4 ms·

Like the OP, I'm also interested in building up a modest income with a side project. I have a question about it that you seem particularly likely to be able to

by xiaoma 17y ago

Like the OP, I'm also interested in building up a modest income with a side project. I have a question about it that you seem particularly likely to be able to answer: How do you go about setting up an LLC from abroad (like you in Japan), and was it the sort of thing that could be done on a shoestring budget? http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=1161997 http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=1161997

patio11 17y ago
Oh, I think you emailed me about this. Sorry -- I starred it but I've been very busy this week. Short version: You can get an American LLC created while living on the far side of the moon for a few hundred bucks, but I'd suggest waiting until you have a compelling reason to create one. I have not yet had a compelling reason. That might change in the upcoming year, but for the last 3.5 years, I've used the US'/Japan's most common business structure: sole proprietorship.
- xiaoma 17y ago
  Thanks, I really appreciate you sharing your experience. That bit in your blog about "getting legal before legal gets you" had had me a little concerned. I had been thinking that somehow there was a requirement to make a real company in order to do software sales above some modest $ amount. If you still haven't made an LLC, that assumption was clearly wrong, and the barrier I'd had to getting started is illusory. It's time to get to work! Last question for you-- did you have to register your sole proprietorship with anyone or can you pretty much just make a website and start selling your software?
  - joelhaus 17y ago
    This can get complicated quickly. Businesses are generally licensed by state and local gov't. Most however don't require sole proprietors to register since they would generally be subject to the same tax as an individual. My instinct would be to get started now. Complicating factors may include: product/Svc liabilities, IP rights/protection, your bookkeeping system, local rules & restrictions.
nicolasgervais 17y ago
You'll find all the information you need in this interview from Mixergy titled "Law 101 For Startups with Bill Schreiber of Fenwick & West". If you're not a subscriber, then find the video podcast on iTunes, and you'll be able to watch it there [registration work-around]. You can always read the interview transcript if you prefer. The comments are usually really helpful, so look there if you have more questions. http://mixergy.com/bill-schreiber-fenwick-west/ http://mixergy.com/bill-schreiber-fenwick-west/
- AndrewWarner 17y ago
  If anyone on HN needs that video or mp3 email me.

by xiaoma 17y ago

patio11 17y ago

Oh, I think you emailed me about this. Sorry -- I starred it but I've been very busy this week. Short version: You can get an American LLC created while living on the far side of the moon for a few hundred bucks, but I'd suggest waiting until you have a compelling reason to create one. I have not yet had a compelling reason. That might change in the upcoming year, but for the last 3.5 years, I've used the US'/Japan's most common business structure: sole proprietorship.

xiaoma 17y ago
Thanks, I really appreciate you sharing your experience. That bit in your blog about "getting legal before legal gets you" had had me a little concerned. I had been thinking that somehow there was a requirement to make a real company in order to do software sales above some modest $ amount. If you still haven't made an LLC, that assumption was clearly wrong, and the barrier I'd had to getting started is illusory. It's time to get to work! Last question for you-- did you have to register your sole proprietorship with anyone or can you pretty much just make a website and start selling your software?
- joelhaus 17y ago
  This can get complicated quickly. Businesses are generally licensed by state and local gov't. Most however don't require sole proprietors to register since they would generally be subject to the same tax as an individual. My instinct would be to get started now. Complicating factors may include: product/Svc liabilities, IP rights/protection, your bookkeeping system, local rules & restrictions.

nicolasgervais 17y ago

You'll find all the information you need in this interview from Mixergy titled "Law 101 For Startups with Bill Schreiber of Fenwick & West". If you're not a subscriber, then find the video podcast on iTunes, and you'll be able to watch it there [registration work-around]. You can always read the interview transcript if you prefer. The comments are usually really helpful, so look there if you have more questions. http://mixergy.com/bill-schreiber-fenwick-west/ http://mixergy.com/bill-schreiber-fenwick-west/

AndrewWarner 17y ago
If anyone on HN needs that video or mp3 email me.