st Year Registered Agent | Included | Included |
| 83(b) Election Support | Coming Soon | |
| SAFE/Convertible Notes | Free (1x) / Paid (3x+) | Pay Per Use / Lifetime |
| Cap Table Management | Free (Basic) | |
| Dilution Modeling | ||
| Investor CRM | Startup+ ($199/yr) | |
| Hiring Documents | Coming Soon | Pay Per Use |
| NDA Templates | Coming Soon | Pay Per Use |
| AI Business Tools | Free (1x each) | |
| Landing Page Builder | Free (10 leads) | |
| Founder Community | ||
| Free Tier Available | ||
| YC/VC Endorsement | Growing | Strong |
| Foreign Qualification (CA/NY) | Coming Soon | Available |
Why Choose SparkLaunch
Lower Base Price
SparkLaunch costs $399 vs Clerky's $427 (pay-per-use) or $819 (lifetime). Both include registration, EIN, and first-year agent.
Free Cap Table
Clerky doesn't include cap table software. SparkLaunch gives you basic cap table management free, with exports on paid plans ($199/yr+).
Full Founder Platform
Beyond legal docs, SparkLaunch offers AI tools (free), investor CRM (Startup+), pitch deck builder (Growth+), and community access.
Start Before You Incorporate
Validate your idea with free AI tools, build your brand, and prepare with our free tier before spending on incorporation.
SAFE Tracking Included
Track SAFEs in your cap table (1 on free, 3 on Startup, unlimited on Growth+). Clerky charges per use for fundraising documents.
Why Choose Clerky
Fastest Processing
Clerky typically processes in 1-3 days — slightly faster than SparkLaunch's 3-5 days.
Strong YC Endorsement
Y Combinator recommends Clerky for unincorporated startups. Deep trust in the startup ecosystem.
Comprehensive Legal Documents
Pay-per-use access to hiring docs, NDAs, advisor agreements, and more. Built by startup lawyers.
83(b) Filing Support
Clerky has robust 83(b) election support with pre-filled forms and reminders.
Foreign Qualification
Easy foreign qualification for California and New York — important if you're operating in those states.
FAQs
Is Clerky better for legal documents?
Clerky excels at legal document quality — it was built by startup lawyers. However, you pay per document after incorporation. SparkLaunch includes SAFE tracking in your free cap table, and we're building out more document features.
Why does Y Combinator recommend Clerky?
YC has a long relationship with Clerky and trusts their legal document quality. This is valuable if you're going through YC. For founders not in YC, SparkLaunch offers more value with free tools.
Do I need Clerky's lifetime package?
The $819 lifetime package includes unlimited SAFEs, hiring docs, and NDAs. If you plan to use these heavily, it may be worth it. SparkLaunch includes SAFE tracking free and is building hiring docs.
Can I use both services?
Yes — some founders incorporate with Clerky for the YC connection, then use SparkLaunch's free cap table and tools for ongoing operations.
Ready to Get Started?
Start free and explore our tools, or incorporate now for $399.