For London startups, choosing the right Managed Service Provider (MSP) is a critical decision. The wrong choice can mean constant IT headaches, security vulnerabilities, and technology that holds back your growth. The right choice gives you a technology foundation that scales with your ambitions. As a company that specialises in working with startups, we understand these challenges intimately.
Why Startups Need MSPs
Building an in-house IT team is expensive and time-consuming—resources that early-stage companies rarely have. A managed IT services partnership gives you access to expertise across multiple technology domains without the overhead of full-time hires.
But more importantly, a good MSP becomes a strategic partner, helping you make technology decisions that support your business goals rather than just fixing things when they break.
Key Selection Criteria
1. Startup Experience
Startups operate differently from established businesses. Look for an MSP that understands:
- Rapid scaling requirements
- Budget constraints and cost optimisation
- The need for flexibility as pivots occur
- Working with modern, cloud-native tools
- Supporting remote and distributed teams
2. Security-First Mindset
For fintech, legaltech, or any startup handling sensitive data, security isn't optional. Robust cybersecurity services should be central to your MSP's offering. Your MSP should:
- Hold relevant security certifications (look for ISO 27001, CISSP-certified staff)
- Understand compliance requirements in your industry
- Proactively recommend security improvements
- Offer security assessments and penetration testing
"Security should be built in from day one, not bolted on when you're preparing for your Series A due diligence."
3. Transparent Pricing
Beware of MSPs with complex pricing that makes it hard to predict costs. Look for:
- Clear per-user or per-device pricing
- Defined scope of what's included
- Transparent additional costs for projects or extras
- Flexibility to scale up or down without penalties
4. Response Times and SLAs
When something goes wrong, response time matters. Understand:
- Guaranteed response times for different priority levels
- 24/7 availability or business hours only
- Escalation procedures for critical issues
- Real-world performance against SLAs
5. Technology Stack Alignment
Your MSP should be experts in the tools you use or plan to use:
- Cloud platforms: Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, AWS, Azure, GCP
- Communication: Slack, Teams, Zoom
- Development: GitHub, GitLab, CI/CD pipelines
- Security: Modern endpoint protection, identity management
6. Strategic Partnership Potential
The best MSPs go beyond break-fix support to offer genuine IT consulting:
- Regular business reviews to align technology with goals
- Proactive recommendations for improvements
- Help preparing for investor due diligence
- Support with compliance certifications
- Technology roadmap planning
Red Flags to Watch For
- Long-term contracts with heavy penalties: Startups need flexibility
- Lack of security credentials: Essential for protecting your data
- No startup references: Corporate experience doesn't always translate
- Pushy salespeople: Good MSPs understand your needs first
- Hidden fees: Ask for complete pricing before signing
Questions to Ask
When evaluating MSPs, ask:
- How many startup clients do you currently support?
- What certifications do your team hold?
- Can you share references from similar businesses?
- How do you handle after-hours emergencies?
- What's your approach to security for growing companies?
- How do you help clients prepare for compliance requirements?
- What's your pricing model, and what's included?
The Right Fit
Ultimately, the right MSP feels like an extension of your team. They should understand your industry, speak your language, and be invested in your success. For London startups, working with a local provider who understands the market and can meet in person when needed adds significant value.
Take your time with this decision. Request proposals from multiple providers, check references thoroughly, and trust your instincts about cultural fit. The right partnership will pay dividends throughout your growth journey.
