Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

At SouthStarter, we respect your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal data. This privacy policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your information when you use our platform.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information

We collect personal information that you provide to us, including:

• Name and contact information (email address, phone number)
• Professional information (company, role, experience)
• Account credentials (username, password)
• Profile information and preferences
• Communication data when you contact us

2.2 Usage Information

We automatically collect certain information about your use of our platform:

• Device information (IP address, browser type, operating system)
• Usage patterns and platform interactions
• Log data and analytics information
• Cookies and similar tracking technologies

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your information for the following purposes:

• Provide and maintain our platform services
• Process your account registration and manage your profile
• Facilitate connections between startups, experts, and organizations
• Send you important updates and communications
• Improve our platform and develop new features
• Ensure platform security and prevent fraud
• Comply with legal obligations

4. Information Sharing

We may share your information in the following circumstances:

• With other users: Profile information you choose to make public
• Service providers: Third-party vendors who help us operate our platform
• Legal requirements: When required by law or to protect our rights
• Business transfers: In connection with mergers or acquisitions
• With consent: When you explicitly agree to share information

We do not sell your personal information to third parties for their marketing purposes.

5. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information:

• Encryption of data in transit and at rest
• Regular security assessments and monitoring
• Access controls and authentication measures
• Employee training on data protection practices

However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

6. Your Rights

You have the following rights regarding your personal information:

• Access: Request a copy of your personal data
• Correction: Update or correct inaccurate information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal data
• Portability: Receive your data in a machine-readable format
• Objection: Object to certain types of processing
• Restriction: Request limitation of processing

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information provided below.

7. Cookies and Tracking

We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience on our platform. You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences. For more details, please see our Cookie Policy.

8. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to provide our services and fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy. We may also retain information to comply with legal obligations or resolve disputes.

9. International Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your own. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your information in accordance with applicable data protection laws.

10. Children's Privacy

Our platform is not intended for children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe we have collected information from a child under 13, please contact us immediately.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this privacy policy from time to time. We will notify you of any significant changes by posting the new policy on our platform and updating the "Last updated" date.

12. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this privacy policy or our data practices, please contact us: