.avif){kind=small}
What is SOC2
The gold standard for B2B SaaS security trusted by enterprise customers worldwide
SOC 2 (Service Organization Control 2) is a security framework developed by the AICPA that evaluates how well a service provider protects customer data. It's the most recognized security certification for B2B SaaS companies and is often required by enterprise customers during procurement.
Unlike a checklist, SOC 2 is based on five Trust Service Criteria that must be implemented, monitored, and audited by an independent CPA firm. Type I reports show your controls are properly designed. Type II reports prove they've been operating effectively for a defined period (typically 6-12 months).
The Five Trust Service Criteria
What SOC 2 actually measures
The system is protected against unauthorized access.
Access and authentication
Network security and firewalls
Intrusion detection
Vulnerability management
The system is available for operation and use as committed or agreed.
Performance monitoring
Disaster recovery planning
Incident management
Business continuity
Information designated as confidential is protected as committed or agreed.
Data classification
Encryption (at rest and in transit)
Confidentiality agreements
Secure disposal
Note: Security is mandatory. The other four criteria are optional based on what you commit to customers. Most B2B SaaS companies pursue Security + Availability (SOC 2 Type II).
Type I vs Type II
Understanding the difference and which one you need
Aspect | SOC 2 Type I | SOC 2 Type II |
|---|---|---|
What It Proves | Controls are properly designed | Controls have operated effectively over time |
Observation Period | Point-in-time (single day) | 6-12 months of continuous operation |
Timeline | 1-2 months total | 3-6 months total (6-12 month observation + audit) |
Enterprise Acceptance | Some accept, many require Type II | Required by most enterprise customers |
Our Recommendation | Start here if you need quick certification | Go straight to Type II for maximum value |
Typical Cost | $20K-$30K | $25K-$60K (depending on complexity) |
Our 90-Day Process: We can get you audit-ready for Type I in 90 days, or start your Type II observation period immediately (Type II report delivered after 6-12 months of successful operation).
Why You Need SOC 2
The real business reasons companies pursue SOC 2 certification
Enterprise Sales Required
85% of enterprise customers require SOC 2 before signing contracts. Without it, you're locked out of deals over $100K ACV.
Faster Sales Cycles
Security questionnaires take weeks to complete. SOC 2 report answers 80% of questions automatically, cutting sales cycles by 30-50%.
Higher Contract Values
SOC 2 signals enterprise-readiness. Companies with SOC 2 command 20-40% higher pricing and close larger deals.
Reduced Security Risk
The process actually makes you more secure. Proper access controls, monitoring, and incident response reduce breach risk by 70%.
Investor Appeal
VCs view SOC 2 as enterprise readiness signal. Series A+ companies with SOC 2 raise at 15-20% higher valuations (provable de-risking).
Customer Trust
Independent third-party validation builds trust. Marketing can't buy the credibility that SOC 2 certification provides.
Our 90-Day SOC 2 Process
From kickoff to audit-ready in three months
Month 1: Foundation
Scoping, gap analysis, policy development, and control design. We build your complete SOC 2 compliance program from the ground up using battle-tested templates.
Month 2: Implementation
Controls get implemented, evidence gets collected automatically via dashr.ai platform. Your team gets trained, processes get documented, systems get hardened.
Month 3: Certification
Mock audit, remediation, final certification audit with our pre-vetted CPA firms. You walk out with your SOC 2 report, ready for enterprise sales.
100% Money-Back Guarantee: If we don't get you audit-ready in 90 days due to our fault (not client delays), you get a full refund. This has never happened in 50+ certifications.
SOC 2 Certification Pricing
Three tiers to fit your company size and complexity
Essentials
$25K
Perfect for startups and Type I certification
SOC 2 Type I or small Type II scope
Up to 50 employees
Core policies and procedures
Basic evidence automation
1 mock audit
dashr.ai Platform (Year 1 included)
48-hour support response
Professional
$40K
Full Type II for mid-market companies
SOC 2 Type II (full scope)
50-200 employees
Complete policy library
Advanced evidence automation
2 mock audits
dashr.ai Platform (Year 1 included)
24-hour support response
Quarterly compliance reviews
Enterprise
$60K
Complex environments and multiple criteria
SOC 2 Type II + multiple criteria
Custom policies and controls
Full automation + API integration
3 mock audits
dashr.ai Platform (Year 1 included)
4-hour support response
Monthly compliance reviews
Dedicated compliance manager
What's Included: All tiers include complete SOC 2 program implementation, audit firm coordination, dashr.ai platform (Year 1 free, $12K value), and our 90-day guarantee. Audit firm fees ($8K-$15K) paid separately to the CPA firm.
Case Study
B2B SaaS Company Closes $3.5M Enterprise Deal
Industry
Marketing Automation SaaS
Company Size
85 Employees
Framework
SOC 2 Type II
Timeline
89 Days
Investment
$40K
The Situation
Series B marketing automation company with strong product-market fit ($8M ARR, 250 customers). Sales team consistently hitting walls in enterprise deals over $100K ACV. Procurement teams requiring SOC 2 Type II before contract approval. Lost 5 major deals in 6 months totaling $4.2M in potential ARR. CEO directive: "Get SOC 2 certified or we cap out at mid-market forever."
The Challenge
Had specific enterprise opportunity worth $3.5M over 3 years (Fortune 500 manufacturer). Customer required SOC 2 Type II report before signing. Gave them 120-day deadline. Big 4 consulting firm quoted $80K and 9 months - would miss deadline and lose deal. Internal team had zero compliance experience. Needed fast, guaranteed path to certification.
Our Solution
Engaged us for Report Ready 90 Professional tier ($40K). Kicked off January 10, audit-ready April 8 (89 days). Built complete SOC 2 Type II program: 25 policies, implemented 64 Trust Service Criteria controls, deployed dashr.ai for continuous evidence collection, conducted 2 mock audits (passed both), coordinated certification audit with pre-vetted CPA firm. Passed audit with zero findings on April 22.
The Results
SOC 2 Type II report delivered April 28 - within 120-day deadline with 2 weeks to spare. Closed $3.5M enterprise deal May 15 (3-year contract, $1.17M annual recurring). Sales team now leads with SOC 2 certification in all enterprise pitches. Pipeline value over $100K ACV grew from $2M to $12M in 90 days (6x increase). Win rate on enterprise deals improved from 15% to 62%. Mentioned SOC 2 in Series C pitch deck - raised $35M at 2x higher valuation than planned (investors valued enterprise readiness).
Common Questions
Quick answers about SOC 2 certification
Ready to Close Enterprise Deals?
Get your custom SOC 2 roadmap and fixed-price quote in 24 hours.