> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://handbook.opencoreventures.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://handbook.opencoreventures.com/company-ops/legal-ops/data-compliance.md). # Data Compliance What are the different data compliance frameworks and where to get certified. Updated February 2026. ## Compliance frameworks Data compliance frameworks certify that an organization has the right structure in place to protect customer data and privacy. SOC 2 is an extremely popular form of cybersecurity audit. Enterprise buyers may require proof of security practices like SOC 2 before signing contracts, and conforming to GDPR is required for handling European customer data.\ \ **Founders are recommended to complete SOC 2 / GDPR compliance processes when they are actively engaged in enterprise sales cycles** as an enterprise customer may request an independent audit report. SOC Type I Report assesses security controls at a single point in time; founders need to set up the platform and implement framework policies ahead of the audit (timeline typically less than 3 months). Type II Report requires 3-12 months observation window to assess effectivness. GDPR is required for handling European customer data. ### Compliance Vendors Drata, Delve, and Vanta all offer similar services that monitor your data controls, map to framework requirements, and automate evidence collection for certification. They do not provide auditing services themselves but have directories for auditing firms they work with.\ \ [Drata](https://drata.com/platform/startup) and [Vanta](https://www.vanta.com/solutions/startup) both have a Compliance for Startups program. Founders should reach out to all three vendors to quote/negotiate the cost. OCV recommends Drata provided pricing matches other vendor. ### SOC 1 / SOC 2 SOC 1 Guides: 1. [Vanta Guide](https://www.vanta.com/collection/soc-2/what-is-soc-1) 2. [Drata Guide](https://drata.com/glossary/soc-1) SOC 2 Guides: 1. [Vanta Guide](https://www.vanta.com/collection/soc-2/what-is-soc-2) 2. [Drata Guide](https://drata.com/grc-central/soc-2/type-2) ### GDPR 1. [Drata Guide](https://drata.com/blog/gdpr-compliance) 2. [Vanta Guide](https://www.vanta.com/resources/the-gdpr-basics-your-business-needs-to-know) ### ISO 27001 *Not typically required at early stage of a company.* 1. [Drata Guide](https://drata.com/grc-central/iso-27001/compliance) 2. [Vanta Guide](https://www.vanta.com/resources/the-ultimate-iso-27001-guide-powered-by-vanta-and-aprio) --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the following URL with the `ask` and `goal` query parameters: ``` GET https://handbook.opencoreventures.com/company-ops/legal-ops/data-compliance.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is what the user is ultimately trying to achieve, the reason they need the answer. Sharing it helps GitBook give you a better, more relevant answer. A goal is most helpful when it describes the outcome the user wants rather than restating the question. For example, with `ask=how do I create an API token`, a goal like `automate deployments from our CI pipeline` lets GitBook tailor the answer to that use case. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.