Comparison Disclaimer
Pricing and features shown are based on publicly available information. Always verify current pricing on provider websites before making decisions. We receive affiliate commissions from some providers. Information current as of January 2025.
Quick Verdict
Xolo Leap is better for most non-US founders — easier banking, lower costs, included accounting. Firstbase/Stripe Atlas is better if you're raising US VC or need a US entity specifically.
- • You're bootstrapping
- • You want included accounting
- • Banking ease matters
- • You're raising US VC
- • You need a US entity
- • US credibility matters for sales
Service Comparison
| Feature | Xolo Leap | Firstbase / Stripe Atlas |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction | Estonia (EU) | Delaware (US) |
| Formation fee | Included | $500 (Atlas) / $399 (Firstbase) |
| Monthly cost | €79-129/month | $0 base + $100-500/mo accounting |
| Accounting included | ||
| Banking for non-US | Easy (Wise, Revolut) | Difficult (Mercury sometimes) |
| Corporate tax on profits | 0% (until distributed) | 21% (immediate) |
| Annual franchise tax | €0 | $300+ (Delaware) |
| US VC compatibility | Lower (flip needed) | High |
| Stripe payments |
Real Cost Comparison (Year 1)
Xolo Leap (Estonia)
- Formation: €0 (included)
- E-residency card: ~€100
- Monthly fee: €79 × 12 = €948
- Accounting: €0 (included)
- Annual report: €0 (included)
Firstbase/Atlas (Delaware)
- Formation: $399-500
- Registered agent: $100-200/year
- Accounting: $200-500/month
- Delaware franchise tax: $300+/year
- Federal filings: $200-500
Xolo's all-inclusive pricing is significantly cheaper. US companies require separate accounting, which adds up fast.
Banking: The Biggest Difference
Why Banking Matters So Much
For non-US founders, getting a US business bank account is the #1 pain point. Many founders form US companies only to discover they can't open a bank account.
US Company Banking Issues:
- • Mercury/Brex reject many non-US founders
- • Traditional banks (Chase, BoA) nearly impossible
- • Account closures happen without warning
- • Stripe Atlas's banking isn't guaranteed
Estonian Company Banking:
- • Wise Business: Easy, same-day approval
- • Revolut Business: Works well
- • LHV Bank: Traditional Estonian bank option
- • No SSN or US address required
Who Should Choose Which?
Choose Xolo Leap if:
- Bootstrapping — Not raising US VC funding
- Non-US founder — Banking will be much easier
- Want simplicity — All-in-one with accounting included
- Reinvesting profits — 0% tax until you distribute
- Cost-conscious — Lower total cost of ownership
Choose Firstbase/Atlas if:
- Raising US VC — Investors strongly prefer Delaware
- US credibility needed — Enterprise B2B sales
- Planning US team — Will hire US employees
- Stock options — US structure better for ESOP
- Acquisition target — US buyers prefer US entities
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Xolo vs Firstbase
All information verified as of December 2025. Prices and features subject to change. Always verify current pricing with providers.
