Looking for a Gust alternative?
Gust Launch is a startup incorporation platform designed for VC-bound Delaware C-Corps. It does not offer LLCs and has limited non-resident support, making it unsuitable for most international entrepreneurs.
All 50 states • $399 one-time to form • Built for non-residents
Trusted by founders, operators, and global businesses in 150+ countries
StartGlobal vs Gust
What's actually included, side by side. (See the full first-year cost below.)
| What's included | StartGlobal | Gust |
|---|---|---|
| LLC formation | All 50 states | C-corps only (no LLC) |
| Registered agent | Included | C-corp only |
| EIN (no SSN) | Yes, no SSN | C-corp only |
| US bank account setup | Included | No |
| Operating agreement | Included | N/A (bylaws) |
| Bookkeeping | Included (managed) | Not offered |
| Federal tax filing | Included | Not offered |
| Annual report & compliance | Included | Subscription |
| Built for non-residents | Built for it | Limited |
| Money-back guarantee | 100% money-back | — |
The cost to run an LLC, not just to start one.
Every founder needs formation, a registered agent, an EIN, an operating agreement, ongoing compliance, bookkeeping and a federal tax return. Here is the full first-year cost on identical scope.
Gust Launch forms Delaware C-corporations only — it does not form LLCs. StartGlobal forms your LLC for a one-time $399, then runs registered agent, EIN, bookkeeping, compliance and federal tax filing in one platform for $149/month fully managed (or a la carte from $99/year).
Why founders switch to StartGlobal
Real concerns reported by Gust users, and how we fix them.
No LLC Option Available
Gust Launch only offers Delaware C-Corp incorporation. If you want an LLC (the preferred structure for most non-resident founders due to simpler taxation), Gust cannot help you.
StartGlobal specializes in LLC formation in all 50 states. LLCs offer pass-through taxation, which means simpler tax obligations for non-resident founders.
Annual Subscription Model
Gust charges $450-$3,500 per year depending on your plan. The Start plan alone costs $450/year, and it renews indefinitely. Over 3 years, that is $1,350+ minimum.
StartGlobal charges a one-time $399 to form, with all state and government fees included. Ongoing compliance is one predictable plan at $149/month managed, or a la carte from $99/year. Your formation cost is fixed.
Designed for VC-Bound Startups
Gust Launch includes investor tools like cap table management, stock issuance, and 83(b) election filing. These features are unnecessary for freelancers, consultants, and e-commerce sellers.
StartGlobal is built for all types of businesses. Whether you are a freelancer, e-commerce seller, consultant, or tech startup, our package covers exactly what you need.
C-Corp Double Taxation
Delaware C-Corps face double taxation: the corporation pays corporate tax, and shareholders pay tax on dividends. LLCs avoid this with pass-through taxation.
StartGlobal forms LLCs with pass-through taxation by default. For non-residents with no US income, this typically means zero US tax on foreign earnings.
LLC Formation
Everything you need to launch, in one package.
Registered Agent
IncludedEvery US LLC is legally required to have a registered agent: the official point of contact that receives legal documents, lawsuits, and state notices on your behalf. We act as your registered agent in your formation state and forward anything that arrives straight to you.
- Required to form and keep your LLC in good standing
- Receives legal documents and state notices for you
- We forward everything to you right away
State Filing
IncludedWe set up your company in the state you choose and track everything through to approval. Your state fees are included in the price, with no separate charges to figure out later.
- File in any of the 50 states
- State filing fees included, no surprise charges
- We track your filing through to approval
Business Tax Number
IncludedBefore you can open a bank account, get paid, or file taxes, you need a business tax number. We take care of the entire application for you, even if you don't have a U.S. social security number.
- We handle the entire application for you
- No U.S. SSN needed
- Gets you ready to bank, get paid, and stay compliant
U.S. Business Bank Account
IncludedOpen a U.S. business bank account from anywhere in the world, with no U.S. travel required. We connect you with trusted banking partners like Mercury and Lili and guide you through the application.
- Apply from anywhere, no U.S. trip needed
- Partners like Mercury and Lili
- Guided setup from start to finish
One payment, no surprise charges at checkout.
Ongoing Compliance
Pay only for what you need.
Registered Agent
Pay as you goYour registered agent service continues year after year, keeping a verified U.S. address on file and forwarding every legal document and state notice so you stay in good standing.
- Verified U.S. address maintained
- Legal mail scanned and forwarded
- Renewed automatically each year
State Annual Report
Pay as you goMost states require an annual or biennial report to keep your LLC active. We prepare and file it on time, every year, so you never fall out of good standing or get hit with late penalties.
- Annual or biennial report prepared and filed
- Deadline tracking, no late penalties
- Keeps your LLC in good standing
Bookkeeping
Pay as you goWe keep your books organized and aligned with U.S. standards every month, so your finances are always accurate and ready for tax time, investors, or a loan.
- Monthly bookkeeping
- Transactions categorized and reconciled
- Reports ready for tax season
Federal Tax Filing
Pay as you goWe handle your annual federal tax filing for single-member and multi-member LLCs, including the forms non-resident owners need, filed accurately and on time with the IRS.
- Returns for single and multi-member LLCs
- Non-resident owner filings handled
- Accurate, on-time filing with the IRS
Starts with registered agent. Add annual report, bookkeeping, and federal tax filing as you need them.
The operating system
Formation is
just the start.
StartGlobal runs your whole company, not just the paperwork. One platform, every tool you need to operate.
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Real customers, on camera, talking about their U.S. business journey
Gust vs StartGlobal, answered
Should I choose an LLC or a C-Corp?+
For most non-resident founders, an LLC is the better choice. LLCs offer pass-through taxation (simpler and often lower taxes), fewer compliance requirements, and more flexibility. C-Corps make sense if you plan to raise VC funding and issue stock.
Can I form an LLC with Gust?+
No. Gust Launch only offers Delaware C-Corp incorporation. If you want an LLC, StartGlobal can form one in any of the 50 US states.
How does pricing compare?+
Gust's Start plan is $450/year (ongoing). StartGlobal forms your LLC for a one-time $399, then ongoing compliance is your choice: $149/month fully managed or a la carte from $99/year. After just 2 years, Gust costs $900+ on subscription alone, while StartGlobal's formation cost stays fixed at $399. Plus, StartGlobal includes bank account setup.
Do I need cap table management?+
Only if you plan to issue stock to investors. LLCs do not have stock; they have membership interests defined in the operating agreement. If you are not raising VC funding, cap table management is unnecessary.
Is Gust better for tech startups?+
Gust is tailored for VC-track tech startups that need Delaware C-Corps with investor tools. If you are building a tech startup but do not plan to raise VC funding, an LLC through StartGlobal is simpler, cheaper, and tax-efficient.
Ready to start your U.S. business?
Join thousands of global founders who trust StartGlobal. Form your LLC in minutes and run it all from one place.