Clerky
Clerky is an online legal service that helps startup founders complete incorporation and ongoing legal paperwork safely. The platform guides users through Delaware C corporation formation, post-incorporation setup, fundraising, and hiring, with features designed to mirror the approach of top Silicon Valley law firms. Over 20,000 startups have incorporated through the service.
- Legal Technology
- Software Only
Funding
Funding not disclosed
Founders
Founder details are not available yet.
Product
Problem
Startup founders often struggle with complex legal paperwork required for incorporation, stock issuance, and intellectual property protection. Traditional law firms are expensive, while generic online services frequently produce incomplete or non-standard documents that lead to costly legal problems down the road.
Solution
Clerky provides an online platform that guides founders through the complete startup formation process, from incorporating as a Delaware C corporation to post-incorporation setup including stock issuance, board elections, and IP protection. The service mirrors the approach of top Silicon Valley law firms, offering 100% complete paperwork with features like expert rejection analysis, automated filing reminders, and pre-filled IRS forms. Founders can collaborate with co-founders and attorneys through the platform, and gain access to a legal dashboard for ongoing fundraising and hiring paperwork. The platform also supports foreign qualification, stock plan adoption, and corporate bank account applications with pre-filled forms.
Target Audience
Primary customers are startup founders, particularly those forming high-growth companies, as well as startup attorneys who use the platform to collaborate with clients on legal paperwork.
Features
- Delaware C corporation incorporation with expedited filing fees, first-year registered agent service, and annual report and franchise tax reminders included
- Post-incorporation setup covering bylaws, board consents, restricted stock purchase agreements, and 83(b) election support with automated filing reminders
- Expert rejection analysis and response to handle Delaware Secretary of State filing issues
- Collaboration tools for co-founders and attorneys to review and customize documents
- Legal dashboard for issuing safes, convertible notes, and equity compensation to employees, consultants, and advisors
- EIN application for non-US founders handled 100% in-house via fax to the IRS
- Corporate bank account application with pre-filled forms and no EIN requirement
- Managed forms that are proactively updated based on regulations, case law, and industry best practices
- Financing checklist and signature escrow features for fundraising rounds
- Fully customizable safes and convertible notes at a per-investor level