Privacy Policy

1. Introduction and Scope

FounderRise provides AI-powered personalized guidance and resources to help startup founders succeed at every stage. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, protect, and disclose your personal information when you use our platform. By using FounderRise, you consent to the data practices described in this policy.

This policy applies to all users of our platform, including visitors, registered users, and startup founders using our AI-powered guidance services.

2. Information We Collect

Personal Information You Provide:

• Account information (name, email address, password)
• Business and startup information (company details, business plans, ideas)
• Chat conversations and AI interactions
• Uploaded documents and files
• Feedback and ratings on AI responses

Automatically Collected Information:

• Usage data (pages visited, features used, time spent)
• Device information (IP address, browser type, operating system)
• Log data and analytics
• Cookies and tracking technologies

Third-Party Integrations: We may collect information from third-party services you connect to our platform, such as authentication providers or business tools.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your personal information for the following purposes:

• Service Provision: To provide AI-powered startup guidance and personalized recommendations
• Account Management: To create and maintain your user account
• AI Processing: To generate personalized content, insights, and business recommendations
• Platform Improvement: To enhance our AI algorithms and service quality
• Communication: To send service updates, respond to inquiries, and provide support
• Analytics: To understand usage patterns and improve user experience
• Legal Compliance: To comply with applicable laws and regulations

4. AI-Specific Data Processing

AI Algorithm Processing: Your conversations, business information, and uploaded content are processed by our AI systems to provide personalized startup guidance. This includes:

• Analyzing your business ideas and providing strategic recommendations
• Creating personalized content and documents based on your input
• Learning from your interactions to improve future recommendations

Privacy Safeguards: We implement technical safeguards to prevent unauthorized access to AI-generated insights linked to your personal profile. However, please be aware that information you input into AI systems may be used to improve our models and services.

Confidentiality Limitations: While we strive to protect your privacy, AI systems have inherent limitations regarding confidentiality. Avoid sharing highly sensitive or confidential business information that you wouldn't want processed by AI algorithms.

5. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell your personal information. We may share your information in the following circumstances:

• Service Providers: With third-party AI providers, analytics services, and infrastructure providers who help us operate our platform
• Legal Requirements: When required by law, legal process, or government request
• Business Transfers: In connection with mergers, acquisitions, or sale of assets
• Protection: To protect our rights, users, or the public from harm or illegal activities
• Consent: With your explicit consent for specific purposes

Our third-party service providers are bound by confidentiality obligations and are only permitted to use your information to provide services to us.

6. Your Privacy Rights

Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have the following rights regarding your personal information:

• Access: Request access to your personal information we hold
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information
• Portability: Request a copy of your data in a portable format
• Restriction: Request restriction of processing under certain circumstances
• Objection: Object to processing based on legitimate interests
• Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent for processing where consent is the legal basis
• Opt-out: Opt out of marketing communications and certain data collection

To exercise these rights, please contact us at hello@founder-rise.com. We will respond to your request within 30 days.

7. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience:

• Essential Cookies: Required for basic functionality and security
• Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how you use our platform
• Preference Cookies: Remember your settings and preferences
• Marketing Cookies: Used for targeted advertising (with your consent)

You can manage your cookie preferences through your browser settings or our cookie consent manager.

8. Data Security and Protection

We implement comprehensive security measures to protect your personal information:

• Encryption in transit and at rest
• Access controls and authentication
• Regular security audits and monitoring
• Employee training and access restrictions
• Incident response and breach notification procedures

In the event of a data breach that may affect your personal information, we will notify you and relevant authorities as required by applicable law.

9. Cross-Border Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries outside your jurisdiction, including the United States. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for international transfers, including standard contractual clauses, adequacy decisions by relevant authorities, and certification schemes.

10. Data Retention

We retain your personal information only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy, comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce our agreements. Account information is typically retained for the duration of your account plus a reasonable period thereafter.

11. Children's Privacy

FounderRise is not intended for use by individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we become aware that we have collected information from a child, we will delete it promptly.

12. Third-Party Links and Services

Our platform may contain links to third-party websites or integrate with third-party services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external services. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any personal information.

13. Updates to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or applicable law. We will post the revised policy on our platform and update the "Last updated" date. For material changes, we will provide notice via email or prominent platform notification.

14. Legal Compliance

This policy is designed to comply with applicable privacy laws including:

• Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) - Canada
• General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) - European Union
• California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) - California, USA
• Other applicable regional privacy laws

15. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your privacy rights, please contact us:

Email: hello@founder-rise.com

Subject Line: Privacy Policy Inquiry

Response Time: We will respond to privacy requests within 30 days of receipt.