doola

What is doola?

doola helps entrepreneurs—especially non-US founders—start and manage US-based businesses. The platform handles company formation, registered agent services, EIN applications, US banking, and ongoing compliance, removing barriers that make US business formation complex for international founders.

For global entrepreneurs wanting US business presence for payments, fundraising, or market access, doola provides the infrastructure to operate legally in the United States. Whether you are launching a tech startup, running an e-commerce business, or freelancing internationally, doola streamlines the entire process from incorporation to ongoing compliance management.

Key Features

Company Formation

Form LLCs or C-Corps in business-friendly states like Delaware or Wyoming. Complete formation packages include articles of organization or incorporation, operating agreements, and EIN applications. The platform guides you through entity type selection based on your business goals—LLCs offer flexibility and pass-through taxation while C-Corps are ideal for venture funding and equity distribution.

doola handles all state filing requirements and provides templates customized to your business structure. Formation typically completes within days, with expedited options available for urgent needs.

Registered Agent Services

Every US business requires a registered agent to receive legal documents, government correspondence, and service of process. doola includes registered agent service with all formation packages, eliminating the need for US physical presence.

Your registered agent address serves as your official business address for public filings, protecting your personal address from public databases. doola forwards all received documents digitally, ensuring you never miss important correspondence regardless of your location.

US Business Banking

Opening US business bank accounts has historically challenged non-US founders due to documentation requirements and in-person verification policies. doola partners with US banks familiar with international entrepreneurs, significantly improving approval rates.

Banking assistance includes application preparation, documentation guidance, and direct introductions to banking partners. Once established, US banking enables payment processing through Stripe, PayPal, and other US payment processors while facilitating easier vendor relationships and investor transactions.

EIN Application and Tax ID

Your Employer Identification Number serves as your business tax ID for all federal tax purposes. doola handles the entire EIN application process, which can be complex for non-US residents without Social Security Numbers.

The platform navigates IRS requirements using ITIN applications or foreign documentation as needed. Expedited EIN processing is available in higher-tier plans for faster banking and payment processor setup.

Bookkeeping and Tax Services

Ongoing bookkeeping keeps your finances organized and investor-ready. doola Books connects to your bank accounts, categorizes transactions, and generates financial reports. Monthly reconciliation ensures accuracy while providing real-time visibility into business performance.

Tax preparation services ensure compliance with US federal and state requirements. The platform helps you understand tax obligations before they become problems, including estimated quarterly payments, annual filings, and state-specific requirements. Higher-tier plans include dedicated tax professionals familiar with international founder situations.

Compliance Management

Maintaining good standing requires tracking various deadlines and requirements across federal and state levels. doola automates compliance monitoring with annual report reminders, state filing tracking, and Beneficial Ownership Information report submissions.

The compliance dashboard shows your current status across all requirements, with proactive alerts before deadlines approach. Filing assistance ensures requirements are met correctly, preventing costly penalties or involuntary dissolution.

Pricing

Starter — $297/year + state fees. LLC or C-Corp formation, EIN filing, operating agreement, one year registered agent, US business address, and compliance reminders. Ideal for early-stage entrepreneurs testing US market viability.

Total Compliance — $1,999/year + state fees. Everything in Starter plus expedited EIN, BOI filing, annual state tax filings, business IRS tax filings, and dedicated account manager. Best for established businesses needing comprehensive support and proactive compliance management.

doola Books — $30/month add-on for bookkeeping. Premium packages $1,500-$4,500/year for higher transaction volumes. Essential for businesses needing organized financials for investors or tax preparation.

State fees vary — Wyoming ~$50/year, Delaware franchise tax ~$300/year. First-year registered agent included; renewal costs apply after year one.

Current promotion — Save up to $750 on all plans during new year sale.

Use Cases

Startups Seeking Investment

Venture capitalists and angel investors strongly prefer investing in Delaware C-Corps due to established legal frameworks and investor-friendly regulations. doola helps founders establish proper corporate structures with clean cap tables and standard documentation that investors expect.

The platform supports SAFE agreements, equity issuance, and corporate governance requirements that come with institutional funding. Having organized financials through doola Books makes due diligence smoother and demonstrates operational maturity.

Non-US Founders Going Global

International founders face unique challenges accessing US markets, payment processors, and customers. doola specializes in helping founders from Europe, Asia, Latin America, and beyond establish compliant US presence without relocation.

Common scenarios include accessing Stripe for payment processing, selling to US enterprise customers requiring domestic vendors, and establishing credibility in US markets. The platform handles documentation requirements for founders without SSNs or US addresses.

E-Commerce Sellers

Amazon, Shopify, and other e-commerce platforms often require or prefer US business entities. doola enables international sellers to establish compliant US operations, access US-based fulfillment services, and process payments through US accounts.

The platform helps navigate sales tax obligations, marketplace requirements, and import documentation. US banking simplifies supplier payments and revenue collection while professional bookkeeping tracks inventory costs and profit margins accurately.

Freelancers and Consultants

Independent professionals working with US clients often benefit from US business entities for invoicing, payment processing, and tax efficiency. doola provides formation and ongoing support scaled to individual business needs.

Pros and Cons

Advantages

International founder expertise: Purpose-built for non-US founders with deep understanding of documentation challenges and banking requirements that other providers overlook.

Comprehensive service: End-to-end support from formation through ongoing compliance, bookkeeping, and tax preparation eliminates managing multiple vendors.

Banking relationships: Established partnerships with banks experienced in serving international founders significantly improves account approval success rates.

Transparent pricing: Clear annual pricing without hidden fees or surprise charges. State fees disclosed upfront.

Responsive support: Human support team accessible for questions, with dedicated account managers in premium plans.

Disadvantages

Higher starting price: Entry pricing exceeds basic formation services, though includes more comprehensive services.

Limited state options: Focuses primarily on Delaware and Wyoming rather than all 50 states.

Add-on costs: Bookkeeping and premium services require additional fees beyond base formation packages.

No legal advice: Platform provides formation and compliance services but not legal counsel for complex business decisions.

doola vs Competitors

doola vs Stripe Atlas

Stripe Atlas offers similar formation with Stripe integration. doola provides broader ongoing support including bookkeeping and tax. Atlas works well for Stripe-focused businesses; doola excels for comprehensive ongoing support needs.

doola vs Firstbase

Firstbase serves similar international founder needs. Both platforms compete on service quality and pricing. Compare specific offerings based on your state preferences and ongoing service requirements.

Tips for Success with doola

Choose entity type carefully: LLCs suit most small businesses and solo founders. C-Corps are necessary for venture funding or large teams with equity compensation.

Select state strategically: Wyoming offers lowest fees and strong privacy. Delaware provides best legal framework for investor-funded startups.

Start banking early: Begin bank account applications immediately after formation. Some banks have waitlists or extended review periods for international founders.

Maintain compliance proactively: Set calendar reminders for annual reports and tax deadlines even with doola tracking. Double-checking prevents costly mistakes.

Keep records organized: Upload all business documents to doola dashboard. Organized records simplify tax preparation and investor due diligence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I form a US company without being a US citizen?
Yes. doola specializes in helping non-US founders form and manage US companies. No citizenship, residency, or visa required.

How long does formation take?
Standard formation completes in 3-5 business days. Expedited options available for urgent needs.

Do I need to visit the US?
No. The entire process completes remotely, including banking with doola partner banks.

What is the difference between LLC and C-Corp?
LLCs offer simpler taxation and flexibility. C-Corps enable venture funding, equity compensation, and unlimited shareholders. doola helps you choose based on your goals.

Can I use doola for an existing business?
Yes. doola offers registered agent, compliance, and bookkeeping services for already-formed businesses seeking ongoing support.

What happens if I miss a compliance deadline?
Doola sends multiple reminders before deadlines. Missed filings may incur state penalties or affect good standing. The platform helps resolve issues if they occur.

Final Verdict

doola removes barriers to US business formation for global entrepreneurs. The combination of formation, banking assistance, and ongoing compliance support makes US operations accessible regardless of your location or citizenship.

For international founders seeking comprehensive support beyond basic formation, doola delivers meaningful value through banking partnerships, compliance management, and tax services. The higher price point reflects genuinely broader service compared to formation-only alternatives.

Rating: 4.3/5