Best File Sharing Apps for Startups in 2025
Startups have unique file sharing needs: sharing pitch decks with investors, collaborating with remote teams, managing customer proposals, and handling sensitive IP—all while maintaining professionalism and security. Consumer tools like generic Google Drive folders signal amateur operations to investors. According to Harvard Business Review, 68% of venture investors cite operational professionalism as a key funding decision factor.
Peony solves the startup file sharing challenge: AI-powered organization (setup in 10 minutes), engagement analytics (know who read your deck), branded sharing (yourcompany.peony.ink), and enterprise security without enterprise complexity. Purpose-built for startup fundraising and growth.
Here are the best file sharing apps for startups in 2025.
1. Peony - Best Overall for Startups
Website: https://peony.ink
Why it wins for startups:
- AI organizes pitch decks, financials, contracts in minutes (vs hours manually)
- Page-level analytics show which investors engaged vs ignored materials
- Branded URLs (yourcompany.peony.ink) signal professionalism
- Built-in eSignatures for NDAs, SAFEs, term sheets
- Dynamic watermarks + screenshot protection
- Startup-friendly pricing ($40/month vs $300/user at other platforms)
Best for: Fundraising, investor updates, customer proposals, team collaboration
2. Google Drive - Best for Internal Collaboration
Strengths: Free tier generous, integrates with Gmail/Docs, familiar interface Limitations: Consumer-grade for external sharing, no analytics, generic URLs don't impress investors Best for: Internal team documents, not investor-facing materials
3. Dropbox - Best for Simple Syncing
Strengths: Reliable file syncing, easy setup, works everywhere Limitations: Basic folders only, no engagement insights, not professional for fundraising Best for: Internal file backup and sync
4. Microsoft OneDrive - Best for Microsoft Users
Strengths: Office 365 integration, good for teams using Microsoft stack Limitations: Generic sharing experience, no fundraising-specific features Best for: Startups committed to Microsoft ecosystem
5. WeTransfer - Best for One-Off Large Transfers
Strengths: Simple, no account needed, handles large files Limitations: Not for ongoing collaboration, no organization, temporary links Best for: Sending design files or large media once
6. Box - Best for Regulated Startups
Strengths: HIPAA/FedRAMP compliance, strong governance Limitations: Expensive, complex, overkill for most startups Best for: Healthcare, fintech with heavy compliance needs
7. Tresorit - Best for Maximum Privacy
Strengths: End-to-end encryption, zero-knowledge architecture Limitations: Expensive ($24/user/month), no analytics Best for: Legal/privacy-sensitive startups
8. Sync.com - Best Budget Privacy Option
Strengths: Zero-knowledge encryption, affordable Limitations: Basic features, no branding or analytics Best for: Privacy-conscious early-stage teams
9. Zoho WorkDrive - Best for Zoho Ecosystem
Strengths: Integrates with Zoho CRM/Books, affordable Limitations: Limited outside Zoho, basic capabilities Best for: Startups already using Zoho suite
10. Notion - Best for Docs + Files
Strengths: Combines documentation with file storage, collaborative Limitations: Not designed for secure external sharing Best for: Internal knowledge base with some file storage
Startup-Specific Feature Comparison
| Feature | Peony | Google Drive | Dropbox | Box |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Investor analytics | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Branded URLs | ✅ Custom | ❌ Generic | ❌ Generic | ❌ Generic |
| AI organization | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Built-in eSignatures | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ Separate |
| Fundraising optimized | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Startup pricing | $40/mo | $12/user | $20/user | $20/user |
What Startups Actually Need
Different use cases require different tools:
For fundraising/investor relations: Peony (analytics, branding, security) For internal collaboration: Google Drive or Notion (familiar, integrated) For large file transfers: WeTransfer (simple, fast) For compliance industries: Box or Tresorit (certifications)
Most successful startups use two tools: consumer platform for internal work, Peony for external stakeholder communication.
Why Startups Choose Peony
Common transition reasons:
- Fundraising: "Needed analytics to know which investors were interested"
- Professionalism: "Google Drive folders didn't impress VCs"
- Efficiency: "AI organization saved 20+ hours per fundraise"
- Security: "Required enterprise security for IP protection"
- Branding: "Wanted professional, branded investor experience"
Migration Path
From Google Drive to Peony (30 minutes):
- Export fundraising materials from Drive
- Upload to Peony (AI organizes automatically)
- Add logo and customize branding (5 min)
- Share professional URL with investors
- Track engagement analytics
Keep using Drive for internal collaboration, Peony for external communication.
Pricing for Startups
Consumer tools: $0-20/user/month (internal use) Peony: $40/month flat (all external sharing) Legacy VDRs: $5,000-20,000 per deal (excessive for startups)
Peony provides VDR-quality features at an incredibly affordable $40/month.
Conclusion
Startups need file sharing that impresses investors, protects IP, and provides intelligence—not just storage. Peony delivers professional file sharing purpose-built for startup success.
Upgrade your startup's file sharing: Try Peony