In our 2022 State of Startup Security Report, we asked respondents how their company goes about proving its security. Some responses were quite surprising. “We simply tell the customer that their data is secure.” Another respondent wrote, “I don't (prove security), but since taking some online networking classes, I now know how important it is.”

Having a strong security program is essential, but so is being able to prove it. Whether it's investors, prospects, or regulatory entities, someone, at some point, will ask about your company’s security posture. 

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Yes, they’re asking about your security protocols, but what they’re really asking is, “can I trust you?” Growth depends on being able to quickly say, “Yes, you can. Here’s why.” And that confident response, with an emphasis on “why,” is crucial throughout every stage of your company. 

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Investors want a sure bet 

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22% of our security report’s respondents said venture capitalists asked them to provide proof of a strong security program. The implications of this discovery extend beyond security. 

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If founders and entrepreneurs want to find a worthwhile investor, they may have to do more than prove the validity of their product and business roadmap. Security and compliance now play a crucial role in startup strategy. 

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If you think about it from an investor’s perspective, it makes a lot of sense. What better way to pressure test a company than to ask for evidence of a strong security program? Tackling a compliance standard such as SOC 2, and then bringing receipts on top of it, reveals an exceptional amount of organizational savvy. It also demonstrates a show of faith and trustworthiness—key factors for any investment decision.  

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Closing deals, and retaining them, hinges on security

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Whether your company is in the seed or expansion phase, closing deals and earning business is paramount. Proving your organization's security is a task that can appear at any stage in the deal cycle, but this often occurs at the least favorable moment—the “one-yard line.”

At this point, your company has invested a significant amount of time in developing the relationship. Your sales team kicked off a meeting, the prospect explored the opportunity being presented, and right before the deal closes, you're being asked to provide proof of security. This appears to be a common occurrence. 

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Our security report found that 57% of respondents were asked to prove their security measures by prospective customers. And if your prospects don’t ask you when it comes time to seal the deal, they’ll likely ask after they become customers. 51% of participants said that existing customers asked to provide proof of security. 

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The key takeaway? Generating new revenue, and keeping it, depends on your ability to demonstrate security at any given time. 

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Enterprise and international markets require trust 

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Long-term success often depends on selling to new markets and scaling revenue. In the US, companies will likely pursue a SOC 2 report as an initial security investment. CCPA and HIPAA compliance may also become necessary components of demonstrating trust. But what about companies that want to go further?

Gaining access to enterprise prospects and international markets bears great responsibility when it comes to security and compliance. For example, abiding by the European Union’s GDPR standard unlocks many possible revenue streams. Obtaining an ISO 27001 certification tells the world that your company adheres to the gold standard of international security protocols. 

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Many high-tier prospects won’t even consider your business unless you have a specific certification, or can provide proof that you’re pursuing them. In other cases, they may not require proof of security, but it will distinguish you among competitors vying for their business, and their trust. 

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Prove security at every stage of growth with Vanta Trust Reports

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Having the ability to show off your commitment to security and compliance is a powerful differentiator. Vanta Trust Reports is the fastest and most transparent way to build trust in your organization. 

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Increase efficiency and accelerate sales

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Proving security and compliance requires a lot of back-and-forth communication. Spreadsheets, emails, questionnaires, and documents can easily get lost in the fray, or worse, delay a sale. 

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Vanta Trust Reports provides one living source of truth for all of your security materials. Answer questions, send up-to-date reports, and provide value to prospects in the early stages of your partnership. 

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Not certified yet, but on your way?

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Just because you haven’t finalized your SOC 2 report or ISO 27001 certification doesn’t mean you have to stall new business. Many companies will happily move forward on a deal if you can demonstrate the steps you’re taking. 

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Capture all of your security and compliance progress with Vanta Trust Reports so you can confidently come to the table with evidence.

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Provide proof of regulatory compliance standards

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Not all compliance is regulatory compliance. Regulatory compliance standards such as CCPA, GDPR, and HIPAA don’t require audits and don’t hand out certifications. Nevertheless, these are compliance laws that companies are obligated to comply with in certain circumstances. 

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Vanta Trust Reports provides your business with a tangible source of evidence so you can demonstrate transparency to any prospect, partner, or regulatory entity. 

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Get started‍

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Schedule a demo with our team to learn more about Trust Reports and how Vanta can help streamline your compliance goals.