Bitcoin Forum

We are forming bitBlu, a new company in the crypto-currency space.
The founders are all Israeli, so by default we thought to register the company as an Isareli one.

However ... there might be legal/operational benefits to registering elsewhere.
I think that if this zone (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=208333.msg2525730#msg2525730) was a reality today, it would be ideal for us.

Give that the zone above is still not operational - what is the best country for Bitcoin startups to register at?
Can you list the specific:

1. Benefits to registering in that country over the alternatives?
2. Downsides? (e.g. one of them would be it's more complicated for us than the natural Israeli registration, due to geographical reasons)
3. Concrete steps I need to follow in order to register there
4. Any contacts that can help us promote this registration process?

Hi

I would consider,

New Zealand as they have stood up to the US recently over MEGA.
Singapore, is rapidly becoming attractive to the very wealthy, and can be more dynamic/Realpolitik due to gov structure.
China would also be a consideration but integration with the correct local entity is crucial

Ideally I would have a presence in several jurisdictions, to ameliorate risk, with mechanisms to transfer wealth to any particular entity quickly, eg through BTC. You should then be safe.

Eg open them up independently, and have them own shares/interests in each other, and possibly a 4th entity.

The question of which jurisdiction to incorporate in is heavily-fact based.  What is your business? What countries will your business service?  How much startup capital do you have?  How long until you become operational?

There's no "best" jurisdiction and single answer to this question.  It would be nice to have a public discussion about this, as it is an often-asked question, but if you're not comfortable sharing details publicly, feel free to PM me.

- The business will operate with bitcoin & other crypto-currencies ... something like an exchange for alts (but not quite). btc-e without the fiat would be a good example.
- We plan to service all countries.
- We do not yet have much capital (self-funded).
- We do have "some time" before becoming operational (no concrete deadline yet).

Cool talk.

Well, we're certainly starting out this way (not waiting for the corporation, but just running along with it), but it is my understanding that registering a corporation does have some legal and tax advantages over Just Doing It.

Specifically - the guy ran his "business" via a proxied web connection to China for starters ... I don't want to conduct all my business activities while having to run away & hide from authorities - it's too stressful.

clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap

Finally someone around here with sense!

it doesn't quite work that way. The gov changes the rules and then they come and get your previously legitimate business, very easily as they know who and where you are.

False sense of security.

Stop spreading FUD

As long as u do not accept fiat the us govt said they dont care...

I think Cyprus will be a very good choice since there is a high adoption rate of Bitcoins there.

If you're in Israel and want to raise capital, there are two jurisdictions where it's best to incorporate (http://www.startupcompanylawyer.com/2009/03/03/what-state-should-i-incorporate-in/):

Delaware - U.S. investors insist on it, predictable law, speedy process, corp. directors are well-protected, electronic voting by proxy, stockholder meeting attendance though the Internet, only one director required.

Cayman Islands: flexible law permits U.S.-style preferred stock financing arrangements, investors in Chinese companies are familiar with Cayman law, pre-approved for listing on the Hong Kong stock exchange.

I heard from one trader some time ago that best is Cyprus. Cyprus for everything if it comes down to business or money :d