Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Welcome to FindMyShark ("we," "our," or "us"). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, protect, and disclose your information when you use our website and services. FindMyShark is a discovery and connection platform that connects founders and investors. By using our platform, you agree to the terms outlined in this Privacy Policy.

2. Information We Collect

We may collect the following types of information:

  • Personal Information: Name, email address, phone number, location.
  • Profile Information: Bio, professional background, investment focus, LinkedIn link.
  • Listing Information: Details you provide when creating business or investor listings.
  • Verification Information: Email confirmation tokens and, where phone verification is used, your phone number and one-time verification codes processed by our SMS provider.
  • Usage Data: IP address, browser type, device data, session activity, and interaction logs.
  • Communication Data: Messages exchanged within the platform.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

  • Operate and improve the platform.
  • Enable founders and investors to connect.
  • Verify user identities where required.
  • Maintain platform security and prevent fraud.
  • Communicate important updates and service notifications.
  • Comply with legal and regulatory obligations.

4. Identity Verification

FindMyShark may verify a user's identity. Currently this means email confirmation, phone confirmation via Twilio (our SMS processor), and, where applied, a manual identity check by our team. We do not currently collect government-issued identification images or biometric/selfie data. Identity verification confirms identity only and is not endorsement, due diligence, business validation, or financial verification. We do not verify business performance, financial claims, ownership, regulatory compliance, investment suitability, or opportunity viability.

5. Communication and Messaging

All initial communication between users is encouraged to occur within our internal messaging system. We discourage sharing personal contact information until users are confident in proceeding further.

6. Data Sharing

We do not sell your personal data. We may share data:

  • With service providers who help operate our platform (hosting, email delivery, SMS/OTP via Twilio, analytics).
  • When legally required by law enforcement or regulatory authorities.
  • To protect the safety and integrity of the platform.

7. Data Security

We implement reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect your data. However, no system can guarantee absolute security. Users are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of their login credentials.

8. Data Retention

We retain your information as long as your account remains active or as necessary to fulfill legal obligations. Users may request deletion of their account, subject to legal and compliance requirements.

9. Cookies and Tracking

We may use cookies and similar technologies to improve user experience, analyze traffic, and enhance functionality. Users can manage cookie preferences through their browser settings.

10. Your Rights

Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have the right to:

  • Access your personal data.
  • Request corrections or updates.
  • Request deletion of your data.
  • Withdraw consent where applicable.

Requests may be submitted without logging in via our Contact Us page or by emailing support@findmyshark.com.

11. Third-Party Links

Our platform may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for their privacy practices.

12. Children's Privacy

FindMyShark is intended for users aged 18 and above. We do not knowingly collect data from minors.

13. International Users

If you access the platform from outside the UAE, you understand that your data may be processed in jurisdictions with different data protection laws.

14. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Continued use of the platform after updates constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.

15. Contact Information

For any privacy-related inquiries, including data-rights requests if you cannot log in, email support@findmyshark.com or use our Contact Us page.