When should a startup invest in compliance?

Invest when growth or risk makes it necessary. Triggers: moving upmarket to enterprise, handling regulated data (personal, health, payments), scaling outbound marketing, or preparing for diligence (SOC 2/ISO). Pick a lightweight baseline, automate evidence early, and build only what buyers and risk demand.

Why it matters
Right timing avoids rework and sales stalls.

Checklist

1. Capture buyer security requirements.

2. Map data sensitivity and regions.

3. Choose a minimal viable framework (e.g., SOC 2 or ISO).

4. Automate logs/training/backup proof from day one.

5. Set a 90-day roadmap tied to pipeline.