A US prospect has asked for your SOC 2 report before signing. Here is how a startup gets there without slowing the product down.
US enterprise and mid-market buyers use SOC 2 as the default way to check a vendor's security. It replaces long custom questionnaires with one independent report, which is why startups hit the request early, often before their first big contract.
If you also sell in the UK or Europe, ISO 27001 is the more common ask there. See our ISO 27001 for startups guide, and plan both together because the controls overlap.
A Type I report says your controls are suitably designed at a point in time and can be reached relatively quickly. A Type II report tests that they operated effectively over an observation period, typically three to twelve months, and is what most enterprise buyers eventually expect.
A common startup path is Type I first to unblock a stalled deal, then Type II as the observation window runs. See our SOC 2 page.
Security is always in scope. Availability, Confidentiality, Processing Integrity and Privacy are added only when your customer commitments call for them. Fewer criteria means less evidence, less audit effort and a shorter path to the report.
Compliance automation platforms such as Drata reduce manual evidence collection, and ISONEX is a Drata Launch Alliance member. Whether a platform is worth it depends on your size and stack.
Timeline depends on your starting maturity and, for Type II, on the observation window. Cost has three parts: consultancy support, tooling and the CPA firm's fees. We quote after a short scoping call.
Yes. Many early-stage SaaS companies do, usually with a tight scope and tooling that automates evidence.
Type I can unblock a deal quickly, but most enterprise buyers eventually want Type II. We help you sequence both.
Yes. SOC 2 is not limited to US companies. Any company selling to US customers can obtain a report from a licensed CPA firm.
Yes. ISONEX is a remote-first consultancy and we deliver SOC 2 programmes for clients in the UK, the US, Europe and the GCC. Everything is done online, scheduled around your working hours.
Book a free advisory session and we will map your fastest credible route to certification.
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