Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy governs the manner in which START Global collects, uses, maintains and discloses information collected from users (each, a “User”) of the website (“Site”). This privacy policy applies to the Site and all products and services offered by START Global.

We process personal data in accordance with the Swiss Federal Act on Data Protection and, where applicable, the EU General Data Protection Regulation. The legal basis for the processing of your personal data is our legitimate interest pursuant to Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f GDPR. This Privacy Policy outlines the purposes for which we might collect and use your personal data and what your associated rights are. We may provide you with additional supplementary privacy policies if we consider it useful. 

WHAT INFORMATION WE COLLECT AND PROCESS

To provide our services and conduct our business activities, we collect and process personal data about existing and prospective partners, related persons, third parties and other persons as well as their representatives, and (former) employees. Moreover, we collect and process personal data when you offer us services or products, when we examine your products or services and in general, whenever you ask us for or supply us with information. We may collect personal identification information in a variety of ways, including, but not limited to, when Users visit our site, register on the site, place an order, fill out a form, and in connection with other activities, services, features or resources we make available on our Site. Users may be asked for, as appropriate, names and contact data (such as postal address, e-mail address and telephone number), nationality, business sectors of interest, employment history, further information based on your persona for example university, field of study, seed stage, AuM and all kinds of information from correspondence, contacts and interactions with us. We also process all kinds of information disclosed to or collected by us in relation to our services. Such information may exceptionally include sensitive personal data. Whenever necessary, we will seek your consent before processing sensitive personal data. Users may, however, visit our Website anonymously. We will collect personal identification information from Users only if they voluntarily submit such information to us. Users can always refuse to provide personal identification information, except that it may prevent them from engaging in certain Site related activities.

Additionally, we collect and process the following personal data about applicants to our formats and programs:  their personal details, contact data, application documents (e.g. letter of motivation, CV, certificates of employment, diplomas, letters of reference, etc.).

We collect and store the names of our alumni, along with their contact data (such as their postal address, e-mail address and telephone number), information about their employment at our organization and thereafter, and other information that we receive from them.

Furthermore, photographs and video recordings will be made at the events of START Global. These will be used for public relations work (including social media) and will also serve to permanently document the events (offline and online and can thus also be accessed outside Europe). 

Finally our website server temporarily saves information about your use of our website. Such information includes, among other things, the IP address, date and time of access, the name and URL of the file opened, the website from which the access is made, the browser used (including the version), the operating system (including the version) of the computer used and the name of the user’s access provider. We may collect non-personal identification information about Users whenever they interact with our Site. Non-personal identification information may include the browser name, the type of computer and technical information about Users’ means of connection to our Site, such as the operating system and the Internet service providers utilized and other similar information.

WEB BROWSER COOKIES

Our Site may use “cookies” to enhance User experience. Users’ web browser places cookies on their hard drive for record-keeping purposes and sometimes for tracking information about them. Users may choose to set their web browser to refuse cookies, or to alert you when cookies are being sent. If they do so, note that some parts of the Site may not function properly.

WHY WE COLLECT PERSONAL DATA

START Global’s legal basis for the processing of your personal data is our legitimate interest pursuant to Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f GDPR. START Global may collect and use Users-personal information for the following purposes: 

1. To run and operate our Site we may need your information to display content on the Site correctly. 
2. To improve customer service information, you provide helps us respond to your customer service requests and support needs more efficiently.
3. To personalize user experience, we may use information in the aggregate to understand how our Users as a group use the services and resources provided on our Site.
4. To process payments, we may use the information Users provide about themselves when placing an order only to provide service to that order.
5. For safety and security: We use information about you and your Service use to verify accounts and activity, to monitor suspicious or fraudulent activity and to identify violations of Service policies.
6. To protect our legitimate business interests and legal rights: Where required by law or where we believe it is necessary to protect our legal rights, interests and the interests of others, we use information about you in connection with legal claims, compliance, regulatory, and audit functions.
7. For outreach: If you are a former member or partner of START Global, we collect your personal data in order to keep in touch with you.
8. To control applications: Whenever you apply for a position at START Global or to one of our programs and formats (Side Events, Workshops, Speed Dating etc.)  you are obligated to share certain personal data to us. By submitting your application, you make it possible for us to use and examine that information so that we can invite you to an application interview and decide whether you are suitable for the position. 

We do not share this information with outside parties except to the extent necessary to provide the service. To send periodic emails we may use the email address to send User information and updates pertaining to their order. It may also be used to respond to their inquiries, questions, and/or other requests.

HOW WE PROTECT YOUR INFORMATION

We adopt appropriate data collection, storage and processing practices and security measures to protect against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure or destruction of your personal information, username, password, transaction information and data stored on our Site. We use a CRM and several APIs to connect to third party providers for mailing, data collection, payment method, for accounting etc.

SHARING YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION

We may share generic aggregated demographic information not linked to any personal identification information regarding visitors and users with our business partners, trusted affiliates and advertisers for the purposes outlined above. We may use third party service providers to help us operate our business and the Site or administer activities on our behalf, such as sending out newsletters or surveys. We may store your information with these third parties for those limited purposes.

YOUR RIGHTS

You are entitled to the following rights:

1. Right to information about your personal data and aspects of processing
2. Right to correction (or also completion) of your data
3. Right to data erasure 
4. Right to restriction of data processing 
5. Right to data portability (data transferability)
6. Right to revoke a previously given consent (also unsubscribe newsletter) 
7. Right to object to data processing 
8. Rights related to automated decision-making and profiling
9. Right to know the data we have from you and delete your data

To assert your rights, you can write us an email at any time or contact us via our contact form. The exercise of these rights requires that you clearly prove your identity.

Please note that START Global reserves the right to assert the restrictions provided for by law, for example if it is obliged to retain or process certain data, has an overriding interest in doing so (as far as it is entitled to rely on this) or if it is required for the assertion of claims.

START Global may support the rights of data subjects vis-à-vis third parties to the extent that this is objectively possible.

THIRD PARTY WEBSITES

Users may find advertising or other content on our Site that link to the sites and services of our partners, suppliers, advertisers, sponsors, licensors and other third parties. We do not control the content or links that appear on these sites and are not responsible for the practices employed by websites linked to or from our Site. In addition, these sites or services, including their content and links, may be constantly changing. These sites and services may have their own Privacy Policy and customer service policies. Browsing and interaction on any other websites, including websites which have a link to our Site, is subject to that website’s own terms and policies.

ELECTRONIC NEWSLETTERS

If a User decides to opt-in to our mailing list, they will receive emails that may include company news, updates, related product or service information, etc. We may use third party service providers to help us operate our business and the Site or administer activities on our behalf, such as sending out newsletters or surveys. We may share your information with these third parties for those limited purposes provided that you have given us your permission. You can unsubscribe at any time.

ADVERTISING

Ads appearing on our site may be delivered to Users by advertising partners, who may set cookies. These cookies allow the ad server to recognize your computer each time they send you an online advertisement to compile non-personal identification information about you or others who use your computer. This information allows ad networks to, among other things, deliver targeted advertisements that they believe will be of most interest to you. This Privacy Policy does not cover the use of cookies by any advertisers. You may learn more about opting out of major ad networks.

GOOGLE ADSENSE

Some of the ads may be served by Google. Google’s use of the DART cookie enables it to serve ads to Users based on their visit to our Site and other sites on the Internet. DART uses “non personally identifiable information” and does NOT track personal information about you, such as your name, email address, physical address, etc. You may opt out of the use of the DART cookie by visiting the Google ad and content network privacy policy.

PRIVACY POLICY FOR THE USE OF GOOGLE ANALYTICS AND ADWORDS

We use a tool called Google Analytics. This tool uses so-called „cookies”, text files which are being stored on your computer and enable the analysis of your usage of the website. Only you can prevent your browser software from storing cookies. In order to do this, you have to change your settings although some features will be deactivated. 

PRIVACY POLICY FOR THE USE OF FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM ADS USING FACEBOOK PIXEL

We use "Facebook Pixel" on our website, a service of Meta Platforms Ireland Ltd, 4 Grand Canal Square, Grand Canal Harbour Dublin 2, Ireland (hereinafter referred to as: "Facebook / Instagram").

If you have given us your consent in accordance with Art. 6 Para. 1 lit. a GDPR, we use Facebook Pixel for marketing and optimisation purposes, in particular to place relevant and interesting ads for you on Facebook and Instagram and thus improve our offer, make it more interesting for you as a user and avoid annoying ads.
Facebook Pixel makes it possible to display our ads on Facebook and Instagram, so-called "Facebook/ Instagram ads", only to those Facebook and Instagram users who were visitors to our website, in particular who have shown interest in our online offer. In this case, Facebook Pixel also makes it possible to check whether a user was redirected to our website after clicking on our Facebook/ Instagram ads. Facebook Pixel uses, among other things, cookies, i.e. small text files that are stored locally in the cache of your web browser on your end device. If you are logged into your user account on Facebook or Instagram, your visit to our website will be recorded in your user account. The data collected about you is anonymous for us, so it does not allow us to draw any conclusions about the identity of the user. However, this data can be linked by Facebook or Instagram to your user account there. If you have a user account with Facebook or Instagram and are registered, Facebook or Instagram can assign the visit to your user account. Since personal data is transferred to the USA, further protection mechanisms are required to ensure the level of data protection of the GDPR. To ensure this, we have agreed standard data protection clauses with the provider in accordance with Art. 46 Para. 2 lit. c GDPR. These oblige the recipient of the data in the USA to process the data in accordance with the level of protection in Europe. In cases where this cannot be ensured even through this contractual extension, we endeavour to obtain additional regulations and commitments from the recipient in the USA. Further information from the third-party provider on data protection can be found on the following Facebook or Instagram website. Information on the Facebook pixel can be found on the following Facebook website. You can make the relevant settings as to which types of advertisements are displayed to you within Facebook or Instagram. Please note that this setting will be deleted when you delete your cookies. In addition, you can deactivate cookies that are used for range measurement and advertising purposes via the following websites: NAI Consumer Opt Out, YourAdChoices and Your Online Choices. Please note that this setting will also be deleted when you delete your cookies.

PRIVACY POLICY FOR THE USE OF LINKEDIN TRACKING PIXEL

We use the conversion tracking technology and the retargeting function of LinkedIn Ireland Unlimited Company, Wilton Place, Dublin 2, Ireland on our website. This enables us to play personalised advertisements on LinkedIn to visitors to our website. For this purpose, a cookie, LinkedIn Insight-Tag, is set in your browser with a validity of 120 days, which enables LinkedIn to recognise you if you visit this website and are logged into your LinkedIn account at the same time. LinkedIn uses this data to create anonymous reports on the performance of the advertisements as well as information on website interaction. The information generated by the cookie is usually transferred to a server in the USA and stored there.

The legal basis for the processing is your consent in accordance with Art. 6 para. 1 lit. a GDPR.
Since a transfer of personal data to the USA takes place, further protection mechanisms are required to ensure the level of data protection of the GDPR. To ensure this, we have agreed standard data protection clauses with the provider in accordance with Art. 46 Para. 2  lit. c GDPR. These oblige the recipient of the data in the USA to process the data in accordance with the level of protection in Europe. In cases where this cannot be ensured even through this contractual extension, we endeavour to obtain additional regulations and commitments from the recipient in the USA.

You can deactivate LinkedIn Insight conversion tracking and interest-based personalised advertising by opting out. Further information on data protection at LinkedIn can be found here. 

PRIVACY POLICY FOR THE USE OF GOOGLE TAG MANAGER

Our website uses a tool called Google tag Manager. This tool supports us to add and update website tags including conversion tracking and site analytics.

PRIVACY POLICY FOR THE USE OF MATEO WebChat

On our website we use the MATEO web widget (hereinafter "WebChat") of the company: MATEO Estate GmbH c/o Factory Berlin, Lohmühlenstraße 65, 12435 Berlin 

Users can use our WebChat like a contact form to chat with us. When you use the MATEO WebChat on our website, the following personal data is processed: The date and time of the call, browser type and browser version, your IP address, the operating system used, URL of the previously visited website, your first and last name, your e-mail and content sent by you. Depending on the course of the conversation in our WebChat, further personal data may be processed if you provide it. The nature of this data depends on your request or the problem you describe to us. When you access the website, the chat widget is loaded in the form of a JavaScript file from Supabase. The chat widget is the source code that runs on your computer and enables you to chat with us. ‍The purpose of the processing is to use the data recorded via WebChat to process and respond to your enquiries. Your personal data will not be transferred to third countries.

PRIVACY POLICY FOR THE USE OF WHATSAPP

We offer you the option of contacting us via WhatsApp. If you use this channel, we will process your name, telephone number and other data you provide. The data is processed in order to answer your enquiry or, if you have expressly consented (marketing opt-in), to send you promotional messages. For sending and receiving messages via our various communication channels, including WhatsApp, the service 'Mateo' of Mateo Estate GmbH, Dresdener Straße. 121, 10999 Berlin (Mateo) is used. The data is stored on our behalf on Mateo's servers in Germany. 

The WhatsApp service is operated by WhatsApp Ireland Limited, 4 Grand Canal Square, Grand Canal Harbour, Dublin 2, Ireland (WhatsApp), a group company of Meta Platforms, Inc. (formerly Facebook).

WhatsApp processes the data in accordance with its privacy policy. The communication content is end-to-end encrypted. WhatsApp may also collect other so-called metadata, which may contain information about the identity of the sender and recipient, as well as device information, telephone number and information about the use of WhatsApp (e.g. duration and frequency). WhatsApp also uses this data for its own purposes, such as improving the WhatsApp service.

Further information can be found in the WhatsApp privacy policy. We have no knowledge of the details of this data processing and have no influence on it. 

Alternatively, your data will be deleted as soon as the purpose of the processing no longer applies and, in the case of statutory retention periods, the data will be blocked for further use until the retention period has expired.

DATA THEFT PROHIBITION

Unauthorized theft or extraction of any data, including contact information, for monetary gain or other illicit purposes is strictly prohibited on our platform. We enforce security measures and reserve the right to take legal action against offenders. By using our services, you agree to respect user privacy and refrain from data theft activities.

DURATION OF DATA STORAGE

Once the legal basis for data processing ceases to exist or the collected data no longer serves the pursuit of a specific purpose of START Global, it will be deleted, unless there are legal or contractual reasons against the deletion. On your request you have cancelled your consent via email, all data connected to you will be deleted or anonymized. We also store your personal data to comply with our various statutory and regulatory obligations of documentation and record-keeping. Personal data of applicants to our formats and programs to whom we cannot offer a position will be deleted six months after cancellation at the latest. With the consent of applicants, we may store the collected personal data for a longer period to offer the applicant any other positions at our organization.

CHANGES TO THIS PRIVACY POLICY

START Global has the discretion to update this Privacy Policy at any time. When we do, we will post a notification on the main page of our Site. We encourage Users to frequently check this page for any changes to stay informed about how we are helping to protect the personal information we collect. You acknowledge and agree that it is your responsibility to review this Privacy Policy periodically and become aware of modifications.

YOUR ACCEPTANCE OF THESE TERMS

By using this Site, you signify your acceptance of this policy. If you do not agree to this policy, please do not use our Site. Your continued use of the Site following the posting of changes to this policy will be deemed your acceptance of those changes.