Delaware C-Corp Formationin 3–5 Business Days
Everything you need to incorporate your startup the right way — the same structure used by 90% of venture-backed companies.
No hidden fees. Includes state filing fees, registered agent (1st year), and EIN.
3-5 Day Processing
1st Year Registered Agent
All State Fees Included
EIN Included
How Delaware C-Corp Formation Works
We handle everything from filing to founder stock issuance — so you can focus on building your startup.
Tell us about your startup
Complete a simple online form with your company name, founders, and basic details. Takes about 10 minutes.
We verify your company name
We check Delaware's database to ensure your chosen name is available. If not, we'll help you find alternatives.
File with Delaware
We submit your Certificate of Incorporation to the Delaware Division of Corporations with expedited processing.
Get your EIN
We file for your Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) with the IRS automatically.
Receive your documents
Get your Certificate of Incorporation, bylaws, initial resolutions, and all formation documents in your SparkLaunch dashboard.
Issue founder shares
We set up your cap table in SparkLaunch Equity and issue founder shares directly into the platform.
What's Included for $399
Formation & Filing
- Delaware C-Corp filing
- Expedited state processing
- State filing fees
- Federal EIN (Tax ID)
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Corporate Bylaws
Post-Incorporation
- Initial Board Resolutions
- Stock Purchase Agreement
- First year registered agent
- Founder stock issuance
- Cap table setup in SparkLaunch Equity
- Post-incorporation checklist
Why Incorporate in Delaware?
Investor Standard
Over 90% of VC-backed startups are Delaware C-Corps. Investors expect it and their legal teams are familiar with Delaware law.
Business-Friendly Laws
Delaware's corporate laws are the most flexible and well-established in the nation, giving your board maximum flexibility.
Court of Chancery
Delaware has a specialized business court with judges (not juries) who are experts in corporate law, providing predictable outcomes.
Privacy Protection
Delaware doesn't require you to disclose officers or directors in public filings, providing an extra layer of privacy.
SparkLaunch vs Other Formation Services
See how we compare to other popular incorporation services.
| Feature | SparkLaunch | Stripe Atlas | Clerky | Firstbase |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $399 | $500 | $427-$819 | $399+ |
| Processing Time | 3-5 days | 2-5 days | 1-3 days | 3-5 days |
| EIN Included | ||||
| 1st Year Registered Agent | — | |||
| State Fees Included | ||||
| Cap Table (Basic) | — | — | — | |
| Founder Stock Issuance | Add-on | — | ||
| 83(b) Support | Coming Soon | Add-on | ||
| Free Tier Available | — | — | — | |
| Investor CRM | Startup+ plan | — | — | — |
| AI Tools (Free Tier) | — | — | — | |
| Founder Community | — | — | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why incorporate in Delaware?
Delaware is the gold standard for startups. Over 60% of Fortune 500 companies and most VC-backed startups are Delaware C-Corps. Benefits include: business-friendly laws, specialized Court of Chancery for corporate disputes, well-established legal precedents, and investor familiarity. If you plan to raise venture capital, Delaware is almost always the right choice.
What is a C-Corporation vs LLC?
A C-Corporation is a separate legal entity that can issue stock, making it ideal for startups that want to raise investment, issue equity to employees, or eventually go public. LLCs are simpler but cannot issue stock options and are typically not preferred by venture investors. For venture-backed startups, C-Corp is the standard.
How long does incorporation take?
With SparkLaunch, most startups are fully incorporated within 3-5 business days. This includes Delaware state filing (1-2 days with expedited processing), EIN application (1-2 days), and document generation (same day). Compare this to 2-4 weeks with traditional legal services.
Do I need to be in Delaware to incorporate there?
No! You can incorporate in Delaware from anywhere in the world. You'll need a registered agent in Delaware (included in our package for the first year), but your company can operate from any location.
What is a registered agent?
A registered agent is a person or company designated to receive legal documents, tax notices, and official correspondence on behalf of your corporation in Delaware. This is a legal requirement. SparkLaunch includes your first year of registered agent service.
What happens after incorporation?
After incorporation, you'll want to: open a business bank account, set up your cap table properly, consider 83(b) elections for founder stock, and potentially file for foreign qualification in your home state. SparkLaunch provides a post-incorporation checklist to guide you through everything.
What are the ongoing costs after incorporation?
Delaware requires an annual franchise tax (minimum $400/year for most startups using the Authorized Shares method) and an annual report filing ($50). You'll also need to maintain a registered agent (~$100-150/year after the first year). These are standard costs for all Delaware corporations.
Can I incorporate if I'm not a US citizen?
Yes! Non-US founders can incorporate a Delaware C-Corp. You don't need to be a US citizen or resident. However, the EIN process may take slightly longer for international founders. SparkLaunch supports founders from around the world.
Ready to Incorporate Your Startup?
Join thousands of founders who've incorporated with SparkLaunch. Get your Delaware C-Corp set up in 3-5 days with everything you need to raise funding and build your company.