Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

ZeroStartUp.in ("we", "our", or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website zerostartup.in and use our platform services. By using our services, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information

When you register or use our platform, we may collect:

• Full name and display name
• Email address
• Phone number (optional)
• Profile photo
• Professional details (role, skills, industry, experience)
• Startup or business information you choose to share
• Social media profile links

2.2 Usage Data

We automatically collect:

• IP address and browser type
• Device information and operating system
• Pages visited, time spent, and navigation paths
• Referral source and search terms
• Cookies and similar tracking technologies

2.3 Third-Party Authentication

If you sign in using third-party services (e.g., Google), we receive your name, email, and profile picture as permitted by your account settings on that service.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information to:

• Create and manage your account
• Match founders with co-founders, investors, and team members
• Facilitate connections and networking on the platform
• Send notifications, updates, and promotional communications
• Improve and personalize your experience
• Analyze usage trends and platform performance
• Detect and prevent fraud, abuse, or security issues
• Comply with legal obligations

4. Sharing of Information

We do not sell your personal data. We may share information with:

• Other users: Your profile information (name, role, skills, startup details) is visible to other registered users for matchmaking purposes
• Service providers: Trusted third-party services that help us operate the platform (hosting, analytics, email delivery)
• Legal requirements: When required by law, regulation, or legal process
• Business transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets

5. Cookies & Tracking

We use cookies and similar technologies to maintain your session, remember preferences, and analyze traffic. You can control cookie preferences through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may limit some platform features.

6. Data Storage & Security

Your data is stored securely using industry-standard encryption and hosted on trusted cloud infrastructure. We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. However, no method of transmission over the Internet is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

7. Your Rights

You have the right to:

• Access the personal data we hold about you
• Correct inaccurate or incomplete information
• Delete your account and associated data
• Withdraw consent for data processing at any time
• Opt out of promotional communications
• Port your data in a machine-readable format

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at contact@zerostartup.in.

8. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide services. If you delete your account, we will remove your data within 30 days, except where we are required to retain it for legal, regulatory, or legitimate business purposes.

9. Third-Party Links

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

10. Children's Privacy

Our services are not intended for individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from minors. If we learn that we have collected data from a child under 18, we will delete it promptly.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Last updated" date. Continued use of the platform after any changes constitutes your acceptance of the revised policy.

12. Grievance Officer

In accordance with the Information Technology Act, 2000 and the rules made thereunder, the Grievance Officer for the purpose of this Privacy Policy is:

13. Contact Us

If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy, please reach out to us: