Your privacy matters on Zovenda

1. Who we are

Zovenda (“Zovenda”, “we”, “us”) operates an online marketplace that helps sellers (founders, businesses, and institutions) connect with buyers (investors, organizations, and business persons) to acquire, transfer, or license ventures, businesses, products/services, and protected technologies.

This Privacy Policy applies when you visit our website, create an account, submit listings, request information, make payments, message other users, upload documents, or submit service requests such as Intellectual Property Protection (IPP) support.

2. Information we collect

We collect information in the following categories:

2.1 Information you provide

• Account & profile: name, email, phone number, password, user type (e.g., founder/adopter), profile image, and profile details.
• Venture/listing information: venture name, descriptions, category/industry, maturity metrics, due diligence documents you upload, and other listing details.
• Requests & communications: messages you send, inquiries, support requests, and feedback.
• IPP requests: details submitted via our IP protection request form (e.g., IP type, status, goals, urgency, and contact details).

2.2 Information we collect automatically

• Usage & device data: pages viewed, actions taken, approximate location (derived from IP), browser type, device identifiers, and timestamps.
• Cookies & similar technologies: used for essential site functionality, preferences, analytics, and security controls.

2.3 Information from third parties

• Payment partners: transaction confirmations and metadata from payment processors (e.g., Paystack). We do not store your full card details.
• Service providers: hosting, analytics, email delivery, and security services may provide us operational logs for reliability and protection.

3. How we use information

We use personal information to:

• Provide, operate, and improve the Zovenda marketplace and related services.
• Create and manage accounts; authenticate users; maintain sessions.
• Enable marketplace interactions (e.g., listing display, inquiries, messaging, and file sharing).
• Process purchases of credits and confirm transactions.
• Provide IPP support and respond to service requests.
• Maintain security, prevent fraud/abuse, and enforce our policies.
• Comply with legal obligations and respond to lawful requests.
• Send service communications (e.g., confirmations, important notices). Where permitted, we may send marketing messages—you can opt out.

4. How we share information

We share information only as needed to run the marketplace and provide services:

4.1 With other users

• Some profile and listing information may be visible to other users to enable discovery and transactions.
• Messages and documents you share in conversations are shared with the recipient(s).

4.2 With service providers

We may share information with vendors that help us operate the service (e.g., hosting, database, analytics, email, customer support, and security). These providers are expected to protect data and use it only for the services they provide to us.

4.3 With payment processors

Payments for credits may be processed by third parties (e.g., Paystack). Payment processing may involve sharing transactional details and identifiers needed to complete and verify your payment.

4.4 For legal, safety, and compliance

• To comply with laws and regulations, or respond to valid legal processes.
• To protect the rights, safety, and security of users, Zovenda, and the public.

4.5 Business transfers

If Zovenda is involved in a merger, acquisition, financing, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction (subject to appropriate protections).

5. Payments

Zovenda may offer paid features (such as purchasing credits). Payments are typically processed by a third-party payment processor. We do not store your full payment card details on our servers.

We may store payment-related records such as transaction references, payment status, and associated metadata for accounting, reconciliation, fraud prevention, and customer support.

6. Messages & file uploads

Zovenda supports conversations and secure file sharing between users during evaluation and due diligence. You should avoid uploading highly sensitive personal data unless necessary.

• Messages: stored to provide the service, support users, and maintain transaction history.
• Documents: stored and shared only with intended recipients based on your actions. Files may be retained for a period after upload.

7. Cookies & analytics

We use cookies and similar technologies to help the site work, remember preferences, protect accounts, and understand usage.

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Some features may not function properly if you disable certain cookies.

8. Security

We implement technical and organizational measures designed to protect personal information. However, no online service can guarantee absolute security. Please use a strong password and keep your login credentials confidential.

9. Data retention

We retain information for as long as necessary to provide the service, comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, enforce agreements, and protect our users. Retention periods vary depending on data type and purpose.

10. Your rights & choices

Depending on your location, you may have rights such as:

• Accessing the personal information we hold about you.
• Requesting correction of inaccurate information.
• Requesting deletion of your information (subject to legal/contractual limitations).
• Objecting to certain processing or requesting restriction.
• Withdrawing consent where processing is based on consent.
• Opting out of marketing communications (where applicable).

To make a request, contact us at support@zovenda.com. We may need to verify your identity.

11. International transfers

Zovenda may process information in countries where we or our service providers operate. Where required, we take steps designed to ensure appropriate safeguards for cross-border transfers.

12. Children’s privacy

Zovenda is not intended for children. We do not knowingly collect personal information from individuals under 18. If you believe a child has provided information to us, contact us and we will take appropriate steps.

13. Changes to this policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we do, we will update the “Effective” date above. If changes are significant, we may provide additional notice.

14. Contact us

For questions, concerns, or privacy requests, contact:

If you are reporting a security issue, include “Security” in the email subject.