MakerLauncher Terms & Conditions

1. Introduction

Welcome to MakerLauncher, a platform that connects Makers (builders) with Launchers (growth specialists) to collaboratively launch pre-revenue startups.

These Terms & Conditions ("Agreement") govern your use of MakerLauncher ("Platform"). By using MakerLauncher, you agree to these terms. If you do not agree, do not use MakerLauncher.

2. Definitions

• Maker – A user who lists a startup on MakerLauncher for a Launcher to apply to.
• Launcher – A user who applies to help launch a Maker's startup in exchange for equity.
• Action Plan – A structured execution roadmap provided by the Launcher, outlining the specific actions they will take and log to achieve milestones.
• Handshake Agreement – A structured, mutual agreement between a Maker and a Launcher that defines milestones, equity distribution, and revenue sharing.
• Equity Split – The agreed percentage ownership vested over \\\\ based on milestone completion.
• Revenue Transparency – The obligation of Makers to provide visibility into revenue, including connecting Stripe from the start.

3. Platform Use

3.1 Eligibility

• You must be at least 18 years old to use MakerLauncher.
• By using MakerLauncher, you confirm that you have the legal capacity to enter into agreements.

3.2 Account Registration & Verification

To ensure platform integrity, users are required to verify their identity before starting a Handshake Agreement through Stripe, which can include:

• Email account verification (Required)
• Social account verification (Recommended)
• Stripe Connect integration and Identity Verification (Required before starting handshake agreements)

4. How MakerLauncher Works

4.1 Listing a Startup (For Makers)

• Makers list their startup for free on MakerLauncher.
• Launchers apply with a high-level action plan.
• If approved, Launchers submit a detailed, structured Action Plan before finalizing the agreement.

4.2 Applying to Launch a Startup (For Launchers)

• Launchers apply to partner with a Maker in exchange for equity.
• If conditionally approved, they submit a step-by-step Action Plan with measurable milestones.
• Once both parties agree, a Handshake Agreement is established.

5. Handshake Agreements & Equity Vesting

5.1 What is a Handshake Agreement?

A Handshake Agreement is a structured, transparent agreement between a Maker and a Launcher. It outlines milestones, action plans, revenue sharing, and equity vesting rules.

This is NOT a legally binding contract governed by MakerLauncher. MakerLauncher facilitates agreements but does not enforce them.

5.2 How Equity Vesting Works

• Equity vests in 10% increments per milestone.
• Revenue is split 50/50 during active agreements (after MakerLauncher's 5% platform fee).
• After the handshake agreement ends, revenue follows the final equity split.

Both parties agree on the Action plan model before finalizing the agreement.

6. Payments & Revenue Transparency

6.1 Platform Fee

• MakerLauncher is free to list and launch projects.
• Once a startup generates revenue, MakerLauncher collects a 5% platform fee via Stripe Connect.
• If no revenue is generated, no fees are due.

6.2 Revenue Visibility

• Makers must connect Stripe from the start to ensure full revenue transparency.
• Payouts are automated using Stripe and sent to both Maker and Launcher accounts directly.
• Failure to connect Stripe and agree to the terms means agreements cannot proceed.

7. Equity & Business Sales

• MakerLauncher does NOT take a cut from business sales or acquisitions.
• If a startup is sold, equity is distributed based on the final equity split agreed upon in the Handshake Agreement.

8. Dispute Resolution

MakerLauncher does NOT handle disputes. Agreements are made directly between users.

• Users are encouraged to communicate first before escalating disputes.
• Third-party mediation is available, but MakerLauncher does not enforce rulings.
• If mediation is requested, MakerLauncher may share:
  • User names
  • Agreement details (milestones, revenue split, action logs)
  • Relevant communication records

MakerLauncher does NOT enforce mediation outcomes. Enter agreements at your own discretion.

9. Termination & User Conduct

• Users must act in good faith and honor agreements.
• Fraud, misrepresentation, or abuse may result in account suspension.
• MakerLauncher reserves the right to remove users for violating platform integrity.

10. Liability & Indemnification

• MakerLauncher does not guarantee business success—use at your own risk.
• MakerLauncher is not liable for financial losses, missed milestones, or user disputes.
• Users agree to indemnify MakerLauncher against any legal claims arising from platform use.

11. Privacy & Data Usage

At MakerLauncher, we take your privacy seriously and implement strict data controls to protect your personal and business information. Here's how we manage, store, and use your data:

11.1 Identity Verification & Personal Data

• All users are required to complete identity verification as part of the Stripe Connect onboarding process before entering any Handshake Agreement.
• Identity verification is managed securely through Stripe, and personal information is never shared publicly or displayed on your profile.
• MakerLauncher does not store your identity documents. These are handled by Stripe's secure systems and governed by their privacy policies.

11.2 Platform Privacy Controls

• User data is stored securely in a PostgreSQL database with Row Level Security (RLS) to ensure users can only access their own data.
• Sensitive information like passwords is encrypted and never stored in plain text.
• Uploaded files and communications are secured with access controls and only accessible to authorized users.

11.3 Dispute & Mediation Handling

In the event of a dispute, MakerLauncher does not mediate directly.

However, if either party requests third-party mediation, MakerLauncher may share limited personal and agreement-related information to support the process.

To protect your privacy, mediation will only proceed if:

• The requesting user emails contact@makerlauncher.com with the name of the mediation service they wish to use.
• MakerLauncher verifies the legitimacy of the mediator before sharing any data.

The information shared may include:

• User names
• User emails and phone numbers
• Agreement details (such as milestones, revenue split, and logged actions)
• Relevant communication records (only as necessary to support resolution)

This data is shared solely for the purpose of dispute resolution and only with vetted third parties. It is never made public.

11.4 Analytics & Improvements

• We use anonymized, aggregated data to understand usage patterns and improve platform performance.
• This includes data such as how agreements are structured, success rates, and milestone completion trends—never tied to identifiable users.

11.5 Account Control

• You may delete your account at any time, but past agreements, earnings, and equity records will remain on file to ensure transparency for all involved parties.
• Deleted accounts are permanently removed from access, and any PII is securely deleted unless required for compliance or dispute resolution.

11.6 Data Security

• All connections are encrypted using TLS.
• Real-time data is secured through authenticated WebSocket channels.
• Security includes rate limiting, CORS protection, and automated patches via our Supabase infrastructure.

12. Amendments & Updates

• MakerLauncher may update these Terms periodically.
• Users will be notified of major changes and must accept new terms to continue using the platform.