For startups, earning customer trust is one of the biggest steps toward growth. SOC 2 compliance shows that your company takes security and data protection seriously. But while compliance builds credibility, it also comes with real costs that young businesses need to plan for. Understanding these expenses and budgeting wisely can help startups avoid surprises.

Audit and Assessment Costs

The SOC 2 audit is often the largest cost. Depending on the size of your business and the type of audit—Type I or Type II—fees can range from thousands to tens of thousands of dollars. Startups should plan and set aside funds for these audits, as they are key to the certification process.

Technology and Tools

Meeting SOC 2 requirements often means upgrading systems and adding security tools. This might include encryption, monitoring software, or cloud security solutions. While these investments can be costly, they also strengthen your security and protect your company from breaches.

Employee Training

Compliance isn’t just about technology—it’s also about people. Employees need training on policies like password use, access control, and data handling. Budgeting for staff training helps reduce risks and ensures your team follows best practices.

Ongoing Maintenance

SOC 2 compliance is not a one-time …