Clerky vs Stripe Atlas: What are the differences?

Clerky and Stripe Atlas are both platforms that offer services to help entrepreneurs and businesses with the legal and financial aspects of starting and running a company. Here are some key differences between Clerky and Stripe Atlas:

1. Service Scope: Clerky is primarily focused on providing legal services tailored to startups and technology companies. It offers a range of legal documents and templates required for forming and operating a company, such as incorporation, founder agreements, intellectual property assignments, and more. On the other hand, Stripe Atlas is a broader platform that offers not only legal services but also financial and operational support for startups. It includes legal documentation, but its primary focus is on helping businesses with company formation, business bank accounts, tax ID registration, and access to Stripe's payment processing services.

2. Legal Expertise: Clerky specializes in legal expertise for technology startups, providing tailored documents that address the unique needs of companies in this sector. Its legal templates are crafted by experienced attorneys and regularly updated to stay compliant with changing laws. In contrast, Stripe Atlas provides a more generalized approach to legal services, catering to a wide range of businesses beyond technology startups. While it offers legal templates, they may not be as specialized as those offered by Clerky, as Stripe Atlas aims to serve a broader audience of entrepreneurs and businesses.

3. Integration with Financial Services: Stripe Atlas has a distinct advantage in its seamless integration with Stripe's payment processing services. This integration allows startups to easily set up and manage online payments, subscriptions, and other financial transactions using Stripe's powerful and developer-friendly infrastructure. On the other hand, Clerky does not offer direct integration with financial services but focuses solely on legal documentation and compliance.

4. Additional Services: Beyond legal and financial support, Stripe Atlas provides access to a network of partners and resources that can help startups with various aspects of growing their businesses, such as marketing, accounting, and fundraising. This makes Stripe Atlas a more comprehensive platform for early-stage startups looking for both legal and operational assistance. While Clerky is more specialized in legal services, it may be a preferred choice for technology-focused startups seeking specific and highly tailored legal documentation.

In summary, Clerky is a specialized platform offering legal services for technology startups, while Stripe Atlas provides a broader range of services, including legal and financial support, as well as access to Stripe's payment processing capabilities.