LEGAL

Privacy Policy

Last updated: January 4, 2026

Startup Researcher (“Startup Researcher,” “we,” “us”) operates the Startup Researcher website and related services, including newsletters, media publications, research and advisory services, and events (collectively, the “Services”). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, share, and protect personal information when you use our Services.

If you have questions, contact us at [contact@startupresearcher.com] or at the contact details in the “Contact Us” section.

1) Who We Are

Data Controller: Startup Researcher
Website: startupresearcher.com
Contact email: contact@startupresearcher.com

If you use our Services on behalf of a company, that company may control how your information is used internally. This policy covers how Startup Researcher handles data in connection with our Services.

2) Information We Collect

We collect information in three ways: (a) you provide it, (b) we collect it automatically, and (c) we may receive it from third parties.

A) Information you provide

Depending on how you interact with us, you may provide:

  • Contact details: name, email address, phone number, company, job title
  • Newsletter and subscription data: email, preferences, regions/topics you follow
  • Messages and inquiries: information you include in forms, emails, or chats
  • Service and client information: details shared for design, pitch deck work, fundraising support, research, advisory, or other engagements
  • Event information: registration details, attendance, and related communications
  • Payment and billing information: billing contact and transaction metadata (payment card details are usually handled by payment processors, not stored directly by us, depending on your setup)

B) Information collected automatically

When you visit our website, we may automatically collect:

  • Device and usage data: IP address, browser type, device identifiers, operating system, pages viewed, time spent, clicks, referring/exit pages
  • Approximate location: derived from IP address (city or region level)
  • Cookies and similar technologies: described below

C) Information from third parties

We may receive information from:

  • Email/newsletter platforms (delivery status, opens/clicks where enabled)
  • Analytics providers (aggregated usage metrics)
  • Payment processors (payment confirmation and limited billing details)
  • Social media platforms (if you engage with us or use social login, where offered)
  • Partners (for co-hosted events or programs, where you sign up through them)

3) How We Use Information

We use personal information to:

  • Provide and operate the Services, including newsletters, content access, and event registration
  • Deliver services (design, pitch decks, fundraising support, research and advisory) and manage client relationships
  • Communicate with you about updates, confirmations, and responses to inquiries
  • Personalize content, including topic preferences and regional coverage (where you choose to share preferences)
  • Improve the website, content, and user experience
  • Maintain security, prevent fraud, and protect the integrity of our Services
  • Comply with legal obligations and enforce our terms

4) Legal Bases for Processing (Where Applicable)

If laws like the GDPR apply, we rely on one or more of the following legal bases:

  • Consent (for example, when you opt in to newsletters or certain cookies)
  • Contract (to provide requested services or fulfill an agreement)
  • Legitimate interests (to improve our Services, secure our systems, and communicate with business contacts, balanced against your rights)
  • Legal obligation (tax, accounting, compliance requests)

5) Cookies and Similar Technologies

We may use cookies, pixels, and similar tools to operate and understand the Services.

Typical categories:

  • Essential cookies: required for core site functionality
  • Performance/analytics cookies: help us understand site usage and improve performance
  • Functional cookies: remember preferences (where available)
  • Marketing cookies: used to measure campaigns or show relevant messaging (only if enabled)

You can control cookies through your browser settings and, if available on our site, a cookie preference banner. If you disable certain cookies, parts of the site may not work properly.

6) How We Share Information

We do not sell your personal information as a business model. We may share information in these cases:

  • Service providers who help us run the Services (hosting, analytics, email delivery, CRM, customer support, payment processing)
  • Event and program partners when you register for a co-hosted event or explicitly consent to sharing
  • Professional advisers (lawyers, accountants) when needed for legitimate business purposes
  • Legal and safety reasons if required by law, court order, or to protect rights, safety, and security
  • Business transfers in connection with a merger, acquisition, financing, or sale of assets (with appropriate safeguards)

We share only what is reasonably necessary for the purpose.

7) International Data Transfers

Your information may be processed in countries other than where you live. When required, we use appropriate safeguards (such as contractual protections) to help protect your information.

8) Data Retention

We keep personal information only as long as necessary for the purposes described in this policy, including:

  • maintaining your account or subscription
  • providing services you requested
  • meeting legal, tax, and accounting requirements
  • resolving disputes and enforcing agreements

Retention periods vary depending on the type of information and why we collected it.

9) Security

We use reasonable administrative, technical, and organizational measures to protect personal information. No system is 100% secure, so we cannot guarantee absolute security.

10) Your Privacy Rights

Depending on your location, you may have rights such as:

  • Access: request a copy of your personal information
  • Correction: fix inaccurate or incomplete information
  • Deletion: request deletion (subject to legal exceptions)
  • Objection or restriction: limit or object to certain processing
  • Portability: receive your information in a portable format
  • Withdraw consent: where processing is based on consent
  • Opt out of marketing: unsubscribe anytime using the link in emails

To submit a request, email [contact@startupresearcher.com]. We may need to verify your identity before completing requests.

11) Email and Newsletter Preferences

If you subscribe to Startup Researcher newsletters, you can unsubscribe at any time through the unsubscribe link included in every email. You may still receive non-marketing messages if they are needed for service delivery or legal reasons.

12) Third-Party Links

Our Services may link to third-party sites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of those sites. Review their policies before sharing information.

13) Children’s Privacy

Our Services are not intended for children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child has provided us personal information, contact us so we can take appropriate action.

14) Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this policy from time to time. We will post the updated version on this page and update the “Last updated” date. If changes are significant, we may provide additional notice as required.

15) Contact Us

For questions, requests, or complaints:

Email: contact@startupresearcher.com

If you are in the EEA/UK and GDPR applies, you may also have the right to lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority.