The startups software stack
Early-stage teams need software that is fast to set up, affordable before revenue and does not force a painful migration after the first funding round.
3 of 3 guides published
Buying guides
- AccountingBest Accounting Software for Startups (2026): Investor-Ready BooksWe compare QuickBooks Online, Xero, Puzzle and Zoho Books for startups: accrual books, burn and runway reporting, users, and real monthly cost.Read the guide
- CRMBest CRM for Startups (2026): 4 Options Compared on Price and ScaleWe compare HubSpot, Pipedrive, Attio and Zoho CRM for startups: free plans, startup discounts, per-seat cost and how far each one scales before you switch.Read the guide
- PayrollBest Payroll Software for Startups (2026): Payroll, PEO or All-in-One?We compare Gusto, Rippling, Justworks and OnPay for startups: payroll for the first hires, multi-state teams, benefits through a PEO and real monthly cost.Read the guide
Know-how
Plain-English explainers on the tasks and rules behind the software.
- ExplainerR&D Tax Credit for Startups: The $500,000 Payroll Offset (2026)How the R&D tax credit works for startups: the four-part test, qualified research expenses, and how a qualified small business uses up to $500,000 against payroll tax.Read the explainer
- ExplainerStartup Accounting Basics: What Founders Need to Set Up (2026)Cash vs accrual, a startup chart of accounts, the monthly close, burn and runway math, Delaware franchise tax, Form 1120 and the R&D payroll tax credit.Read the explainer