Code of Conduct

1. Our Commitment

Incubazar is committed to providing a professional, respectful, and inclusive environment for all users—founders, investors, and administrators. This Code of Conduct outlines our community values and expected behavior on the Platform.

By using Incubazar, you agree to uphold these standards and contribute to a positive, trustworthy ecosystem.

2. Core Values

2.1 Integrity

• Be honest and transparent in all communications and transactions
• Provide accurate information in profiles, pitches, and financial data
• Honor commitments and agreements made through the Platform
• Disclose conflicts of interest and material information

2.2 Respect

• Treat all users with courtesy and professionalism
• Value diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences
• Respect others' time, privacy, and intellectual property
• Engage in constructive, solution-oriented discussions

2.3 Trust

• Build relationships based on mutual respect and credibility
• Maintain confidentiality when required
• Follow through on promises and obligations
• Report violations and unethical behavior

2.4 Collaboration

• Foster a spirit of cooperation and knowledge sharing
• Support fellow founders and investors where appropriate
• Provide constructive feedback when requested
• Contribute to a thriving startup ecosystem

3. Expected Behavior

3.1 For All Users

• Honesty: Provide truthful, accurate information in all Platform interactions
• Professionalism: Communicate in a business-appropriate manner
• Compliance: Follow all Platform policies, Terms of Service, and applicable laws
• Security: Protect your account credentials and report suspicious activity
• Privacy: Respect the confidentiality of sensitive information
• Fairness: Engage in ethical business practices without manipulation or coercion

3.2 For Founders

• Provide complete and accurate startup information (team, product, financials, risks)
• Disclose all material facts and potential conflicts to investors
• Respond to investor inquiries promptly and professionally
• Maintain realistic projections and avoid exaggerated claims
• Update investors on material developments (positive or negative)
• Honor term sheets and commitments made to investors
• Comply with Section 42 private placement requirements
• Respect the 200-investor limit per company per year

3.3 For Investors

• Conduct thorough due diligence before expressing interest
• Communicate investment criteria and expectations clearly
• Provide timely responses to founders you've connected with
• Honor commitments made during the investment process
• Complete KYC verification accurately and promptly
• Respect confidentiality of proprietary information
• Provide constructive feedback when declining opportunities
• Avoid soliciting deals outside the Platform (no bypassing)

3.4 Communication Standards

• Use professional language and tone in all messages
• Respond to messages within a reasonable timeframe (2-3 business days)
• Be clear, concise, and respectful in written communication
• Avoid excessive or unsolicited outreach
• Use the messaging system only for investment-related discussions

4. Prohibited Behavior

4.1 Fraud and Misrepresentation

• Providing false or misleading information
• Impersonating another person or entity
• Creating fake profiles or companies
• Manipulating financial data, metrics, or traction
• Making false claims about team credentials or achievements
• Hiding material risks or negative information

4.2 Harassment and Abuse

• Harassing, threatening, or intimidating other users
• Discriminatory behavior based on race, gender, religion, nationality, disability, age, or sexual orientation
• Bullying, stalking, or unwanted contact
• Sexual harassment or inappropriate advances
• Abusive, defamatory, or hateful language

4.3 Platform Abuse

• Spamming users with unsolicited messages or deals
• Creating multiple accounts to bypass restrictions
• Manipulating Platform algorithms or matching systems
• Scraping data or using automated bots
• Attempting to hack, exploit, or disrupt Platform services
• Sharing account credentials or allowing unauthorized access

4.4 Legal and Regulatory Violations

• Money laundering or terrorist financing
• Securities fraud or insider trading
• Tax evasion or financial crimes
• Violation of Section 42 private placement rules
• Non-compliance with SEBI, RBI, or MCA regulations
• Conducting public solicitation for private placements

4.5 Conflicts of Interest

• Failing to disclose material conflicts of interest
• Self-dealing or insider arrangements without disclosure
• Competing with companies you've invested in (without disclosure)
• Using Platform connections for personal gain outside agreed terms

4.6 Intellectual Property Violations

• Using copyrighted materials without permission
• Trademark infringement or brand misrepresentation
• Stealing or misappropriating trade secrets
• Plagiarizing content, pitch decks, or business plans

5. Enforcement

5.1 Reporting Violations

If you witness or experience a Code of Conduct violation, please report it immediately:

• Email: compliance@incubazar.in
• Subject Line: "Code of Conduct Violation Report"
• Include: User details, incident description, evidence (screenshots, emails), date/time

All reports are treated confidentially and investigated promptly. We protect whistleblowers from retaliation.

5.2 Investigation Process

Upon receiving a report, we will:

• Acknowledge receipt within 24-48 hours
• Conduct a thorough, impartial investigation
• Gather evidence and interview relevant parties
• Make a determination based on facts and Platform policies
• Communicate the outcome to the reporter (confidentially)

5.3 Consequences

Violations may result in one or more of the following actions:

• Warning: Formal notice for minor first-time violations
• Temporary Suspension: Account access restricted for 7-30 days
• Feature Restriction: Limited access to messaging, deals, or matching
• Permanent Ban: Account termination for serious or repeated violations
• Legal Action: Referral to law enforcement for illegal activities
• Regulatory Reporting: Notification to SEBI, RBI, or other authorities as required

The severity of the consequence depends on the nature, intent, and frequency of the violation.

5.4 Appeals Process

If you believe enforcement action was taken in error, you may appeal by emailing legal@incubazar.in within 14 days of the decision. Include your account details, the decision being appealed, and reasons for reconsideration. We will review appeals and respond within 7-10 business days.

6. User Safety and Well-being

6.1 Protecting Your Privacy

• Never share passwords or sensitive personal information via Platform messaging
• Use the data room for confidential documents (do not email directly)
• Be cautious of phishing attempts or suspicious requests
• Report any suspicious activity immediately

6.2 Financial Safety

• Never transfer funds outside of documented legal agreements
• Verify investor identity before sharing sensitive financial data
• Consult legal and financial advisors before signing agreements
• Report requests for kickbacks, bribes, or irregular payments

6.3 Mental Health and Burnout

Fundraising and investing can be stressful. We encourage:

• Taking breaks and managing expectations
• Seeking support from mentors, peers, or professionals
• Maintaining work-life balance
• Being patient and resilient in the face of rejections

7. Amendments to This Code

We may update this Code of Conduct periodically to reflect evolving community standards, legal requirements, or Platform features. Changes will be communicated via:

• Email notification to all users
• Prominent notice on the Platform
• Updated "Last Updated" date at the top of this page

Continued use of the Platform after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated Code of Conduct.

8. Contact Information

For questions about this Code of Conduct or to report violations, contact: