Privacy Policy

The Startup Gurukul (“TSG”, “we”, “us”, “our”) operates the website thestartupgurukul.com (the “Website”). This Privacy Policy explains what personal data we collect, how we use it, and the choices you have.

By using the Website or submitting any form on it (including the “Apply to Cohort”, “Get the Free GTM Playbook”, “Check My Admission Eligibility”, “Request a Callback”, and “Book a Free Strategy Call” forms), you agree to the collection and use of information as described in this Policy.

1. Information We Collect

We collect the following categories of personal data when you interact with the website:

• Contact details: Full name, email address, and phone number, submitted through our forms.
• Application information: Any additional data you provide as part of applying to a cohort, such as your background, current role, or startup stage, whether shared explicitly in a form or during follow-up calls.
• Communication data: Records of calls, emails, or WhatsApp messages exchanged with our team as part of the admission or scholarship assessment process.
• Usage data: Information automatically collected when you access the Website, such as IP address, browser type, device information, and pages visited, especially through cookies and similar technologies.

We do not collect payment card details directly; payments are processed through third-party payment gateways, which have their own privacy policies.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Process your application and assess admission status and eligibility.
• Contact you regarding your application, enrolment, or enquiry.
• Deliver Programme materials you request, such as the GTM Playbook.
• Communicate updates about cohorts, sessions, or the alumni community.
• Improve the Website and our Programme based on usage patterns.
• Send you marketing communications where you have consented to receive them.
• Comply with legal obligations.

3. Legal Basis for Processing

We process your personal data on the basis of your consent (when you submit a form), to take steps to enter into a contract with you (when you apply for the Programme), and, where applicable, our legitimate interests in operating and improving the Programme and Website.

4. Sharing of Information

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

• Mentors and cohort staff on a need-to-know basis to facilitate the Programme.
• Service providers, such as email, WhatsApp messaging, payment processing, and website hosting providers who process data on our behalf.
• Legal or regulatory authorities, where required by law.

We require third parties who process data on our behalf to protect it in line with this Policy.

5. Cookies

The Website may use cookies and similar tracking technologies to remember your preferences and understand how visitors use the Website. You can control cookies through your browser settings; disabling cookies may affect some Website functionality.

6. Data Retention

We retain personal data for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes described in this Policy, including maintaining alumni/community records after Programme completion, unless a longer retention period is required by law or you request deletion in accordance with Section 8.

7. Data Security

We take reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect your personal data against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. No method of transmission or storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

8. Your Rights

Depending on applicable law, you may have the right to:

• Access the personal data we hold about you.
• Request correction of inaccurate data.
• Request deletion of your data, subject to our legal and legitimate business retention needs.
• Withdraw consent for marketing communications at any time.

To exercise these rights, contact us using the details in Section 10.

9. Minors

The Website and Programme are open to individuals of any age with a business mindset and a genuine interest in entrepreneurship. If you are under the age of 18, you may only submit your information on the Website or apply to the Programme with the involvement and consent of a parent or legal guardian. By submitting a form on the Website on behalf of, or together with, a minor, the parent or legal guardian confirms their consent to the collection and use of the minor’s personal data as described in this Policy.

If we become aware that personal data has been submitted by a minor without appropriate parental or guardian consent, we will take reasonable steps to delete that data, and we may reach out to verify consent before proceeding with an application.

10. Contact Us

For any questions about this Privacy Policy or to exercise your data rights, contact us at:

11. Changes to this Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. The “Last updated” date above will reflect the most recent revision. We encourage you to review this Policy periodically.