Privacy Policy (Datenschutzerklärung)
1. General Information
The following information provides a simple overview of what happens to your personal data when you visit this website. Personal data is any data that can be used to personally identify you. For detailed information on data protection, please refer to our privacy policy listed below this text.
2. Data Controller
The controller responsible for data processing on this website is:
The controller is the natural or legal person who alone or jointly with others determines the purposes and means of the processing of personal data (e.g., names, email addresses, etc.).
3. Data Collection on This Website
3.1 Server Log Files
The provider of this website automatically collects and stores information in so-called server log files, which your browser automatically transmits to us. These are:
- Browser type and version
- Operating system used
- Referrer URL (previously visited page)
- Hostname of the accessing computer
- Time of the server request
- IP address
This data is not merged with other data sources. The data is collected on the basis of Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f GDPR. The website operator has a legitimate interest in the technically error-free presentation and optimization of their website.
3.2 Contact Forms and Email Contact
If you send us inquiries via contact form or email, your data from the inquiry form, including the contact details you provide there, will be stored by us for the purpose of processing the inquiry and in case of follow-up questions. We do not pass on this data without your consent. The processing of this data is based on Art. 6 para. 1 lit. b GDPR, if your request is related to the performance of a contract or is necessary for the implementation of pre-contractual measures. In all other cases, the processing is based on our legitimate interest in the effective processing of inquiries sent to us (Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f GDPR) or on your consent (Art. 6 para. 1 lit. a GDPR) if this has been requested.
3.3 Registration on This Website
You can register on this website to use additional functions. We use the data entered only for the purpose of using the respective offer or service for which you have registered. The mandatory information requested during registration must be provided in full. Otherwise, we will reject the registration.
For important changes, such as the scope of the offer or technically necessary changes, we use the email address provided during registration to inform you in this way.
The processing of the data entered during registration is based on your consent (Art. 6 para. 1 lit. a GDPR). You can revoke your consent at any time. An informal message by email to us is sufficient. The legality of the data processing already carried out remains unaffected by the revocation.
3.4 User Accounts and Profiles
When you create an account on our platform, we collect and process the following data:
- Username and display name
- Email address
- Profile information (bio, skills, interests, business models)
- Profile pictures and uploaded files
- Activity data (posts, comments, group memberships)
- Communication data (messages, chat history)
This data is processed to provide our services, enable matching with other users, and facilitate collaboration. The legal basis is Art. 6 para. 1 lit. b GDPR (contract performance) and Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f GDPR (legitimate interests).
4. Cookies and Similar Technologies
Our website uses cookies. Cookies are small text files that are stored on your device and saved by your browser. Some of the cookies we use are deleted after the end of the browser session, i.e., after closing your browser (so-called session cookies). Other cookies remain on your device and enable us to recognize your browser on your next visit (persistent cookies).
We use cookies for the following purposes:
- Authentication and session management (essential cookies)
- Storing user preferences and settings
- Security and fraud prevention
- Performance analysis and optimization
The legal basis for the use of technically necessary cookies is Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f GDPR. For other cookies, the legal basis is your consent according to Art. 6 para. 1 lit. a GDPR.
5. Third-Party Services and Tools
5.1 Hosting
This website is hosted by external service providers. The personal data collected on this website is stored on the servers of the hosting provider. This may include IP addresses, contact requests, meta and communication data, contract data, contact details, names, website accesses, and other data generated via a website.
5.2 Database Services
We use PostgreSQL database services to store and manage user data. The database provider processes data on our behalf according to Art. 28 GDPR (data processing agreement). All data is stored on servers within the European Union.
5.3 AI Services
Our platform uses AI-powered features for matching, content generation, and business planning assistance. When you use these features, certain data may be processed by AI service providers. We ensure that all AI providers comply with GDPR requirements and have appropriate data processing agreements in place.
6. Data Retention Period
Unless a more specific storage period has been specified in this privacy policy, your personal data will remain with us until the purpose for which it was collected no longer applies. If you assert a justified request for deletion or revoke your consent to data processing, your data will be deleted unless we have other legally permissible reasons for storing your personal data (e.g., tax or commercial law retention periods); in the latter case, the deletion takes place after these reasons cease to apply.
7. Your Rights Under GDPR
You have the following rights regarding your personal data:
Right of Access (Art. 15 GDPR)
You have the right to obtain confirmation as to whether personal data concerning you is being processed and, if so, to receive information about this data.
Right to Rectification (Art. 16 GDPR)
You have the right to request the correction of inaccurate personal data concerning you.
Right to Erasure (Art. 17 GDPR)
You have the right to request the deletion of your personal data under certain circumstances.
Right to Restriction of Processing (Art. 18 GDPR)
You have the right to request the restriction of processing of your personal data under certain circumstances.
Right to Data Portability (Art. 20 GDPR)
You have the right to receive your personal data in a structured, commonly used, and machine-readable format and to transmit this data to another controller.
Right to Object (Art. 21 GDPR)
You have the right to object to the processing of your personal data on grounds relating to your particular situation.
Right to Withdraw Consent (Art. 7 para. 3 GDPR)
If the processing of data is based on your consent, you have the right to withdraw your consent at any time. The withdrawal of consent does not affect the lawfulness of processing based on consent before its withdrawal.
Right to Lodge a Complaint
You have the right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority, in particular in the Member State of your habitual residence, place of work, or place of the alleged infringement if you consider that the processing of personal data relating to you infringes the GDPR.
8. Data Security
We use appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your data against accidental or intentional manipulation, partial or complete loss, destruction, or unauthorized access by third parties. Our security measures are continuously improved in line with technological developments. All data transmission on our website is encrypted using SSL/TLS technology.
9. Data Transfer to Third Countries
We process your data primarily within the European Union. If data is transferred to third countries (i.e., outside the EU), this only occurs if an adequate level of data protection is ensured (e.g., through EU Standard Contractual Clauses or adequacy decisions by the EU Commission) or if you have given your explicit consent.
10. Children's Privacy
Our services are not directed to persons under the age of 16. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children under 16. If you are a parent or guardian and you are aware that your child has provided us with personal data, please contact us so that we can take necessary actions.
11. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We reserve the right to update this privacy policy to reflect changes in our data processing practices or legal requirements. The current version is always available on our website. We recommend that you review this privacy policy regularly.
Last updated: December 13, 2025
12. Contact for Data Protection Matters
If you have any questions about data protection or wish to exercise your rights, please contact us: