This Privacy Policy explains how StartupBook.org ("StartupBook", "we", "our", or "the site") handles information when you visit startupbook.org. We try to keep things minimal and transparent. If anything below is unclear, email hello@startupbook.org.
1. Who runs this site
StartupBook.org is an independent reading-first publication for founders. It does not require an account and does not sell products directly. Questions about who operates the site can be sent to hello@startupbook.org.
2. What data we collect
We collect only what is needed to operate the site, and understand how it is used in aggregate.
- Information you give us directly. If you email us through one of the addresses on the Contact page, we receive your email address and whatever you write in the message. We use it to reply and nothing else.
- Information collected automatically. Like most sites, our hosting and analytics tools log technical data when you visit a page: IP address (often truncated), user-agent string, approximate location at the city or country level, referring URL, and the page you viewed. This data is used to detect abuse and to understand traffic patterns.
- Cookies and similar technologies. See Cookie Policy for the full list. We do not use first-party cookies to identify you personally.
We do not knowingly collect data from children under the age of 13 (or under 16 in jurisdictions where that is the applicable threshold). If you believe a child has provided personal data to us, contact hello@startupbook.org and we will delete it.
3. Analytics
The site uses Google Analytics (measurement ID G-KXL868TE3G) to understand which pages are read and how visitors move between them. Google may set cookies on your device to do this. Analytics data is aggregated and is not used to build advertising profiles on this site directly.
If you would like to opt out of Google Analytics across all sites, you can install Google's browser opt-out add-on.
4. Advertising
StartupBook.org does not currently display advertising and does not load any ad network scripts. If that ever changes, this policy and the Cookie Policy will be updated before ads appear.
5. Affiliate links
The Books page contains affiliate links to Amazon. As an Amazon Associate, StartupBook.org earns from qualifying purchases: if you purchase a book through one of those links, the site may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Affiliate links do not affect which books are recommended; the criterion is whether the book has been useful to founders we know or to the editorial team.
6. Third-party services we rely on
- Google Analytics — site usage measurement.
- Amazon Associates — only if you click a book link; Amazon may set its own cookies to attribute the purchase.
- Static hosting provider — page delivery and basic request logging.
Each of these has its own privacy policy and may collect data subject to its own terms.
7. How long we keep data
Server logs are kept for a short retention window (typically up to 90 days) and then discarded or aggregated. Email correspondence is kept for as long as it is useful to handle your request. Analytics cookie lifetimes are governed by the providers listed in the Cookie Policy.
8. Your rights (GDPR, UK GDPR, CCPA, and similar laws)
Depending on where you live, you may have rights including:
- The right to access the personal data we hold about you.
- The right to correct inaccurate data.
- The right to request deletion of your data.
- The right to object to or restrict certain processing.
- The right to data portability.
- The right to opt out of the "sale" or "sharing" of personal information, where applicable under California law. StartupBook.org does not sell personal information in the everyday sense of the word, and does not run advertising cookies. You can block Google Analytics with the opt-out add-on described in section 3 or your browser settings.
To exercise any of these rights, email hello@startupbook.org. We will respond within the time frame required by the applicable law.
9. International transfers
The site is served through providers that may store and process data outside your country of residence, including in the United States. Where required, our providers rely on standard contractual clauses or equivalent mechanisms.
10. Security
StartupBook.org is a static site served over HTTPS. We rely on our hosting provider's security controls and follow common-sense practices for the small amount of data that does flow through the site (mostly email).
11. Changes to this policy
If we materially change this policy, we will update the "Last reviewed" date at the top and, where appropriate, post a brief notice on the home page. Continued use of the site after changes means you accept the updated policy.
12. Contact
Questions about privacy on this site can be sent to hello@startupbook.org.