Doola Review

ByObeydul Haque Reading Time: 9 minutes

Doola, headquartered in New York, was founded by Arjun Mahadevan with a mission to empower entrepreneurs worldwide to launch U.S.-based businesses with ease. The platform has gained traction for its focus on non-U.S. residents, offering services that address the unique challenges of forming and maintaining a business remotely. Backed by prominent investors like Y Combinator, Nexus Venture Partners, and Hustle Fund, Doola has raised significant funding, including a $3 million seed round in 2021 and an $8 million follow-up in 2022, signaling strong market confidence. With over 9,000 founders globally using the platform, Doola positions itself as a one-stop shop for business formation, compliance, and growth.

Key Services Offered

Doola’s service portfolio is designed to streamline the business formation process and provide ongoing support. Below is a breakdown of its core offerings:

  1. Business Formation
    Doola facilitates the formation of LLCs, C Corps, and DAO LLCs in any U.S. state, with a particular emphasis on states like Delaware and Wyoming, known for their business-friendly regulations. The process involves answering a few questions about the business (e.g., name, location), after which Doola handles the paperwork, including filing articles of organization with the state. For non-residents, Doola simplifies the process by not requiring a U.S. address or Social Security Number.
  2. Registered Agent Service
    A registered agent is legally required to receive official documents, such as lawsuits or tax notices, on behalf of a business. Doola provides this service as part of its plans, ensuring compliance with state regulations. The registered agent service is particularly valuable for non-residents who lack a U.S.-based contact.
  3. Employer Identification Number (EIN) Application
    An EIN, issued by the IRS, is essential for tax purposes, opening bank accounts, and hiring employees. Doola includes EIN application support in all its plans, streamlining a process that can be challenging for non-residents due to IRS requirements.
  4. Compliance and Tax Support
    Doola offers ongoing compliance reminders for deadlines like annual reports and state filings. Its Total Compliance plan includes expedited formation, annual state filings, IRS tax support, and a free CPA consultation. Additionally, Doola provides real-time IRS tax filing support and optional bookkeeping software to keep financial records organized.
  5. Add-On Services
    Beyond formation and compliance, Doola offers services like virtual mailbox setup, U.S. phone lines with utility bills, Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) applications, and business bank account setup with banking partners. These add-ons cater to entrepreneurs seeking a comprehensive solution.
  6. Educational Resources
    Doola University, blogs, e-books, and events provide entrepreneurs with insights into U.S. business regulations, tax strategies, and industry trends. These resources are particularly helpful for first-time founders unfamiliar with the U.S. market.

Pricing Structure

Doola’s pricing is structured into three main plans, all billed annually, with additional state filing fees that vary by state. Below is an overview of the plans as of 2025:

  1. Starter Plan ($297/year)
    • Includes LLC formation, EIN application, registered agent service, and an operating agreement.
    • Best for startups on a budget needing basic formation services.
    • Does not include advanced compliance or add-on services like virtual mailboxes or tax filings.
  2. Premium Plan ($349/year)
    • Includes everything in the Starter Plan, plus annual state filings and access to invoicing and bookkeeping software.
    • Ideal for businesses seeking additional compliance support and financial management tools.
  3. Total Compliance Plan ($1,999/year or ~$300/month)
    • Includes all features of the Premium Plan, plus expedited formation, IRS tax filings, a dedicated account manager, and a free CPA consultation.
    • Suited for businesses needing comprehensive support, including tax compliance and personalized guidance.
  4. Bookkeeping Services
    • Essentials Package: ~$600/year, supports basic transaction categorization.
    • Premium Package: ~$1,800/year, handles up to 1,200 transactions annually.

Comparison to Market Average:
The market average for LLC formation services is approximately $162, making Doola’s Starter Plan ($297 + state fees) 21% higher than the average. However, Doola’s inclusion of EIN, registered agent, and operating agreement in the base price adds value compared to competitors that upsell these services. The Total Compliance Plan, at $1,999/year, is significantly more expensive but offers features not commonly found in budget services.

Strengths of Doola

Doola has garnered praise for several aspects of its service, particularly for non-residents and startups. Below are its key strengths:

  1. Ease of Use
    Doola’s platform is intuitive, with a clean interface that guides users through the formation process. Customers frequently highlight the simplicity of answering a few questions to initiate LLC formation, with Doola handling the rest. The personalized dashboard for document access enhances user experience.
  2. Specialization in Non-Residents
    Doola’s focus on non-U.S. residents is a significant differentiator. By not requiring a U.S. address or Social Security Number, it lowers barriers for global entrepreneurs. Services like virtual mailboxes and ITIN applications further cater to this demographic.
  3. Comprehensive Services
    Doola’s “business-in-a-box” approach covers formation, compliance, banking, and bookkeeping, reducing the need for multiple vendors. The Total Compliance Plan, with its CPA consultation and tax support, is particularly valuable for businesses seeking all-inclusive solutions.
  4. Strong Customer Reviews
    Doola boasts a 4.7-star rating on Trustpilot with over 1,800 reviews, with 90% being five-star. Customers praise the fast formation process (often within 3–5 days), responsive support, and personalized assistance from account managers. Positive testimonials highlight team members like Jovi, Viren, and CEO Arjun Mahadevan for their attentiveness.
  5. Investor Backing and Growth
    Partnerships with investors like Y Combinator and Hubspot co-founder Dharmesh Shah lend credibility. Doola’s rapid growth, from a $3 million seed round to an $8 million follow-up, reflects its ability to scale and innovate.

Weaknesses of Doola

Despite its strengths, Doola has areas for improvement, as noted in customer feedback and expert reviews:

  1. Higher Pricing
    Doola’s plans are pricier than competitors like ZenBusiness ($0–$199 + state fees) or Incfile ($0 + state fees for basic formation). The Starter Plan’s $297 base price and additional costs for add-ons like virtual mailboxes or tax filings can strain budgets for cash-strapped startups. Ongoing costs, such as $297/year for registered agent services, are also higher than competitors like Bizee (~$119/year).
  2. Mixed Customer Service Feedback
    While many users praise Doola’s responsiveness, some report issues with post-purchase support, including delays in EIN registration, unresponsiveness via chat or email, and reliance on chat over phone support. Negative reviews on platforms like Reddit and the Better Business Bureau cite poor tracking of documents or filings, particularly for complex services like ITIN applications.
  3. Limited Track Record
    As a startup founded in 2020, Doola lacks the decades-long history of competitors like LegalZoom or ZenBusiness. Some experts express concerns about its long-term reliability, noting that Y Combinator startups often face acquisition or pivots, which could disrupt services.
  4. Upselling and Add-On Costs
    Doola’s base plans are limited, and services like virtual mailboxes, tax filings, or bookkeeping incur additional fees. Some users feel pressured by upselling for faster service or premium features, which can inflate costs significantly. For example, the Total Compliance Plan’s $1,999/year price tag is a steep jump from the Starter Plan.
  5. No Mobile App
    Unlike some competitors, Doola lacks a mobile app, which could inconvenience users who prefer managing their business on the go.

Customer Feedback and Real-World Experiences

Customer reviews provide valuable insights into Doola’s performance. On Trustpilot, Doola maintains a 4.7-star rating from 1,816 reviews as of April 2025. Positive feedback emphasizes:

  • Speed and Simplicity: Users like Yannick report forming an LLC in under three days remotely, describing the process as “super fast, personalized, and stress-free.”
  • Support for Non-Residents: International customers appreciate Doola’s guidance, with one user noting, “They made every step feel easy and secure, especially since I’m a non-US founder with limited knowledge of American business requirements.”
  • Responsive Support: Reviews highlight quick responses from team members like Betty and Annie, with one user stating, “Doola was there to guide me step by step.”

However, negative reviews raise concerns:

  • Post-Purchase Issues: A Reddit user described a “disappointing experience” with Doola, citing a lack of document tracking and delays in ITIN services despite payment. Another user called the post-sale service “awful,” recommending alternatives like Stripe Atlas.
  • Unexpected Charges: Some users report stress from continuous subscription charges after the initial purchase, with one noting difficulty canceling a free trial before being charged.
  • Scam Concerns: A few reviews mention the provided formation address being flagged as a scam online, though Doola’s overall legitimacy is supported by its Trustpilot score and investor backing.

Comparison to Competitors

To evaluate Doola’s value, it’s helpful to compare it to key competitors in the business formation space:

  1. ZenBusiness
    • Pricing: $0–$199 + state fees for basic formation, significantly cheaper than Doola.
    • Services: Offers LLC formation, registered agent, and compliance monitoring but lacks Doola’s focus on non-residents or DAO LLCs.
    • Strengths: 100% error-free formation, strong track record, and affordable plans.
    • Weaknesses: Less tailored for international founders, fewer add-ons like virtual mailboxes.
    • Best For: Budget-conscious U.S. residents seeking reliable formation.
  2. LegalZoom
    • Pricing: Free package (excluding state fees) to $349/year, comparable to Doola’s Premium Plan.
    • Services: Comprehensive legal document platform beyond formation, including trademarks and contracts.
    • Strengths: Established brand, broad service range, and mobile app.
    • Weaknesses: Higher costs for add-ons, less focus on non-residents.
    • Best For: Businesses needing diverse legal services.
  3. Stripe Atlas
    • Pricing: $500 one-time fee for formation, no annual subscriptions.
    • Services: Focuses on tech startups, offering formation, banking, and tax tools but no registered agent or ongoing compliance.
    • Strengths: Investor familiarity, one-time fee structure.
    • Weaknesses: Limited to C Corps, less comprehensive than Doola.
    • Best For: Tech startups raising capital.
  4. Firstbase
    • Pricing: Similar to Doola, with plans starting at ~$300/year.
    • Services: Formation, banking, tax filing, and Stripe financial tools, closely mirroring Doola.
    • Strengths: Partner benefits, strong non-resident support.
    • Weaknesses: Less established than Doola, fewer customer reviews.
    • Best For: Non-residents seeking alternatives to Doola.

Doola stands out for its non-resident focus and comprehensive add-ons but is less competitive on price compared to ZenBusiness or Incfile. Its Total Compliance Plan is unique but may be overkill for simple LLCs.

Is Doola Legit?

Doola is a legitimate service, as evidenced by its 4.7-star Trustpilot rating, partnerships with reputable investors, and positive customer testimonials. Scamadviser rates app.doola.com as safe, with a high trust score based on 40 data points, including technology and company location. However, isolated complaints about scam-flagged addresses or poor post-purchase support warrant caution. Doola’s 60-day money-back guarantee (excluding state fees) adds a layer of security for new users.

Who Should Use Doola?

Doola is best suited for:

  • Non-U.S. Residents: Entrepreneurs outside the U.S. seeking to form an LLC or C Corp without a U.S. address or Social Security Number.
  • Startups Needing Comprehensive Support: Businesses wanting formation, compliance, tax, and bookkeeping services in one platform.
  • DAO LLC Founders: Those forming decentralized organizations, a niche Doola specializes in.
  • Entrepreneurs Valuing Simplicity: First-time founders who prioritize a user-friendly platform and personalized support.

Doola may not be ideal for:

  • Budget-Conscious Startups: Those seeking the lowest-cost formation services, where ZenBusiness or Incfile are more affordable.
  • U.S. Residents with Simple Needs: Domestic founders needing only basic LLC formation without add-ons.
  • Businesses Requiring Legal Advice: Doola is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice, unlike some competitors.

Final Verdict

Doola is a robust business formation service that excels in simplifying LLC, C Corp, and DAO LLC formation for global entrepreneurs. Its intuitive platform, comprehensive services, and focus on non-residents make it a strong choice for those navigating the complexities of U.S. business regulations. The inclusion of EIN, registered agent, and compliance tools in its plans adds significant value, particularly for international founders. Positive customer reviews and investor backing further bolster its credibility.

However, Doola’s higher pricing, mixed post-purchase support, and limited track record as a young company are notable drawbacks. For budget-conscious startups or U.S. residents with straightforward needs, competitors like ZenBusiness or Incfile may offer better value. Additionally, potential users should carefully evaluate the cost of add-ons and ongoing subscriptions to ensure alignment with their budget.

In 2025, Doola earns a rating of 8.8/10 for its innovative approach and non-resident focus but loses points for pricing and inconsistent support. Entrepreneurs considering Doola should weigh their need for comprehensive services against the cost and explore alternatives like ZenBusiness or Stripe Atlas for specific use cases. For non-residents or those seeking a one-stop shop, Doola remains a compelling option to launch and grow a U.S. business with confidence.

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