Terms & Conditions

Last Updated: 22nd May, 2024

Welcome to Startup, a digital marketplace connecting SMEs with vetted freelancers across Africa. The website is owned and operated by Belva Digital Ltd, a company headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya. By accessing or using our platform, you agree to comply with and be bound by the following terms and conditions. Please read them carefully.

1. Acceptance of Terms

By using the Startup platform, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these terms and conditions, as well as our Privacy Policy, which is incorporated herein by reference. If you do not agree to these terms, you may not use our services.

2. Definitions

• “Startup” refers to the digital marketplace located at https://joinstartup.africa/.
• “Belva Digital Ltd” refers to the company that owns and operates Startup.
• “Platform” refers to the website and any related services provided by Startup.
• “User” refers to any individual or entity using the Platform, including SMEs and freelancers.
• “SME” refers to small and medium-sized enterprises using the Platform to find freelancers.
• “Freelancer” refers to individuals offering services through the Platform.

3. Eligibility

To use the Platform, you must be at least 18 years old and have the legal capacity to enter into binding contracts. By using the Platform, you represent and warrant that you meet these eligibility requirements.

4. Account Registration

Users must create an account to access certain features of the Platform. When creating an account, you agree to:

• Provide accurate, current, and complete information.
• Maintain the security of your password and account.
• Notify us immediately of any unauthorized use of your account.
• Take responsibility for all activities that occur under your account.

5. Use of the Platform

Users agree to use the Platform in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. You agree not to:

• Use the Platform for any fraudulent or unlawful purpose.
• Interfere with or disrupt the operation of the Platform.
• Post or transmit any content that is offensive, harmful, or violates the rights of others.

6. Freelancer and SME Responsibilities

• Freelancers must deliver services in a professional manner and meet the agreed-upon deadlines.
• SMEs must provide clear and accurate project descriptions and make timely payments for services rendered.

7. Payments and Fees

All payments between SMEs and freelancers must be processed through the Platform. Belva Digital Ltd may charge fees for the use of the Platform. Users agree to pay any applicable fees and charges.

Payments to freelancers are processed weekly, every Thursday to the provided mobile money or bank account. Application transaction costs will be borne by the recipient.

8. Dispute Resolution

In the event of a dispute between an SME and a freelancer, both parties agree to attempt to resolve the issue amicably through the Platform's dispute resolution process. If a resolution cannot be reached, Belva Digital Ltd reserves the right to make a final decision.

9. Intellectual Property

All content on the Platform, including text, graphics, logos, and software, is the property of Belva Digital Ltd or its licensors and is protected by intellectual property laws. Users may not use, reproduce, or distribute any content without prior written permission.

10. Termination

Belva Digital Ltd reserves the right to terminate or suspend your account and access to the Platform at any time, without notice, for conduct that it believes violates these terms or is harmful to other users or the Platform.

11. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, Belva Digital Ltd shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, or any loss of profits or revenues, whether incurred directly or indirectly, or any loss of data, use, goodwill, or other intangible losses, resulting from:

• Your use or inability to use the Platform.
• Any conduct or content of any third party on the Platform.
• Any unauthorized access, use, or alteration of your transmissions or content.

12. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Belva Digital Ltd, its affiliates, officers, directors, employees, and agents from and against any and all claims, liabilities, damages, losses, and expenses, including reasonable attorney's fees and costs, arising out of or in any way connected with your access to or use of the Platform, or your violation of these terms.

13. Changes to Terms

Belva Digital Ltd reserves the right to modify these terms at any time. Any changes will be posted on this page, and it is your responsibility to review these terms periodically. Your continued use of the Platform following the posting of changes constitutes your acceptance of those changes.

14. Governing Law

These terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Kenya. Any disputes arising under or in connection with these terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Kenya.

15. Contact Information

If you have any questions about these terms, please contact us at:

Belva Digital Ltd

7734 Muchai Drive

Nairobi, Kenya

Email: support@joinstartup.africa

Thank you for using Startup!

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Belva Digital Ltd

© 2024 Belva Digital Ltd. All rights reserved.