Terms of Service

Updated January 1st, 2025

PLEASE READ THESE TERMS OF SERVICE (“Terms”) CAREFULLY BEFORE USING THE SERVICE.

This document constitutes a legally binding agreement between DNWW (hereinafter referred to as “DNWW,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) and any individual or entity (hereinafter referred to as “User,” “you,” or “your”) accessing or using the website located at www.dnww.io (the “Site”) and any related services provided by DNWW.

1. ACCEPTANCE OF TERMS

1.1. By accessing, browsing, or using the Site in any manner, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be legally bound by these Terms, our Privacy Policy, and any additional terms incorporated herein by reference. If you do not agree to these Terms in their entirety, you are expressly prohibited from using the Site and must immediately discontinue any use thereof.

1.2. You represent and warrant that you possess the legal right, capacity, and ability to agree to these Terms and use the Site in accordance with all stated terms and conditions. If you are using the Site on behalf of an entity, you further represent and warrant that you have the authority to bind such entity to these Terms.

2. MATERIAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

2.1. Binding Arbitration. These Terms contain a mandatory arbitration provision that requires the use of arbitration on an individual basis to resolve disputes, rather than jury trials or class actions. By accepting these Terms, you expressly waive any right to participate in class actions or class arbitrations.

2.2. Platform Nature. The Site functions as a platform for user-generated content regarding professional experiences within the startup ecosystem. All content submitted to or posted on the Site (“Submissions”) represents the views and opinions of the respective users and does not reflect the views or opinions of DNWW.

2.3. No Verification Obligation. DNWW does not undertake any obligation to verify, and expressly disclaims any duty to investigate or verify, the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any Submissions posted on the Site.

3. USER REGISTRATION AND ACCOUNT SECURITY

3.1. To access certain features of the Site, you must register for an account. In connection with such registration, you agree to:

(a) Provide accurate, current, and complete information as prompted by the registration process;

(b) Maintain and promptly update such information to keep it accurate, current, and complete;

(d) Accept all responsibility and liability for any activities that occur under your account; and

(e) Notify DNWW immediately of any unauthorized use of your account or other security breaches.

3.2. Professional Verification. DNWW reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to implement and require additional verification procedures to validate the professional status and identity of users. Such procedures may include, without limitation:

(a) Submission of government-issued identification;

(b) Verification of professional credentials;

(d) Reference checks.

4. CONTENT SUBMISSION AND PLATFORM RULES

4.1. By submitting content to the Site, you hereby grant to DNWW a perpetual, irrevocable, worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free, sublicensable, and transferable license to use, reproduce, distribute, prepare derivative works of, display, and perform your Submissions in connection with the Site and DNWW’s business operations.

4.2. You represent and warrant that your Submissions:

(a) Are based on firsthand professional experience;

(b) Do not violate any applicable law, regulation, or third-party right;

(d) Do not disclose confidential or proprietary information;

(e) Do not constitute harassment, defamation, or discrimination; and

(f) Comply with all other requirements set forth in these Terms.

5. DATA PRIVACY AND SECURITY

5.1. Data Collection and Processing. In connection with your use of the Site, DNWW collects and processes certain information about you and your use of the Site. The collection and use of such information is governed by our Privacy Policy, which is incorporated herein by reference.

5.2. Data Security Measures. DNWW implements reasonable technical, administrative, and physical security measures designed to protect User data from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. Such measures include, without limitation:

(a) Implementation of industry-standard encryption protocols for data transmission;

(b) Maintenance of secure server infrastructure with appropriate access controls;

(d) Employee training on data security protocols; and

(e) Incident response procedures for potential security breaches.

5.3. Third-Party Service Providers. DNWW may engage third-party service providers to assist in providing the Site and related services. Such service providers shall be contractually bound to maintain the confidentiality and security of User data in accordance with standards no less stringent than those set forth herein.

5.4. User Data Rights. Subject to applicable law, Users maintain certain rights with respect to their personal information, including:

(a) The right to access their personal information maintained by DNWW;

(b) The right to request correction of inaccurate personal information;

(c) The right to request deletion of personal information, subject to DNWW’s legal obligations and legitimate business interests;

(d) The right to restrict or object to certain processing activities; and

(e) The right to receive their personal information in a structured, commonly used format.

5.5. Data Retention. DNWW shall retain User data for as long as necessary to:

(a) Fulfill the purposes outlined in these Terms and our Privacy Policy;

(b) Comply with applicable legal and regulatory requirements;

(d) Protect DNWW’s legitimate business interests.

6. PLATFORM OPERATIONS AND TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

6.1. Service Availability. While DNWW endeavors to maintain continuous availability of the Site, you acknowledge and agree that:

(a) The Site may experience temporary interruptions due to technical difficulties, maintenance requirements, or events beyond DNWW’s reasonable control;

(b) DNWW reserves the right to modify, suspend, or discontinue any aspect of the Site at any time without prior notice;

(d) DNWW makes no warranties regarding the availability or functionality of the Site.

6.2. Technical Requirements. Users are solely responsible for obtaining and maintaining all equipment, software, and communications services necessary to access and use the Site, including without limitation:

(a) Compatible hardware and operating systems;

(b) Current web browsers and appropriate security settings;

(d) Any necessary updates or upgrades to the foregoing.

6.3. System Updates. DNWW may, in its sole discretion, implement system updates, including:

(a) Security patches and vulnerability remediation;

(b) Feature enhancements and modifications;

(d) Compliance updates required by applicable law.

6.4. API Access and Integration. Any use of DNWW’s application programming interfaces (“APIs”) shall be subject to:

(a) Separate API terms of service;

(b) Applicable rate limits and usage restrictions;

(d) DNWW’s right to modify or revoke API access at any time.

7. DISPUTE RESOLUTION AND DOCUMENTATION

7.1. Mandatory Arbitration. By agreeing to these Terms, you and DNWW each agree that any dispute, claim, or controversy arising out of or relating to these Terms or the use of the Site shall be resolved exclusively through binding arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association (“AAA”) in accordance with its Commercial Arbitration Rules.
7.2. Documentation Requirements. In connection with any dispute or claim, the parties shall maintain and preserve all relevant documentation, including without limitation:
(a) All written communications between the parties;
(b) Records of any transactions or services rendered;
(c) Contracts, agreements, or other binding documents;
(d) Evidence of payments or financial transactions;
(e) Documentation of alleged damages or harm; and
(f) Any other materials pertinent to the resolution of the dispute.
7.3. Evidence Preservation. All documentation submitted in connection with a dispute must:
(a) Be preserved in its original form without alteration;
(b) Include metadata and timestamps where applicable;
(c) Be authenticated through appropriate means;
(d) Be maintained for the duration of the dispute resolution process; and
(e) Be subject to confidentiality requirements as set forth herein.
7.4. Class Action Waiver. THE PARTIES AGREE THAT EACH MAY BRING CLAIMS AGAINST THE OTHER ONLY IN AN INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY AND NOT AS A PLAINTIFF OR CLASS MEMBER IN ANY PURPORTED CLASS OR REPRESENTATIVE PROCEEDING.

8. CONTENT MODERATION AND QUALITY CONTROL

8.1. Moderation Authority. DNWW maintains sole and absolute discretion to:
(a) Review, monitor, and moderate all Submissions;
(b) Remove or modify any content that violates these Terms;
(c) Suspend or terminate user accounts;
(d) Implement automated content filtering systems;
(e) Establish and modify content guidelines; and
(f) Take any other actions deemed necessary to maintain platform integrity.
8.2. Quality Control Procedures. All Submissions shall be subject to:
(a) Initial automated screening for prohibited content;
(b) Review for compliance with content guidelines;
(c) Assessment of supporting documentation;
(d) Verification of source credibility;
(e) Classification and categorization protocols; and
(f) Ongoing monitoring for accuracy and relevance.
8.3. Appeals Process. Users may appeal content moderation decisions through:
(a) Submission of a formal appeal request;
(b) Provision of additional supporting documentation;
(c) Participation in review proceedings; and
(d) Compliance with appeal procedures as established by DNWW.

9. USER COMMUNICATION AND NOTIFICATIONS

9.1. Official Communications. All communications from DNWW to Users shall be transmitted through:
(a) The email address associated with the User’s account;
(b) The Site’s internal messaging system;
(c) Push notifications (where enabled); or
(d) Other channels as designated by DNWW.
9.2. Notice Requirements. DNWW shall provide notice to Users regarding:
(a) Material changes to these Terms;
(b) Modifications to the Site’s functionality;
(c) Account status changes or actions;
(d) Security incidents affecting User data;
(e) Scheduled maintenance or outages; and
(f) Other matters requiring User attention.
9.3. User Notification Obligations. Users shall promptly notify DNWW of:
(a) Unauthorized access to their account;
(b) Violations of these Terms by other Users;
(c) Technical issues affecting Site functionality;
(d) Changes to account information; and
(e) Other matters affecting platform security or integrity.

10. TERMINATION AND ACCOUNT MANAGEMENT

10.1. Termination Rights. DNWW reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to:
(a) Suspend or terminate any User account;
(b) Restrict access to Site features or functions;
(c) Remove or modify User content; and
(d) Take any other action deemed necessary to enforce these Terms.
10.2. Grounds for Termination. Accounts may be terminated for:
(a) Violation of these Terms;
(b) Provision of false or misleading information;
(c) Engagement in prohibited activities;
(d) Creation of risk or possible legal exposure for DNWW;
(e) Extended periods of account inactivity; or
(f) Any other reason deemed sufficient by DNWW.
10.3. Effect of Termination. Upon termination:
(a) User access rights shall immediately cease;
(b) All licenses granted hereunder shall terminate;
(c) User content may be removed or archived;
(d) DNWW shall retain rights to User data as required by law; and
(e) Surviving provisions of these Terms shall remain in effect.
10.4. Account Reinstatement. DNWW may, in its sole discretion, consider requests for account reinstatement subject to:
(a) Submission of a formal reinstatement request;
(b) Completion of additional verification procedures;
(c) Acceptance of modified Terms or conditions; and
(d) Such other requirements as DNWW may establish.

11. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS AND LICENSES

11.1. Platform Ownership. The Site, including without limitation its entire contents, features, and functionality (including but not limited to all information, software, text, displays, images, video, and audio, and the design, selection, and arrangement thereof), are owned by DNWW, its licensors, or other providers of such material and are protected by United States and international copyright, trademark, patent, trade secret, and other intellectual property or proprietary rights laws.

11.2. User Content License. By submitting, posting, or displaying content on or through the Site (“User Content”), you hereby grant to DNWW:

(a) A worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free, perpetual, irrevocable, transferable, and fully sublicensable license to use, reproduce, modify, adapt, publish, translate, create derivative works from, distribute, perform, and display such User Content in any media formats and through any media channels;

(b) The right to use the name and trademark you submit in connection with such content;

(d) The right to remove such content at DNWW’s sole discretion.

11.3. User Content Representations. You represent and warrant that:

(a) You own or control all rights in and to the User Content you submit;

(b) All User Content is accurate and complies with these Terms;

(d) You will indemnify and hold harmless DNWW against any claims arising from your User Content.

12. CONFIDENTIALITY AND DATA PROTECTION

12.1. Confidential Information. In connection with use of the Site, users may have access to confidential information (“Confidential Information”) including but not limited to:

(a) Proprietary business information;

(b) Trade secrets and know-how;

(d) User personal information; and

(e) Other sensitive information designated as confidential.

12.2. Confidentiality Obligations. Users agree to:

(a) Maintain the strict confidentiality of all Confidential Information;

(b) Use Confidential Information solely for authorized purposes;

(d) Promptly notify DNWW of any unauthorized disclosure; and

(e) Return or destroy Confidential Information upon request.

12.3. Data Protection Requirements. With respect to any personal data processed through the Site:

(a) DNWW shall comply with applicable data protection laws;

(b) Users shall obtain necessary consents for data processing;

(d) Data breach notification procedures shall be followed; and

(e) International data transfer requirements shall be observed.

13. LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION

13.1. Limitation of Liability. TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW:

(a) DNWW SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, LOSS OF PROFITS, DATA, USE, GOODWILL, OR OTHER INTANGIBLE LOSSES;

(b) DNWW’S TOTAL LIABILITY FOR ANY CLAIM ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THESE TERMS OR THE SITE SHALL NOT EXCEED ZERO DOLLARS ($0.00);

(c) THE LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY SHALL APPLY WHETHER THE ALLEGED LIABILITY IS BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT, NEGLIGENCE, STRICT LIABILITY, OR ANY OTHER BASIS.

13.2. Indemnification. You agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless DNWW and its officers, directors, employees, contractors, agents, licensors, suppliers, successors, and assigns from and against any claims, liabilities, damages, judgments, awards, losses, costs, expenses, or fees (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) arising out of or relating to:

(a) Your violation of these Terms;

(b) Your User Content;

(d) Your violation of any third-party rights; or

(e) Your violation of any applicable laws or regulations.

13.3. Assumption of Risk. YOU EXPRESSLY UNDERSTAND AND AGREE THAT YOUR USE OF THE SITE AND ANY CONTENT OR SERVICES PROVIDED IS AT YOUR SOLE RISK. THE SITE AND ALL CONTENT AND SERVICES ARE PROVIDED ON AN “AS IS” AND “AS AVAILABLE” BASIS, WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED.

13.4. Force Majeure. Neither party shall be liable for any failure or delay in performance under these Terms arising out of causes beyond its reasonable control, including without limitation:

(a) Acts of God;

(b) War, terrorism, or civil unrest;

(d) Fire, flood, or natural disasters;

(e) Network or telecommunications failures;

(f) Cyber attacks or security breaches; or

(g) Other similar events beyond the party’s reasonable control.

14. GOVERNING LAW AND JURISDICTION

14.1. These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois, without regard to its conflict of law principles.

14.2. Subject to the arbitration provisions contained herein, you hereby consent to the exclusive jurisdiction and venue of the state and federal courts located in Illinois for the resolution of any disputes arising from or relating to these Terms or your use of the Site.

15. SEVERABILITY

If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid, void, or unenforceable by any court or tribunal of competent jurisdiction, such provision shall be severed from these Terms to the minimum extent necessary, and the remainder of these Terms shall remain in full force and effect.

16. ENTIRE AGREEMENT

These Terms, together with the Privacy Policy and any other documents expressly incorporated herein by reference, constitute the entire agreement between you and DNWW concerning your use of the Site and supersede all prior or contemporaneous communications and proposals, whether oral or written, between you and DNWW.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, by using the Site, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms of Service.

Contact Information:
For questions regarding these Terms, please contact us at:
Email: [email protected]