Privacy Policy

1. Overview

Your privacy is of paramount importance to us. This Privacy Policy outlines what information Andhra Startup Map (“we”, “us”, “our”) collects, how it is used, and the steps we take to protect it.

2. Information We Collect

• Public Business Data: When you submit a company via our /submit page, we collect public business details such as company name, website URL, description, sector, district, and source verification links.
• Contact Information: If provided, we collect your email address and/or phone number to send status updates regarding your submission or ad booking confirmations.
• Billing Information: For sponsored ad placements (“Boost”), we collect advertiser billing email, phone number, and transaction references. Payment processing is handled securely via authorized third-party payment gateways; we do not store sensitive payment card details or netbanking credentials.
• Technical Logs & Usage: Standard web server logs and browser user-agent, to keep the site running and prevent abuse.
• Analytics: We use two tools. Vercel Analytics is cookieless and collects no personal data, so it runs for everyone. Google Analytics 4 sets cookies (_ga) to recognise returning visitors, and therefore only loads if you accept it in the cookie notice. Decline, and no Google Analytics cookie is ever set. You can change your mind at any time by clearing this site’s data in your browser.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use collected data strictly for the following purposes:

• Reviewing, verifying, and publishing startup directory listings.
• Delivering automated confirmation and editorial status emails via Resend.
• Coordinating and scheduling featured ad placements on our map banner.
• Maintaining site security, diagnosing server issues, and optimizing responsiveness.

4. No Sale of Personal Data

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal email address or contact numbers to any third parties or advertisers under any circumstances.

5. Cookies & Local Storage

We use minimal browser cookies and local storage solely for essential website functionality (such as remembering UI filter states and map view preferences). We do not use intrusive cross-site behavioral tracking cookies.

6. Data Rights & Listing Removal

If you are a founder or company representative and wish to update, correct, or request the removal of your company profile from our public map, simply email us from an official company address at andhrastartupmap@gmail.com. We process verified correction and takedown requests within 48 hours.

7. Security

All traffic between your browser and Andhra Startup Map is encrypted using standard Transport Layer Security (TLS/HTTPS). Database records are stored securely with strict access controls.