Best Penetration Testing Companies for Startups
Startups need penetration testing providers that understand the unique pressures of fast-moving companies: tight budgets, rapid release cycles, SOC 2 compliance deadlines, and the need for developer-friendly reporting that integrates into existing workflows.
The providers below specialise in working with startups and growth-stage companies, offering flexible engagement models, platform-based delivery, and the kind of fast turnaround that startup security teams need. Many offer Pentest as a Service (PTaaS) models that make regular testing accessible.
Trail of Bits
Elite security research firm specializing in source code review, blockchain auditing, and building industry-standard open-source security tools.
Rhino Security Labs
Cloud security penetration testing specialists known for the Pacu AWS exploitation framework and deep expertise across AWS, Azure, and GCP environments.
Bugcrowd
Leading crowdsourced security platform offering managed bug bounty programs and crowd-powered penetration testing with hundreds of thousands of ethical hackers.
BreachLock
Cloud-based Penetration Testing as a Service platform combining AI-driven automation with expert manual testing at accessible price points.
Cure53
Berlin-based specialists in web security, browser security, and cryptographic auditing, trusted by the world's leading VPN providers and privacy tools.
Cobalt
Pioneer of Pentest as a Service, delivering fast, platform-based penetration testing with a vetted global community of security researchers.
Best Penetration Testing Companies for Startups — FAQs
When should a startup get its first pen test?+
Get your first pen test before launching a product that handles customer data, before your first SOC 2 audit, or when enterprise customers start requiring evidence of security testing. Many startups get their first pen test at the Series A stage.
What should a startup look for in a pen testing provider?+
Look for providers with fast turnaround (days not weeks), developer-friendly reporting with integration options (Jira, GitHub), experience with modern tech stacks, and flexible pricing. Platform-based providers like Cobalt and BreachLock are popular with startups.
How much should a startup budget for pen testing?+
Budget $5,000-$15,000 for an initial web application pen test. PTaaS platforms can offer more predictable pricing. Plan for annual testing at minimum, with additional testing after major feature releases.
Do I need pen testing for SOC 2 compliance?+
SOC 2 does not explicitly require penetration testing, but it is strongly recommended and many auditors expect it. A pen test demonstrates that you are proactively testing your security controls, which supports multiple SOC 2 Trust Services Criteria.