Corporations in Starfield are business organizations that work in a similar fashion to how corporations work today. The Starfield Game Universe presents a relatively capitalist future where the "means of production" are largely in the hand of corporate entities. The corporations are generally present in both the United Colonies and Freestar Collective space. There are private entities, but they are usually either distant or limited in scope, such as bars or wilderness outposts.
The last major governing organization, House Va'ruun, may or may not use corporate entities. It is said that the Trade Authority has set up shop in their space. This is unverifiable on the current game map, as the location of their home system is a secret.
Some corporations, such as HopeTech, are deeply tied into certain questlines. Others have little presence in the game other than their locations and products.
