Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy describes how Referist LLC ("we," "us," or "our") collects, uses, and shares your personal information when you use our website and services ("Services"). By using our Services, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.

1. Information We Collect

We collect information you provide directly, such as when you apply for membership, create a profile, or interact with our platform:

• Personal Identifiers: Name, email address, phone number, and location (e.g., city/state).
• Professional Information: Industry, business details, bio, and goals.
• Payment Information: Billing details processed securely via third-party providers (such as Stripe). We do not store full card information.
• Usage Data: IP address, browser type, pages visited, and platform interactions (e.g., messages, referrals, badges earned).
• Other: Feedback, testimonials, or information shared during interviews or communications with our team.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to provide and improve our Services, including:

• Processing applications, conducting interviews, and matching you into curated referral circles (8–15 members, one per industry, local focus).
• Facilitating platform features like member profiles, messaging, one-on-one scheduling, referral tracking, and badges.
• Sending notifications about group launches, waitlist status, monthly meeting suggestions, and platform updates.
• Processing subscription payments and managing refundable deposits ($10, refundable upon request if no group launches within 90 days).
• Analyzing usage patterns to improve the platform and prevent abuse.
• Complying with legal obligations or responding to lawful requests from authorities.

3. Sharing Your Information

We do not sell your personal information. We may share it with:

• Circle Members: Limited profile information (e.g., name, profession, city) is shared with members of your assigned local referral circle and, if applicable, your National Peer Forum group.
• Service Providers: Trusted third parties such as Stripe (payments), SendGrid (email), and Google Analytics (usage analytics) that help us operate our Services. These providers are contractually bound to protect your data.
• Legal Requirements: We may disclose information if required by law, subpoena, or to protect the rights and safety of Referist LLC, our members, or others.

4. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as your account is active and indefinitely thereafter for legitimate business purposes, including maintaining accurate business records, resolving disputes, enforcing agreements, and complying with legal obligations.

If you would like to request deletion of your data, please contact us at the address below. Note that we may retain certain information as required by law or for legitimate business interests even following a deletion request.

5. Data Security

We implement reasonable technical and organizational security measures to protect your information from unauthorized access, disclosure, or misuse. Sensitive data is encrypted, and access is limited to authorized personnel. However, no system is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

6. Your Rights

Depending on your location, you may have certain rights regarding your personal information:

• Access & Correction: You may request a copy of your data or ask us to correct inaccuracies.
• Deletion: You may request deletion of your personal data, subject to our retention policy above.
• Opt-Out: You may opt out of non-essential marketing communications at any time.
• CCPA (California Residents): We do not sell personal data. You may opt out of targeted advertising via your browser settings.
• GDPR (EU/UK Residents): You have additional rights including data portability and the right to restrict processing. Contact us to exercise these rights.

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at [email protected].

7. Cookies and Tracking

We use cookies for essential functions (such as session management and authentication) and analytics (such as understanding which pages are most visited). You can manage or disable cookies through your browser settings, though some features may not function correctly if cookies are disabled.

8. Children's Privacy

Our Services are intended for business professionals and are not directed to individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we learn we have inadvertently collected such data, we will delete it promptly.

9. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we do, we will post the revised policy on this page with an updated effective date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically. Continued use of our Services after changes are posted constitutes your acceptance of the updated policy.

10. Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or your personal data, please reach out:

• Email: [email protected]