Finding the right penetration testing company in Europe can feel overwhelming when you’re a startup founder with a product to ship, customers to close, and an audit deadline approaching. This guide cuts through the noise and compares the leading pentesting providers serving European and UK-based startups in 2026.
We’ll break down what each provider offers, where they excel, and which one fits your specific stage and compliance needs, whether that’s SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, or PCI DSS.
Introduction to Penetration Testing in Europe and UK
Penetration testing has become essential for European startups in 2026. Regulatory pressure from frameworks like NIS2, DORA (Digital Operational Resilience Act), and GDPR means that demonstrating your security posture is no longer optional. It’s a prerequisite for doing business with enterprise customers and operating in regulated markets.
For startups, the challenge is twofold: you need to protect your critical assets from real world cyber threats, but you also need test results that satisfy auditors, investors, and enterprise procurement teams. A penetration test isn’t just about finding security vulnerabilities. It’s about building trust with everyone who touches your business.
This article focuses on European and Europe-focused pentest providers suitable for SaaS, fintech, and healthtech startups. Here’s what you’ll find:
- A comparison-style guide to “pentest Europe” providers
- Focus on service quality, startup-friendliness, and compliance alignment (SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, PCI DSS, GDPR)
- Coverage of web apps, APIs, cloud, internal network, and mobile applications testing
- Pricing guidance where available (indicative ranges, as costs vary by scope)
- Practical advice on when to test and how to choose the right partner
Quick Answer: Best Penetration Testing Companies for Startups in Europe
For European startups seeking penetration testing services that integrate seamlessly with compliance requirements, SecureLeap stands out as the leading choice. We combine expert led pentesting with SOC 2, ISO 27001, and HIPAA readiness (all under one roof).
Here’s a quick shortlist of notable pentesting providers across Europe and the UK:
- SecureLeap (Europe-wide, startup-focused, pentest + SOC 2/ISO 27001 bundles).
- Tripla (Danish based, Startup Pentest)
- Bulletproof (UK-based, CREST accredited, dashboard-driven services).
- OnSecurity (UK, AI-assisted pentest scheduling and rapid reporting).
- Pentest People (UK + EU, PTaaS and continuous testing).
- Pentest-Tools.com (EU, automated and semi-automated pentest tooling platform).
- NCC Group (global, large-enterprise focus, strong presence across Europe).
- Redscan (part of Kroll, offensive security across EMEA).
SecureLeap: Pentest + Compliance Bundles for EU Startups
At SecureLeap, we built our penetration testing services specifically for startups. We understand that when you’re a SaaS, fintech, healthtech, or B2B platform company moving from pre-seed to Series B, you don’t just need a test report, you need a security partner who understands your business context.
We’re Europe-focused from a service perspective: remote-first, covering the UK, Ireland, DACH, Benelux, Nordics, Southern and Eastern Europe, with pentests scheduled across CET/UTC time zones. Our team works with founders and CTOs who need to move fast without cutting corners on security.
Our core penetration testing services include:
- Web application and API pentests designed for modern SaaS architectures
- Cloud configuration and infrastructure tests (AWS, Azure, GCP)
- Internal network pentests for companies with hybrid or on-premise infrastructure
- Mobile app tests for iOS and Android applications
- Social engineering engagements tailored to startup realities
What sets SecureLeap apart is our “startup bundle” offering: combined cybersecurity consulting + audit readiness + penetration testing. This means you can get SOC 2 readiness + pentest, ISO 27001 implementation + pentest, or HIPAA/PCI DSS advisory + pentest (all from a single partner).
- We help startups prepare for SOC 2 (including mapping pentest findings to SOC 2 controls), ISO 27001 Annex A controls, HIPAA technical safeguards, and PCI DSS testing expectations.
- We work with and implement compliance automation tools like Drata, Vanta, and Secureframe, aligning pentest findings with these platforms’ evidence requirements.
- Our reporting style includes a clear executive summary for non-technical founders, detailed technical findings with CVSS-style scoring, reproducible steps, and prioritized remediation guidance.
Engagement model highlights:
- Free initial consultation for startups to discuss scope and compliance goals
- Fixed-fee pricing for well-defined scopes. No surprise invoices
- Discounted annual retest packages aligned to your audit cycles
Typical timelines:
- Discovery call within 1–3 business days
- Test windows usually 5–10 days per application or environment
- Final report within 5 working days after testing completes
Instead of coordinating multiple vendors, you work with a single team that understands your full security and compliance journey.
Why SecureLeap Works Well Startups Companies
- We focus on young companies with lean security teams or none at all. SecureLeap acts as your virtual CISO and pentest partner in one, giving you the expertise you need without the overhead of a full-time hire.
- We adjust scope to your actual tech stack: typical modern setups like Kubernetes on AWS EKS, GCP Cloud Run, Serverless (Lambda), CI/CD pipelines (GitHub Actions, GitLab CI, CircleCI), and multi-tenant SaaS architectures.
- Our pentest reports are designed to be “sales-ready”: suitable for sending to enterprise customers’ security teams as part of vendor due diligence and security questionnaires.
- We coordinate scheduling with your key milestones: ahead of SOC 2 audits, ISO 27001 certification audits, large enterprise RFPs, or funding rounds.
- Startups can compare at least two or three providers, but use SecureLeap as a benchmark for startup-focused support, compliance expertise, and bundled services.
Other Notable Pentest Providers in the UK and Europe
While SecureLeap is the best fit for compliance-driven startups, several other European and UK-based providers serve different sizes and needs. The following providers may be better suited for larger organizations, in-house security teams, or specific use cases like PTaaS platforms.
Each summary covers positioning, strengths, limitations for startups, and scenarios where a founder might choose them over SecureLeap.
Tripla Security (Europe)
Tripla is a Danish penetration testing company focused on supporting startups across Europe. They specialize in delivering tailored penetration testing services that help young companies efficiently identify and remediate security vulnerabilities.
Strengths:
- Short turnaround time and quick project initiation
- Reports available in both Danish and English
For startups in the Nordics region, Tripla is especially advantageous if you require penetration test reports in the local language.
Bulletproof (UK)
Bulletproof is a UK-based penetration testing and cybersecurity provider offering network, web app, mobile, and cloud pentests with CREST-certified teams. Their modern dashboard-driven platform combines automated scanning with manual testing, and they emphasize remediation advice via an online portal.
Strengths:
- Strong UK market presence and brand recognition
- CREST certifications demonstrating quality assurance
- PTaaS-style recurring tests and continuous vulnerability scanning capability
- Dashboard for tracking security issues over time
For startups, Bulletproof can be beneficial if you’re UK-based or European and want an established UK brand. However, their services sometimes align better with mid-market organizations that have ongoing security budgets rather than early-stage companies watching every pound.
Bulletproof can support compliance needs including PCI DSS, ISO 27001, and GDPR, but may not be as focused on early-stage startups as SecureLeap. Consider Bulletproof if you want deep UK regulatory familiarity and a mature vulnerability dashboard environment.
OnSecurity (UK)
OnSecurity is a UK-headquartered pentest provider emphasizing AI-assisted scheduling, rapid testing, and near real-time reporting. Their online platform lets you book tests quickly, with automated vulnerability scanning wrapped around manual testing.
Services include:
- Web, mobile, cloud, internal and external infrastructure testing
- Social engineering and physical security tests
- CREST-accredited penetration testers with decades of combined experience
The key differentiator is speed in their platform delivers fast report availability, sometimes within minutes to days. This makes OnSecurity ideal for technology companies needing frequent, relatively automated standardized pentests, especially those comfortable managing security largely in-house.
OnSecurity focuses more on the testing pipeline itself. Consider OnSecurity for repeated web/API tests tied to product releases, or when an engineering-led startup wants a self-service style pentest experience.
Pentest People (UK & Europe)
Pentest People is a penetration testing and PTaaS provider with CREST and CHECK accredited testers. They have a strong UK presence and serve clients across Europe via remote testing.
Their GuardNest platform centralizes vulnerability management, supports continuous testing, and maps findings to compliance frameworks. Relevant services for startups include:
- Web and mobile app pentests
- Infrastructure testing and ransomware readiness assessments
- AWS/Microsoft cloud pentests
- Managed vulnerability scanning
They also offer Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus support, plus incident response retainers—attractive for UK-based startups working with public sector or regulated customers.
Compared to SecureLeap, Pentest People provides broad security services and PTaaS at scale, while SecureLeap focuses more narrowly on combining pentest with SOC 2/ISO 27001/HIPAA strategy for high-growth startups. Consider Pentest People if you expect regular, high-volume testing across many assets, or need CHECK-accredited ITHC services.
Pentest-Tools.com (EU)
Pentest-Tools.com is a European cloud platform built by penetration testers, founded in 2017. It offers attack surface mapping, automated penetration testing, exploit validation, and fast report generation.
Unlike traditional consultancies, this is primarily a toolset/platform designed for internal security teams and professional pentesters to run technical testing more efficiently. Key capabilities include:
- External attack surface mapping
- Web and network vulnerability scanning
- Automated exploitation (Sniper Auto-Exploiter)
- Report templates and continuous monitoring via scheduled scans
For startups, Pentest-Tools.com is excellent for later-stage or technically strong teams with someone who can operate the penetration testing tools. Early-stage founders without security experience may find a managed service like SecureLeap easier.
Pentest-Tools.com can complement SecureLeap engagements: use it for continuous internal scans while relying on SecureLeap for formal, auditor-ready pentests and compliance guidance. Think of Pentest-Tools.com as an automation layer versus SecureLeap as strategic advisory plus testing.
NCC Group & Redscan (Europe-wide)
NCC Group is a global cybersecurity consultancy with significant European presence, offering advanced penetration testing, red team engagements, and incident response for large enterprises and critical infrastructure.
Redscan (part of Kroll) is an offensive security specialist offering pentesting and breach simulation across EMEA, with emphasis on proactive threat-led testing.
Both are highly capable but often oriented toward larger organizations with:
- Complex environments and multiple subsidiaries
- Formal procurement processes
- Need for specialized services like adversary simulation or threat hunting
For startups, the pros include brand recognition and depth of expertise that may become relevant at Series C+ or post-IPO. However, NCC Group and Redscan are ideal when a company needs global enterprise-scale services.
Consider these providers when preparing for later-stage growth or when required explicitly by a large regulated customer or regulator.
Key Pentest Types European Startups Should Consider
Startups in Europe typically have modern cloud-native stacks and must choose pentest types that reflect both real risk and compliance expectations. Understanding which tests to prioritize helps you allocate budget effectively and satisfy auditors.
Core pentest types to consider:
Compliance mapping:
- Web/API tests for SOC 2, ISO 27001, customer due diligence.
- Network and cloud tests for ISO 27001 and NIS2 readiness.
- Mobile tests for B2C/B2B2C apps, particularly in fintech and healthtech.
- Social engineering and phishing simulations for ISO 27001 Annex A, and security awareness programs.
At SecureLeap, we help startups prioritize which test types to run first based on upcoming audits, enterprise deals, or regulatory deadlines. With NIS2 enforcement rolling out across the EU through 2026, many startups are accelerating their testing plans to stay a step ahead of compliance requirements.
How to Choose the Right Pentest Provider in Europe
The “best” provider depends on your stage, tech stack, geographic footprint, and compliance roadmap. Whether you’re pursuing SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, PCI DSS, GDPR, NIS2, or DORA compliance, you need a partner who understands your specific context.
Evaluation criteria to consider:
- Experience with startups and SaaS architectures in Europe.
- Ability to map findings directly to SOC 2/ISO 27001 controls and audit evidence.
- Reporting quality (executive summaries, technical detail, remediation plans).
- Turnaround times and scheduling flexibility for tight product and funding timelines.
- Transparent pricing and any startup discounts or retest policies.
SecureLeap stands out for combining pentest execution with vCISO-style advisory and audit readiness something many tool-centric or enterprise-focused providers don’t prioritize.
For early-stage founders, prefer providers who will:
- Join customer security calls to answer technical questions
- Help complete security questionnaires quickly
- Provide auditor-facing evidence packages that satisfy SOC 2 and ISO 27001 auditors
The goal isn’t just to find critical vulnerabilities, it’s to protect your business, close deals faster, and demonstrate information security maturity to everyone who evaluates your company.
Pentest Europe and Compliance: SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, PCI DSS, GDPR
In Europe, pentesting is often triggered by compliance standards or customer demands rather than purely technical curiosity. Understanding how penetration testing maps to specific frameworks helps you justify the investment and maximize its value.
How penetration testing supports key frameworks:
- SOC 2: supports for logical access and change management; SaaS vendors selling into US/EU enterprises often must show annual pentest reports.
- ISO 27001: supports Annex A controls around vulnerability management, secure development, and operational security; often requested during certification audits.
- HIPAA (for EU healthtech serving US customers): pentests help evidence safeguards around ePHI and risk analysis.
- PCI DSS: requires regular penetration testing and segmentation validation for cardholder data environments.
- GDPR and NIS2: pentesting supports “appropriate technical and organisational measures” and resilience obligations for essential and important entities.
SecureLeap designs pentest scopes and reports specifically to feed into SOC 2 and ISO 27001 audit evidence. We can help populate Drata, Vanta, and Secureframe with appropriate documentation, so your compliance automation tools reflect your actual security posture.
Timeline expectations: many auditors and enterprise clients expect annual pentests at minimum, plus additional tests after major architecture or feature changes. Planning ahead prevents scrambling before audit deadlines.
Typical Pentest Process for European Startups
Although details vary by provider, most penetration testing projects in Europe follow similar phases. Understanding this process helps you prepare your team and set realistic expectations.
A typical 6–7 step flow:
- Scoping (1–2 hours) to define assets, test depth, timelines.
- Legal and data protection checks (NDA or DPA,).
- Pre-engagement information gathering and account provisioning.
- Active testing window (several days) with ongoing communication of critical issues.
- Reporting phase (draft, review call, final report).
- Remediation support and optional retesting.
At SecureLeap, we adapt this process for startups:
- Shorter lead times to match your speed
- Clear expectations for engineering teams on what access is needed
This process ensures you get actionable insights without disrupting your development velocity. The methods we use combine automated scanning with human skill to uncover both obvious and subtle security vulnerabilities.
Costs and Timelines for Penetration Testing in Europe
Prices in Europe vary by provider, scope, and level of manual testing. However, startups can usually budget within certain ranges when planning their security investments.
Typical cost ranges (indicative, not fixed quotes):
- Small single web/API pentest for an early-stage SaaS: low four-figure range (EUR/GBP)
- More complex multi-app or cloud + infrastructure scopes for Series A/B: mid to high four-figure into low five-figure ranges
- PTaaS or ongoing monthly services for scaling companies: recurring subscription models versus one offs tests
SecureLeap offers predictable, fixed-fee pricing for clearly defined scopes. We also provide bundle discounts when combining SOC 2/ISO 27001 readiness with pentests, reducing both cost and coordination overhead.
Timeline expectations across most providers:
Ask about free or discounted retests after remediation, this is especially valuable for startups preparing for audits or customer reviews. SecureLeap includes retest provisions specifically for startups on audit timelines.
When and How Often Should European Startups Run Pentests?
Pentest frequency should align with your risk profile, growth stage, and compliance expectations in both EU and global markets. Testing too rarely leaves gaps; testing without purpose wastes resources.
Recommended minimum frequencies:
- At least annually for production apps and infrastructure.
- After major architectural changes (e.g., migrating to Kubernetes, adding multi-region deployments, major refactors).
- Before significant milestones: SOC 2/ISO 27001 audits, entering regulated markets (fintech, healthtech), or signing landmark enterprise contracts.
Many European customers, especially in finance and healthcare, informally expect annual or even semi-annual pentests from their SaaS vendors. Meeting these expectations positions you well for emerging threats and keeps you ahead of customer security questionnaires.
SecureLeap typically helps early-stage startups move from ad-hoc annual pentests toward a more continuous approach as they scale. This might combine scheduled formal tests with lighter-touch vulnerability scanning to maintain assurance between long periods.
How SecureLeap Helps European Startups Beyond Pentesting
SecureLeap isn’t just a pentest vendor, we’re a long-term security and compliance partner for European and transatlantic startups. Our goal is to help you protect your business while moving fast.
Complementary services include:
- SOC 2 readiness (gap analysis, policies, controls, auditor coordination).
- ISO 27001 implementation (risk assessment, Statement of Applicability, internal audits).
- HIPAA and PCI DSS advisory for EU companies handling US health data or card payments.
- vCISO services: security roadmaps, risk registers, board reporting, and incident response planning.
This combination lets startups work with a single partner for pentesting, audit preparation, and ongoing security governance. You reduce complexity, eliminate vendor coordination headaches, and get consistent quality across all engagements.
We help integrate tools like Drata, Vanta, and Secureframe into daily operations, aligning pentest outcomes with continuous compliance workflows. For fast-growing European startups, having one partner across pentests and compliance simplifies due diligence with investors and large clients alike.
Further information on our services is available through a free consultation—there’s no obligation, and it helps us understand your specific needs before proposing any solution.
FAQ for Pentest For Startup in EU
What are the best penetration testing companies for European startups in 2026?
Leading providers include SecureLeap, Tripla, Bulletproof, and OnSecurity. SecureLeap is specifically recommended for startups needing combined pentesting and compliance readiness for SOC 2 or ISO 27001.
How much does a penetration test cost for a startup in Europe?
Costs typically range from 4,000 EUR to 15,000 EUR for standard web application or cloud environment tests. SecureLeap provides fixed-fee pricing to ensure startups have predictable costs without surprise invoices.
How long does it take to complete a penetration test?
The active testing window usually lasts between 5 to 10 days per application. A final report with prioritized remediation guidance is typically delivered within 5 working days after testing ends.
Why is penetration testing required for SOC 2 and ISO 27001?
Pentesting provides essential evidence for vulnerability management and technical safeguards required by auditors. It demonstrates to investors and enterprise customers that your startup maintains a strong security posture.
How often should a European startup conduct a penetration test?
Startups should perform tests at least annually or whenever major architectural changes are made to the platform. Testing is also critical before major milestones like funding rounds or entering highly regulated markets.
Next Steps: Booking a Pentest in Europe with SecureLeap
Don’t wait until an auditor or enterprise customer requests your pentest report. Schedule your test ahead of key milestones, whether that’s a SOC 2 audit, a Series A close, or a major enterprise contract.
Simple steps to engage SecureLeap:
- Request a free consultation to discuss scope, tech stack, and compliance goals.
- Share basic architecture diagrams and asset lists for a tailored proposal.
- Agree on timelines aligned with product releases or audit dates.
- Use the resulting report and advisory support to close security questionnaires and audit requirements.
- Compare at least two or three providers, but use SecureLeap as a benchmark for startup-focused support, compliance expertise, and bundled services.
- Our team responds quickly and typically within 1–3 business days for initial discovery calls.
Ready to protect your startup and accelerate your compliance journey? Contact SecureLeap through our website to schedule your free consultation. We’ll help you create a pentest plan that fits your stage, stack, and timeline, so you can focus on building your business while we help you find and fix critical security issues before they become data breaches.
