Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

VenBase, Inc. ("VenBase," "we," "us," or "our") operates the VenBase platform at venbase.io. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website and use our platform. Please read this policy carefully. By using VenBase, you consent to the data practices described in this policy.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide

• Account information: name, email address, role (founder or investor), and profile details you provide during registration and onboarding.
• Startup information: company name, industry, funding stage, team members, descriptions, financials, and documents uploaded by founders.
• Investment information: self-reported investment amounts, round participation, expressions of interest, and commitment data.
• Payment information: billing details processed securely through Stripe. We do not store credit card numbers on our servers.
• Communications: messages sent through our contact form, comment sections, and support channels.

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

• Usage data: pages viewed, features used, time spent on pages, and interaction patterns.
• Device information: browser type, operating system, IP address, and device identifiers.
• Cookies: see our Cookie Policy for details on how we use cookies and similar technologies.

3. How We Use Your Information

• Provide, maintain, and improve the VenBase platform.
• Process subscriptions and payments through Stripe.
• Match investors with relevant startups based on preferences and interests.
• Send notifications about round updates, new startups, and platform activity.
• Generate analytics and insights for founders (e.g., engagement metrics, investor pipeline data).
• Respond to inquiries and provide customer support.
• Detect, prevent, and address technical issues, fraud, and security threats.
• Comply with legal obligations and enforce our Terms of Service.

4. Information Sharing & Disclosure

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

• Other users: your public profile information, startup listings, and investment activity are visible to other platform users as described in your privacy settings.
• Service providers:Amazon Web Services (Cognito for identity, RDS Postgres for database, S3 for file storage; hosting in us-east-2), Stripe (subscription billing only — we do not process investments or move funds between users), Resend (transactional email), Anthropic (AI assistant) — each bound by data processing agreements.
• Legal requirements: when required by law, subpoena, or government request.
• Business transfers: in connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets (with prior notice).

5. Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures including encryption in transit (TLS/SSL), encryption at rest, secure authentication via AWS Cognito, application-level authorization on every database mutation, and regular security audits. While we strive to protect your data, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure.

6. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide services. When you delete your account, we will delete or anonymize your personal data within 30 days, except where retention is required by law or for legitimate business purposes (e.g., resolving disputes, enforcing agreements).

7. Your Rights

Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have the right to:

• Access, correct, or delete your personal information.
• Object to or restrict certain processing activities.
• Data portability — receive your data in a structured format.
• Withdraw consent where processing is based on consent.
• Lodge a complaint with a data protection authority.

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at privacy@venbase.io.

8. International Data Transfers

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

9. Children's Privacy

VenBase is not intended for individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided us with personal data, please contact us and we will promptly delete it.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of material changes by posting the updated policy on this page with a new effective date and, where required, by email. Your continued use of VenBase after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

11. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, contact us at: