Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

VE LAB ("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 visit our website and use our services, including but not limited to:

• Newsletter subscriptions
• Manifesto submissions
• IRL Workshop registrations
• Venture Growth Fellow applications
• Bounty Hunt submissions
• 360 video tour inquiries
• Store of the Future interactions
• MINY and other affiliated services

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information

We collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us, including:

• Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number, company name
• Professional Information: Job title, role, LinkedIn profile, resume, work experience
• Application Data: Skills, industry focus, availability, preferences, goals, aspirations
• Event Information: Dietary requirements, accessibility needs, payment information
• Location Data: Timezone, city, address (when provided for event registration)
• Communication Data: Messages, feedback, responses to surveys, quiz answers

2.2 Technical Information

We automatically collect certain information when you visit our website:

• IP address and browser type
• Device information and operating system
• Pages visited and time spent on pages
• Referral sources and navigation paths
• Cookies and similar tracking technologies

2.3 Payment Information

For paid services (such as IRL Workshop tickets), payment processing is handled by third-party payment processors. We do not store complete credit card information on our servers. Payment data is collected and processed securely by our payment partners in compliance with PCI-DSS standards.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information for the following purposes:

• Service Delivery: To process applications, registrations, and bounty submissions
• Communication: To send newsletters, updates, event information, and relevant opportunities
• Matching: To match you with relevant bounties, opportunities, and collaborations
• Event Management: To organize workshops, manage attendance, and facilitate networking
• Payment Processing: To process payments for tickets, services, and other transactions
• Improvement: To analyze and improve our services, website, and user experience
• Legal Compliance: To comply with legal obligations and protect our rights
• Security: To detect, prevent, and address fraud, security issues, and technical problems

4. Data Storage and Security

We store the information you submit using a self-hosted PocketBase database on our own infrastructure, together with secure managed cloud servers. Your data is stored with industry-standard encryption and security measures:

• Data is encrypted in transit using SSL/TLS protocols
• Access to personal data is restricted to authorized personnel only
• Regular security audits and updates are performed
• Data backup and recovery procedures are in place

While we implement reasonable security measures, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security but strive to use commercially acceptable means to protect your data.

5. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We will never sell your personal data. We may share your information in the following circumstances:

• Service Providers: With trusted third-party service providers who assist in operating our website and services (e.g., email services, payment processors, hosting providers)
• Business Partners: With partners for specific opportunities you've applied for or expressed interest in
• Legal Requirements: When required by law, court order, or government regulations
• Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets (with notice to you)
• Consent: With your explicit consent or at your direction

6. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to track activity on our website and hold certain information. You can instruct your browser to refuse all cookies or to indicate when a cookie is being sent. However, if you do not accept cookies, you may not be able to use some portions of our website.

Types of cookies we use:

• Essential Cookies: Required for website functionality
• Performance Cookies: Help us understand how visitors interact with our website
• Functional Cookies: Remember your preferences and settings

7. Your Rights and Choices

You have the following rights regarding your personal information:

• Access: Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information (subject to legal obligations)
• Portability: Request transfer of your data to another service provider
• Opt-Out: Unsubscribe from marketing communications at any time
• Restriction: Request restriction of processing in certain circumstances
• Object: Object to processing of your personal information

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at the information provided below. We will respond to your request within 30 days.

8. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law. When we no longer need your information, we will securely delete or anonymize it.

Typical retention periods:

• Newsletter subscriptions: Until you unsubscribe
• Applications: 2 years from submission date
• Event registrations: 3 years for record-keeping purposes
• Payment records: As required by law (typically 7 years)

9. Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed to individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe we have collected information from a child, please contact us immediately, and we will delete such information.

10. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. These countries may have data protection laws that are different from the laws of your country. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your information in accordance with this Privacy Policy.

11. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites, including MINY (minyvinyl.com) and other partner sites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these third-party sites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit.

12. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page and updating the "Last Updated" date. Your continued use of our services after such changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

13. California Privacy Rights (CCPA)

If you are a California resident, you have specific rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA):

• Right to know what personal information is collected
• Right to know whether personal information is sold or disclosed
• Right to say no to the sale of personal information
• Right to access your personal information
• Right to equal service and price

We do not sell personal information.

14. GDPR Compliance (European Users)

If you are located in the European Economic Area (EEA), you have rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR):

• Right to be informed about data processing
• Right of access to your personal data
• Right to rectification of inaccurate data
• Right to erasure ("right to be forgotten")
• Right to restrict processing
• Right to data portability
• Right to object to processing
• Rights related to automated decision-making

Our lawful basis for processing includes consent, contractual necessity, legal obligations, and legitimate interests.

15. Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us: