This Privacy Policy explains how Start-Up Smart Ventures LLC ("Start-Up Smart," "we," "us," or "our") collects, uses, and protects information when you visit startupsmart.ventures (the "Site") or use our tools and services. By using the Site, you agree to the practices described here.
1. Information We Collect
We collect information in two ways: information you give us directly, and information collected automatically when you use the Site.
Information you provide
When you submit a form on the Site, such as the Deck Review qualifier, the 8 Fits MRI, or a contact request, we may collect your name, email address, company name, a description of what you are building, your industry, your fundraising stage and target amount, your investor targeting preferences, and any notes you choose to share. When you become a client, we collect the additional information needed to deliver our services.
Information collected automatically
Like most websites, our hosting provider and any analytics tools we use may automatically collect limited technical information, such as your IP address, browser type, device type, referring pages, and general usage patterns. This information helps us understand how the Site is used and keep it secure.
2. How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect to respond to your inquiries and deliver the services you request, to follow up with you about a review, diagnostic, or engagement, to operate, maintain, and improve the Site and our tools, to communicate with you about relevant updates when you have asked to hear from us, and to comply with legal obligations and protect our rights.
We do not sell your personal information. We do not display third-party advertising on the Site, and we do not let advertisers pay to influence our communications with you.
3. How We Share Your Information
We share your information only in limited circumstances: with service providers who help us operate the Site and our tools (for example, form delivery, email, hosting, and analytics providers), and only to the extent needed to perform those services; when required by law, regulation, legal process, or an enforceable governmental request; and to protect the rights, property, or safety of Start-Up Smart, our clients, or others.
If we are ever involved in a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction, subject to this Policy.
4. Third-Party Services
The Site relies on third-party services to function, including a website host, a form and email delivery provider, and the platforms that power our diagnostic tools. These providers process information on our behalf under their own privacy and security terms. Links from the Site to third-party websites are governed by those sites' own privacy policies, not this one.
5. Data Retention
We keep the information you provide for as long as needed to deliver our services, respond to your inquiries, and meet our legal and business obligations. When information is no longer needed, we take reasonable steps to delete or de-identify it.
6. Your Rights and Choices
Depending on where you live, you may have the right to request access to the personal information we hold about you, to request that we correct or delete it, to object to or restrict certain processing, and to withdraw consent you have previously given. Visitors in the European Union, the United Kingdom, and certain US states may have additional rights under applicable law. To make a request, contact us using the details in the "Contact Us" section below. We will respond as required by applicable law.
You can opt out of non-essential emails at any time by using the unsubscribe link in those messages or by contacting us directly.
7. International Visitors
Start-Up Smart operates from the United States and Italy, and information we collect may be processed in either location or by service providers elsewhere. Data protection laws vary by country. By using the Site, you understand that your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your own.
8. Security
We take reasonable measures to protect the information we collect. No method of transmission or storage over the internet is completely secure, however, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
9. Children's Privacy
The Site is intended for founders and business professionals and is not directed to children under 16. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided us information, please contact us and we will delete it.
10. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we do, we will revise the "Last updated" date above. Material changes will be reflected on this page, and your continued use of the Site after an update constitutes acceptance of the revised Policy.
11. Contact Us
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or how we handle your information, contact us through the contact page or by email at the address listed there.