Who Heelr is for
Cybersecurity for startups
Security tends to arrive at a startup as someone else's requirement. A customer asks for proof before they will sign. An investor raises it in diligence. A partner sends a questionnaire. You do not have a security team, and hiring one is hard to justify at your stage, yet the requirement is real and it is in the way of something you need.
Heelr connects startups with cybersecurity professionals who can get you to a credible, defensible security position without your first security hire. The person who runs your first penetration test, prepares you for the certification a customer is asking for, or helps you stand up a basic security programme that holds up to scrutiny. Every professional is identity-verified and has their certifications validated, and you agree scope and price before any work begins, which matters when budget is tight.
The security a startup actually needs, and when
Most startups do not need everything at once. What you need depends on what is triggering the requirement and what stage you are at.
Your first security programme. Before any certification, many startups need the basics in place: a handful of security policies, sensible access controls, and a clear picture of their risks. A provider can help you stand up a right-sized security programme that fits a company your size, rather than the heavyweight version built for an enterprise. This is often the most cost-effective first step, because it makes everything that follows faster. See security policies.
Your first certification. When a customer or a contract requires proof, Cyber Essentials is usually the fastest credible starting point, and ISO 27001 or SOC 2 follow when larger or international buyers demand them.
Your first penetration test. Before a launch, a funding round, or a major customer, a penetration test gives you and your stakeholders evidence that your product has been checked properly.
Ongoing leadership without a hire. If security questions keep coming and you have no one to own them, fractional security leadership gives you senior judgement part-time. See vCISO services.
Why startups use Heelr specifically
At an early stage, engaging the wrong consultant is expensive in money you do not have and time you cannot spare. On Heelr every professional is identity-verified with validated certifications, you agree scope and price before work starts, and payment is held securely until you approve what is delivered. You get access to senior expertise on a project basis, scaled to what you actually need right now, without committing to a hire or a long consultancy engagement.
Common questions
Does a startup really need cybersecurity this early?
Usually only when something triggers it: a customer, an investor, or a partner asking for proof. If nobody is asking yet, a light security programme is enough to be ready. When someone does ask, you will need to move faster than you expect, so knowing where you stand early helps.
What is the first security thing a startup should do?
Get the basics in place: a few core policies, sensible access controls, and an understanding of your main risks. This is inexpensive relative to a certification and makes any later certification faster. See security policies.
A customer is asking for security proof and we have nothing. What do we do?
Start by understanding exactly what they need, because "security proof" can mean a questionnaire, a certification, or a test. A provider can help you interpret the request and get you to the right evidence quickly. See a customer asks for security proof.
Can we get certified without hiring a security person?
Yes. Providers on Heelr prepare startups for certifications on a project basis. You do not need an in-house security hire to achieve Cyber Essentials, ISO 27001, or SOC 2 readiness.
How much should a startup budget for security?
It scales with what you need. A basic security programme and a first certification are far cheaper than an in-house hire, and on Heelr you agree the price of each piece of work before it starts, so you can sequence spending to what is urgent.