Key Takeaways
| Point |
Summary |
| Typical timing |
Series A+ or when enterprise privacy requirements emerge |
| Prerequisite |
Need ISO 27001 first or simultaneously |
| Common drivers |
European enterprise customers, healthcare/fintech markets |
| Investment |
€12,000-€30,000 for combined ISO 27001 + 27701 |
| Timeline |
4-5 months for combined certification |
| ROI trigger |
First enterprise deal requiring privacy certification |
Quick Answer: Most startups should focus on ISO 27001 first and add ISO 27701 when customer requirements specifically demand privacy certification. The right time is typically Series A+ when European enterprise customers request demonstrated privacy management or when operating in privacy-sensitive sectors like healthcare or fintech.
When Startups Need ISO 27701
Strong Indicators
| Indicator |
Why It Matters |
| European enterprise prospects |
EU companies increasingly request privacy certification |
| Healthcare market |
Patient data processing demands strong privacy controls |
| Fintech focus |
Financial data triggers regulatory privacy requirements |
| HR/People tech |
Employee data is highly sensitive PII |
| B2B data processing |
Acting as processor for customer PII |
| Privacy as differentiator |
Market positioning on privacy-first approach |
Wait If
| Situation |
Better Alternative |
| Pre-revenue |
Focus on product-market fit |
| No customer requests |
Build privacy practices, certify when needed |
| US-only market |
SOC 2 may be sufficient |
| B2C focus |
Operational privacy, not certification |
| Resource constrained |
ISO 27001 first, add 27701 later |
Startup Privacy Journey
Stage-Appropriate Privacy
| Stage |
Privacy Focus |
| Pre-seed/Seed |
Privacy basics, legal compliance, good practices |
| Series A |
ISO 27001 foundation, assess ISO 27701 need |
| Series B+ |
ISO 27701 if market requires, comprehensive privacy |
| Enterprise-ready |
Full privacy certification program |
Building Privacy Incrementally
| Level |
Activities |
Investment |
| Foundational |
Privacy policy, consent, DSAR basics |
In-house + legal |
| Structured |
PII inventory, documented processes |
€2,000-€5,000 |
| ISO 27001 |
Security management system |
€10,000-€25,000 |
| ISO 27701 |
Privacy management system |
€3,000-€15,000 additional |
ISO 27701 for Different Startup Types
SaaS Startups
Most B2B SaaS companies are both controllers and processors.
| Data Type |
Role |
Controls Needed |
| Employee data |
Controller |
Annex A (31 controls) |
| Direct customer data |
Controller |
Annex A |
| Customer's end-user data |
Processor |
Annex B (18 controls) |
| Usage/analytics data |
Depends on use |
Case-by-case |
Key considerations:
- Clear documentation of controller vs. processor activities
- DPAs with customers for processor role
- Sub-processor management for infrastructure providers
Healthtech Startups
Processing health data requires robust privacy controls.
| Consideration |
ISO 27701 Benefit |
| Sensitive data |
Systematic approach to health data protection |
| Regulatory scrutiny |
Framework for demonstrating compliance |
| Enterprise customers |
Certification for healthcare enterprise sales |
| Patient trust |
Third-party validated privacy practices |
Fintech Startups
Financial data processing creates overlapping requirements.
| Consideration |
ISO 27701 Benefit |
| Financial PII |
Comprehensive privacy controls |
| Regulatory expectations |
Demonstrates privacy governance |
| Banking relationships |
Enterprise-grade privacy management |
| International expansion |
Global privacy framework |
HR Tech/People Startups
Employee data is highly sensitive across jurisdictions.
| Consideration |
ISO 27701 Benefit |
| Employee PII sensitivity |
Systematic protection approach |
| Employer expectations |
Enterprise customers require assurance |
| Multi-jurisdiction |
Framework for global employment data |
| Trust requirement |
Third-party validated practices |
Lean Implementation Approach
Phase 1: Foundation (Weeks 1-4)
| Activity |
Startup Approach |
| ISO 27001 foundation |
Implement or verify ISMS |
| PII discovery |
Map all personal data processing |
| Role determination |
Document controller/processor roles |
| Gap assessment |
Identify priority gaps |
Phase 2: Core Controls (Weeks 5-8)
| Activity |
Startup Approach |
| Legal basis |
Document basis for each processing activity |
| Privacy notices |
Create appropriate notices |
| Rights procedures |
Implement DSAR workflow |
| Processor management |
DPAs with key processors |
Phase 3: Documentation (Weeks 9-10)
| Activity |
Startup Approach |
| Policy completion |
Finalize privacy policy suite |
| Processing records |
Complete PII inventory |
| Control documentation |
Document implemented controls |
| Evidence collection |
Gather certification evidence |
Phase 4: Certification (Weeks 11-12)
| Activity |
Startup Approach |
| Internal audit |
Verify readiness |
| Gap remediation |
Address any findings |
| Certification audit |
Stage 1 and Stage 2 |
| Certificate issued |
ISO 27001 + 27701 achieved |
Practical Startup Tips
Start with What You Have
| Existing Asset |
How to Leverage |
| Privacy policy |
Review and enhance for ISO 27701 |
| Consent mechanisms |
Document and formalize |
| DPAs |
Ensure adequate coverage |
| Access controls |
Extend to PII-specific requirements |
| Incident response |
Add privacy breach procedures |
Avoid Over-Engineering
| Don't |
Do Instead |
| Complex processes for simple needs |
Right-size to your scale |
| Enterprise-grade tools at seed stage |
Start with spreadsheets, upgrade later |
| Every possible control |
Focus on applicable controls |
| Perfect documentation first |
Good enough, then improve |
Leverage Modern Tools
| Area |
Startup-Friendly Approach |
| Consent management |
Lightweight consent tools |
| DSAR handling |
Simple ticketing system initially |
| PII inventory |
Spreadsheet or lightweight tool |
| Evidence collection |
Compliance platform automation |
Cost Considerations for Startups
Combined ISO 27001 + 27701
| Component |
Startup Range |
| Implementation support |
€8,000-€20,000 |
| Audit fees |
€4,000-€8,000 |
| Tooling |
€0-€3,000/year |
| Total Year 1 |
€12,000-€31,000 |
Cost Optimization
| Strategy |
Savings |
| Combined implementation |
20% vs. sequential |
| Right-size scope |
Focus on core processing |
| Leverage existing |
Build on what you have |
| Managed service |
Efficiency vs. DIY |
ROI for Startups
| Scenario |
ROI Potential |
| Close €100K enterprise deal |
3-4x return Year 1 |
| Accelerate sales cycle by 2 months |
Significant revenue impact |
| Win competitive deal |
May determine win/loss |
| Reduce due diligence time |
Hours saved per prospect |
Common Startup Challenges
Challenge 1: Limited Resources
| Problem |
Solution |
| Small team |
Distribute responsibilities, don't over-document |
| Limited budget |
Phase implementation, start with essentials |
| Time pressure |
Use managed services for efficiency |
Challenge 2: Rapid Change
| Problem |
Solution |
| Product evolving |
Document at appropriate detail level |
| Team growing |
Integrate privacy in onboarding |
| New features |
Include privacy in development process |
Challenge 3: Uncertain Scope
| Problem |
Solution |
| Unclear what PII you have |
Discovery exercise before implementation |
| Mixed roles |
Document controller/processor per activity |
| New data sources |
Process for assessing new processing |
When to Start ISO 27701
Decision Framework
| Question |
If Yes |
If No |
| Do European enterprises require privacy certification? |
Start planning |
Wait |
| Is privacy a core value proposition? |
Start now |
Operational privacy first |
| Are you in healthcare, finance, or HR tech? |
Strong candidate |
Assess need |
| Do you have ISO 27001 or plan to get it? |
Natural extension |
ISO 27001 first |
| Is there clear customer demand? |
Prioritize |
Build practices, certify later |
Timing Signals
| Signal |
Action |
| RFP requires ISO 27701 |
Begin immediately |
| Multiple prospects ask about privacy cert |
Start planning |
| Entering EU market seriously |
Plan combined ISO 27001 + 27701 |
| Privacy incident or near-miss |
Reassess privacy program |
| Series B+ fundraise |
Consider for due diligence |
Frequently Asked Questions
Should we get ISO 27701 before SOC 2?
It depends on your market. If you primarily sell to US companies, SOC 2 may be more recognized. For European or privacy-focused markets, ISO 27701 is often preferred. See our ISO 27701 vs SOC 2 Privacy comparison.
How long does it take for a startup to get ISO 27701?
With focused effort and no existing ISO 27001, expect 4-5 months for combined certification. If you already have ISO 27001, adding ISO 27701 takes 2-3 months. See the full certification process.
Can we do ISO 27701 ourselves without consultants?
Technically yes, but most startups find the implementation more efficient with expert guidance. The time cost of learning the standard often exceeds the cost of professional help, and mistakes can delay certification.
What's the minimum team size for ISO 27701?
There's no minimum. We've helped startups as small as 5 people achieve certification. The key is having someone who can own the privacy program, even if that's a partial role.
How Bastion Helps Startups
We specialize in helping startups achieve ISO certifications efficiently without enterprise overhead.
| Service |
Startup Benefit |
| Right-size assessment |
Appropriate scope for your stage |
| Efficient implementation |
No unnecessary complexity |
| Combined certification |
ISO 27001 + 27701 in single program |
| Managed service |
Minimize team distraction |
| Transparent pricing |
Predictable investment |
Ready to discuss ISO 27701 for your startup? Talk to our team
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