Need to form an LLC in Massachusetts
Hey everyone,
I'm in the early stages of launching a sta͏rtup here in Massachusetts, and I'm navigating the LLC formation process for the first time. I could really use some advice from folks who have been through this locally.
To give you a little background, I'm a chemical engineer by trade (spent a few years over in Kendall Square), and I've developed a new process for manufacturing a highly biodegradable, marine-safe plastic alternative derived from locally sourced kelp and invasive green crabs. They are a menace to the local ecosystem, and we've found a way to utilize their shells in our polymer matrix.
Now, I need to get the legal foundation set up properly before we start taking on inves͏tment (mostly friends and family at this point, but looking at seed rounds soon) and signing larger contracts.
I'm leaning towards forming an LLC, but I have a few specific questions.
I know I need a MA registered agent. Is it better to use a service or just be my own resident agent? Given that I might be working out of shared lab spaces or my garage at times, I'm slightly worried about privacy and ensuring I don't miss important docs.
I see MA has a notoriously high annual report fee ($500). Are there any local gra͏nts, programs, or specific classifications (maybe related to clean tech or utilizing invasive species) that can help offset these costs for early-stage startups?
Can anyone recommend a startup-friendly lawyer or CPA in the Boston/North Shore area who understands the specific needs of a hardware/materials science startup?