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
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
Perfect for startups and Type I
$25K
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)
Professional
Full Type II for mid-market companies
$40K
SOC 2 Type II (full scope)
50-200 employees
Complete policy library
Advanced evidence automation
2 mock audits
dashr.ai Platform (Year 1 included)
Enterprise
Complex environments
$60K
SOC 2 Type II + multiple criteria
Custom policies and controls
Full automation + API integration
3 mock audits
dashr.ai Platform (Year 1 included)
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.
Client Success Story
How a Quick Fix assessment led to full SOC 2 certification and a $2M enterprise deal
B2B SaaS Company Closes $3.5M Enterprise Deal
Industry: Marketing Automation SaaS | Size: 85 Employees | Framework: SOC 2 Type II
β
Challenge: Series B marketing automation company with strong product-market fit ($8M ARR). Sales team consistently hitting walls in enterprise deals over $100K ACV. Lost 5 major deals in 6 months totaling $4.2M.
Solution: Engaged 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, 64 controls, dashr.ai evidence collection, 2 mock audits.
Result: Closed $3.5M enterprise deal May 15 (3-year contract). Pipeline over $100K grew from $2M to $12M in 90 days. Win rate improved from 15% to 62%. Raised Series C at 2x higher valuation.
Common Questions
Quick answers about SOC 2 certification
We get you audit-ready in 90 days, but Type II requires a 6-12 month observation period. You can start the observation period immediately after controls are implemented (Month 2), so total time is typically 8-12 months from kickoff to final report.
Most enterprise customers require Type II. Type I is useful if you need something quickly (within 90 days) or for smaller deals. If you're unsure, start with Type I and upgrade to Type II observation period immediately.
Audit firm fees (paid directly to the CPA firm) range from $8K-$15K depending on company size and scope. We coordinate with pre-vetted firms who understand our process and offer competitive pricing.
Yes! Many companies pursuing global markets get both (SOC 2 for US, ISO 27001 for EU/international). There's significant overlap in controls. We offer bundled pricing with 15-20% savings.
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