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Building Exceptional GRC Functions

Berk Algan

Berk Algan

January 12, 2026

In most organizations, GRC (Governance, Risk, and Compliance) is viewed as a necessary evil—a mountain of paperwork designed to check boxes and pass audits.

For high-growth startups, this "compliance-first" mindset is a momentum killer.

It creates friction, slows down deployments, and often results in security measures that look good on paper but fail in the real world.

The Shift: From Checkbox to Performance

An exceptional GRC function isn't about restriction; it's about enablement.

When built correctly, GRC acts as a performance engine that provides the confidence needed to scale and enter new markets with authority.

By shifting the focus from "what the auditor wants" to "what actually reduces risk," companies move from being defenders to accelerators. This approach builds a culture where security is a shared responsibility rather than a siloed department.

Core Principles of Exceptional GRC:

  • Risk-First, Not Compliance-First

    Address the actual threats to your business first. When you solve for risk, compliance follows as a natural byproduct.

  • Automated Evidence Collection

    Eliminate manual spreadsheets. If you can't measure it automatically and in real-time, it doesn't scale with your growth.

  • Developer Integration

    Security and compliance should be built into the CI/CD pipeline. It must be as frictionless as a unit test, not an after-thought.

Winning Enterprise Trust

When you're selling to Tier-1 banks or large healthcare providers, they don't just want to see a SOC2 report.

They want to see a rigorous, high-functioning governance model that they can trust for the long haul.

An exceptional GRC function allows you to close deals months faster by proactively answering 90% of security questionnaires before they are even sent. It demonstrates a level of maturity that immediately sets you apart.

Start Your Security Transformation

Apply this framework to your organization and see the results. We help high-growth startups implement modern GRC without the friction.

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