Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Welcome to Startinbox.

Startinbox is the operating system for innovation programmes. We help accelerators, incubators, universities, governments, corporate innovation teams, foundations, and development organisations manage startup applications, reviewer workflows, founder progress, programme outcomes, and reporting in one platform.

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, disclose, and protect information when you access or use Startinbox.

2. Information We Collect

Information You Provide

• Name and email address.
• Organization and job title.
• Account credentials.
• Programme configuration information.
• Startup application information submitted through programmes.
• Founder profiles and supporting documents.
• Reviewer comments, scores, evaluation notes, and programme decisions.
• Payment information processed by trusted third-party payment providers, where applicable.

Information Collected Automatically

• Browser type and device information.
• IP address.
• Operating system.
• Platform usage information.
• Pages visited and features used.
• Cookies and similar technologies.

3. How We Use Your Information

• Provide and maintain the Startinbox platform.
• Enable organizations to manage innovation programmes.
• Process startup applications and reviewer workflows.
• Generate analytics, dashboards, and reports.
• Improve platform performance and user experience.
• Respond to support requests and customer inquiries.
• Send service announcements and product updates.
• Comply with legal and regulatory obligations.

4. Programme Confidentiality

We understand that innovation programmes often contain confidential founder information, evaluation records, funding decisions, and commercially sensitive documents.

• Programme administrators control who can access their programmes.
• Reviewers only have access to applications assigned to them.
• Founder information is accessible only to authorised programme participants.
• Startinbox does not access programme data except when necessary to provide technical support, maintain the platform, comply with legal obligations, or when explicitly authorised by the customer.

5. AI-Assisted Features

Some Startinbox features may use artificial intelligence to assist with application screening, summaries, recommendations, or reporting.

AI-generated outputs are designed to support human decision-making—not replace it.

6. Data Security

• All communication with Startinbox is encrypted using HTTPS.
• We implement appropriate technical and organisational safeguards to protect customer data.
• Access to production systems is restricted to authorised personnel.
• We regularly review and improve our security practices.

7. Data Ownership

Programme data belongs to the organisation operating the programme.

Startinbox does not claim ownership of startup applications, founder information, reviewer comments, evaluation records, uploaded documents, programme reports, or other customer content submitted through the platform.

Customers retain ownership of their data at all times.

8. Cookies & Tracking Technologies

Startinbox uses cookies and similar technologies to improve your experience, remember preferences, maintain secure sessions, and understand how our platform is used.

Cookies may also be used for analytics, security, and performance monitoring. You can configure your browser to reject or remove cookies, although some platform features may not function properly without them.

9. Third-Party Services

We work with trusted third-party providers to operate and improve Startinbox. These providers may process information on our behalf for services such as:

• Cloud hosting and infrastructure.
• Authentication and account management.
• Payment processing.
• Email delivery.
• Analytics and monitoring.
• Customer support.

These providers are required to protect your information and may only process it for the services they provide to Startinbox.

10. Data Retention

We retain personal information only for as long as necessary to provide our services, comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce our agreements.

Programme data is generally retained while your organisation maintains an active account.

Customers may request deletion of their data, subject to legal, contractual, and regulatory obligations. Backup copies may be retained temporarily for disaster recovery purposes.

11. Your Privacy Rights

Depending on your location and applicable privacy laws, you may have the right to:

• Access the personal information we hold about you.
• Request corrections to inaccurate information.
• Request deletion of your personal information.
• Restrict or object to certain processing activities.
• Request a copy of your data where applicable.
• Withdraw consent where processing relies on consent.

12. International Data Transfers

Your information may be processed or stored in countries outside your own where our infrastructure or service providers operate.

Where applicable, we implement appropriate safeguards to ensure personal information remains protected in accordance with applicable data protection laws.

13. Children's Privacy

Startinbox is designed for organisations and professionals managing innovation programmes and is not directed toward children.

Where startup founders under the age of majority participate in a programme, their information is managed by the programme organiser in accordance with applicable laws.

14. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our services, legal requirements, or operational practices.

Material updates will be communicated through the platform or by other appropriate means. Continued use of Startinbox after changes become effective constitutes acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.