Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

StartExus ("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 use our platform, website, and services.

Please read this Privacy Policy carefully. By using our services, you consent to the practices described in this policy.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information

We may collect the following types of personal information:

• Account Information: Name, email address, phone number, username, and password
• Profile Information: Professional background, investment preferences, and business interests
• Identity Verification: Government-issued ID, tax identification numbers, and other verification documents
• Financial Information: Bank account details, payment processor information, and transaction history
• Business Information: Details about businesses you're buying or selling, financial records, and operational data

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

When you use our platform, we automatically collect:

• Usage Data: Pages visited, features used, time spent on the platform, and interaction patterns
• Device Information: IP address, browser type, operating system, and device identifiers
• Location Data: General geographic location based on IP address
• Cookies and Tracking: Data collected through cookies, web beacons, and similar technologies

2.3 Information from Third Parties

We may receive information from:

• Social media platforms when you connect your accounts
• Identity verification services
• Payment processors and financial institutions
• Analytics and advertising partners
• Other users who refer you to our platform

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your information for the following purposes:

3.1 Platform Operations

• Create and manage your account
• Process transactions and facilitate business sales
• Verify your identity and prevent fraud
• Provide customer support and respond to inquiries
• Maintain platform security and integrity

3.2 Business Services

• Match buyers with relevant business opportunities
• Provide business valuation and advisory services
• Facilitate due diligence processes
• Enable secure communication between parties
• Manage escrow and transfer services

3.3 Communications

• Send transaction updates and platform notifications
• Provide marketing communications (with your consent)
• Share educational content and market insights
• Conduct surveys and gather feedback

3.4 Analytics and Improvement

• Analyze platform usage and user behavior
• Improve our services and develop new features
• Generate aggregate statistics and market reports
• Personalize your experience on the platform

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

4.1 With Your Consent

We may share your information with third parties when you provide explicit consent, such as sharing business details with potential buyers.

4.2 Service Providers

We may share information with trusted service providers who assist us in:

• Payment processing and escrow services
• Identity verification and fraud prevention
• Data hosting and cloud storage
• Email delivery and communication services
• Analytics and marketing services

4.3 Business Transfers

If we are involved in a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction.

4.4 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information when required by law or to:

• Comply with legal obligations and court orders
• Protect our rights and property
• Investigate fraud or security issues
• Protect the safety of our users

4.5 Aggregate Information

We may share anonymized, aggregated data that cannot be used to identify individual users for research, marketing, or business development purposes.

5. Data Security

We implement comprehensive security measures to protect your information:

• Encryption: Data is encrypted in transit and at rest using industry-standard protocols
• Access Controls: Strict access controls limit who can view your information
• Security Monitoring: Continuous monitoring for suspicious activity and security threats
• Regular Audits: Regular security assessments and penetration testing
• Incident Response: Procedures for responding to security breaches

6. Your Privacy Rights

6.1 Access and Portability

You have the right to access your personal information and request a copy in a portable format.

6.2 Correction and Updates

You can update your account information at any time through your profile settings.

6.3 Deletion

You may request deletion of your personal information, subject to legal and contractual obligations. Some information may be retained for legitimate business purposes.

6.4 Opt-Out Rights

You can opt out of:

• Marketing communications (while maintaining account-related messages)
• Non-essential cookies through browser settings
• Certain data processing activities

6.5 California Privacy Rights

California residents have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), including the right to know what personal information is collected and how it's used.

7. International Data Transfers

Your information may be processed in countries other than your residence. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for international transfers, including:

• Standard contractual clauses
• Adequacy decisions by data protection authorities
• Certification schemes and codes of conduct

8. Data Retention

We retain your information for as long as necessary to:

• Provide our services and maintain your account
• Comply with legal and regulatory requirements
• Resolve disputes and enforce agreements
• Protect against fraud and abuse

When information is no longer needed, we securely delete or anonymize it in accordance with our data retention policies.

9. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

9.1 Types of Cookies

We use several types of cookies:

• Essential Cookies: Required for platform functionality
• Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how the platform is used
• Marketing Cookies: Used to deliver relevant advertisements
• Preference Cookies: Remember your settings and preferences

9.2 Cookie Management

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Note that disabling certain cookies may affect platform functionality.

10. Third-Party Links and Services

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

11. Children's Privacy

Our services are not intended for individuals under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe we have collected information from a child, please contact us immediately.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or applicable laws. We will notify you of material changes through:

• Email notification to your registered address
• Prominent notice on our platform
• In-app notifications

Continued use of our services after changes become effective constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

13. Contact Information

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us:

• Email: info@startexus.com

14. Data Protection Officer

For EU residents, you may contact our Data Protection Officer at:

• Email: info@startexus.com