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Privacy Policy

Effective Date: April 2025  ยท  Last Updated: April 2025

01

Overview

Welcome to ArthSetu ("we," "our," or "us"). ArthSetu is India's startup ecosystem platform connecting startups, investors, incubators, mentors and government grant programs.

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect information when you use our website at arthsetu.in and any related services (collectively, the "Platform"). By using ArthSetu, you agree to the practices described in this policy.

We are in the process of incorporating as a Private Limited company based in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India. Until incorporation is complete, ArthSetu operates under its founding team. All legal correspondence can be sent to arthsetupvt@gmail.com.


02

Information We Collect

We collect information you provide directly and information generated through your use of the Platform.

A. Personal Information (Registration)

  • Full name, email address, phone number
  • Role on the platform (Startup, Investor, Incubator, Mentor, Government Body)
  • Organization name and designation
  • City / State / Country of operation
  • Profile photo (optional)

B. Business & Startup Information

  • Startup name, sector, stage, description and website
  • Business model and revenue details
  • Funding history and funding requirements
  • Pitch decks, documents and uploaded files
  • Investment preferences (for Investors)
  • Incubation program details (for Incubators)

C. Financial Information

  • Funding amounts and valuation information (self-reported)
  • When paid plans are introduced: payment method details processed via secure third-party payment gateways (we do not store card numbers)

D. Usage & Technical Data

  • IP address, browser type, device information
  • Pages visited, time spent, clicks and navigation patterns
  • Search queries within the Platform
  • Error logs and performance data

03

How We Use Your Data

We use the information we collect to operate and improve the Platform, including:

  • โœ“ Creating and managing your account and profile
  • โœ“ Enabling smart matchmaking between startups, investors and ecosystem partners
  • โœ“ Showcasing verified startup profiles to relevant stakeholders
  • โœ“ Sending ecosystem updates, newsletters and platform notifications
  • โœ“ Improving platform features, performance and user experience
  • โœ“ Analyzing usage through Google Analytics and Google Search Console
  • โœ“ Complying with legal obligations under Indian law
  • โœ“ Preventing fraud, abuse and unauthorized access
We will never sell your personal data or pitch decks to third parties for commercial gain. Your startup information is shared only with ecosystem partners you choose to connect with.

04

Data Sharing

We share your information only in the following limited circumstances:

Within the Ecosystem

Your public profile information (startup description, sector, stage, funding ask) is visible to other registered users โ€” investors, incubators, and mentors โ€” as part of the platform's matchmaking functionality. Sensitive documents (pitch decks, financials) are shared only when you explicitly initiate a connection.

Service Providers

We work with trusted third-party service providers who help us operate the Platform (hosting, analytics, email delivery). These parties access data only to perform services on our behalf and are bound by confidentiality agreements.

Legal Requirements

We may disclose information when required by law, court order, or government authority under applicable Indian law, including the Information Technology Act, 2000 and rules thereunder.

Business Transfers

If ArthSetu undergoes a merger, acquisition or asset sale, user data may be transferred as part of that transaction. We will notify users via email and/or a prominent notice on the Platform prior to any such transfer.


05

Third-Party Services

ArthSetu currently uses the following third-party services:

Analytics

Google Analytics

Search Performance

Google Search Console

Platform Infrastructure

Google Developer Tools

Payments (Future)

Secure Gateway (TBD)

These services have their own privacy policies. We encourage you to review Google's Privacy Policy to understand how they handle data.


06

Cookies & Tracking

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your experience on the Platform.

Types of Cookies We Use

Essential Cookies

Required for the Platform to function (login sessions, security)

Analytics Cookies

Google Analytics collects anonymized usage data to help us understand how users interact with ArthSetu

Preference Cookies

Remember your settings and role selection

You can control or disable cookies through your browser settings. Note that disabling essential cookies may affect Platform functionality. You may also opt out of Google Analytics tracking via the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.


07

Data Security

We take the security of your data seriously. We implement reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect your information against unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. These include:

  • โœ“ Encrypted data transmission over HTTPS (SSL/TLS)
  • โœ“ Secure storage of user credentials (passwords are never stored in plain text)
  • โœ“ Access controls โ€” only authorized team members can access user data
  • โœ“ Regular security reviews and updates

While we employ industry-standard security practices, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure. We encourage users not to share sensitive financial documents unless initiating a direct, intentional connection on the Platform.


08

Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide services. If you close your account, we will delete or anonymize your data within 90 days, except where retention is required by applicable law or legitimate business purposes (such as dispute resolution or fraud prevention).

Uploaded documents such as pitch decks are retained only for the duration of your active profile and are deleted upon account closure or explicit request.


09

Your Rights

As a user of ArthSetu, you have the following rights regarding your personal data:

Access

Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you

Correction

Update or correct inaccurate information via your dashboard or by contacting us

Deletion

Request deletion of your account and associated data

Portability

Request an export of your data in a commonly used format

Withdrawal of Consent

Opt out of non-essential communications such as newsletters at any time

Objection

Object to processing of your data for certain purposes

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at arthsetupvt@gmail.com. We will respond within 30 days.


10

Children's Privacy

ArthSetu is intended for users who are 18 years of age or older. We do not knowingly collect personal information from anyone under 18. If we become aware that a minor has registered on the Platform, we will promptly delete their account and associated data. If you believe a minor has submitted information to us, please contact us immediately.


11

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, services, or applicable law. When we make material changes, we will:

  • โœ“ Update the "Effective Date" at the top of this page
  • โœ“ Notify registered users via email
  • โœ“ Post a prominent notice on the Platform

Continued use of the Platform after any changes constitutes your acceptance of the revised policy.


12

Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or your personal data, please reach out:

Platform

ArthSetu

Location

Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India

Response Time

Within 30 days

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