Terms of service

1. Acceptance of the Terms of Service

These Terms of Service (the "Terms"), together with any documents they expressly incorporate by reference (including our Privacy Policy and Code of Conduct), govern your access to and use of the Kinship website, web and mobile applications, and any other Kinship platforms or services that link to these Terms (collectively, the "Platform"), which is operated by Kinship Foundation ("Kinship," "we," "our," or "us"), including any content, features, functionality, and services offered on or through the Platform (the "Services").

Kinship is a permissioned platform designed to help founders, investors, mentors, catalysts, and community partners connect and create value together through trust-based, mutually consented interactions. By accessing or using the Platform, by registering for an account, or by clicking to accept or agree to these Terms when this option is made available to you, you agree to be bound by these Terms and our Privacy Policy. If you do not agree to all of these Terms or to the Privacy Policy, you must not access or use the Platform.

2. Changes to the Terms of Service

We may revise and update these Terms in our sole discretion at any time. All changes are effective immediately when posted, and apply to all access to and use of the Platform thereafter. Where changes are material, we will make reasonable efforts to provide additional notice (for example, by email or in-platform notification). Your continued use of the Platform following the posting of revised Terms means you accept and agree to the changes. You are expected to check this page periodically so you are aware of any changes, as they are binding on you.

3. Eligibility and curated access

The Platform is open to founders, investors, mentors, catalysts, and community partners who are aligned with our mission and values. Access to the Platform is curated and may be subject to application, screening, and approval in order to maintain a high-quality, trusted network. We may, in our sole discretion, decline, condition, suspend, or revoke access to the Platform at any time and for any reason consistent with these Terms.

To use the Platform, you must (a) be at least 18 years of age (or the legal age of majority in your jurisdiction, if higher); (b) have the legal capacity to enter into binding agreements; (c) provide accurate, current, and complete information about yourself and, where applicable, the organization you represent; and (d) comply with these Terms, the Privacy Policy, the Code of Conduct, and all applicable laws.

4. Privacy Policy

To access the Platform or some of the resources it offers, you may be asked to provide certain registration details or other information. It is a condition of your use of the Platform that all the information you provide is correct, current, and complete. You agree that all information you provide to register with the Platform or otherwise, including, without limitation, through the use of any interactive features, is governed by our Privacy Policy. By using the Platform, you consent to all actions taken by us with respect to your information in compliance with the Privacy Policy.

5. Accessing the Platform and account security

We reserve the right to withdraw, modify, or amend the Platform, and any Service or material we provide on the Platform, in our sole discretion without notice. We will not be liable if for any reason all or any part of the Platform is unavailable at any time or for any period. From time to time, we may restrict user access, including registered-user access, to some parts of the Platform or the entire Platform.

If you choose, or are provided with, a username, password, or any other piece of information as part of our security procedures, you must treat such information as confidential, and you must not disclose it to any other person or entity. You acknowledge that your account is personal to you and agree not to provide any other person with access to the Platform using your username, password, or other security credentials. You agree to notify us immediately at privacy@joinkinship.org of any unauthorized access to or use of your username or password or any other breach of security. You also agree to ensure that you exit from your account at the end of each session, and to use particular caution when accessing your account from a public or shared device.

6. User profiles and user contributions

The Platform allows you to create a profile and to submit, upload, post, share, or transmit information, materials, and content — including, without limitation, your background, experience, interests, role, goals, startup ideas, business plans, pitch decks, supporting materials, preferences for mentors, investors, and collaborators, messages, and other interactions (collectively, "User Contributions"). All User Contributions must comply with these Terms, the Code of Conduct, and applicable law.

You represent and warrant that you own or control all rights in and to your User Contributions and have the right to submit them on the Platform; that your User Contributions do not infringe, misappropriate, or violate any third party's rights (including intellectual property, privacy, publicity, or contractual rights); and that your User Contributions are accurate to the best of your knowledge and not misleading.

7. Ownership of your ideas and content

You retain full ownership of any information, ideas, business plans, pitch materials, or other content you share through the Platform. By using the Platform, you grant Kinship a limited, worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free, sub-licensable (only to our service providers and partner organizations as needed to operate the Platform) license to host, store, process, transmit, display, and otherwise use your User Contributions solely for the purposes of operating, providing, securing, improving, and supporting the Platform and the Services, and facilitating the connections, introductions, and interactions you have requested or consented to, in each case in accordance with your privacy settings and our Privacy Policy. Kinship does not claim ownership of your ideas or content. This license terminates when you remove the relevant User Contributions or close your account, except to the extent retention is required by applicable law or for legitimate operational, legal, or security purposes.

8. AI-assisted matching and recommendations

Kinship uses artificial intelligence and similar technologies to help you find relevant connections, mentors, investors, collaborators, and opportunities, and to improve the overall quality of matching and recommendations on the Platform. AI-assisted features operate within the privacy boundaries you have defined and require mutual consent before any introduction is made. You acknowledge that AI-assisted recommendations are tools that may be incomplete or imperfect, that all decisions about whether to pursue a connection or opportunity remain solely yours, and that Kinship does not warrant the accuracy, suitability, or outcome of any AI-generated recommendation. Kinship does not use your personal information or User Contributions to train public, third-party, or generally available AI models.

9. Connections, introductions, and mutual consent

Connections and introductions on the Platform may be suggested by AI-assisted features, facilitated by the Kinship team, or initiated by users. All connections and introductions are made within the boundaries of your privacy settings and require appropriate consent from the parties involved. Kinship does not guarantee that any user, partner organization, mentor, investor, accelerator, or other participant will accept, respond to, or engage with you, or that any connection will result in a particular outcome. Your interactions with other users and with partner organizations occur at your own discretion and risk.

10. Code of Conduct

Your use of the Platform is also governed by the Kinship Code of Conduct, which sets out expectations for respectful, honest, and ethical engagement on and through the Platform. By using the Platform, you agree to provide accurate information, to respect the privacy and confidentiality of other users, to honor commitments made through the Platform, and to engage respectfully with the community. Violations of the Code of Conduct may result in warning, suspension, removal from the Platform, or other action consistent with these Terms.

11. Communications

You consent to receive communications from us electronically, including via email, in-platform notifications, and (where you provide a phone number and opt in) SMS or text message and other electronic means. Your wireless carrier's standard messaging, data, and other rates and fees may apply to mobile communications. To the extent we make any text-messaging program available:

• Recurring messages: By subscribing or opting in, you consent to receive recurring updates, alerts, or notifications by automated text message. Text STOP to stop. For help, text HELP, or contact us at salam@joinkinship.org.
• No guarantee: Neither Kinship nor any participating carrier guarantees message delivery, and any messaging program may be modified or discontinued at any time without notice.
• Use of your own phone: You represent that you are the primary user of the phone number you provide and will notify us if that changes.
• Opt-out: You may opt out of further mobile messages at any time by texting STOP or any other universally recognized opt-out keyword (such as UNSUBSCRIBE, END, CANCEL, or QUIT).
• Age: You must be at least 18 years of age (or the applicable legal age of majority) to receive mobile messages from us.

Even if you opt out of marketing or non-essential communications, we may continue to send you transactional and service-related messages (such as account, security, introduction, and policy-update notifications) while your account is active.

12. Copyright and limited license

Unless otherwise indicated, the Platform and all content and other materials contained on or made available through it — including the Kinship name, trademarks, service marks, logos, designs, text, graphics, images, audio and video files, software, and the selection and arrangement thereof (collectively, the "Platform Materials") — are the property of Kinship or its licensors and are protected by U.S. and international copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws. You are granted a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable, non-sublicensable license to access and use the Platform and the Platform Materials for your personal, non-commercial use in connection with your participation in Kinship, subject to these Terms.

You shall not:

1. Reproduce, distribute, modify, create derivative works of, publicly display, publicly perform, republish, download, store, or transmit any of the Platform Materials, except as expressly permitted by these Terms;
2. Use any data mining, robots, scraping, or similar data-gathering or extraction methods;
3. Frame or use framing techniques to enclose any Kinship trademark, logo, or other proprietary information without our express written consent;
4. Use any meta tags, hidden text, or other techniques using Kinship's name or trademarks;
5. Remove or alter any copyright notices or other proprietary markings.

All rights not expressly granted in these Terms are reserved by Kinship. Any unauthorized use terminates the permission or license granted by Kinship. If you believe that any content on the Platform infringes upon your copyright, you may notify us at salam@joinkinship.org. Please refer to 17 U.S.C. § 512(c)(3) for the format of a proper notice.

13. Trademarks

Kinship, the Kinship logo, and any other product or service names, logos, or slogans displayed on the Platform are trademarks of Kinship or its licensors and may not be copied, imitated, or used, in whole or in part, without Kinship's prior written permission. Nothing in these Terms grants any license to use any Kinship trademark.

14. Hyperlinks and third-party content

You may not use any Kinship logo or other proprietary graphic to link to the Platform without our express written permission. You shall not frame or use framing techniques to enclose any Kinship trademark, logo, or other proprietary information without prior written consent. The Platform may contain links to other websites, resources, or content provided by third parties ("Third-Party Sites"). Such links are provided for your convenience only. Kinship does not endorse and is not responsible for the contents of any Third-Party Site, including the accuracy, functionality, or legality of such site. Your use of Third-Party Sites is at your own risk and subject to their terms of use and privacy practices.

15. Third-party organizations, products, and services

From time to time, Kinship may provide information about, links to, or facilitate introductions among third-party organizations, products, or services — including, without limitation, mentors, investors, accelerators, community partners, ecosystem collaborators, and other independent third parties (collectively, "Third Parties"). Kinship does not in any way endorse, recommend, or make any representations or warranties regarding any Third Party or any product, service, opportunity, investment, or commitment offered by any Third Party. Any dealings, agreements, or transactions between you and any Third Party are solely between you and that Third Party, and you are responsible for evaluating the suitability, legitimacy, and risk of any product, service, opportunity, or commitment, and for conducting your own due diligence. Kinship shall not be responsible for any loss or damage of any sort incurred as a result of such dealings.

16. Feedback

Any feedback, suggestions, ideas, or other information you submit to us regarding the Platform or the Services (collectively, "Feedback") is non-confidential and shall become the property of Kinship. Kinship may use such Feedback without acknowledgment or compensation to you, and you hereby assign all rights in such Feedback to Kinship. For the avoidance of doubt, this Section does not apply to your business ideas, plans, materials, or other User Contributions submitted in your capacity as a participant on the Platform, ownership of which is governed by Section 7.

17. User conduct

You agree not to use the Platform for any purpose that is unlawful or otherwise prohibited by these Terms or the Code of Conduct, including but not limited to:

• Infringing any patent, trademark, trade secret, copyright, right of publicity, privacy right, or other right;
• Transmitting any material that is unlawful, threatening, abusive, harassing, defamatory, obscene, hateful, discriminatory, deceptive, or otherwise objectionable;
• Misrepresenting your identity, affiliation, role, qualifications, or experience;
• Soliciting other users for purposes unrelated to the mission of the Platform, sending unsolicited advertising or spam, or engaging in bulk or pyramid solicitations;
• Sharing or republishing another user's information, ideas, plans, or materials outside the Platform without that user's explicit consent;
• Using information obtained through the Platform to compete unfairly with, harass, or harm other users;
• Interfering with the proper functioning, integrity, or security measures of the Platform or the Services;
• Attempting to gain unauthorized access to any portion of the Platform, other users' accounts, or any other systems through hacking, credential stuffing, password mining, or other means;
• Introducing viruses, Trojan horses, worms, ransomware, or other material that is malicious or technologically harmful;
• Using the Platform's data or content to train any AI or machine-learning model, or to compile any database of users, without our express written permission.

18. Indemnification

You agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless Kinship, its parent and affiliates, and their respective officers, directors, employees, agents, partners, licensors, contractors, and suppliers (collectively, the "Kinship Parties") from and against all claims, damages, liabilities, losses, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising out of or relating to your: (a) access to or use of the Platform or Services; (b) violation of these Terms or any policy incorporated herein, including the Privacy Policy and Code of Conduct; (c) violation of any rights of any other person or entity, including any user or Third Party; (d) interactions, agreements, communications, or transactions with any other user or Third Party; or (e) violation of any applicable laws.

19. Disclaimers; no outcome guarantees

EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY PROVIDED OTHERWISE IN WRITING BY KINSHIP, THE PLATFORM, PLATFORM MATERIALS, AND SERVICES ARE PROVIDED ON AN "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" BASIS, WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, KINSHIP DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, TITLE, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT.

KINSHIP DOES NOT WARRANT THAT THE PLATFORM, THE SERVICES, OR ANY CONTENT WILL BE ACCURATE, RELIABLE, ERROR-FREE, OR UNINTERRUPTED; THAT DEFECTS WILL BE CORRECTED; OR THAT THE PLATFORM OR ITS SERVERS ARE FREE OF VIRUSES OR OTHER HARMFUL COMPONENTS. YOU ASSUME THE ENTIRE RISK AS TO THE QUALITY AND PERFORMANCE OF THE PLATFORM AND SERVICES.

KINSHIP DOES NOT GUARANTEE FUNDING, INVESTMENT, PARTNERSHIP, MENTORSHIP, EMPLOYMENT, COLLABORATION, BUSINESS SUCCESS, OR ANY OTHER PARTICULAR OUTCOME. THE RESULTS YOU EXPERIENCE THROUGH THE PLATFORM DEPEND ON YOUR EFFORT, ENGAGEMENT, AND THE INDEPENDENT DECISIONS AND CONDUCT OF OTHER USERS AND THIRD PARTIES. KINSHIP EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS LIABILITY OF ANY KIND FOR ANY CONTENT, PRODUCTS, OR SERVICES OFFERED BY THIRD PARTIES, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION LEGAL, INSURANCE, FINANCIAL, INVESTMENT, OR ADVISORY SERVICES.

20. Limitation of liability

TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, IN NO EVENT SHALL KINSHIP OR THE KINSHIP PARTIES BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, EXEMPLARY, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, LOST PROFITS, LOST OPPORTUNITIES, LOSS OF DATA, LOSS OF GOODWILL, OR BUSINESS INTERRUPTION), WHETHER BASED IN CONTRACT, WARRANTY, TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE), STATUTE, OR OTHERWISE, ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE USE OF, OR INABILITY TO USE, THE PLATFORM OR THE SERVICES, EVEN IF KINSHIP HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

IN NO EVENT WILL KINSHIP'S AGGREGATE LIABILITY FOR ANY CLAIMS ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO THESE TERMS EXCEED ONE HUNDRED U.S. DOLLARS (US$100). SOME JURISDICTIONS DO NOT ALLOW CERTAIN LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY, SO THIS LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU IN WHOLE OR IN PART.

21. Donations and payment processing

Kinship may, from time to time, accept donations or contributions through the Platform, typically processed via third-party payment processors. By making a donation, you authorize Kinship (or its designated payment processor) to charge you the amount specified. Kinship does not control and is not liable for any errors, omissions, or security incidents involving these third-party payment processors. You agree to review and abide by all payment terms, policies, and conditions imposed by the applicable third-party payment processor.

22. International users

Kinship operates from the United States, and the Platform is designed primarily for users in the United States. If you access or use the Platform from outside the United States, you do so voluntarily and are responsible for compliance with local laws applicable to your access and use of the Platform. We make no representation that the Platform is appropriate or available for use in any particular location, or that it complies with the laws of any jurisdiction outside the United States. Where required by applicable law, we will honor users' rights and protections under regulations such as the EU GDPR, UK GDPR, and the California CCPA/CPRA, as further described in our Privacy Policy.

23. Release; interactions among users and with third parties

Kinship is a facilitator of introductions and interactions; it is not a party to any agreement, investment, partnership, mentorship, employment, collaboration, or other relationship that you may enter into with another user or any Third Party as a result of using the Platform. You are solely responsible for conducting your own due diligence and for entering into any such agreements at your own discretion and risk. To the fullest extent permitted by law, you release Kinship and the Kinship Parties from responsibility, liability, claims, demands, and damages of every kind and nature, known and unknown, arising out of or in any way connected with disputes between you and any other user, Third Party, or third-party payment processor.

24. Transfer and processing of data

By accessing or using the Platform, you consent to the processing, transfer, and storage of your personal information in and to the United States or other countries, subject to our Privacy Policy and applicable law.

25. Governing law and venue

These Terms and any dispute or claim arising out of or related to these Terms, their subject matter, or formation shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia, United States, without giving effect to any choice-of-law or conflict-of-law provision. Any legal suit, action, or proceeding arising out of or relating to these Terms or the Platform shall be instituted exclusively in the federal or state courts located in the Commonwealth of Virginia, and each party consents to the personal jurisdiction and venue in such courts. Nothing in this Section limits any non-waivable rights you may have under the laws of your country of residence.

26. Termination and suspension

Kinship may suspend, terminate, or otherwise restrict your access to and use of the Platform (including by disabling any username, password, or other identifier) at its sole discretion for any or no reason, including, without limitation, for any actual or suspected violation of these Terms, the Privacy Policy, or the Code of Conduct, or any conduct that we determine, in our sole discretion, undermines the trust, integrity, or safety of the Platform or its community. We aim to do this fairly and thoughtfully, but maintaining a safe and trusted environment is our priority. You agree that Kinship shall not be liable to you or any third party for any such suspension or termination.

You may stop using the Platform at any time and may request deletion of your account and data in accordance with the Privacy Policy. Sections that by their nature should survive termination — including those addressing ownership, license grants for residual data, indemnification, disclaimers, limitations of liability, release, governing law, and these miscellaneous provisions — will survive any termination of these Terms.

27. Force majeure

Kinship shall not be liable for any delay or failure to perform resulting from causes outside its reasonable control, including, without limitation, acts of God, war, terrorism, riots, civil unrest, embargoes, acts of civil or military authorities, public health emergencies, fire, floods, accidents, strikes, labor shortages, telecommunications, internet, or utility failures, denial-of-service attacks, or shortages of transportation facilities, fuel, energy, labor, or materials.

28. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is deemed unlawful, void, or for any reason unenforceable, that provision shall be deemed severable and shall not affect the validity and enforceability of the remaining provisions.

29. Legal disclaimer (no attorney-client relationship)

The information provided on the Platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create any attorney-client relationship. Consult a qualified attorney for any legal advice regarding your specific circumstances.

30. Financial services disclaimer (no investment advisory relationship)

The information provided on the Platform, including any introductions to investors or any information regarding investors, accelerators, funding programs, or financial opportunities, is for informational and networking purposes only and does not constitute financial, tax, accounting, or investment advice, an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any security, or professional consultation. Kinship is not a registered broker-dealer, investment adviser, or financial advisor, and does not act in any such capacity. Kinship is not responsible for any actions taken on the basis of content available on the Platform, and no content on the Platform constitutes a recommendation, endorsement, or financial advice. Consult a qualified financial, tax, or legal professional regarding your specific circumstances before making any investment or financial decision.

31. Entire agreement

These Terms (together with our Privacy Policy, the Code of Conduct, and any other documents or policies incorporated by reference) constitute the entire agreement between you and Kinship with respect to the Platform and the Services, and supersede all prior and contemporaneous understandings, communications, and agreements relating to their subject matter.

32. Questions and contact information

If you have any questions about these Terms or the Platform, please contact us at:

salam@joinkinship.org

Last updated: May 6, 2026