Terms of Service

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or using startupdakshinabharata.com ("Website"), operated by Startup Dakshina Bharata ("we", "us", "our"), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"), our Privacy Policy, and any other policies referenced herein. If you do not agree to these Terms, you must discontinue use of the Website immediately. These Terms are governed by applicable Indian laws, including the Information Technology Act, 2000, IT (Intermediary Guidelines & Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, and the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 (DPDP Act).

2. Eligibility

You confirm that:

• You are 18 years of age or older
• You are legally competent to enter into a binding agreement under Indian law

If you are using the Website on behalf of an organisation, startup, fund, or institution, you represent that you are authorised to bind such entity to these Terms.

3. Nature of Services

The Website provides information, digital platforms, tools, and services related to:

• Startup discovery and ecosystem building
• Incubation, acceleration, and mentoring programs
• Investor–startup networking and engagement
• Events, summits, and discovery drives
• Knowledge resources and ecosystem insights

The scope of services may evolve over time. We reserve the right to modify, suspend, or discontinue any part of the Website or Services without prior notice.

4. User Accounts (If Applicable)

If you create an account on the Website:

• You must provide accurate, current, and complete information
• You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your login credentials
• You are responsible for all activities carried out through your account

We reserve the right to suspend or terminate accounts that contain false information or violate these Terms or applicable law.

5. User Obligations & Acceptable Use

You agree not to:

• Violate any applicable law, regulation, or court order
• Upload or transmit unlawful, misleading, defamatory, obscene, or harmful content
• Infringe intellectual property or confidentiality rights
• Impersonate any person, startup, or organisation
• Attempt unauthorised access to systems, data, or networks
• Upload malware, viruses, or malicious code
• Misuse startup or investor data accessed through the platform

You are solely responsible for all content and actions undertaken through your use of the Website.

6. User-Generated Content

If you submit content (including startup information, pitch materials, comments, or communications):

• You retain ownership of your content
• You grant Startup Dakshina Bharata a non-exclusive, royalty-free, limited licence to host, store, display, and process such content solely for providing and improving the Services

We do not guarantee confidentiality of user-submitted content unless explicitly stated or governed by a separate agreement.

7. Intermediary Status

Where applicable, the Website acts as an "intermediary" under Section 2(1)(w) of the Information Technology Act, 2000. In compliance with intermediary guidelines:

• We exercise due diligence
• We do not initiate, select, or modify third-party content
• We act upon lawful takedown or access restriction requests

8. Intellectual Property Rights

All content on the Website, including text, logos, graphics, software, design elements, and databases, is owned by or licensed to Startup Dakshina Bharata and protected under applicable intellectual property laws. You may not copy, modify, distribute, or exploit any Website content without prior written permission.

9. Third-Party Links & Services

The Website may contain links to third-party websites, tools, or services. We do not control and are not responsible for the content, practices, or terms of such third parties. Accessing third-party services is at your own risk.

10. Data Protection & Privacy

Personal data is collected, processed, and shared in accordance with our Privacy Policy and applicable Indian data protection laws, including the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023. By using the Website, you consent to such processing, subject to your rights under law.

11. Suspension & Termination

We reserve the right to suspend, restrict, or terminate your access to the Website (with or without notice) if:

• You violate these Terms
• You misuse platform data or services
• Required by law or regulatory authorities
• Your actions pose risk to the ecosystem or other users

12. Disclaimer of Warranties

The Website and Services are provided on an "as is" and "as available" basis. We do not warrant:

• Accuracy or completeness of content
• Investment outcomes or funding success
• Continuous availability or error-free operation

All ecosystem interactions are at your own discretion and risk.

13. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted under Indian law:

• We shall not be liable for indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages
• We shall not be responsible for decisions taken by startups, investors, or partners
• Our total liability shall not exceed the fees paid by you (if any) for accessing the Services

14. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Startup Dakshina Bharata, its affiliates, partners, and team members from any claims, losses, damages, liabilities, or expenses arising from:

• Your use of the Website
• Your content or representations
• Your violation of these Terms or applicable law

15. Changes to Terms

We may revise these Terms from time to time to reflect changes in law, services, or platform operations. Updated Terms will be published on the Website with a revised effective date. Continued use constitutes acceptance.

16. Governing Law & Jurisdiction

These Terms shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of India. Courts located in India shall have exclusive jurisdiction.

17. Grievance Redressal

In accordance with Indian law, grievances may be addressed to:

Grievance Officer

Email: privacy@startupdakshinabharata.com

Subject: Terms of Service Grievance – Startup Dakshina Bharata

Responses will be provided within the timelines prescribed under applicable law.

18. Contact Information

Startup Dakshina Bharata

Website: https://www.startupdakshinabharata.com

Email: privacy@startupdakshinabharata.com