Three end-to-end paths

Pick a SOC 2 spending path

Three complete paths from zero to a SOC 2 report. Each one with line-item budget, timeline, internal hours, scope, and the trade-offs you actually accept. Pick the one that matches your stage and pipeline.

Path 1 / Budget

Budget

$15k-$30k

Timeline4-7 months

Internal time300-400 hrs

ScopeSecurity only, Type 1

Auditor tierBoutique CPA

Best for

Pre-seed/seed teams with one stalled enterprise deal and a tight cash runway

Trade-offs you accept

~High internal time commitment (engineering + ops)
~Limited scope: Security TSC only
~Type 1 may need to be re-done as Type 2 for some buyers
~Self-serve readiness, no external consultant

Line items

CPA audit (Type 1, boutique)$8k-$15k

GRC platform (entry tier)$5k-$8k/yr

Pen test (basic scope)$3k-$6k

Policy templates + light legal review$0-$2k

Tool gap remediation$1k-$5k

Training (per-seat SaaS)$500-$2k

Path 2 / Standard

Standard

$35k-$70k

Timeline9-12 months

Internal time180-280 hrs

ScopeSecurity + Availability, Type 2

Auditor tierMid-tier CPA

Best for

Series A / early Series B teams targeting enterprise customers with a typical SOC 2 requirement

Trade-offs you accept

~Balanced cost vs internal effort
~Two TSCs covers most enterprise security questionnaires
~Mid-tier auditor name carries weight in most procurement reviews

Line items

CPA audit (Type 2, mid-tier)$22k-$40k

GRC platform (mid tier)$10k-$18k/yr

Pen test (standard scope)$6k-$10k

Readiness consulting (optional)$3k-$8k

Tool gaps (SIEM, MDM, scanner)$5k-$15k

Policy work + legal review$2k-$5k

Path 3 / Premium

Premium

$80k-$200k

Timeline12-18 months

Internal time120-220 hrs (lowest)

ScopeSecurity + Availability + Confidentiality, Type 2

Auditor tierNational / Big-4

Best for

Series B+ / late stage selling into FinServ, Fed-adjacent, or Fortune 100 procurement

Trade-offs you accept

~Highest absolute spend, lowest internal effort
~Recognised auditor name + multi-TSC report passes nearly any procurement review
~Diminishing returns above $150k unless you genuinely need the brand

Line items

CPA audit (Type 2, national/Big-4)$45k-$100k+

GRC platform (enterprise tier)$15k-$30k/yr

Pen test (multi-target / red-team)$12k-$30k

Dedicated security consultant$15k-$40k

Tool gap remediation$10k-$30k

Policy + legal review$5k-$15k