ZenBusiness vs Firstbase (2026): Full Platform Comparison
ZenBusiness is built for Main Street small business owners who need a complete formation and operations platform. Firstbase is built for VC-backed startups needing C-Corp and cap table tooling. Here's how they compare.
Quick Verdict
- ✓You're a first-time business owner, solopreneur, or side-hustle-to-business transition
- ✓You need an LLC or S-Corp (not a VC-backed C-Corp)
- ✓You want formation, compliance, banking, and bookkeeping in one place
- ✓You run a service business, retail, or Main Street company
- ✓You're building a VC-backed tech startup or SaaS company
- ✓You need C-Corp formation with cap table management
- ✓You need payroll and equity management for investor-backed teams
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
| Feature | ZenBusiness | Firstbase |
|---|---|---|
| LLC Formation | ✓ All 50 states | ✓ US + some international |
| C-Corp Formation | Yes (not primary focus) | ✓ Primary offering |
| Registered Agent | ✓ Included in Premium / +$199/yr | Add-on |
| Compliance Monitoring | ✓ Worry-Free Guarantee | Basic |
| Business Banking | ✓ Money Pro (built-in) | Integrated (Mercury/Brex) |
| Bookkeeping / Invoicing | ✓ Money Pro (native app) | ✗ Third-party only |
| Website Builder | ✓ Online Tools Bundle | ✗ Not included |
| AI Business Assistant | ✓ Velo AI | ✗ Not included |
| Cap Table / Equity Management | ✗ Not offered | ✓ Yes |
| Payroll | Partner integrations | ✓ Yes |
| Target Customer | SMB owners, solopreneurs | VC-backed startups |
| Starting Price | $0 + state fees | Higher (startup-stack pricing) |
What Each Platform Does Best
ZenBusiness Wins At
- ✓LLC formation designed for Main Street businesses and solopreneurs
- ✓Worry-free compliance guarantee — your business stays in good standing automatically
- ✓Banking, bookkeeping, website, and Velo AI in one subscription
- ✓5-star human customer support for the life of your business
- ✓Significantly lower and more transparent pricing starting at $0 + state fees
Firstbase Wins At
- ✓C-Corp and cap table tooling for venture-backed companies
- ✓Payroll and equity management for teams with investors
- ✓Banking integrations optimized for startup fundraising workflows
Who Is Each For?
| Business Type | ZenBusiness | Firstbase |
|---|---|---|
| First-time LLC founders | ✓ Best Fit | — |
| Solopreneurs & freelancers | ✓ Best Fit | — |
| Service businesses & retail | ✓ Best Fit | — |
| VC-backed tech startups | — | ✓ Best Fit |
| SaaS founders raising capital | — | ✓ Best Fit |
The All-in-One Platform for Main Street Business Owners
ZenBusiness handles LLC formation, registered agent, compliance, banking, bookkeeping, your website, and Velo AI — all in one platform starting at $0 + state fees.
Start Your LLC with ZenBusinessFrequently Asked Questions
Does ZenBusiness replace Firstbase?
No. ZenBusiness and Firstbase target fundamentally different audiences. ZenBusiness is built for the 33M+ Main Street small business owners — solopreneurs, service businesses, side-hustle-to-business transitions — who need an all-in-one formation and operations platform. Firstbase is built for VC-backed startups that need C-Corp structure, cap table management, and equity tooling. Most Main Street business owners have no need for cap table management.
Can I use both ZenBusiness and Firstbase?
Generally no — you would form your business through one or the other, not both. If you start as an LLC with ZenBusiness and later pivot to a VC-funded C-Corp structure, that's a separate restructuring conversation. For the vast majority of small businesses that will never take outside investment, ZenBusiness is the right long-term platform.
Does ZenBusiness offer cap table or equity management?
No. ZenBusiness is built for LLC owners and small businesses that do not have equity investors. If you need cap table management, equity splits, or fundraising infrastructure, Firstbase or Carta are the right tools for that use case.
Does ZenBusiness include banking and bookkeeping?
Yes. ZenBusiness includes Money Pro — a native bookkeeping and banking app available for all plans at $30/mo. Money Pro covers invoicing, expense tracking, payment management, and tax tools, with banking built directly into the platform so your accounts sync automatically with your bookkeeping.
What is Velo by ZenBusiness?
Velo is ZenBusiness's AI business assistant, purpose-built for small business owners and trained on ZenBusiness customer data and small business operations. Unlike general-purpose AI tools, Velo guides you through formation, compliance, banking setup, and day-to-day business decisions — all inside the ZenBusiness platform.
Ready to Get Started?
ZenBusiness is the all-in-one platform for starting, running, and growing your business.