Accelerate Africa Privacy Policy

Effective Date: [Insert Date]

Accelerate Africa (“the Program”), operated by Future Africa Capital Management LLC together with its affiliated entities (“we,” “our,” or “us”), is committed to protecting the privacy of applicants, participants, and visitors (“you”). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, share, and protect your information when you apply to, or participate in, the Accelerate Africa program, including other important information about how we handle your personal data.

Applicability of this Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy applies to:

• Applicants and participants who submit information through the Accelerate Africa website, official application forms, or our partner platform (Coach AI).
• Information collected during the application process, program activities, mentorship, events, and related communications managed by Accelerate Africa.
• Visitors to the Accelerate Africa website and related landing pages operated by Future Africa.

If you do not agree with the practices described in this Privacy Policy, you should not apply to or use our services or proceed to apply for the program.

This Privacy Policy does not apply to:

• Any third-party websites, applications, or platforms that may be linked to or accessed through Accelerate Africa (including Coach AI, which operates under its own privacy policy).
• Services, products, or activities of mentors, partners, or affiliates acting independently of Accelerate Africa.
• Information you choose to share outside our official application or program channels (e.g., via personal email, social media, or informal communications).

Information We Collect

When you apply or participate in Accelerate Africa, we may collect:

• Personal Information: your name, contact details, identity documents.
• Company Information: company name, business model, pitch decks, financials, team details, traction metrics.
• Audio/Visual Data: recordings such as audio files and records (e.g., voice mails, call recordings, and the like).
• Biographical Data: professional and employment history, qualifications, and similar information.
• Commercial Data: transactions, purchases, registrations (e.g., pricing, ticket quantity).
• Usage Information: technical data (IP address, browser, device).
• Supporting Documents: reports, presentations, or other materials you submit.
• Program Participation Data: feedback, surveys, attendance records, communications, contributions in mentorships, workshops, or events.
• Technical & Usage Data: IP address, browser type, device identifiers, activity logs collected automatically.

Sources of Personal Data

• Directly from you: applications, uploads, profiles, registrations, program participation.
• From your company/team members: submitted information on behalf of your startup.
• Automatically from your device: cookies, IP, usage data.
• From third parties: references, mentors, program partners, public sources (e.g., LinkedIn).

How We Use Your Information

• Evaluating your application and eligibility for the Program.
• Communicating with you regarding your application and participation.
• Providing mentorship, training, and support services.
• Generating aggregated and anonymised reports for research, insights, or commercial use.
• Connecting you with mentors, investors, and partners.
• Collecting feedback and measuring program effectiveness.
• Sharing event materials, photographs, or recordings for program or promotional use.
• Operating our website and partner platforms.
• Monitoring usage, ensuring security, and compliance.
• Complying with legal, regulatory, or audit requirements.

Processing of Data for Accounts, Profiles, and Business Purposes

• Add information to your account or application record.
• Populate your profile/biography for events and community activities.
• Build your program participant profile within our records.
• Carry out program management, reporting, compliance, and improvement.

We may process identifiers, biographical data, and submitted content for commercial purposes (e.g., aggregated industry reports). Sensitive data (if any) is processed only as permitted by law and with your consent. We do not sell or “share” personal data.

Data Sharing & Disclosure

• Coach AI (application processing partner).
• Program partners, mentors, and selection committees.
• Service providers for applications, communications, and data security.
• Aggregated/anonymised data may be published but not your sensitive details without consent.

We will not sell your personal data to third parties.

Event Recordings

We host events (demo days, workshops, pitch competitions, etc.) that may involve recordings, photos, or interviews. These may capture your image, voice, likeness, or participation. By attending, you acknowledge this.

• Marketing: highlights on our website, newsletters, social media.
• Program documentation: showcasing activities and impact.
• Business purposes: training, reporting, improving program operations.

If you do not wish to appear in Event Recordings, inform organisers in advance. We will take reasonable steps, but full exclusion cannot be guaranteed, especially in public settings.

Use of Our Website and Platform

• Device & Network Data: OS, browser, resolution, IP, pages viewed.
• Contact & Identity Data: forms, inquiries, logins.
• Content: messages, documents, submissions.

We use this information to:

• Operate and deliver our website and platform.
• Ensure security of systems.
• Analyse usage to improve design and navigation.
• Deliver requested messages, documents, or content.

We process for program delivery, security, and service improvement. We do not sell or “share” data except as described.

Cookies and Similar Technologies

• Essential: enable navigation and login.
• Functional: remember preferences.
• Analytics: measure performance (e.g., Google Analytics).

Targeted Advertising, Data Sharing, and Sales

We may use retargeting and interest-based ads (Google, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn). These parties may collect identifiers, device info, and engagement data. This may be considered “sale” or “sharing” under certain laws.

You can manage preferences in those platforms or exercise your rights as described below. For provider details, contact hello@acceler8.africa.

Intellectual Property & Similar Applications

• You retain ownership of all submitted intellectual property.
• Submissions allow us to review/evaluate but do not create exclusivity.
• Applications are non-confidential. Do not submit trade secrets or sensitive info unwilling to disclose.

Representations by Applicants

• Information provided is true, complete, accurate.
• You have the right to submit information/documents.
• You will not assert claims against Accelerate Africa for similar companies supported.

Legal Basis for Processing

• Consent (when you agree to submit).
• Legitimate interest (running the program).
• Legal obligations (compliance).

Data Retention

We retain data only as necessary for program, reporting, and business needs. Aggregated/anonymised data may be retained indefinitely. Retention considers sensitivity, risks, purpose, legal/regulatory requirements, industry practices, system design, and cost.

Your Rights and Choices

• Access, correct, or delete personal data.
• Withdraw consent anytime.
• Opt out of sales, sharing, Targeted Advertising, Profiling.
• Object to or restrict processing.
• Lodge a complaint with a regulator.

Contact hello@acceler8.africa to exercise rights.

Data Security

We implement administrative, technical, and organisational safeguards to protect against loss, misuse, or unauthorised access.

International Data Transfers

As Accelerate Africa operates cross-border, data may be transferred internationally with safeguards.

Children’s Privacy

Program not directed to children under 13 (or minimum legal age). We do not knowingly collect data from children without parental consent. If discovered, data will be deleted.

No Obligation & Program Discretion

Applications do not guarantee selection, funding, or support. All decisions are at our sole discretion.

Governing Law

Governed by laws of the State of Delaware, with compliance to applicable data protection laws in other regions.

Changes to this Policy

We may update or replace this policy. Updates are effective upon posting unless otherwise stated. Continued use constitutes acceptance.

Contact Us

If you have questions, contact us at hello@acceler8.africa.