Privacy Policy

PRIVACY POLICY

www.startupnetworks.co.uk

Date: 15/12/2023

Co-Founder Comment:

Startup Networks was set up to genuinely help startups with raising, gaining momentum, connecting with eachother, creating amazing events and more to help London's innovative startups. We want to be helpful. We work with charities and more, we want to be open, transparent, friendly and ultimately, helpful to you in your new venture - If you ever have any queries, questions or concerns, please PM me on site, or even email hello@startupnetworks.co.uk and I'd love to help you. This is a free platform, if you want to delete your account, or even have one of our friendly team members delete it for you - please just request. We're here to help you with your startup!

GENERAL

Startup Networks (“Startup Networks” or “we” or “us” or “our”) respects the privacy of its users (“user” or “you”) whether they use our website located at www.startupnetworks.co.uk, including other media forms and media channels related or connected thereto (collectively, the “Website”) to meet and interact with others involved in Internet and other types of marketing, advertising and sales, or simply to view the Website. The following privacy policy (“Privacy Policy”) is designed to inform you, as a user of the Website, about the types of information that Startup Networks may gather about or collect from you in connection with your use of the Website. It also is intended to explain the conditions under which Startup Networks uses and discloses that information, and your rights in relation to that information. Changes to this Privacy Policy are discussed at the end of this document. Each time you use the Website, however, the current version of this Privacy Policy will apply. Accordingly, each time you use the Website you should check the date of this Privacy Policy (which appears at the beginning of this document) and review any changes since the last time you used the Website.

Our Website is hosted in the United Kingdom and is subject to UK data protection laws, including the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. If you are accessing our Website from other jurisdictions, please be advised that you are transferring your personal information to us in the United Kingdom, and by using our Website, you consent to that transfer and use of your personal information in accordance with this Privacy Policy. You also agree to abide by the applicable laws of the United Kingdom concerning your use of the Website and your agreements with us. Any persons accessing our Website from any jurisdiction with laws or regulations governing the use of the Internet, including personal data collection, use and disclosure different from those of the UK may only use the Website in a manner lawful in their jurisdiction. If your use of our Website would be unlawful in your jurisdiction, please do not use the Website.

BY USING OR ACCESSING THE WEBSITE, YOU ARE ACCEPTING THE PRACTICES DESCRIBED IN THIS PRIVACY POLICY.

Video Directory and Your Choice

At Startup Networks, in partnership with The Startup Events, we are dedicated to fostering a supportive and dynamic environment for startups. Our Video Directory is a testament to this commitment, showcasing entrepreneurial pitches from our varied events, including business networking, startup events, and open mic pitching sessions in London.

Our Mission: We believe in the power of sharing ideas and the impact of community support. The primary goal of featuring these pitches is to help you gain visibility, connect with potential investors, and raise the funds necessary to bring your innovative ideas to life. We want to be a part of your journey towards success and make a positive difference in the startup ecosystem.

Understanding and Respect: While our intentions are to assist and promote, we deeply respect your individual preferences and decisions regarding your content. If for any reason, you feel that having your pitch video on our platform does not align with your goals or comfort, please let us know.

How to Request Removal: Simply send us an email at hello@startupnetworks.co.uk with your removal request. We assure you of a prompt response and immediate action to remove the specified content from our Video Directory and any related social media posts. Your comfort, privacy, and control over your intellectual property are our top priorities.

We are here to support, not to impose. Your decision will be met with understanding and immediate action, as your trust and satisfaction are what drive us forward.

For Terms & Conditions relating to the events that you visit, please click here to view The Startup Event's terms and conditions. 

We'll also include their event liability statement. Click here:

CHILDREN

We do not knowingly collect or maintain personal information from anyone under the age of 16, unless or except as permitted by law. Any person who provides personal information through the Website represents to us that he or she is 16 years of age or older. If we learn that personal information has been collected from a user under 16 years of age on or through the Website, then we will take the appropriate steps to cause this information to be deleted. If you are the parent or legal guardian of a child under 16 who has become a member of the Website or has otherwise transferred personal information to the Website, please contact Startup Networks using our contact information below to have that child's account terminated and information deleted.

GATHERING, USE AND DISCLOSURE OF NON-PERSONALLY-IDENTIFYING INFORMATION

Users of the Website Generally

“Non-Personally-Identifying Information” is data that, without additional details, cannot be directly linked to a specific individual. “Personally-Identifying Information,” in contrast, includes details like a name or email address that can be directly associated with a specific person. Like most website operators, Startup Networks collects Non-Personally-Identifying Information from users, such as the user’s Internet Protocol (IP) address, operating system, browser type, and the pages visited on our Website. This information helps Startup Networks understand and improve user experience and website functionality. Occasionally, Startup Networks might share aggregated Non-Personally-Identifying Information, like usage trends of the Website.

Web Cookies

Startup Networks uses "Web Cookies" to enhance user experience on our Website. These cookies track services used, registration information, user preferences, and facilitate purchase processes. They are also used for understanding Website usage patterns. Users who do not wish to have cookies placed on their computers should adjust their browser settings to refuse cookies, with the understanding that certain Website features may not function properly without them.

Third Party Advertisers

Startup Networks may use third-party advertisers who use information from Web Cookies (excluding Personally-Identifying Information) to provide targeted advertisements. Users can opt-out of these third-party Web Cookies using tools like those offered by the Network Advertising Initiative. For more information or to opt-out, visit http://networkadvertising.org/managing/opt_out.asp. Startup Networks allows advertisers to select user characteristics for targeted advertising, without revealing individual identities.

Web Beacons

Startup Networks utilises "Web Beacons," which are small, invisible elements embedded in web pages to monitor user interaction. These beacons are used to count visits to specific pages or views of emails, aiding in the delivery of co-branded services. Web Beacons do not access Personally-Identifying Information but gather limited data like cookie numbers and the timing of page views. Users cannot directly decline Web Beacons, but their effectiveness can be mitigated by refusing Web Cookies or adjusting browser settings for cookie notifications.

Aggregated and Non-Personally-Identifying Information

Startup Networks may share aggregated, non-personal data collected through various means, including Web Beacons. This data is shared with third parties and affiliates for purposes like developing targeted advertising on our Website and others. The information, which may be combined with data from other sources, is used for business analysis and website content development. This shared information is devoid of any Personally-Identifying Information, ensuring user privacy while enhancing service quality and relevance.

Heatmapping Software

Startup Networks uses heatmapping tools like Lucky Orange or Hotjar to enhance user experience and understand website interaction. These tools track non-personal data such as mouse and touch activity (excluding keyboard input), device screen size, approximate geographic location (country level), visited pages, and the timing of website access. This information is collected through a tracking code on our website and is processed in a way that ensures personal data remains obfuscated and unreadable, prioritising user privacy. Such tools are crucial in understanding user behaviour and improving website design and functionality, without compromising personal data security.

COLLECTION, USE, AND DISCLOSURE OF PERSONALLY-IDENTIFYING INFORMATION

Website Registration

Startup Networks collects a range of Personally-Identifying Information from users, typically provided during account registration or interaction on the site. This includes names, addresses, email addresses, telephone numbers, and financial details for transactions. Users are not obligated to provide such information, but refusal may limit access to certain website features.

BY REGISTERING WITH OR USING THE WEBSITE, YOU CONSENT TO THE USE AND DISCLOSURE OF YOUR PERSONALLY IDENTIFYING INFORMATION AS DESCRIBED IN THIS SECTION.

Online Postings

Personal information disclosed through user postings on the website, like forums, becomes publicly available. Users are responsible for the privacy implications of their disclosures.

Startup Networks Communications

Startup Networks may use your information to send notifications about new services or service-related announcements. Users can opt-out of marketing communications through account settings.

Disclosures by Startup Networks

Startup Networks may disclose personal information to comply with legal requirements, protect rights, or in response to law enforcement requests. This includes sharing information with business partners, affiliates, and third-party service providers as necessary for business operations.

Business Transfers; Bankruptcy

In events like mergers, acquisitions, or bankruptcy, personal information may be transferred, subject to this privacy policy or a new one after notification and opt-out opportunities.

Changing Information; Account Termination

Users can review, change, or delete their personal information via account settings. Startup Networks retains some information for legal and security purposes.

General Use

Startup Networks uses Personally-Identifiable Information maintained about you, and other information from your activities on the Website, to deliver requested services, manage your account, offer customer support, and communicate about products and services of interest. This data helps in customizing user experience and ensuring the security of our services. We also review this information for accuracy and fraud prevention.

Contests, Giveaways, and Surveys

Occasionally, Startup Networks may conduct contests, giveaways, and surveys. Participation involves the use of Personally-Identifying Information, which is treated according to this Privacy Policy and used specifically for the relevant activity.

Collection and Use of Information by Third Parties

Startup Networks restricts its third-party partners from misusing Personally-Identifying Information. However, this policy does not govern data users provide directly to third parties via our Website. We recommend users review third-party privacy policies before sharing personal data.

Security

We implement strong security measures to safeguard your Personally-Identifying Information, recognizing that no system is completely foolproof. Our website utilizes the Invision Community cloud solution, ensuring high-level security standards. We currently have no plans to change this hosting arrangement. Should there be any future changes to our hosting platform, we will promptly update our Privacy Policy to reflect these changes and maintain our commitment to your data security.

Privacy Policy Changes

Startup Networks reserves the right to modify this Privacy Policy. Changes will be updated on our Website, and users are encouraged to regularly review the policy. Significant changes may be communicated via email.

UK Data Protection Rights

Under UK data protection law, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018, users have the right to access, correct, delete, or restrict the use of their personal information. Users can also object to processing and have the right to data portability. If you wish to exercise these rights or have any queries or concerns regarding our handling of your personal data, please contact our Data Protection Officer:

Data Protection Officer:

James Morgan

hello@startupnetworks.co.uk