Investor familiarity
The most common jurisdiction for venture-backed US startups.
UUpToNovaDelaware guide
Delaware for investor-ready companies.
Delaware is familiar to accelerators, venture funds, and US startup lawyers. Choose it when fundraising or stock plans are central to the plan.
Flexible entities
LLCs and C-Corps are both supported in the formation flow.
Best for
VC-track startups, equity plans, and future institutional investment.
Why Delaware
Why non-US founders pick Delaware
Delaware is the default home for venture-backed US startups. If raising money or issuing equity is on your roadmap, forming there from day one saves a later re-incorporation.
Investor familiarity
Accelerators, venture funds, and US startup lawyers expect a Delaware C-Corp. The paperwork for priced rounds, SAFEs, and stock option plans is standardized around Delaware corporate law, which removes friction when you fundraise.
The Court of Chancery
Delaware's Court of Chancery is a dedicated business court with decades of predictable precedent. That legal certainty is a big part of why investors prefer it, even for a non-resident founder.
LLC or C-Corp
Delaware LLC vs Delaware C-Corp
UpToNova forms both. The right entity depends on whether you are bootstrapping or raising venture money.
Delaware LLC
Simpler and pass-through by default. Suits a non-resident founder who wants Delaware's legal reputation without a full corporate structure. The minimum annual cost is the $400 annual tax.
Delaware C-Corp
The standard vehicle for venture capital and employee stock options. Choose it when institutional investment, a cap table, or a US startup exit is the goal.
Setup as a non-resident
Forming in Delaware without an SSN or US travel
As a non-resident you do not need an SSN, an ITIN, or a US trip. We file your Delaware LLC or C-Corp, include a registered agent, then request your EIN from the IRS with Form SS-4 (filed by fax, confirmed by the CP575 letter). Once your documents land you can open US banking remotely through Mercury, Relay, or Wise, covered in the banking guide. Plan on a flat $400 annual tax each year, tracked in your compliance calendar.
Wyoming vs Delaware
Not sure Delaware is right?
If you are an owner-operator with no near-term fundraising plans, a Wyoming LLC is cheaper (~$60/yr) and more private. Weigh both in Wyoming vs Delaware before you decide.