ZenBusiness vs Firstbase (2026): Full Platform Comparison
ZenBusiness is built for the 33M+ small business owners who need formation done right, ongoing compliance handled, and a full suite of tools to operate. Firstbase is built for VC-backed startups.
Where ZenBusiness Wins
- ✓ LLC formation designed for Main Street businesses, not just VC-funded startups
- ✓ Worry-Free Compliance guarantee: ZenBusiness handles compliance so owners never fall out of good standing
- ✓ Built-in banking, bookkeeping, website builder, and Velo AI in one dashboard
- ✓ 5-star customer support — human help when it matters
- ✓ Significantly lower price point for the formation + compliance bundle
Where Firstbase Wins
- ✓ C-Corp and cap table tooling for venture-backed companies
- ✓ Payroll and equity management for teams with investors
- ✓ Banking integration optimized for startup fundraising workflows
Who Should Choose Each?
Choose ZenBusiness if…
You are a first-time business owner, solopreneur, side-hustle-to-business operator, service business, or retailer who wants formation + compliance + banking + a website in one place.
Choose Firstbase if…
You are building a VC-backed tech startup or SaaS company that needs C-Corp formation, cap table management, equity tooling, and fundraising infrastructure.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | ZenBusiness | Firstbase |
|---|---|---|
| LLC Formation | Yes — all 50 states, fast filing | Yes — US + some international |
| C-Corp Formation | Yes | Yes (primary focus) |
| Registered Agent | Yes — included in plans | Yes — add-on |
| Compliance Monitoring | Yes — worry-free guarantee | Yes |
| Business Banking | Yes — built-in | Integrated (Mercury/Brex) |
| Bookkeeping / Invoicing | Yes — native app | Third-party only |
| Website Builder | Yes — included | No |
| AI Business Assistant | Yes — Velo | No |
| Cap Table / Equity | No | Yes |
| Payroll | No (partner integrations) | Yes |
| Target Customer | SMB owners, solopreneurs | VC-backed startups |
| Starting Price | $0 + state fees | Higher — startup-stack pricing |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does ZenBusiness replace Firstbase?
Not exactly — they serve different audiences. ZenBusiness is built for Main Street small business owners, solopreneurs, and side-hustle-to-business transitions who need formation plus an ongoing operations platform. Firstbase is purpose-built for VC-track tech startups needing C-Corp formation, cap table management, and fundraising infrastructure. If you are not raising venture capital, ZenBusiness is the more complete and affordable choice.
Can I use ZenBusiness and Firstbase together?
In most cases, no — both handle business formation, so you would choose one. ZenBusiness covers LLC and C-Corp formation in all 50 states. Firstbase focuses on C-Corp formation for venture-backed startups. If your business is LLC-based or you are not raising VC funding, ZenBusiness provides everything you need without the startup-stack complexity.
Does ZenBusiness offer cap table and equity management like Firstbase?
No. Cap table management and equity tooling are Firstbase strengths designed for VC-funded companies. ZenBusiness focuses on the legal, financial, and operational foundation for small businesses: formation, compliance, banking, bookkeeping, and a website. If you are building a venture-backed startup with investors and equity compensation, Firstbase serves that need better.
Does ZenBusiness include banking and bookkeeping?
Yes. ZenBusiness includes business banking built directly into the platform and native bookkeeping through Money Pro ($30/mo). This means you can form your LLC, open a business bank account, and manage your books all in one place — no third-party integrations required.
What is Velo by ZenBusiness?
Velo is ZenBusiness's AI business assistant, trained on small business formation and operations data. Unlike general-purpose AI tools, Velo is purpose-built for new business owners — guiding them through formation, compliance, banking setup, and ongoing business decisions. It is included with every ZenBusiness package.
Start your LLC with ZenBusiness
Form your LLC, open a business bank account, and get your website live — all in one platform. Starting at $0 + state fees.
Start My LLC with ZenBusiness →Want more detail? Read our full ZenBusiness review.