RealCISO
RealCISO is a SaaS company providing an AI-powered compliance intelligence platform that enables service providers and in-house teams to run multi-framework cybersecurity and GRC programs from a shared AI engine. Founded in 2020 and based in Boston, the company serves 3,000+ organizations across healthcare, finance, defense, and education.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2020
- HeadquartersBoston, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingSoftware
What RealCISO does
RealCISO is a SaaS compliance intelligence company founded in 2020 by Brian Haugli (co-author of the NIST Cybersecurity Framework), Nick Hnatiw, and Akash Desai, headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts. The company operates two product surfaces on a shared AI engine: a vCISO Platform purpose-built for service providers (MSPs, MSSPs, vCISO consultants, security firms) managing compliance programs across multiple clients, and a GRC Platform launched in May 2026 for organizations running their own compliance programs in-house. Both surfaces are powered by Cleo, an AI reasoning agent that operates on a persistent, interconnected compliance data graph spanning Controls, Risks, Evidence, Vendors, Policies, and People, and that supports autonomous cross-framework control mapping, L1-L5 maturity trajectory tracking, impact simulation for remediation prioritization, and board-level risk summarization. The platform covers 25+ pre-built frameworks (NIST CSF 2.0, SOC 2, ISO 27001, CMMC 2.0, HIPAA 2.0, CIS Controls v8, NIST 800-171/53, PCI, FedRAMP, GDPR, SEC, and others) at every pricing tier with no per-framework add-on fees.
RealCISO monetizes through tiered SaaS subscriptions (Free, Starter, Premium, Enterprise for the GRC side; Consultant License and Per End Client License for the vCISO side), annual contracts for Consultant and Enterprise tiers, and a three-tier Cyber Marketplace commission stream from 600+ listed cybersecurity vendors (Free, Gold, Platinum). Go-to-market combines a self-serve PLG entry point (no credit card required) with a sales-led motion targeting mid-market and enterprise, channel-partner distribution through MSPs/MSSPs/vCISO consultants, an OEM/white-label model (deployed as the MxD Cybersecurity Marketplace under a DoD-funded contract), and an event-driven motion via monthly Lunch & Learn webinars. The company is privately held with 1-10 employees, no publicly disclosed external funding, and reports 3,000+ organizations across healthcare, finance, education, and defense using its platform. It holds SOC 2 Type II certification, is GDPR compliant, is a CIS SecureSuite Member, and was recognized as a Gartner Hype Cycle Sample Vendor in 2022 and the #1 vCISO Platform on G2 (Spring 2026 High Performer).
RealCISO firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- RealCISO
- Legal name
- RealCISO, Inc.
- Website
- https://realciso.io
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2020
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- RealCISO is a SaaS company providing an AI-powered compliance intelligence platform that enables service providers and in-house teams to run multi-framework cybersecurity and GRC programs from a shared AI engine. Founded in 2020 and based in Boston, the company serves 3,000+ organizations across healthcare, finance, defense, and education.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
RealCISO industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Compliance Intelligence / GRC Software
- NAICS
- Software Publishers (5132), Software Publishers (513210), Security Systems Services (except Locksmiths) (561621)
- SIC
- Services-Prepackaged Software (7372)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Enterprise AI Governance, Risk & Compliance Platforms (Model Risk, Audit, Policies) (HDAEANAE)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Audit, Explainability & Accountability Tooling (traceability, reporting) (HDAAAKAL), Documentation & Reporting Automation (Model Cards, Datasheets, Impact Assessments) (HDAAAMAJ)
Keywords
Where RealCISO is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Boston
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
RealCISO business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Software
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- SaaS Subscription (vCISO Platform): Tiered subscription licensing for service providers (MSPs, MSSPs, vCISO consultants) accessing the multi-tenant vCISO platform. Tiers include Consultant License (white-label, multi-tenant, per end client) and Per End Client licensing. Billed annually for Consultant and Enterprise tiers.
- SaaS Subscription (GRC Platform): Tiered subscription for organizations running their own compliance programs — Starter, Premium, and Enterprise plans. Flexible billing (monthly/annual). Premium tier includes Trust Center feature. Enterprise for multi-entity organizations.
- Cyber Marketplace Commission: Marketplace connecting organizations with vetted cybersecurity vendors and solution providers. Vendors pay to list on tiered plans (Free, Gold, Platinum). RealCISO earns marketplace commission on vendor placements and featured listings. Over 600+ products mapped to controls via Cyber Defense Matrix.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Freemium | Pay-as-you-go | Free tier for individual users and organizations evaluating the platform |
| Subscription | Monthly | Starter plan for small organizations running basic compliance programs |
| Subscription | Monthly | Premium plan for growing organizations with Trust Center and advanced features |
| Subscription | Annual | Enterprise plan for large multi-entity organizations |
| Subscription | Annual | Consultant License — white-label vCISO platform for service providers |
| Per seat | Pay-as-you-go | Per End Client License — client access to assessments, reports, and Trust Center |
Go-to-market motion4 records
Distribution channels6 records
Marketing channels8 records
RealCISO product offering
Product offeringCore offering
RealCISO sells an AI-powered compliance intelligence SaaS platform with two product lines on a shared engine: the vCISO Platform (multi-tenant, white-label software for service providers — MSPs, MSSPs, vCISO consultants — managing multiple client compliance programs) and the GRC Platform (enterprise-grade governance, risk, and compliance software for organizations running their own programs). The Cleo AI agent operates on a connected compliance data graph to map controls across 25+ pre-built frameworks, score L1–L5 maturity, generate prioritized remediation roadmaps, manage evidence, and produce audit-ready deliverables. RealCISO also operates a Cyber Marketplace listing 600+ vetted security vendors mapped to controls via the Cyber Defense Matrix, and offers a free SPRS Calculator for defense contractors.
Product overview
RealCISO is a two-platform AI-powered compliance intelligence system: the vCISO Platform for service providers (consultants, MSPs, MSSPs) managing multiple client programs, and the GRC Platform for organizations running their own compliance. Both share the same AI engine (Cleo), L1-L5 maturity tracking, and cross-framework control mapping. Key modules include Compliance Assessment, Third-Party Risk Management, Trust Center, Cyber Insurance Dashboard, and the Cyber Marketplace with 600+ vetted security vendors. The vCISO Platform offers specialized versions for Consultants, MSPs, and MSSPs with multi-tenant management and white-label delivery. The GRC Platform serves Small Business, Mid-Market, and Enterprise segments. A free SPRS Calculator is available for defense contractors. All 25+ compliance frameworks are included at every tier with no add-on fees.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- vCISO Platform AI-powered program platform for service providers (MSPs, MSSPs, vCISO consultants, security firms) managing multiple client compliance programs. Provides a multi-tenant dashboard supporting 10–500+ clients, AI-powered assessments, white-label branding, L1–L5 maturity trajectory tracking, Impact Simulation, and portfolio risk rollup. Sold via Consultant License (white-label, annual) and Per End Client licensing tiers.
- GRC Platform Enterprise-grade GRC software for organizations running their own compliance programs. Includes AI-guided assessments, multi-framework support (SOC 2, NIST, ISO, CMMC), real risk register with bidirectional control mapping, evidence management with expiry tracking, Trust Center, and Third-Party Risk Management. Tiered as Free, Starter (monthly), Premium (monthly), and Enterprise (annual, quote-based) plans. Launched May 2026.
- RealCISO Cyber Marketplace Curated marketplace connecting organizations with vetted cybersecurity vendors and solution providers. Over 600+ products are mapped to controls via the Cyber Defense Matrix. Vendors list on Free, Gold (verified controls, badge, one product page), or Platinum (featured, unlimited pages, video, meetings booking) tiers. RealCISO earns marketplace commission on vendor placements.
- Free SPRS Calculator Free web tool that calculates Supplier Performance Risk System (SPRS) scores based on NIST SP 800-171 DoD Assessment Methodology, Version 1.2.1, for defense contractors and DoD suppliers evaluating DFARS compliance.
Quantifiable outcome
- Assessment time reduced by 40%+
- +5 more outcomes
Companies that use RealCISO
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments7 records
Ideal customer profiles6 records
RealCISO technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- Yes
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
AI capability8 records
Feature10 records
RealCISO partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Five partnerships are on record, tiered minor, core and flagship.
- AskBisminorJoint webinar content with AskBis focused on CIS Controls (CIS Top 18), cyber insurance, and RealCISO's assessment capabilities for small businesses. AskBis is a cybersecurity advisory firm serving small businesses.
- Center for Internet Security (CIS)corePartnership through CIS and Institute for Security and Technology (IST)'s Blueprint for Ransomware Defense Working Group. RealCISO integrates the Blueprint — a curated subset of 40 essential cyber hygiene Safeguards from CIS Controls v8 — into the platform, enabling organizations to create actionable ransomware mitigation, response, and recovery plans. RealCISO is also a CIS SecureSuite® Member.
- Institute for Security and Technology (IST)corePartnership with IST through the Blueprint for Ransomware Defense Working Group. Working group developed the Blueprint as a curated subset of CIS Controls v8 Safeguards for ransomware mitigation. RealCISO integrates the Blueprint to help small and medium enterprises prepare for ransomware as a threat.
- FoxPointe SolutionscorePartnership with FoxPointe Solutions (information risk management division of The Bonadio Group, a Top 50 national accounting firm) to provide customers a clear SOC 2 experience. Within the RealCISO platform, customers can prepare for SOC 2, receive guidance from FoxPointe auditors, and attain SOC 2 Type I or Type II attestation. FoxPointe brings Big-4-caliber methodology at non-Big-4 pricing.
- Manufacturing x Digital (MxD)flagshipMxD Cybersecurity Marketplace contract with Manufacturing x Digital, the DoD-designated National Center for Cybersecurity in Manufacturing. RealCISO's platform is white-labeled as the MxD Cybersecurity Marketplace to connect Small and Medium Manufacturers (SMMs) with vetted cybersecurity solutions. Contract strengthens the DoD manufacturing supply chain by enabling self-assessments and curated vendor recommendations.
Scale indicators8 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
RealCISO competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Cynomi: Cynomi is a vCISO platform purpose-built for MSPs and MSSPs delivering compliance services to their clients, and is explicitly named as RealCISO's primary head-to-head competitor in the service-provider segment with comparison content published by RealCISO.
- Thoropass (formerly Laika): Thoropass combines compliance automation software with in-house audit expertise for SOC 2, ISO 27001, HITRUST, and PCI, overlapping with RealCISO's compliance assessment scope and adding audit services similar in spirit to RealCISO's FoxPointe partnership.
- Drata: Drata is a top-tier compliance automation platform offering continuous control monitoring across SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, and additional frameworks, competing head-to-head with RealCISO for the same in-house compliance team and service-provider buyer.
- LogicGate: LogicGate Risk Cloud is a flexible GRC workflow platform used for risk management, compliance, and third-party risk programs, comparable to RealCISO's enterprise GRC platform with overlapping framework support and similar mid-market and enterprise targeting.
- Hyperproof: Hyperproof is a compliance operations platform offering evidence collection, control management, and risk register capabilities across many of the same frameworks RealCISO supports, targeting enterprise GRC teams and competing directly for the same buyer.
- Sprinto: Sprinto is a compliance automation platform targeting SaaS companies with automated evidence collection and continuous monitoring across SOC 2, ISO 27001, and other frameworks, serving the same mid-market enterprise GRC buyer as RealCISO.
- Vanta: Vanta is the leading AI-powered trust management platform for automated compliance (SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, etc.) and is the most directly comparable SaaS competitor to RealCISO's GRC platform, targeting the same mid-market and enterprise buyers with similar framework coverage and automation depth.
- Secureframe: Secureframe provides AI-driven compliance and security automation across major frameworks including SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, and PCI, and is a directly comparable peer to RealCISO's GRC Platform with a similar product-led growth motion and pricing structure.
Broad incumbents
- OneTrust: OneTrust is a large trust intelligence platform covering privacy, GRC, ethics, and ESG. Its GRC and third-party risk modules overlap with RealCISO's TPRM and compliance assessment capabilities, but OneTrust operates as a broad portfolio vendor rather than a focused compliance-intelligence platform.
- AuditBoard: AuditBoard is a larger, established GRC and audit management platform serving enterprise risk, compliance, and audit teams. It is a broader incumbent in the same category as RealCISO, with overlapping framework support but a focus on large enterprise rather than service-provider delivery.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
RealCISO social profiles
Digital presenceRealCISO compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance4 records
RealCISO financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
RealCISO leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles6 records
RealCISO funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
RealCISO M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about RealCISO
What does RealCISO do?
RealCISO sells an AI-powered compliance intelligence SaaS platform with two product lines on a shared engine: the vCISO Platform (multi-tenant, white-label software for service providers — MSPs, MSSPs, vCISO consultants — managing multiple client compliance programs) and the GRC Platform (enterprise-grade governance, risk, and compliance software for organizations running their own programs). The Cleo AI agent operates on a connected compliance data graph to map controls across 25+ pre-built frameworks, score L1–L5 maturity, generate prioritized remediation roadmaps, manage evidence, and produce audit-ready deliverables. RealCISO also operates a Cyber Marketplace listing 600+ vetted security vendors mapped to controls via the Cyber Defense Matrix, and offers a free SPRS Calculator for defense contractors.
Is RealCISO a public or private company?
RealCISO is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was RealCISO founded?
RealCISO was founded in 2020. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is RealCISO based?
RealCISO is headquartered in Boston, United States, in the North America region.
How does RealCISO make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. SaaS Subscription (vCISO Platform) is the primary driver. The others are saaS Subscription (GRC Platform) and cyber Marketplace Commission.
Who are RealCISO's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Cynomi, Thoropass (formerly Laika), Drata, LogicGate, Hyperproof, Sprinto, Vanta and Secureframe. Broad incumbents are OneTrust and AuditBoard.
Does RealCISO have an API?
Yes. RealCISO offers an API and Model Context Protocol (MCP) for partners to extend the platform. Partners can extend platform functionality via the MCP server and API integration.
What industry is RealCISO in?
RealCISO's product category is Compliance Intelligence / GRC Software. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HDAEANAE, Enterprise AI Governance, Risk & Compliance Platforms (Model Risk, Audit, Policies), with a secondary code of HDAAAKAL, Audit, Explainability & Accountability Tooling (traceability, reporting). Its NAICS code is 5132 and its SIC code is 7372.