ISO Standards & Compliance for Startups: From Challenge to Certification.

Is ISO 27001 becoming a requirement for your next client or deal?

For many B2B software and technology companies, ISO 27001 certification is increasingly an important step in the sales process. But getting there can feel like a voyage into the unknown.

Certification projects can take 6, 9, or even 12 months. Progress can stall, employees may need to dedicate significant time to the process, and external advisors can become expensive. And many of the major compliance platforms are designed primarily around requirements in other markets rather than the needs of European startups.

On September 24, The Hague Tech welcomes Tidal Control and RiskWork for an interactive session designed to make ISO compliance more understandable and manageable for startups and scale-ups.

Through practical examples and case studies, we'll explore common ISO and compliance challenges, how companies can approach certification more efficiently, and how to make security and compliance part of the way your organization works rather than simply another box to tick.

Tidal Control

Tidal Control is a Dutch compliance platform designed and delivered in Europe. It helps organizations work toward ISO compliance and certification while staying in control of security and compliance over the long term.

Their approach: no compliance theater and no blind audit stamps. Instead, a focus on real accredited auditors, rigorous compliance, enterprise-grade quality, and startup-friendly pricing.

Learn more about Tidal Control

RiskWork & Khali

RiskWork is a Dutch advisory firm specializing in information security and responsible AI. The team helps tech startups and scale-ups achieve ISO 27001 certification and provides practical guidance on AI governance, including ISO 42001.

Khali, co-founder of RiskWork, focuses on ISO implementations for AI and technology startups. He leads companies through the certification journey, from the initial gap analysis all the way through to the audit.

Learn more about RiskWork

Together, Tidal Control and RiskWork combine the technology and practical implementation expertise needed to help companies approach compliance in a structured and sustainable way. The event brief describes RiskWork's philosophy as making compliance a natural part of how a company operates, allowing its maturity to increase as the organization grows.

What to expect

During this interactive session, we'll cover topics including:

• Why ISO 27001 matters for startups and B2B sales
• Common challenges companies encounter on the road to certification
• How to approach ISO 27001 without turning it into a 6–12 month headache
• How platforms and advisors can support the certification process
• Building security and compliance into your everyday ways of working
• Practical ISO and compliance cases and how they can be resolved
• An introduction to responsible AI governance and ISO 42001

There will also be room to ask questions and discuss your own compliance challenges directly with the experts.

And because compliance is probably easier to discuss with a slice of pizza in hand, we'll finish with drinks and pizza.

Who is this for?

This session is particularly relevant for startup and scale-up founders, technology leaders, security and compliance professionals, and B2B software companies that are considering ISO certification, already working toward it, or simply want to understand what will be required.

Practical information

📅 Thursday, September 24, 2026
🕔 5:00–7:00 PM
📍 The Hague Tech, Waldorpstraat 5, The Hague
🍕 Drinks and pizza included

The event is open to The Hague Tech members and external guests. Attendance is free, but registration is required.

The Hague Tech is home to an international community of startups, scaleups, entrepreneurs, innovators, and organizations working across technology and innovation. More than a place to work, it’s a community where members can meet, exchange knowledge, build new connections, and create initiatives together. From community gatherings and workshops to events like THT Money Talks, members are encouraged to share their expertise and bring ideas to the table. Whether you’re looking for a private office, dedicated desk, flexible workspace, or simply a stronger network around your business, The Hague Tech offers a place to work and grow alongside others. So, come over and experience the community for yourself!

Event venue & nearby stays

The Hague Tech, Waldorpstraat 5, Den Haag, Netherlands

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