CreditStack

Capture The Bug

Capture The Bug Startup Program

Up to $1K in credits
Apply via Capture The Bug → See FAQ ↓

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Free pentest credits for early-stage teams who need compliance-ready security testing.

Capture The Bug hands you $1,000 in penetration testing credits—real humans finding real vulnerabilities in your code and infrastructure. You get manual testing (not automated scanning), compliance-ready reports that actually satisfy enterprise buyers and auditors (SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA), and retesting support to verify fixes. Turnaround is fast enough for startups prepping for customer security reviews or audit season. The catch: you need to be pre-seed through Series A, and the credits are use-it-or-lose-it within a set window. This isn't a substitute for ongoing security work, but it's a solid way to catch critical issues before they become customer blockers.

Program details

Tier 1

Startup Pentest Credit

Complete penetration testing service with $1,000 credit for early-stage teams

$1K

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Application difficulty: Medium Benefits: Exceptional Duration: 30 days to use credit after claim

Benefits

  • $1,000 pentest credit for first security assessment
  • Manual, real-time penetration testing with no automation noise
  • Compliance-ready reports for SOC 2, ISO 27001, and HIPAA
  • Retesting and fix guidance included without new contracts
  • Fast turnaround with results delivered in days, not weeks

Eligibility

  • Pre-seed to Series A startup stage
  • Less than 100 employees
  • Building a digital product (web app, mobile app, or API)
  • Willing to start first pentest within 30 days of credit claim
  • Priority access for accelerator-backed teams (YC, Techstars, Antler, etc.)

How to apply

  1. 1

    Complete Application Form

    Fill out the startup credit application with company details, product info, and compliance needs

    Claim Credit →
  2. 2

    Application Review

    Capture The Bug reviews applications within 24 hours

  3. 3

    Schedule First Pentest

    Once approved, schedule your first penetration test within 30 days

Apply for Startup Pentest Credit →

Pros

  • ✓ $1,000 in manual penetration testing credits, no equity or repayment
  • ✓ Reports formatted for enterprise compliance (SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA)
  • ✓ Retesting included to verify your fixes actually work

Cons

  • ✗ Limited to pre-seed through Series A; later-stage companies ineligible
  • ✗ Credits expire within a defined window—unused balance forfeited
  • ✗ Manual testing only; doesn't cover ongoing vulnerability monitoring

Frequently asked questions

What types of testing are included in the $1,000 credit?
The credit covers manual penetration testing of web applications, mobile apps, or APIs. This includes comprehensive security assessment, compliance-ready reports, fix guidance, and retesting of key vulnerabilities without additional contracts.
How long do I have to use the $1,000 credit?
Credits are valid for 30 days after they are claimed. You must also be willing to start your first pentest within 30 days of claiming the credit.
What compliance standards do the reports support?
Capture The Bug provides audit-ready reports formatted for SOC 2, ISO 27001, and HIPAA compliance requirements, designed to help close enterprise deals and build trust with customers.
Do I need to be backed by a specific accelerator?
No, but accelerator-backed teams (YC, Techstars, Antler, Blackbird, Icehouse, Startmate) receive priority access. All pre-seed to Series A startups with less than 100 employees can apply.
How long does the application review take?
Applications are reviewed within 24 hours of submission. You'll receive confirmation and next steps quickly after applying.
What happens after I use the $1,000 credit?
The credit covers your first penetration test. For ongoing testing needs, Capture The Bug offers flexible PTaaS (Penetration Testing as a Service) plans that scale with your startup's growth and security requirements.

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Tags

#cybersecurity #compliance #enterprise #b2b
Apply via Capture The Bug →