Irish SaaS startups preparing to raise need security in place before the term sheet: investors ask about it during due diligence, and enterprise customers demand it before they sign. The security a startup needs covers access controls, data protection, security operations, and governance — and, where the target market requires it, a recognised certification such as SOC 2, ISO 27001, or Cyber Essentials.
Investors ask about security. Enterprise customers demand it. Don't let weak security posture kill your deal. Build security into your fundraising strategy from day one.
Why Security Matters for Fundraising
Due Diligence Failures
62% of investors now include cybersecurity in their due diligence process. Weak security can delay or kill a deal.
Enterprise Sales Blockers
Enterprise customers require security questionnaires, SOC 2 reports, or ISO 27001 certification before signing.
Valuation Impact
A data breach can reduce company valuation by 7-15%. Proactive security investment protects your equity.
Choose Your Certification Path
The right certification depends on your target market and customer requirements.
| Certification | Timeline | Typical Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| SOC 2 Type II | 6-12 months | €30K-€80K | US enterprise customers |
| ISO 27001 | 4-6 months | €15K-€60K | European enterprise customers |
| Cyber Essentials | 4-8 weeks | €3K-€8K | Quick wins, UK/IE market |
What Investors Look For
This is the security checklist that investors and enterprise customers typically assess during due diligence.
Access Controls
MFA on all systems. Role-based access control. Privileged access management. Regular access reviews.
Data Protection
Data classification policy. Encryption at rest and in transit. Data retention and disposal. GDPR compliance documentation.
Security Operations
Vulnerability management programme. Incident response plan. Security monitoring and logging. Patch management process.
Governance
Information security policy. Risk assessment methodology. Third-party risk management. Security awareness training.