# About Us
Source: https://help.desifounder.com/individual/about
A brief detail about what our platform offers, and how you can leverage it to Build, Connect, and Scale your startup, all in one place.
[Desi Founder](https://desifounder.com) is a dedicated social networking and community discussion platform designed exclusively for startup founders, entrepreneurs, and professionals passionate about the startup ecosystem. Our mission is to create a thriving networking space where individuals can collaborate, learn, and grow together.
### **Why Desi Founder?**
The startup journey is challenging, filled with uncertainties, tough decisions, and the need for constant innovation. Desi Founder bridges the gap between aspiring entrepreneurs, seasoned founders, investors, and startup enthusiasts by providing a platform to:
* Engage in meaningful discussions about startups and entrepreneurship.
* Seek advice from experienced founders and mentors.
* Get startup ideas reviewed and refined by the community.
* Find co-founders, potential hires, and collaboration opportunities.
* Showcase startups on [Spotlight](https://desifounder.com/spotlight) to a targeted and engaged audience.
* Explore and discuss real-world startup challenges and solutions.
* Connect with like-minded individuals who understand the struggles and successes of building a startup.
* Indulge in startup focused [insights](https://desifounder.com/articles/categories/insights), [founder interviews](https://desifounder.com/articles/categories/founder_interviews), [startups 101](https://desifounder.com/articles/categories/startups-101) guides, and more articles.
### **What We Offer**
Desi Founder is more than just a discussion forum. It is a hub for startup networking, learning, and professional growth. Our platform includes features such as:
* **Community Discussions:** Engage in topic-based discussions, seek advice, and share insights.
* **Co-founder Matching:** Find the right partners to build your startup.
* **Startup Spotlight:** Highlight and launch your product, side-projects or startup to a niche audience and attract initial traction, potential investors or customers.
* **Startup Related Articles:** Read relevant founder interviews talking about their journey of 0 to 1, get industry insights, and also gain knowledge of startups 101 which will help you guide and build your next startup.
* **Networking & Collaboration:** Build professional relationships that can help take your startup to the next level.
### **Our Vision**
We envision Desi Founder as a go-to platform where entrepreneurs can grow their knowledge, validate their ideas, and build strong networks that foster startup success. By connecting people who have been through the struggles of entrepreneurship along with freshers, we create a space where genuine mentorship, collaboration, and innovation thrive.
### **Join the Community**
Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned founder, an investor, or someone who is simply passionate about startups, Desi Founder is the place for you. [Join](https://desifounder.com/signup) today and be a part of a growing community that supports and uplifts each other in the startup world.
For any inquiries or collaborations, feel free to contact us at [**contact@desifounder.com**](mailto:contact@desifounder.com) or visit [https://desifounder.com](https://desifounder.com).
### **Avatars Attributions**
Avatar Icons attributions to [SetitikPixelStudio](https://www.flaticon.com/authors/setitikpixelstudio), [Manuel Viveros](https://www.flaticon.com/authors/manuel-viveros) and [Victoruler](https://www.flaticon.com/authors/victoruler).
# Community Feed - FAQs
Source: https://help.desifounder.com/individual/community-feed/frequently-asked-questions
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# Community Feed - Rules & Guidelines
Source: https://help.desifounder.com/individual/community-feed/rules-guidelines
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# What can I post on desifounder Community Feed?
Source: https://help.desifounder.com/individual/community-feed/what-can-i-post-on-desifounder-community-feed
The Community Feed is your space to share ideas, updates, and insights with fellow founders, creators, and innovators.
You can post discussions, news, opportunities, resources, or even lighthearted content, which will show up in the main community feed.
To keep things organized, posts are categorized into [**Docks**](https://desifounder.com/docks)—dedicated spaces with specific purposes. Just make sure you place your posts under the right **Dock**.
### What Are Docks?
[**Docks**](https://desifounder.com/docks) are topic-focused areas within the community feed that help members find and contribute to relevant discussions.
Here’s a breakdown of each Dock and its purpose:
### [d/General](https://desifounder.com/d/general)
For anything that doesn’t neatly fit elsewhere. Share community updates, personal reflections, or open-ended thoughts to spark conversation.
### [d/Ask](https://desifounder.com/d/ask)
Need help, advice, or a quick opinion? Post your questions here and get answers from fellow founders and experts.
### [d/Hiring](https://desifounder.com/d/hiring)
Looking for your next team member, cofounder, or freelancer? Or are you offering your skills to startups? This dock is all about opportunities to work together.
### [d/Tech](https://desifounder.com/d/tech)
Share new tools, frameworks, product launches, or discuss emerging tech trends shaping the technology and startup ecosystem.
### [d/News](https://desifounder.com/d/news)
Post important industry updates, market trends, startup world happenings, or your own take on breaking news.
### [d/Shitpost](https://desifounder.com/d/shitpost)
For memes, jokes, funny stories, and lighthearted content. A space to unwind and laugh with the community.
### [d/Resources](https://desifounder.com/d/resources)
Drop helpful links, toolkits, templates, or guides that others can use. Think of it as the community’s shared library of useful stuff.
### [d/Analysis](https://desifounder.com/d/analysis)
Post deep dives, case studies, or breakdowns of strategies, startups, or trends. Best for those who enjoy detailed, data-backed discussions.
### [d/Ideation](https://desifounder.com/d/ideation)
Got a new idea? Share it here for feedback, brainstorming, and collaboration with others.
### [d/Cofounder](https://desifounder.com/d/cofounder)
Looking for a cofounder or business partner? Introduce yourself, what you’re building, and who you’re looking for.
### [d/Funding](https://desifounder.com/d/funding)
Share fundraising opportunities, investor insights, or your own fundraising journey to help others. You can also seek fundings here from the community/investors.
### [d/Rant](https://desifounder.com/d/rant)
Having a tough day as a founder? Vent here. This dock is for honest frustrations and sharing the less glamorous side of building startups.
### [d/AMA](https://desifounder.com/d/ama)
Ask Me Anything sessions hosted by admins or guest founders. Great for knowledge-sharing and interactive Q\&As.
### [d/DesiFounder](https://desifounder.com/d/desifounder)
The official dock for announcements, updates, and community discussions about the platform itself.
### [d/Help](https://desifounder.com/d/help)
Run into technical issues or have feedback about our platform? Drop it here to get assistance from the team.
*By choosing the right Dock while posting, you ensure your post reaches the right audience and sparks meaningful engagement.*
# How to connect my Socials on my Profile?
Source: https://help.desifounder.com/individual/desifounder-profile/how-to-connect-my-socials-on-my-desifounder-profile
Connecting your social media accounts helps you showcase your work, build credibility, and make it easier for others in the desifounder community to connect with you.
### 1. Supported Socials
You can link the following platforms to your profile:
\[Socials Screenshot]
### 2. How to Add Social Links
1. Go to your [Account Settings](https://desifounder.com/settings) page and click on [**Socials**](https://desifounder.com/settings/socials).
2. Click on the **Add Links** section.
3. Select the relevant social icon/logo and paste the Display Text and **full URL** of your social account (example: `https://www.linkedin.com/in/yourname`).
4. Click **Save** button.
### 3. Do’s & Don’ts
**Do:**
* Link only accounts that you personally manage.
* Make sure your links are **correct and active**.
* Keep your accounts professional and aligned with community values.
**Don’t:**
* Add fake, inactive, or unrelated accounts.
* Link to offensive or harmful content.
* Share login credentials. We only require the link, never your password.
### Disclaimer
* desifounder **does not verify or endorse** the content of linked social accounts.
* Users are solely responsible for the accuracy, legality, and appropriateness of the social links they share.
* desifounder is **not liable** for any disputes, damages, or issues arising from third-party social media platforms.
* External platforms (LinkedIn, Twitter/X, etc.) have their own terms and policies, which you are responsible for complying with.
# How to create a desifounder profile?
Source: https://help.desifounder.com/individual/desifounder-profile/how-to-create-desifounder-profile
Creating your profile is the first step to becoming part of the desifounder community. Follow these simple steps to get started:
### 1. Sign Up
You can sign up using:
* [**Email + Password**](https://desifounder.com/signup)
* [**Google Account**](https://desifounder.com/Account/GoogleAuth) (Google SSO)
If you sign up with email, you’ll receive a **one-time password (OTP)** in your email to verify your account. Please make sure you have access to the email address you register with.
### 2. Choose a Username
* Pick a **unique username** (subject to availability).
* **Important:** Once created, usernames **cannot be changed**.
* Usernames must follow our \[Terms & Guidelines]. Avoid using offensive, misleading, or trademarked names.
### 3. Add a Profile Picture
* A **professional headshot or clear portrait** is recommended.
* Avoid logos, trademarked photos, or images that misrepresent you.
* **Strictly prohibited:** obscene, hateful, or inappropriate images. Profiles with such content may be suspended without notice.
### 4. Write Your Bio
Use your bio to briefly introduce yourself. You may include:
* What you do (e.g., founder, investor, student)
* Where you work or study
* Your areas of interest or expertise
**Tip:** Keep it short and clear — this helps others in the community connect with you better.
### Do’s & Don’ts
**Do:**
* Use your real name and photo (where possible).
* Keep your bio professional but approachable.
* Follow our username guidelines.
**Don’t:**
* Share false or misleading information.
* Use obscene or offensive content.
* Impersonate another person or brand.
### Disclaimer
desifounder provides the platform to create and showcase profiles but does **not** verify or guarantee the accuracy of user-submitted information. By creating a profile, you agree that:
* You are solely responsible for the content you upload (photo, bio, username, etc.).
* desifounder may suspend or remove your profile if it violates our policies.
* desifounder is **not liable** for any damages, losses, or disputes arising from misleading, false, or inappropriate profile content provided by users.
For full details, please refer to our \[[Terms & Conditions](https://help.desifounder.com/legal/terms-and-conditions)].
# Projects Display on Your Profile
Source: https://help.desifounder.com/individual/desifounder-profile/projects
Your profile showcases the projects you’ve created in Spotlight. This makes it easy for other community members, investors, and collaborators to discover your work in one place.
### 1. Where to Find Projects
* [Spotlight](https://desifounder.com/spotlight) Projects are displayed in the **Projects section** of your profile.
* Direct link to your projects:\
`https://desifounder.com/u/[your-username]/projects`
Example: If your username is `desifounder`, your projects will be listed at:\
`https://desifounder.com/u/desifounder/projects`
### 2. How Projects Appear
* Each project you create in [**Spotlight**](https://desifounder.com/spotlight) will automatically show up on your profile.
* Projects display:
* **Title**
* **Short description**
* **Project banner/cover image**
* **Link to full project page**
### 3. Managing Your Projects
* To **create** a new project, you can click [here](https://desifounder.com/spotlight/submit) and fill out the form, or go to the Spotlight section and click on the `+ Feature` button.
* You can **remove a project** by going to your profile's Projects section, and then click on an individual project you want to remove, then click on the hamburger menu to delete it.
### Do’s & Don’ts
**Do:**
* Keep your project information clear and professional.
* Use original content, images, and descriptions.
* Update your projects regularly to reflect progress.
**Don’t:**
* Post false or misleading project details.
* Upload copyrighted materials without permission.
* Share sensitive or confidential information you don’t want public.
### Disclaimer
* desifounder only provides a platform to **display your projects**.
* We **do not verify, endorse, or guarantee** the accuracy, ownership, or outcomes of any project.
* You are fully responsible for the content, legality, and accuracy of your project details.
* desifounder is **not liable** for any disputes, losses, or damages arising from the information or materials you include in your projects.
For more details on creating projects, see: \[[How to launch a project on Spotlight](https://help.desifounder.com/individual/spotlight/how-to-launch-a-project-on-spotlight)].
# Profile - FAQs
Source: https://help.desifounder.com/individual/profile-frequently-asked-questions
Here are answers to the most common questions about your desifounder profile.
### 1. Why is my account suspended?
Your account may be suspended if you:
* Violated our \[[Code of Conduct](https://help.desifounder.com/legal/code-of-conduct)] or \[[Content Policies](https://help.desifounder.com/legal/content-policies)].
* Used false or misleading information.
* Uploaded offensive, obscene, or copyrighted material without permission.
* Attempted impersonation or fraudulent activity.
*Suspension is applied to keep the community safe and professional.*
### 2. How to recover a suspended account?
If you believe your account was suspended in error:
1. Contact us at [**contact@desifounder.com**](mailto:contact@desifounder.com)
2. Provide your registered email and a short explanation.
3. Our team will review your case and notify you of the outcome.
*Not all suspensions are reversible — repeat or severe violations may lead to permanent account closure.*
### 3. How to delete my account?
You can request account deletion by:
1. Going to **Settings → Account Settings → Delete Account**.
2. Confirming your request.
3. Once deleted, your data, projects, and community posts are **permanently removed** and cannot be restored.
### 4. How to verify my email for the account?
* After signup or changing your email, you’ll receive a **verification link** in your inbox.
* Click the link to confirm your email.
* If you don’t see it, check your **spam/junk folder** or request a new link under **Settings → Account Settings → Verify Email**.
### 5. Can I change my username?
No. Usernames are set during signup and **cannot be changed**. If you need a different username, you will need to create a new account.
### 6. Who can see my phone number, gender, or date of birth?
These details are **private** and are not displayed on your public profile. They are stored only for account management and personalization.
### 7. My profile picture/banner was removed — why?
Profile media may be removed if it:
* Contains offensive, obscene, or misleading content.
* Violates copyright or intellectual property rights.
*Use a clear, professional image for best results.*
### Disclaimer
* desifounder may suspend, restrict, or delete accounts at its discretion for violations of its policies.
* Account recovery is not guaranteed and depends on the severity of the violation.
* Users are solely responsible for keeping their email, password, and other details accurate and secure.
* desifounder is not liable for any data loss, access issues, or consequences resulting from account deletion, suspension, or failed verification.
# desifounder Referral Program - Terms and Conditions
Source: https://help.desifounder.com/individual/referral-program-terms-and-conditions
[TBA]
# Account Settings
Source: https://help.desifounder.com/individual/settings/account
[TBA]
# Notifications Settings
Source: https://help.desifounder.com/individual/settings/notifications
[TBA]
# Profile Settings
Source: https://help.desifounder.com/individual/settings/profile
Your Profile Settings allow you to update personal details, change visibility preferences, and keep your profile accurate and professional.
### 1. How to Access Profile Settings
1. Log in to your [**desifounder**](https://desifounder.com/login) account.
2. Click on your **profile picture** (top-right corner).
3. Select **Account Settings** → Profile
### 2. What You Can Edit
You can update the following information in your Profile Settings:
* **Profile Picture** → Upload or change your photo anytime (clear, professional photos recommended). You can also generate a random avatar from our database.
* **Profile Banner** → Change your banner image (suggested size: **1500 x 500 px**).
* **First & Last Name** → Update your display name.
* **Username** → Chosen at signup and **cannot be changed**.
* **Email Address** → Update your email; verification is required via a link sent to your inbox.
* **Password** → Change your password; you’ll receive a reset link via email.
* **Phone Number (Private)** → Stored privately, not displayed publicly.
* **Date of Birth (Private)** → For account record purposes only, not visible publicly.
* **Gender (Private)** → For personalization only, not displayed publicly.
* **Website** → Add or update your personal or company website.
* **Location** → Add or update your city/country.
* **Industry** → Specify your industry for networking purposes.
* **Bio** → Write a short introduction about yourself.
### 3. Social Links (Account Settings)
In the ****Socials section ofAccount Settings**** , you can:
* Add, update, or delete social media links.
* Do this by clicking the **social icon** and pasting the relevant link (e.g., LinkedIn, Twitter/X, Instagram).
### 4. Saving Changes
Once you’re done updating your details, scroll down and click **Update Profile** to save changes.
### Do’s & Don’ts
**Do:**
* Keep your information accurate and professional.
* Verify your email to secure your account, and to recover lost password.
* Use a banner and profile picture that reflect your personal brand.
**Don’t:**
* Enter false or misleading details.
* Share sensitive or confidential data in fields that are public.
* Upload obscene or offensive content.
### Disclaimer
* desifounder provides tools for updating your profile but does **not verify or endorse** the accuracy of your information.
* Some information (DOB, gender, phone) remains private, but you are still responsible for its accuracy.
* You are solely responsible for the content you provide in your profile.
* desifounder is **not liable** for any disputes, damages, or consequences resulting from incorrect, misleading, or offensive information.
* Profiles found in violation of our \[[Code of Conduct](https://help.desifounder.com/legal/code-of-conduct)] may be suspended or removed.
# Free Launches
Source: https://help.desifounder.com/individual/spotlight/free-launches
A Free Launch lets you showcase your project on desifounder Spotlight without paying for a promotional placement.
*Effective Date: October 05, 2026 • Last Updated: October 05, 2026*
It is designed for founders, creators, and builders who want to introduce their project to the desifounder community, discover other projects, and participate in the community before launching their own.
## What is included?
A Free Launch includes:
* A dedicated project listing on Spotlight.
* Visibility on the Spotlight feed during the applicable launch period.
* A no-follow link to your project or website.
* A "Featured on desifounder" embedded code badge for your website or project.
* An opportunity to be discovered and engaged with by the desifounder community.
* A chance to be among the Top 3 launches of the week, which receive a do-follow link.
## Community Participation Requirement
Before you can publish a Free Launch, you must participate in the Spotlight community by liking and commenting on at least 5 other Spotlight projects.
This requirement helps keep Spotlight community-driven and encourages creators to discover, support, and engage with other projects rather than using Spotlight only for self-promotion.
Comments should be relevant and meaningful. Desifounder may disregard activity that appears to be spam, automated, repetitive, or created solely to meet the participation requirement.
Once you have completed the required participation, you can proceed with your Free Launch submission.
## Badge Verification is Required
A **"Featured on desifounder"** badge must be added to your project website or other applicable project destination as part of the Free Launch requirements.
The badge includes an embedded link to your Spotlight project.
The provided embed code must be used without modification so that the badge and link can be properly verified.
Badge verification is mandatory for a Free Launch. Your launch will not be eligible for publication until the required badge has been successfully verified.
## How to Launch for Free
1. **Participate in the community**: Like and meaningfully comment on at least 5 other Spotlight projects.
2. **Submit your project**: Complete the required project information and upload the required materials.
3. **Add the badge**: Place the "Featured on desifounder" badge on your website using the provided embed code.
4. **Complete verification**: Ensure the badge can be verified before your launch is scheduled.
5. **Select Free Launch**: Choose the Free Launch option during submission.
6. **Submit for review**: Review your information and submit your project.
7. **Wait for the weekly launch**: Approved Free Launches go live on the next applicable Monday.
## When Do Free Launches Go Live?
Free Launches are published on Mondays at 00:00 IST (Indian Standard Time).
Your project must be submitted, approved, and have its badge successfully verified before the applicable launch time.
If your submission is not ready or approved before the weekly launch deadline, it may be moved to the following week's launch.
Desifounder may adjust the launch schedule when necessary and will communicate significant changes where applicable.
## Links & Top 3 Recognition
Every Free Launch receives a no-follow link to the project or website.
At the end of each weekly launch cycle, the Top 3 entries of the week may receive a do-follow link as additional recognition.
The criteria and method used to determine the Top 3 may be based on factors such as community engagement, participation, and other relevant signals determined by desifounder.
*Being in the Top 3 does not guarantee any particular business or commercial outcome.*
## Free Launch Availability
To maintain a balanced and sustainable Spotlight feed, the number of Free Launches may be limited.
Desifounder may set or change the number of Free Launch slots available based on platform capacity, demand, or other operational considerations.
The availability shown during the submission process will apply at the time you submit your project.
## Free Launch vs. Promoted Launch
A Free Launch provides a standard way to showcase your project on Spotlight.
If you want additional visibility, priority placement, or other promotional benefits, you may choose an available Promoted Launch option.
Promoted Launches are paid services and have different benefits, pricing, and publication arrangements.
*See [Promoted Launches](prom) for current options and pricing.*
## What a Free Launch does not guarantee
A Free Launch does not guarantee:
* A specific number of views or impressions.
* Clicks or website visits.
* Likes, comments, or other engagement.
* A position among the Top 3 launches.
* Customers, users, leads, or sales.
* Funding or investment.
* Partnerships or collaborations.
* Any specific business or commercial outcome.
The visibility and engagement of a project may vary depending on community activity, the quality of the submission, timing, and other factors.
## Important
All Free Launches must follow the [**Spotlight Rules & Guidelines**](/individual/spotlight/rules-guidelines).
Desifounder reserves the right to review, reject, delay, remove, or restrict any project or account that does not comply with our policies or applicable laws.
A project being published on Spotlight does not mean that desifounder endorses, verifies, certifies, or guarantees the project, its creators, products, services, or claims.
Creators are responsible for the information and materials they submit and for ensuring that they have the necessary rights to use them.
For more information, see:
* [**What is Spotlight by desifounder?**](/individual/spotlight/introduction)
* [**How do I launch a project on Spotlight?**](/individual/spotlight/how-to-launch-a-project-on-spotlight)
* [**Spotlight Rules & Guidelines**](/individual/spotlight/rules-guidelines)
* [**Spotlight Promoted Launches**](/individual/spotlight/promoted-launches)
* [**Spotlight FAQs**](/individual/spotlight/frequently-asked-questions)
# Spotlight - FAQs
Source: https://help.desifounder.com/individual/spotlight/frequently-asked-questions
Frequently asked questions about the Spotlight Launchpad on desifounder.
*Effective Date: January 01, 2025 • Last Updated: October 05, 2026*
## **1. What is Spotlight?**
[Spotlight](https://desifounder.com/spotlight/?ref=help) is desifounder’s launch platform where founders, startups, and creators can showcase their products, get discovered by the community, and receive feedback and support.
Projects can be submitted for [free](/individual/spotlight/free-launches) or launched through one of our [paid options](/individual/spotlight/promoted-launches) for instant publishing and additional visibility.
## **2. Who can launch on Spotlight?**
Anyone with a genuine startup, product, digital product, app, tool, service, or project can submit to Spotlight.
You can launch your own project or a project you are part of, as long as it meets our submission guidelines.
## **3. Is it free to launch on Spotlight?**
Yes. You can submit and launch your project on Spotlight for free.
Free launches:
* Go live on Monday as part of the weekly Spotlight.
* Include a nofollow link to your project.
* Require the Featured on desifounder badge to be added to your website.
* Require you to like and comment on 5 different live projects before submitting your own.
The top 3 free launches of each week receive a dofollow link.
If you want to launch instantly or receive additional promotional visibility, you can choose one of our paid launch options.
## **4. What do I need to do before submitting a free launch?**
Before submitting a free launch, you need to contribute to the Spotlight community.
You must:
* Like 5 different live projects.
* Leave a helpful comment on 5 different live projects.
* Complete both requirements before submitting your own project.
* Add a “Featured on desifounder” badge to your website by embedding the code.
These requirements reset weekly based on when you last completed them. For example, if you complete your 5 likes and 5 comments on a Friday, your progress will reset the following Friday, and you'll need to complete the requirements again before your next free launch.
Comments should be genuine, thoughtful, and relevant to the project. Generic comments such as "Nice!" or "Looks cool!" may not count.
This helps make Spotlight a community where founders support other founders rather than simply promoting their own projects.
## **5. What is the "Featured on desifounder" badge?**
Free launches require the **Featured on desifounder** badge to be displayed on the project's website.
After submitting your project, you'll receive an embed code containing the badge image and a dofollow link to desifounder.
Simply add the provided code to your website. We'll verify the badge before approving your free launch.
The badge is not required for any paid launch option.
## **6. When can I launch on Spotlight?**
Free launches are scheduled to go live on Monday (00:00 IST) as part of the weekly Spotlight.
Paid launches can go live instantly on any day of the week.
Paid launches that go live during an ongoing Spotlight week are included in that week's Spotlight while also receiving the promotional benefits included with the selected plan.
## **7. What paid launch options are available?**
We currently offer four paid launch options:
**\$29: Instant Launch**
* Instant launch
* Permanent dofollow link
* 7 days pinned in the Promo section
* No badge required
**\$99: Featured Launch**
* Instant launch
* Permanent dofollow link
* 30 days pinned in the Promo section
* No badge required
**\$129: Bulk Launch**
* Unlimited launches for 30 days
* Launches go live on Mondays
* Nofollow links
* No badge required
**\$149: Featured Launch + SEO**
* Instant launch
* Permanent dofollow link
* 30 days pinned in the Promo section
* 1 dedicated SEO article delivered within 7 days
* No badge required
*All paid options are one-time purchases.*
## **8. Are Spotlight's paid options subscriptions?**
No.
All Spotlight paid options are one-time purchases and do not automatically renew.
Once the applicable promotional or launch period expires, you can purchase another option whenever you need it.
Your published Spotlight project remains available as a permanent listing, subject to our policies.
## **9. What is the \$29 Instant Launch?**
The \$29 Instant Launch lets you publish your project immediately instead of waiting for the next Monday launch.
It includes:
* Instant publishing
* Permanent dofollow link
* 7 days of pinned placement in the Promo section
* No Featured on desifounder badge required
The payment is a one-time purchase.
After the 7-day promotional period ends, your project remains as a permanent Spotlight listing.
## **10. What is the \$99 Featured Launch?**
The \$99 Featured Launch gives your project extended promotional visibility.
It includes:
* Instant publishing
* Permanent dofollow link
* 30 days of pinned placement in the Promo section
* No Featured on desifounder badge required
The payment is a one-time purchase.
After the 30-day promotional period ends, your project remains as a permanent Spotlight listing.
## **11. What is the \$129 Bulk Launch?**
The \$129 Bulk Launch is designed for founders, teams, and companies that want to launch multiple projects.
With one payment, you get:
* Unlimited launches for 30 days
* Submit as many projects as you like during the 30-day period
* Each launch goes live on the next available Monday
* Nofollow links
* No Featured on desifounder badge required
The Bulk Launch option is a one-time 30-day purchase and does not automatically renew.
## **12. What is the \$149 Featured Launch + SEO option?**
The \$149 Featured Launch + SEO option combines promotional visibility with additional content.
It includes:
* Instant publishing
* Permanent dofollow link
* 30 days of pinned placement in the Promo section
* 1 dedicated SEO article delivered within 7 days of your launch
* No Featured on desifounder badge required
The SEO article is intended to provide additional exposure for your project and is delivered within 7 days.
The payment is a one-time purchase.
## **13. How does the weekly Spotlight work?**
Spotlight follows a Monday–Sunday weekly cycle.
Free launches are scheduled to go live on Monday (00:00 IST) and participate in that week's Spotlight.
Paid launches can go live instantly at any time during the week. Once launched, they are also included in the current week's Spotlight and remain available as a permanent listing.
At the end of each week, the weekly Spotlight rankings are finalized and a new Spotlight week begins.
## **14. How are the top 3 free launches selected?**
Free launches participate in the weekly Spotlight and compete based on community engagement and voting.
At the end of each Spotlight week, the top 3 free launches receive a dofollow link.
Other free launches retain their standard nofollow link.
Paid launches already receive a dofollow link as part of their applicable paid plan.
## **15. How long will my project stay on Spotlight?**
Your approved project becomes a permanent Spotlight listing.
The promotional period included with a paid launch only determines how long your project receives additional promotional placement.
For example:
* \$29 → 7 days of Promo placement
* \$99 → 30 days of Promo placement
* \$149 → 30 days of Promo placement + SEO article
* \$129 → 30 days of bulk-launch access
Once the applicable period ends, your project does not disappear from Spotlight.
## **16. What happens when my paid promotional period ends?**
Your project remains live as a permanent Spotlight listing.
Only the promotional benefits associated with your purchase expire.
For example, after your 7-day Promo placement under the \$29 option ends, your project will remain available on Spotlight but will no longer be pinned in the Promo section.
You can purchase another promotional option if you want additional visibility.
## **17. How does the approval process work?**
After submitting your project, our team will review it to make sure it meets our submission guidelines.
For free launches, we'll also verify that:
* You've completed the required community participation.
* The Featured on desifounder badge has been correctly added to your website.
Once your project is approved, you'll receive a confirmation email with your launch details.
Paid launches may be published instantly after payment and submission requirements are completed, subject to our submission guidelines and moderation.
## **18. Can I edit my submission after applying?**
You may be able to update certain details before your project goes live.
Once a project has been published, changes may require review to ensure the information remains accurate and appropriate for Spotlight.
## **19. Will I be notified when my project is approved?**
Yes.
Once your project has been approved, we'll send you a confirmation email with the relevant launch details.
For free launches, the email will also confirm when your project is scheduled to go live.
## **20. Can I launch more than one project?**
Yes.
You can submit multiple projects, provided each project meets our submission requirements.
If you're planning to launch several projects within a short period, the \$129 Bulk Launch option allows you to submit unlimited projects for 30 days, with launches going live on Mondays.
## **21. Can I launch instantly without adding the desifounder badge?**
Yes.
The Featured on desifounder badge is required only for free launches.
*The \$29, \$99, \$129, and \$149 paid options do not require the badge.*
## **22. What kind of startups or projects are allowed on Spotlight?**
Spotlight is primarily for startups, products, apps, SaaS, digital products, tools, services, and other projects built by founders and creators.
Projects should provide genuine value and have enough information for the community to understand what you're building.
We may reject or remove submissions that are misleading, spammy, fraudulent, inappropriate, or otherwise don't fit the purpose of Spotlight.
# How do I launch a project on desifounder's Spotlight?
Source: https://help.desifounder.com/individual/spotlight/how-to-launch-a-project-on-spotlight
Launching your project on Spotlight is simple and straightforward.
*Effective Date: January 01, 2025 • Last Updated: October 05, 2026*
Launching your project on Spotlight is simple. You can submit your project as a [**Free Launch**](/individual/spotlight/free-launches) or choose a [**Promoted Launch**](/individual/spotlight/promoted-launches) if you want additional visibility and promotional benefits.
Follow these steps to get started:
## 1. Go to the Submission Page
Visit the [**Spotlight Submission Page**](https://desifounder.com/create/project) to start your project submission.
## 2. Add Your Project Details
Provide the required information about your project, including:
* **Project Name**: The name of your product, project, startup, or company.
* **One-liner**: A short statement that explains what your project does.
* **Description**: Tell the community what you are building, the problem it solves, and who it is for.
* **Category**: Select the category that best represents your project.
* **Project Link**: Add your official website or product link.
*Make sure the information you provide is accurate and clearly represents your project.*
## 3. Add Your Project Visuals
Add the required images or other visual materials for your project.
We recommend using clear, high-quality visuals that help visitors quickly understand what you are building.
Only upload images, logos, videos, or other materials that you own or have permission to use.
## 4. Select Your Launch Option
Depending on the available options, you can choose between:
**Free Launch**: Submit your project without purchasing a promotional placement, subject to the applicable limits and availability. Launches go live every Monday at 00:00 IST.
**Promoted Launch**: Choose a paid promotional option if you want an instant launch and additional visibility plus benefits. The available options and pricing are shown during the submission process.
*You can review the details of each option before completing your submission.*
## 5. Review Your Submission
Before submitting, check that:
* Your project information is accurate.
* Your links work correctly.
* Your images and other materials are suitable for publication.
* Your project follows the [**Spotlight Rules & Guidelines**](/individual/spotlight/rules-guidelines).
* You have the necessary rights to all content included in your submission.
## 6. Submit Your Project
Once everything is ready, click *Submit* to send your project to Spotlight.
All submissions may be reviewed by desifounder before publication. We reserve the right to approve, reject, request changes to, or remove a submission in accordance with our policies.
## 7. Your Project Goes Live
Once approved, your project will be published on Spotlight according to the launch option you selected.
Free and Promoted Launches may have different publication timing, visibility, placement, and promotional benefits. Please refer to the relevant Spotlight pages for details.
### A few tips before launching
* Keep your one-liner short and easy to understand.
* Clearly explain what makes your project useful or different.
* Use high-quality project visuals.
* Make sure your website or product link is working.
* Avoid exaggerated or misleading claims.
* Choose the most relevant category for your project.
For more information, see:
* [**Spotlight Introduction**](/individual/spotlight/introduction)
* [**Spotlight Free Launch**](/individual/spotlight/free-launches)
* [**Spotlight Promoted Launches**](/individual/spotlight/promoted-launches)
* [**Spotlight Rules & Guidelines**](/individual/spotlight/rules-guidelines)
* [**Spotlight FAQs**](/individual/spotlight/frequently-asked-questions)
# What is Spotlight by desifounder?
Source: https://help.desifounder.com/individual/spotlight/introduction
Spotlight is a launchpad for featuring your projects/products.
*Effective Date: January 01, 2025 • Last Updated: October 05, 2026*
## What is Spotlight by desifounder?
[**Spotlight**](https://desifounder.com/spotlight/?ref=help) is desifounder’s launchpad for showcasing projects, products, and ideas created by founders, creators, and builders.
It gives you a dedicated space to share what you’re building, introduce your product to the desifounder community, and get your project discovered by potential users, customers, collaborators, and other members of the startup ecosystem.
## What can you do on Spotlight?
With Spotlight, you can:
* Launch your product, startup, or project.
* Share what you’re building with the community.
* Get feedback and early reactions from other members.
* Increase visibility and awareness for your project.
* Discover and connect with other founders and creators.
## Why launch on Spotlight?
Spotlight provides an opportunity to showcase your work while being part of a community of founders, creators, and builders.
By launching your project, you can:
* **Get discovered**: Put your project in front of the desifounder community.
* **Build awareness**: Create visibility for your product or project.
* **Get feedback**: Learn what others think about what you’re building.
* **Create connections**: Potentially connect with users, customers, collaborators, or other founders.
* **Gain recognition**: Eligible projects may receive additional exposure or recognition through desifounder.
## Free and Promoted Launches
Spotlight offers both [**Free Launches**](/individual/spotlight/free-launches) and [**Promoted Launches**](/individual/spotlight/promoted-launches).
Free Launches allow eligible projects to be submitted to Spotlight without purchasing a promotional placement. Free launches are subject to the applicable submission requirements and availability.
Promoted Launches are paid promotional options that provide additional visibility and promotional benefits. The available options, pricing, and included benefits are described on the Promoted Launches page.
*Purchasing a Promoted Launch does not guarantee approval, engagement, clicks, signups, sales, funding, partnerships, or any other specific outcome.*
## Recognition
desifounder may provide additional recognition or exposure to selected Spotlight projects through channels such as our newsletter, dedicated blogs, social media, or other community channels.
Where applicable, selected projects may also receive a special Promoted badge.
Recognition or featuring by desifounder does not constitute an endorsement, certification, investment recommendation, or guarantee of the project's quality or success.
## Important
Spotlight is a platform for discovering and showcasing projects. desifounder does not independently verify or guarantee the accuracy, quality, legality, performance, or claims made by every project featured on Spotlight.
Creators are responsible for the information and materials they submit, including ensuring that they have the necessary rights to use their content.
Users should conduct their own research before making any purchase, investment, partnership, or other decision based on information found through Spotlight.
For more information, see:
* [**How to Launch a Project on Spotlight**](/individual/spotlight/how-to-launch-a-project-on-spotlight)
* [**Spotlight Rules & Guidelines**](/individual/spotlight/rules-guidelines)
* [**Spotlight Free Launch**](/individual/spotlight/free-launches)
* [**Spotlight Promoted Launches**](/individual/spotlight/promoted-launches)
* [**Spotlight FAQs**](/individual/spotlight/frequently-asked-questions)
# Promoted Launches
Source: https://help.desifounder.com/individual/spotlight/promoted-launches
Promoted Launches are paid Spotlight options for founders, creators, and businesses that want additional visibility and promotional exposure for their projects.
*Effective Date: October 05, 2026 • Last Updated: October 05, 2026*
Unlike [Free Launches](/individual/spotlight/free-launches), Promoted Launches do not require the **"Featured on desifounder"** badge or the requirement to like and comment on 5 other projects.
All Promoted Launch options are one-time purchases. There are no monthly or recurring subscriptions.
## Available Promoted Launch Options
### \$29 Instant Launch
A simple option for getting your project live immediately with extended promotional visibility.
Includes:
* Instant launch
* Permanent do-follow link
* 7 days pinned in the Promo section
* No badge required
* No mandatory requirement to like and comment on other projects, though it is recommended
*This option is suitable for projects that want immediate visibility and a permanent do-follow link without a longer promotional period.*
### \$99 Featured Launch (Recommended)
A longer promotional placement for projects looking for extended visibility.
Includes:
* Instant launch
* Permanent do-follow link
* 30 days pinned in the Promo section
* No badge required
* No mandatory requirement to like and comment on other projects, though it is recommended
*This option gives your project a longer presence in the dedicated Promo section.*
### \$129 Bulk Launch
Designed for creators or businesses that expect to launch multiple projects over a period of time.
Includes:
* Unlimited launches for 30 days
* Launches go live on Mondays
* No-follow links
* No badge required
* No mandatory requirement to like and comment on other projects, though it is recommended
*The 30-day period begins from the date of purchase. All launches under this option are subject to Spotlight's submission and content guidelines.*
### \$149 Featured Launch + SEO (Best Value)
Our most comprehensive promotional option, combining extended Spotlight visibility with an additional SEO article.
Includes:
* Instant launch
* Permanent do-follow link
* 30 days pinned in the Promo section
* 1 dedicated SEO article delivered within 7 days
* No badge required
* No mandatory requirement to like and comment on other projects, though it is recommended
*The dedicated SEO article is created based on the information and materials provided by the project owner and is intended to provide additional editorial and search visibility.*
## Promoted Launches vs. Free Launches
| | Free Launch | Promoted Launch |
| :- | :- | :- |
| Cost | Free | Paid |
| 5 project interactions | Required | Not required |
| Badge verification | Required | Not required |
| Launch schedule | Monday, 00:00 IST | Instant |
| Link | No-follow | Do-follow or no-follow, depending on option |
| Promo section | Not included | Included with applicable plans |
| Permanent do-follow link | Top 3 weekly launches | Included with applicable plans |
| SEO article | Not included | Included with \$149 option |
| Payment | Free | One-time purchase |
## Do I Need to Add the desifounder Badge?
No.
The Featured on desifounder badge is mandatory for [Free Launches](/individual/spotlight/free-launches), but it is not required for Promoted Launches.
You can purchase and use a Promoted Launch without adding the badge to your website.
## What Does "Permanent Do-Follow Link" Mean?
Where a plan includes a permanent do-follow link, the project receives a do-follow link from its Spotlight listing to the destination URL provided by the project owner.
The link is intended to remain available as long as the applicable project listing remains on desifounder and is not removed under our policies or otherwise becomes unavailable.
*Desifounder does not guarantee any particular search engine ranking, traffic, domain authority, SEO performance, or other search-related outcome from a do-follow link.*
## What Does "Pinned in the Promo Section" Mean?
Projects included in a Promoted Launch plan may be displayed in the dedicated Promo section for the duration specified by the selected plan.
* **\$29 Instant Launch:** 7 days
* **\$99 Featured Launch:** 30 days
* **\$149 Featured Launch + SEO:** 30 days
*The promotional period does not automatically renew.*
## How Does Bulk Launch Work?
The \$129 Bulk Launch option allows unlimited project launches for 30 days.
Projects submitted under Bulk Launch are published on the applicable Monday launch cycle rather than being launched instantly.
Bulk Launch does not require a verified badge or mandatory liking and commenting weekly on 5 separate projects, thus making the submission time and process faster. This option is more applicable to creators or directories who do multiple-launches per week on behalf of the founders or products.
Each project must still comply with the [Spotlight Rules & Guidelines](/individual/spotlight/rules-guidelines) and may be reviewed before publication.
*The Bulk Launch option does not include do-follow links. Links associated with these launches are no-follow (unless they get to Top 3 of the week; then they get a do-follow link).*
## SEO Article - \$149 Plan
The Featured Launch + SEO plan includes one dedicated SEO article.
The article will be delivered within 7 days of the applicable launch, subject to receiving the required information and materials from the project owner. Details can be mailed at the below email:
* [contact@desifounder.com](mailto:contact@desifounder.com)
The article is intended to provide additional exposure and editorial coverage.
While we aim to create useful and search-friendly content, we do not guarantee:
* Search engine rankings.
* Search traffic.
* Backlinks from third-party websites.
* Leads or conversions.
* Sales or revenue.
* Any specific SEO outcome.
## No Guaranteed Results
A Promoted Launch provides the promotional benefits stated in the selected plan. It does not guarantee any particular business or commercial outcome.
Desifounder does not guarantee:
* A specific number of impressions or views.
* Clicks or website visits.
* Likes, comments, votes, or engagement.
* Customers, users, leads, or signups.
* Sales or revenue.
* Funding or investment.
* Partnerships or collaborations.
* Search engine rankings or SEO performance.
* Any other specific business outcome.
*Advertising and promotional performance may vary based on the project, audience, timing, market conditions, community activity, and other factors outside our control.*
## Approval & Review
Payment does not guarantee publication.
All Promoted Launches remain subject to review and must comply with:
* [Spotlight Rules & Guidelines](/individual/spotlight/rules-guidelines)
* [Content Policies](/legal/content-policies)
* [Advertising & Sponsorship Policy](/legal/advertising-and-sponsorship-policy)
* Applicable laws and regulations
Desifounder may reject a submission that violates our policies or presents legal, security, reputational, or other concerns.
If a paid submission is rejected before publication, it may be eligible for a refund in accordance with our [**Refund & Cancellation Policy**](/legal/refund-and-cancellation-policy).
## One-Time Purchase
All Promoted Launch options are one-time purchases.
There are no automatic renewals or recurring charges.
Once the applicable promotional period ends, the promotional benefits associated with that purchase expire. If you want to continue promotional placement, you may purchase another available option.
### Important
Purchasing a Promoted Launch does not constitute an endorsement, verification, certification, investment recommendation, or guarantee by desifounder.
Project owners are responsible for the accuracy, legality, and ownership of the information and materials submitted.
Desifounder reserves the right to remove a project or promotional placement if it subsequently determines that the project or its content violates our policies or applicable laws.
For more information, see:
* [**What is Spotlight by desifounder?**](/individual/spotlight/introduction)
* [**Free Launches**](/individual/spotlight/free-launches)
* [**How do I launch a project on Spotlight?**](/individual/spotlight/how-to-launch-a-project-on-spotlight)
* [**Spotlight Rules & Guidelines**](/individual/spotlight/rules-guidelines)
* [**Spotlight FAQs**](/individual/spotlight/frequently-asked-questions)
* [**Refund & Cancellation Policy**](/legal/refund-and-cancellation-policy)
* [**Advertising & Sponsorship Policy**](/legal/advertising-and-sponsorship-policy)
# Spotlight - Rules & Guidelines
Source: https://help.desifounder.com/individual/spotlight/rules-guidelines
Spotlight is designed to help founders, creators, and builders showcase their projects in a useful and trustworthy environment.
*Effective Date: January 01, 2025 • Last Updated: October 05, 2026*
These rules apply to all Spotlight submissions, including **[Free Launches](/individual/spotlight/free-launches)** and [**Promoted Launches**](/individual/spotlight/promoted-launches).
Before submitting a project, please make sure your submission follows the guidelines below.
## 1. Submit a Genuine Project
Your submission should represent a real project, product, startup, service, or other work that you or your team are building or have created.
Do not submit:
* Fake or non-existent projects.
* Projects created solely to mislead or spam users.
* Someone else's project without authorization.
* Duplicate submissions intended to gain additional exposure.
## 2. Provide Accurate Information
All information provided in your submission should be accurate and not intentionally misleading.
This includes:
* Project name and description.
* Product features and capabilities.
* Pricing information.
* User, customer, revenue, funding, or other business claims.
* Links and contact information.
* Images, screenshots, and other project materials.
Do not use fake metrics, fabricated testimonials, misleading claims, or exaggerated statements designed to deceive users.
## 3. Respect Intellectual Property
You must have the necessary rights or permissions to use all content included in your submission.
This includes:
* Logos and brand assets.
* Images and graphics.
* Videos.
* Product screenshots.
* Written content.
* Trademarks.
* Third-party materials.
Submitting content that infringes another person's or organization's intellectual property rights may result in rejection or removal of the project.
## 4. Prohibited Projects and Content
Spotlight cannot be used to promote content, products, or services that are illegal or violate our policies.
This includes, but is not limited to:
* Fraudulent or deceptive schemes.
* Illegal products or services.
* Hate speech or discriminatory content.
* Pornographic or sexually explicit content.
* Threats, harassment, or abusive content.
* Content promoting violence or illegal activities.
* Malware, malicious software, or harmful technology.
* Counterfeit products or services.
* Content that violates privacy or other people's rights.
We may restrict additional categories where necessary to comply with applicable laws or to protect our community.
## 5. No Misleading Promotion
Your project should be presented honestly.
Do not:
* Make guarantees of financial returns or success without a reasonable basis.
* Claim endorsements or partnerships that do not exist.
* Misrepresent your relationship with another company or organization.
* Use misleading before-and-after results or statistics.
* Manipulate information to create a false impression of popularity or success.
## 6. One Project, One Submission
Please avoid submitting the same project repeatedly to gain additional visibility.
If your project has undergone a significant update or has a genuinely new version or launch, you may submit an updated launch where permitted.
*Desifounder may remove duplicate or substantially similar submissions.*
## 7. Promotional Links and External Websites
You may include relevant links to your project, website, app, social profiles, or other destinations where permitted by the submission form.
External websites must not contain illegal, harmful, deceptive, or prohibited content.
Desifounder is not responsible for the content, security, availability, or practices of third-party websites linked from Spotlight.
## 8. Free and Promoted Launches Follow the Same Rules
Choosing a Promoted Launch does not guarantee approval.
Paid submissions are still subject to the same content, legal, and community requirements as Free Launches.
Payment does not give an advertiser or creator the right to publish content that violates our policies.
## 9. Review and Moderation
Desifounder may review Spotlight submissions before or after publication.
We may:
* Approve a submission.
* Reject a submission.
* Request changes before publication.
* Remove or hide a published project.
* Restrict a user's ability to submit projects.
* Suspend or terminate an account for serious or repeated violations.
We may take action when we believe it is necessary to protect users, comply with applicable laws, or maintain the quality and integrity of Spotlight.
## 10. Removal of a Project
A project may be removed if we later discover that it:
* Violates these guidelines or another Desifounder policy.
* Contains false or misleading information.
* Infringes third-party rights.
* Promotes illegal or prohibited activities.
* Creates a significant risk to users or the platform.
Removal may occur even if the project was previously approved or promoted.
## 11. Your Responsibility
You are responsible for everything you submit to Spotlight.
Desifounder does not independently verify every claim, metric, product, business, or service featured on Spotlight.
Before relying on information from a project, users should conduct their own research and due diligence.
Desifounder does not guarantee the accuracy, quality, legality, safety, performance, or commercial success of any project featured on Spotlight.
## 12. Reporting a Project
If you believe a Spotlight project violates these guidelines or applicable laws, please report it to us.
You can contact us at:
* [**contact@desifounder.com**](mailto:contact@desifounder.com)
For legal matters, including intellectual property or other legal complaints:
* [**legal@desifounder.com**](mailto:legal@desifounder.com)
Please provide the project link and a brief explanation of the issue so that we can review it.
### Important
These guidelines may be updated from time to time as Spotlight evolves.
Desifounder reserves the right to interpret and enforce these guidelines at its reasonable discretion and to take appropriate action where necessary.
For paid launches, also see our [**Refund & Cancellation Policy**](/legal/refund-and-cancellation-policy) and [**Advertising & Sponsorship Policy**](/legal/advertising-and-sponsorship-policy).
# Advertising & Sponsorship Policy
Source: https://help.desifounder.com/legal/advertising-and-sponsorship-policy
Detailed Advertising & Sponsorship on desifounder.
*Effective Date: October 01, 2026 • Last updated on October 07, 2026*
This Advertising & Sponsorship Policy explains the rules that apply to advertising, sponsorships, paid placements, featured listings, promotional campaigns, sponsored content, and other paid promotional activities on desifounder (“desifounder”, “we”, “our”, or “us”).
This policy applies to advertising across the Platform, including where applicable:
* Spotlight Promoted Launches;
* featured or promoted listings;
* sponsored placements;
* newsletter placements;
* sponsored articles or content;
* promotional posts;
* social media promotions;
* event or service promotions; and
* other advertising products or formats offered by desifounder.
By purchasing, submitting, or participating in a paid promotional campaign, you agree to this policy, our [Terms & Conditions](/legal/terms-and-conditions), [Content Policies](/legal/content-policies), [Refund & Cancellation Policy](/legal/refund-and-cancellation-policy), and applicable laws.
## 1. Advertising Eligibility
We generally accept advertising that is relevant to the interests of the desifounder community, including:
* startups and entrepreneurship;
* software and technology products;
* business and professional services;
* developer and productivity tools;
* educational products and resources;
* startup events and conferences;
* fundraising and investment-related opportunities;
* marketing, finance, and operational tools;
* products and services for founders and businesses; and
* other legitimate products or services that are reasonably relevant to our audience.
Acceptance of an advertisement is at the discretion of desifounder.
We may reject an advertisement even if it does not fall within a specific prohibited category where we reasonably believe the advertisement could create legal, safety, reputational, community, or user-experience concerns.
## 2. Prohibited Advertisements
We do not accept advertisements that violate applicable law, our policies, or the standards described below.
### a) Illegal Activities
Advertisements must not promote:
* illegal products or services;
* fraudulent schemes;
* counterfeit goods;
* unlawful financial activities;
* unauthorized financial services;
* criminal activity; or
* services intended to facilitate illegal activity.
### b) Fraudulent or Deceptive Advertising
Advertisements must not contain intentionally false, misleading, or deceptive claims.
This includes:
* fake testimonials or reviews;
* fabricated customer numbers;
* fabricated funding or investment claims;
* manipulated statistics presented as genuine;
* fake partnerships;
* misleading pricing;
* false scarcity claims;
* unrealistic guarantees;
* deceptive before-and-after claims;
* misleading claims about product capabilities; or
* claims that materially misrepresent the advertiser, product, service, or opportunity.
Advertisers are responsible for being able to reasonably substantiate material claims made in their advertisements.
### c) Harmful or Abusive Content
Advertisements must not contain:
* hate speech;
* targeted harassment;
* threats;
* encouragement of violence;
* discriminatory abuse;
* sexual exploitation;
* pornography or sexually explicit material; or
* content that promotes serious harm.
### d) Intellectual Property Violations
Advertisements must not use another person's or organization's:
* trademark;
* logo;
* copyrighted material;
* images;
* videos;
* software;
* brand identity; or
* other proprietary material
without appropriate authorization or fair use policy.
*Advertisers are responsible for obtaining all necessary rights and permissions.*
### e) Privacy Violations
Advertisements must not unlawfully collect, use, disclose, or request personal information.
Landing pages and promotional campaigns must comply with applicable privacy and data-protection requirements.
### f) Malware, Phishing, and Security Risks
We do not permit advertisements that lead to or promote:
* malware;
* ransomware;
* phishing pages;
* credential theft;
* malicious downloads;
* harmful scripts;
* deceptive browser extensions;
* malicious software; or
* other significant security threats.
*We may restrict or remove an advertisement if its destination appears unsafe or compromised.*
## 3. Restricted Categories
Certain categories may be rejected or restricted even where the underlying product or service may be lawful.
These may include:
* gambling or betting;
* tobacco and nicotine products;
* recreational drugs;
* weapons and firearms;
* high-risk financial products;
* high-risk cryptocurrency or token projects;
* multi-level marketing schemes;
* get-rich-quick schemes;
* political campaigns or political advertising;
* adult services;
* products or services directed primarily at exploiting vulnerable people; and
* other categories that present significant legal, safety, reputational, or community risks.
The fact that a product or service is legal in a particular jurisdiction does not require desifounder to accept advertising for it.
*We may update or expand restricted categories as the Platform evolves.*
## 4. Financial, Investment, and Funding Advertising
Advertisements relating to investments, fundraising, financial products, lending, trading, cryptocurrency, or similar activities may receive additional scrutiny.
Advertisers are responsible for ensuring that:
* the offering is lawful;
* all required licenses or registrations are in place;
* required disclosures are provided;
* claims about returns or performance are accurate and appropriately qualified;
* risks are not intentionally hidden or understated; and
* the advertisement complies with applicable financial and securities laws.
desifounder does not independently verify every financial or investment claim.
Publication of a financial or funding-related advertisement does not mean that desifounder recommends, endorses, verifies, or guarantees the advertised opportunity.
*Users should conduct their own due diligence before making any financial decision.*
## 5. Spotlight Promoted Launches
Spotlight Promoted Launches are paid promotional services that provide the benefits described for the applicable plan.
Current paid Spotlight options include:
### **\$29 - Instant Launch**
* Instant launch after approval
* Permanent dofollow link
* 7 days pinned in the Promo section
* No badge required
### **\$99 - Featured Launch**
* Instant launch after approval
* Permanent dofollow link
* 30 days pinned in the Promo section
* No badge required
### **\$129 - Bulk Launch**
* Unlimited launches for 30 days
* Launches go live on Mondays
* Nofollow links
* No badge required
### **\$149 - Featured Launch + SEO**
* Instant launch after approval
* Permanent dofollow link
* 30 days pinned in the Promo section
* One dedicated SEO article delivered within 7 days
* No badge required
All paid Spotlight plans are one-time purchases unless otherwise stated.
Promoted Launches remain subject to our [Terms](/legal/terms-and-conditions), [Content Policies](/legal/content-policies), [Spotlight Rules & Guidelines](/individual/spotlight/rules-guidelines), and review process.
*Payment does not guarantee approval or publication.*
## 6. No Endorsement
A paid advertisement, sponsorship, featured listing, Promoted Launch, sponsored article, or other paid placement does not constitute an endorsement by desifounder.
Unless explicitly stated otherwise, desifounder does not represent that:
* the advertiser is trustworthy;
* the advertised product or service is suitable for you;
* the advertiser's claims have been independently verified;
* an investment or funding opportunity is legitimate or suitable; or
* using the advertised product or service will produce a particular result.
*Paid placement means that the advertiser has purchased promotional space or a defined promotional service. It does not mean that desifounder recommends the advertiser.*
## 7. Sponsored Content and Disclosure
Where appropriate, paid or commercially influenced content may be identified using labels such as:
* Sponsored
* Advertisement
* Featured
* Promotional
* Partner Content
* Sponsored Content
The exact label may vary depending on the format and placement.
We may also distinguish paid promotional material from editorial or community content where appropriate.
*Payment for placement does not give an advertiser editorial control over unrelated desifounder content.*
## 8. Advertiser Responsibilities
Advertisers are responsible for:
* the accuracy of their advertisements;
* the products and services they promote;
* all claims and representations they make;
* compliance with applicable laws;
* obtaining required licenses and permissions;
* obtaining necessary intellectual-property rights;
* ensuring that landing pages function properly;
* ensuring that linked destinations are safe;
* complying with applicable privacy requirements; and
* responding to customers or users who engage with the advertised product or service.
*Advertisers must promptly notify us if information in an active campaign becomes materially inaccurate, misleading, unlawful, or unsafe.*
## 9. Landing Pages and External Destinations
Advertised links must lead to the destination represented in the advertisement.
Landing pages must not:
* contain malware or phishing;
* intentionally mislead visitors;
* impersonate another company or service;
* secretly collect information in an unlawful manner;
* redirect users to unrelated destinations;
* contain prohibited content; or
* otherwise create a significant risk to users.
*We may check or review advertised destinations and may remove campaigns where a destination becomes unsafe, unavailable, misleading, or inconsistent with this policy.*
## 10. Review and Approval
Advertising and sponsorships may be reviewed before publication.
We may:
* approve an advertisement;
* reject an advertisement;
* request changes;
* request additional information;
* delay publication;
* limit the placement;
* suspend an active campaign;
* remove an advertisement; or
* restrict an advertiser's access to advertising services.
We may make these decisions based on policy, legal requirements, user safety, Platform quality, technical limitations, inventory, or other legitimate considerations.
*Approval of one advertisement does not guarantee approval of future advertisements from the same advertiser.*
## 11. Removal After Approval
An advertisement may be removed or suspended after publication if:
* it is found to violate this policy;
* information provided by the advertiser is materially inaccurate;
* the advertised product or service becomes unlawful or unsafe;
* the landing page changes materially;
* the advertiser's account is involved in fraud or abuse;
* we receive a valid legal request;
* the advertisement creates a significant risk to users or the Platform; or
* circumstances arise that make continued publication inappropriate.
*Where appropriate, we may contact the advertiser before taking action, but we may act immediately where necessary.*
## 12. Placement and Availability
Advertising placement, position, duration, visibility, and availability may depend on:
* available inventory;
* the purchased plan;
* Platform layout;
* technical limitations;
* maintenance;
* user-experience considerations;
* other active campaigns; and
* changes to the Platform.
We may make reasonable changes to placement or presentation where necessary to operate the Platform.
Where a paid plan promises a specific placement or duration, we will make reasonable efforts to provide that benefit as described at the time of purchase, subject to these policies and circumstances outside our reasonable control.
## 13. No Performance Guarantees
Advertising and promotional services are intended to provide visibility or promotional exposure.
desifounder does not guarantee any particular:
* impressions;
* views;
* clicks;
* visits;
* likes;
* comments;
* followers;
* votes;
* leads;
* signups;
* customers;
* sales;
* revenue;
* investment opportunities;
* partnerships;
* funding;
* search-engine rankings;
* SEO traffic;
* conversions; or
* other business outcomes.
Advertising performance can be affected by audience interest, market conditions, timing, content quality, competition, algorithms, search engines, technical factors, and many other factors outside our control.
*Purchasing a promotional service does not create a guarantee of commercial success.*
## 14. SEO and Search-Engine Results
Where a promotional service includes a dofollow link or an SEO article, these are specific service deliverables and should not be interpreted as a guarantee of search-engine performance.
desifounder does not guarantee:
* indexing by a search engine;
* a particular search ranking;
* keyword rankings;
* organic traffic;
* domain authority;
* backlinks from other websites;
* search visibility; or
* any other SEO result.
*Search engines operate independently of desifounder and may change their algorithms, policies, or treatment of links and content.*
## 15. Pricing and Payment
Advertising and sponsorship products are offered at the prices displayed at the time of purchase.
Unless specifically stated otherwise, paid Spotlight promotional plans are one-time purchases and do not automatically renew.
Future advertising products, prices, packages, and promotional benefits may change.
*The benefits applicable to a particular purchase will generally be those presented at the time the purchase is made.*
## 16. Refunds
Refunds for advertising, sponsorships, Promoted Launches, and other paid promotional services are governed by our [**Refund & Cancellation Policy**](/legal/refund-and-cancellation-policy).
In general:
* paid submissions rejected before publication may qualify for a refund as described in that policy;
* published, activated, or fulfilled promotional services are generally non-refundable;
* dissatisfaction with advertising performance does not by itself create a right to a refund; and
* refunds may be available for verified duplicate charges, payment errors, or other circumstances specifically covered by the Refund & Cancellation Policy.
Please review the [Refund & Cancellation](/legal/refund-and-cancellation-policy) Policy before purchasing.
## 17. Payment Disputes and Chargebacks
If you have a concern regarding an advertising purchase, sponsorship, refund, or paid promotional service, we ask that you contact us before initiating a chargeback, payment dispute, or similar claim with your bank, card issuer, payment provider, or other financial institution.
We will review the issue and, where appropriate, work with you in good faith to try to resolve the matter amicably.
Please contact:
* [**contact@desifounder.com**](mailto:contact@desifounder.com)
with your registered email address, transaction or payment reference, and details of the issue.
*Nothing in this section prevents you from exercising any rights or remedies available to you under applicable law or the rules of your payment provider.*
## 18. Advertiser Indemnification
To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, advertisers agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless desifounder, its founders, team members, affiliates, and service providers from claims, losses, liabilities, damages, costs, and reasonable expenses arising from:
* their advertisements;
* their products or services;
* their User Content;
* inaccurate or misleading claims;
* infringement of third-party rights;
* violation of applicable law; or
* their use of our advertising services.
This does not apply to the extent a claim results from liability that cannot legally be excluded.
## 19. Limitation of Liability
To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, desifounder will not be liable for indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive losses arising from an advertising campaign, sponsorship, promotional placement, or interaction with an advertiser.
This includes losses relating to:
* lost profits;
* lost revenue;
* lost customers;
* lost business opportunities;
* unsuccessful campaigns;
* inaccurate advertiser claims;
* third-party products or services;
* search-engine performance; or
* other expected commercial results.
*Nothing in this policy excludes or limits liability that cannot legally be excluded or limited.*
## 20. Policy Changes
We may update this Advertising & Sponsorship Policy from time to time as our advertising products, Platform, community, or legal requirements change.
When we make changes, we will update the “*Last Updated*” date at the top of this page.
The terms applicable to a particular advertising purchase will generally be those presented at the time of purchase, unless a change is required by law or necessary to address security, legal, or operational concerns.
## 21. Contact Us
For advertising and sponsorship inquiries:
* [**contact@desifounder.com**](mailto:contact@desifounder.com)
For legal, privacy, or formal matters:
* [**legal@desifounder.com**](mailto:legal@desifounder.com)
# Code of Conduct
Source: https://help.desifounder.com/legal/code-of-conduct
Detailed code of conduct of desifounder.
*Effective Date: January 01, 2025 • Last Updated: October 07, 2026*
At [desifounder](https://desifounder.com/?ref=help), we want to build a community where founders, creators, investors, professionals, and builders can connect, share ideas, discover opportunities, and learn from each other.
This Code of Conduct explains the behavior we expect from everyone using desifounder.
It applies across the Platform, including profiles, the Community Feed, Spotlight, Events, Fund, Services, comments, messages, and other user interactions.
By using desifounder, you agree to follow this [Code of Conduct](/legal/code-of-conduct).
## 1. Be Respectful
Treat other people with basic respect, even when you disagree.
* Focus on ideas and opinions rather than attacking people.
* Avoid personal insults, harassment, intimidation, or bullying.
* Do not threaten or encourage violence against another person.
* Do not target people because of their background, identity, beliefs, or other personal characteristics.
* Keep disagreements constructive where possible.
*Strong opinions and criticism are allowed. Personal attacks and abusive behavior are not.*
## 2. Be Honest and Authentic
Use desifounder honestly and represent yourself, your company, and your projects accurately.
Do not:
* impersonate another person, company, or organization;
* create misleading profiles;
* deliberately provide false or fraudulent information;
* misrepresent your role, experience, company, product, funding, or achievements;
* submit projects or opportunities that do not genuinely exist; or
* use another person's identity or intellectual property without authorization.
*You do not necessarily have to disclose every personal detail about yourself, but information you choose to provide should not be intentionally misleading.*
## 3. No Harassment or Abusive Communication
Harassment is not allowed anywhere on desifounder, including public posts, comments, profiles, and private communications.
This includes:
* repeated unwanted contact;
* threatening or intimidating messages;
* sexual harassment;
* unwanted sexual or romantic communication;
* targeted insults or humiliation;
* stalking or persistent unwanted attention;
* encouraging others to harass someone; or
* deliberately trying to make another user feel unsafe.
If someone asks you to stop contacting them, respect that request.
## 4. Keep the Community Professional
desifounder is primarily a platform for entrepreneurship, startups, technology, collaboration, and professional networking.
Do not use the Platform for:
* obscene or sexually explicit content;
* hate speech or discriminatory abuse;
* scams or fraudulent schemes;
* spam or repetitive promotional activity;
* misleading clickbait;
* malicious or deceptive links;
* phishing;
* malware or harmful software;
* illegal activities; or
* content or behavior that creates a significant risk to other users or the Platform.
Not every informal, humorous, controversial, or unpopular post is a violation. Context matters.
## 5. Respect Privacy and Confidential Information
Do not publish another person's private information without an appropriate reason or permission.
This includes information such as:
* private phone numbers;
* personal email addresses;
* home addresses;
* private account information;
* passwords or authentication information;
* financial information;
* private communications; or
* confidential personal or business information.
Do not publish confidential company information, trade secrets, unreleased product information, or other proprietary material that you are not authorized to disclose.
If you receive private information from another user, treat it responsibly.
## 6. Contribute Meaningfully
We encourage users to share ideas, experiences, questions, feedback, opportunities, resources, and useful information.
Please:
* use the appropriate Dock or category when posting;
* keep posts relevant to the discussion;
* avoid unnecessary duplicate posts;
* avoid repetitive or meaningless comments;
* contribute genuine feedback;
* avoid deliberately derailing discussions; and
* respect the purpose of different areas of the Platform.
Low-effort content is not automatically prohibited, but repeated low-quality or disruptive activity may be restricted.
## 7. No Artificial Engagement or Manipulation
Do not attempt to artificially manipulate engagement, visibility, rankings, or other Platform activity.
This includes:
* using bots or automated accounts;
* creating multiple accounts to manipulate activity;
* buying or selling votes, likes, comments, or other engagement;
* coordinating fake engagement;
* posting repetitive comments solely to satisfy participation requirements;
* using automated or deceptive activity to qualify for Spotlight benefits; or
* exploiting bugs or Platform systems to gain an unfair advantage.
This is particularly important for features where community participation or engagement may be used as part of eligibility, discovery, or recognition.
*We may disregard or remove activity that appears artificial, spammy, or manipulative.*
## 8. Intellectual Property
Only upload or share content that you own or have permission to use.
This includes:
* images;
* videos;
* articles;
* software;
* logos;
* trademarks;
* documents; and
* other creative or proprietary material.
Where appropriate, give credit to the original creator or source.
Do not intentionally copy, republish, or present someone else's work as your own. Usage under fair use policy is allowed.
If you believe your intellectual property has been infringed, you can contact us with the relevant details.
## 9. Keep Links and Promotions Safe
Links shared on desifounder should lead to legitimate and reasonably safe destinations.
Do not use the Platform to distribute:
* phishing links;
* malware;
* deceptive downloads;
* fraudulent websites;
* malicious scripts;
* counterfeit products or services; or
* links designed to steal credentials or personal information.
Promotional content is allowed where the relevant Platform feature permits it, but it must not be deceptive, fraudulent, or excessively spammy.
*Paid promotion does not exempt content from this Code or other Platform policies.*
## 10. Reporting a Problem
If you see content or behavior that you believe violates this Code, please report it.
Where available, you can use the **Report** option on the relevant post, profile, or other content.
You can also contact us:
**General reports and support:**
* [contact@desifounder.com](mailto:contact@desifounder.com)
**Legal or privacy-related matters:**
* [legal@desifounder.com](mailto:legal@desifounder.com)
When reporting something, provide enough information for us to understand what happened, including relevant links or screenshots where appropriate.
Please do not use the reporting system to make knowingly false or malicious reports against other users.
## 11. How We Enforce This Code
We review reports and other potential violations based on the circumstances.
Depending on the situation, we may:
* ask a user to change or remove content;
* remove or restrict content;
* limit certain account features;
* issue a warning;
* temporarily suspend an account;
* permanently terminate an account; or
* take other appropriate action.
Serious violations may result in immediate suspension or termination.
Repeated violations may result in stronger enforcement.
We may also take action where behavior does not fit neatly into a specific example in this Code but creates a significant risk of harm, abuse, fraud, or disruption to the Platform.
We may take action without prior notice where reasonably necessary to protect users, the Platform, or comply with legal requirements.
## 12. User Responsibility
You are responsible for your own behavior, communications, and content on desifounder.
desifounder provides the Platform but does not control every interaction between users and does not pre-approve all user-generated content.
We cannot guarantee that every user will follow this Code or that every harmful interaction will be detected before it occurs.
You should use reasonable judgment when communicating with people you meet through the Platform.
Do not share sensitive information, send money, enter into agreements, or rely on claims made by another user without conducting your own due diligence.
## 13. Our Commitment
We want desifounder to remain a place where people can:
* share ideas openly;
* discover new projects;
* find collaborators;
* learn from other founders;
* build professional relationships; and
* participate in meaningful discussions.
We will make reasonable efforts to enforce this Code consistently and to maintain a community that is respectful, useful, and safe.
At the same time, no community can be completely free from disagreement, spam, bad actors, or inappropriate behavior. Our goal is to address problems when they arise and protect the overall quality of the Platform.
## 14. Changes to This Code
We may update this Code of Conduct from time to time as the Platform and community evolve.
When we make changes, we will update the “*Last Updated*” date at the top of this page.
Continued use of desifounder after an updated version becomes effective means you agree to follow the updated Code.
## 15. Related Policies
This Code should be read together with:
* [Terms & Conditions](/legal/terms-and-conditions)
* [Privacy Policy](/legal/privacy-policy)
* [Content Policies](/legal/content-policies)
* [Refund & Cancellation Policy](/legal/refund-and-cancellation-policy)
* [Advertising & Sponsorship Policy](/legal/advertising-and-sponsorship-policy)
These policies may contain additional rules that apply to particular features or activities.
# Content Policies
Source: https://help.desifounder.com/legal/content-policies
Detailed content policies of desifounder.
*Effective Date: January 01, 2025 • Last updated on October 07, 2026*
[desifounder](https://desifounder.com/?ref=help) is built for founders, creators, investors, professionals, and builders to share ideas, discover projects, find opportunities, and connect with each other.
These Content Policies explain what content is allowed, restricted, or prohibited on desifounder.
They apply to content shared across the Platform, including:
* User profiles
* Community Feed posts and comments
* Spotlight projects and launches
* Events
* Fund submissions and information
* Service listings
* Images, videos, links, and other uploaded materials
* Other user-generated content
These policies work together with our [**Terms & Conditions**](/legal/terms-and-conditions) and [**Code of Conduct**](/legal/code-of-conduct).
## 1. General Principles
Content shared on desifounder should:
* be reasonably accurate and not intentionally misleading;
* respect the rights and privacy of others;
* comply with applicable laws;
* not contain harmful or malicious material;
* not infringe intellectual property rights; and
* be appropriate for the feature where it is published.
We understand that founders and communities discuss controversial ideas, failures, criticism, opinions, and difficult topics.
Not all disagreement or unpopular opinions are violations. Context matters.
We may take action when content crosses the boundaries described in these policies or creates a significant risk to users or the Platform.
## 2. Allowed Content
Depending on the relevant feature, you may share:
* startup and business ideas;
* products and projects;
* company announcements;
* product launches;
* founder experiences;
* questions and requests for advice;
* industry news and analysis;
* educational resources;
* hiring and collaboration opportunities;
* funding-related information;
* events;
* professional services;
* constructive criticism and feedback;
* relevant promotional content; and
* lighthearted or humorous content.
Promotional content is allowed where the relevant Platform feature permits it, provided that it is not deceptive, fraudulent, abusive, or excessively repetitive.
## 3. Prohibited Content
The following types of content are not permitted on desifounder.
### a. Illegal or Harmful Content
You may not publish or promote content that:
* facilitates or encourages illegal activity;
* promotes terrorism or violent extremist activity;
* threatens or encourages violence against others;
* promotes self-harm or suicide;
* facilitates exploitation or abuse;
* provides malicious instructions intended to cause serious harm;
* promotes fraud or criminal activity; or
* otherwise creates a serious and reasonably foreseeable risk of harm.
### b. Sexual or Explicit Content
The Platform does not permit:
* pornography;
* sexually explicit material;
* sexual exploitation;
* sexual services or solicitation;
* sexual content involving minors; or
* content that sexualizes minors.
*Non-explicit discussion of topics such as health, relationships, education, or other legitimate subjects may be allowed where appropriate.*
### c. Hate and Discriminatory Content
Content that attacks, dehumanizes, or promotes discrimination against people based on protected or personal characteristics is not allowed.
This includes:
* slurs used abusively;
* calls for exclusion or violence;
* dehumanizing descriptions;
* threats against protected groups; and
* content promoting hatred or discrimination.
*Criticism of ideas, organizations, policies, or public figures is not automatically prohibited.*
### d. Harassment, Threats, and Abuse
Content that targets another person with harassment, threats, intimidation, or sustained abuse is not allowed.
This includes:
* credible threats;
* targeted harassment;
* stalking;
* repeated unwanted contact;
* publishing private information to intimidate someone;
* encouraging others to harass someone; and
* coordinated abuse.
For broader behavioral standards, see our [**Code of Conduct**](/legal/code-of-conduct).
### e. Fraud, Scams, and Deceptive Content
You may not use desifounder to promote or facilitate scams, fraud, or intentionally deceptive schemes.
This includes:
* fake investment opportunities;
* fraudulent fundraising;
* fake companies or projects;
* impersonation;
* fabricated credentials;
* fake testimonials;
* deliberately manipulated statistics;
* misleading claims about funding or revenue;
* deceptive business opportunities;
* phishing;
* fake giveaways or rewards; and
* schemes designed to obtain money or sensitive information through deception.
Legitimate startups may discuss projections, plans, targets, or expected results, but these should not be presented as facts when they are only estimates or expectations.
## 4. Misleading Claims and Marketing
When promoting a company, product, service, event, or project, you are responsible for ensuring that material claims are reasonably accurate.
Do not intentionally:
* fabricate customer numbers;
* fabricate funding or investment;
* claim partnerships that do not exist;
* present unverified results as guaranteed results;
* use fake reviews or testimonials;
* manipulate before-and-after results;
* make deceptive pricing claims; or
* make claims designed to materially mislead users.
Desifounder does not independently verify every claim made by users.
Users should conduct their own due diligence before relying on information published on the Platform.
## 5. Spam and Excessive Promotion
desifounder allows relevant promotion, but the Platform should not be used primarily as a spam-distribution channel.
The following may be removed or restricted:
* repetitive posts;
* repetitive comments;
* mass promotional messages;
* unrelated advertising;
* excessive referral or affiliate links;
* repeated posting of substantially identical content;
* irrelevant links;
* automated promotional activity; and
* content posted primarily to manipulate visibility.
*A legitimate promotional post may still be considered spam if it is repeatedly posted in inappropriate places or at excessive frequency.*
## 6. Artificial Engagement and Manipulation
You may not manipulate Platform engagement or ranking systems.
This includes:
* buying likes, comments, votes, or other engagement;
* using bots or automated accounts;
* creating multiple accounts to artificially increase engagement;
* coordinating fake engagement;
* posting meaningless comments solely to satisfy a requirement;
* artificially inflating Spotlight activity;
* manipulating weekly rankings or recognition; or
* exploiting technical vulnerabilities to gain visibility or benefits.
This is particularly relevant to Spotlight, where certain Free Launch requirements and recognition may involve community participation.
*We may remove artificial activity and may restrict or disqualify content or accounts involved in manipulation.*
## 7. Intellectual Property
You may only publish content that you own or have permission to use.
This includes:
* text;
* photographs;
* illustrations;
* videos;
* music;
* software;
* logos;
* trademarks;
* product images;
* documents; and
* other copyrighted or proprietary material.
You must not knowingly upload or publish someone else's protected work without the necessary rights or permission.
If you believe your copyright, trademark, or other intellectual-property rights have been infringed, contact us with sufficient information to identify the relevant content and your rights.
## 8. Personal, Private, and Confidential Information
Do not publish another person's private or sensitive information without an appropriate lawful basis or permission.
This includes:
* private phone numbers;
* personal email addresses;
* home addresses;
* passwords;
* financial information;
* private messages;
* authentication information;
* identity documents;
* confidential business information; and
* trade secrets.
You should also avoid publishing your own sensitive information in public areas of the Platform.
If you submit information about another person as part of a project, company, event, service, or other listing, you are responsible for having the necessary permission or lawful basis to do so.
## 9. Malware, Phishing, and Malicious Links
You may not use desifounder to distribute or promote:
* malware;
* ransomware;
* viruses;
* malicious scripts;
* credential-stealing tools;
* phishing pages;
* deceptive downloads;
* malicious browser extensions; or
* links designed to compromise another person's device, account, or information.
Links may be reviewed, restricted, or removed where they appear unsafe or deceptive.
## 10. Fake Accounts and Impersonation
You may not create or operate an account that intentionally impersonates:
* another individual;
* a company;
* an investor;
* a public figure;
* a government organization; or
* another entity.
Company and project information should also be presented accurately.
Parody, commentary, or fan accounts may be restricted where they are likely to confuse users about who operates the account.
## 11. Spotlight Content
Spotlight is intended for genuine projects, products, companies, launches, and ideas.
Spotlight submissions must:
* represent a genuine project or offering;
* contain reasonably accurate information;
* use images and materials that you have the right to use;
* comply with the Spotlight Rules & Guidelines;
* not intentionally mislead users; and
* not contain prohibited content.
[Free](/individual/spotlight/free-launches) and [Promoted Launches](/individual/spotlight/promoted-launches) are both subject to our content rules.
Purchasing a Promoted Launch does not allow prohibited content or misleading claims to bypass moderation.
*We may reject, delay, remove, or restrict a Spotlight submission if it violates our policies or presents a significant risk to the Platform or its users.*
## 12. Events
Event listings should contain accurate and relevant information.
Event organizers are responsible for the information they provide, including where applicable:
* event name;
* date and time;
* location;
* registration details;
* pricing;
* organizer information;
* speakers;
* sponsors; and
* other material event claims.
Do not submit fake, fraudulent, or misleading events.
*Desifounder may remove or restrict an event where information appears inaccurate, deceptive, unlawful, or otherwise inappropriate.*
## 13. Service Providers
Service listings should accurately represent the service being offered.
Do not use Services to promote:
* fraudulent services;
* illegal services;
* deceptive business opportunities;
* services you are not authorized or qualified to provide where such authorization or qualification is legally required;
* counterfeit goods or services;
* malicious software or security abuse; or
* other prohibited activity.
Service providers are responsible for their own claims, pricing, qualifications, deliverables, and communications with customers.
*desifounder does not guarantee the quality, qualifications, availability, or outcome of a listed service.*
## 14. Investors and Funding Content
Funding-related content should not intentionally mislead users about an investment, grant, fund, investor, or funding opportunity.
Do not publish:
* fake funding opportunities;
* fraudulent investment offers;
* fabricated investor relationships;
* fake funding announcements;
* misleading claims about guaranteed funding; or
* deceptive requests for money or financial information.
Information in the Fund section may come from third parties and may change over time.
Users should conduct their own due diligence before relying on funding-related information or entering into any financial relationship.
*desifounder does not guarantee that a listed investor, fund, grant, or funding opportunity is available, legitimate, suitable, or likely to provide funding unless explicitly stated by desifounder.*
## 15. Third-Party Links
Users may share links where the relevant Platform feature allows them.
Links must not intentionally lead to:
* malware;
* phishing;
* fraudulent websites;
* illegal content;
* deceptive downloads;
* counterfeit products; or
* other prohibited material.
We may remove or restrict links that appear unsafe, deceptive, broken, irrelevant, or inconsistent with these policies.
We are not responsible for the content, security, availability, or privacy practices of third-party websites.
## 16. User Responsibility
You are responsible for the content you publish on desifounder.
Before publishing, make sure that:
* you have the necessary rights to use the content;
* your claims are not intentionally misleading;
* you are not exposing another person's private information;
* your content does not violate applicable laws; and
* the content is appropriate for the feature where you are posting it.
*desifounder does not guarantee the accuracy, legality, ownership, quality, or completeness of user-generated content.*
## 17. Moderation and Enforcement
We may review content through automated systems, manual review, user reports, or other reasonable methods.
Depending on the circumstances, we may:
* remove content;
* hide or restrict content;
* request changes;
* limit a feature;
* reject a submission;
* remove a link;
* issue a warning;
* suspend an account; or
* permanently terminate an account.
The action we take may depend on the seriousness and circumstances of the violation, previous violations, potential harm, and other relevant factors.
We may take immediate action where reasonably necessary to protect users, the Platform, or comply with applicable law.
*We do not guarantee that every violation will be detected or removed immediately.*
## 18. Appeals and Review
If you believe that your content or account was incorrectly restricted, you may contact us and explain the situation.
Please include:
* the relevant account or content;
* what action was taken, if known; and
* why you believe the action should be reconsidered.
We may review the matter and take appropriate action based on the circumstances.
Our ability to reverse a moderation decision may be limited where content violates applicable law, third-party rights, or another Platform policy.
## 19. Reporting Content
If you believe content violates these policies, please report it using the available Report option or contact us.
**General reports and support:**
* [contact@desifounder.com](mailto:contact@desifounder.com)
**Legal, privacy, or intellectual-property matters:**
* [legal@desifounder.com](mailto:legal@desifounder.com)
When possible, include the relevant URL, username, project, post, or other information that will help us identify the content.
Please do not knowingly submit false or malicious reports.
## 20. No Endorsement of User Content
The publication of content on desifounder does not mean that desifounder endorses, verifies, certifies, or recommends that content, person, company, product, service, event, investor, or opportunity.
This applies to both free and paid content.
*A paid Spotlight placement, sponsored placement, service listing, or other promotional feature does not constitute an endorsement by desifounder.*
## 21. Changes to These Policies
We may update these Content Policies as the Platform, community, and applicable requirements evolve.
When we make changes, we will update the “*Last Updated*” date at the top of this page.
Continued use of desifounder after an updated version becomes effective means you agree to follow the updated policies.
## 22. Related Policies
These Content Policies should be read together with:
* [**Terms & Conditions**](/legal/terms-and-conditions)
* [**Privacy Policy**](/legal/privacy-policy)
* [**Code of Conduct**](/legal/code-of-conduct)
* [**Refund & Cancellation Policy**](/legal/refund-and-cancellation-policy)
* [**Advertising & Sponsorship Policy**](/legal/advertising-and-sponsorship-policy)
* [**Spotlight Rules & Guidelines**](/individual/spotlight/rules-guidelines)
Where a specific feature has additional rules, those rules also apply.
# Privacy Policy
Source: https://help.desifounder.com/legal/privacy-policy
Detailed privacy policy of desifounder.
*Effective Date: January 01, 2025 • Last Updated: October 07, 2026*
Welcome to [**desifounder.com**](http://desifounder.com/?ref=help) (“desifounder”, “we”, “our”, or “us”).
Your privacy is important to us. This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, when we share it, and the choices you have when using desifounder.
This Privacy Policy applies to our website, user profiles, Community Feed, Spotlight, Events, Fund, Services, Referral Program, and other features or services provided through desifounder (collectively, the “Platform”).
By creating an account or using the Platform, you acknowledge this Privacy Policy. Where consent is required by applicable law, we will request that consent through an appropriate notice or consent mechanism.
## 1. Information We Collect
The information we collect depends on how you use desifounder.
### a) Account and Profile Information
When you create or update an account, we may collect:
* First and last name
* Username
* Email address
* Authentication information
* Profile picture
* Phone number, if provided (private)
* Date of birth, if provided (private)
* Gender, if provided (private)
* Location, if provided
* Website
* Industry
* Bio
* Social media links
* Other information you choose to add to your profile
Some information may be designated as private within your account and may not be publicly displayed.
If you sign in using a third-party authentication provider, such as Google, we may receive information provided to us through that authentication process, subject to the provider's own policies.
### b) User-Submitted Content
We collect information and content that you voluntarily submit to the Platform, including:
* Spotlight projects and launches
* Community Feed posts
* Comments and replies
* Likes and other interactions
* Event information
* Service listings
* Funding-related submissions
* Referral activity
* Profile information
* Images, links, descriptions, and other materials you upload
* Information included in communications with us
Some of this information may be publicly visible depending on the feature and your available privacy settings.
### c) Activity and Platform Usage
We may collect information about how you interact with the Platform, such as:
* Pages and sections you visit
* Features you use
* Posts or projects you interact with
* Search or discovery activity
* Likes, comments, follows, reports, and similar actions
* Account and session activity
* Device and browser information
* IP address
* Approximate technical or geographic information derived from your connection
* Error logs and diagnostic information
We use this information to operate, secure, maintain, and improve the Platform.
### d) Payment and Transaction Information
If you purchase a paid feature or service, we may collect information relating to the transaction, such as:
* The product or service purchased
* Purchase date and amount
* Transaction or payment reference
* Payment status
* Billing information where required
Payments may be processed through third-party payment providers.
We generally do not need to store your complete payment-card details when those details are processed directly by a payment provider. Payment providers may process your information according to their own privacy policies and terms.
### e) Communications
If you contact us, we may retain the information you provide, including your email address, message, attachments, and other information necessary to respond to your request.
We may also retain communications relating to reports, complaints, disputes, account issues, legal requests, or other Platform-related matters.
### f) Cookies and Similar Technologies
We may use cookies and similar technologies to:
* keep you signed in;
* remember preferences;
* maintain security;
* understand how the Platform is used;
* improve functionality and performance; and
* measure traffic and usage.
You can control certain cookies through your browser settings. Disabling some cookies may affect the functionality of parts of the Platform.
## 2. How We Use Your Information
We may use information we collect to:
* create and manage your account;
* provide and operate Platform features;
* display your profile, projects, posts, services, or events where applicable;
* enable communication and networking between users;
* operate Spotlight and related launch features;
* process purchases and provide paid services;
* send account-related messages and notifications;
* respond to support requests;
* verify accounts or submissions where necessary;
* prevent spam, fraud, abuse, and other misuse;
* investigate reports and enforce our Terms and policies;
* protect the security and integrity of the Platform;
* understand Platform usage and improve our products;
* troubleshoot technical problems;
* develop and test new features;
* communicate important service updates;
* send promotional or marketing communications where permitted and where applicable choices are provided; and
* comply with legal obligations or respond to lawful requests.
We may also use aggregated or de-identified information for analytics, research, reporting, and improving the Platform where that information no longer reasonably identifies an individual.
## 3. Public Information
desifounder is a community and discovery platform. Some information you submit is intended to be publicly visible.
Depending on the feature, this may include:
* your name and username;
* profile picture;
* bio;
* website and social links;
* projects;
* Spotlight submissions;
* Community Feed posts and comments;
* service listings;
* event information; and
* other information you choose to publish publicly.
Public information may be viewed, shared, linked to, indexed by search engines, or copied by other people.
You should avoid publishing information that you do not want to make public.
Private account information, such as your password is not stored and other fields specifically identified as private, is not intentionally displayed publicly through the Platform.
## 4. Spotlight and Promotional Features
If you submit a project to Spotlight, we may use the information and materials you provide to publish and promote that project according to the Spotlight option you select.
This may include displaying your project:
* on Spotlight;
* in the Community Feed;
* in promotional or discovery sections;
* in newsletters;
* on desifounder social media;
* in promotional materials; or
* through other channels used to operate or promote desifounder.
For promoted Spotlight launches, we may display the project and related information for the promotional period included with the purchased plan.
Where a plan includes a dedicated SEO article, information you provide may also be used to prepare and publish or deliver that article as part of the purchased service.
Purchasing a promotional service does not give you control over how or where desifounder may display the submitted information within the scope of the purchased service.
## 5. How We Share Information
We do not sell or rent your personal data.
We may share information in the following circumstances:
### a) With Other Users and the Public
Information you intentionally publish publicly may be visible to other users or the general public.
### b) With Service Providers
We may share information with trusted third-party providers that help us operate the Platform, such as providers for:
* hosting and infrastructure;
* authentication;
* payment processing;
* analytics;
* email and communications;
* security;
* storage;
* technical support; and
* other essential Platform services.
These providers may process information on our behalf and are expected to handle it in accordance with applicable requirements.
### c) For Legal and Safety Reasons
We may disclose information when reasonably necessary to:
* comply with applicable law;
* respond to lawful requests or legal process;
* protect our rights or property;
* investigate fraud, abuse, or security incidents;
* protect users or the public; or
* enforce our Terms and other policies.
### d) Business Transfers
If desifounder is involved in a merger, acquisition, restructuring, investment, sale of assets, or similar business transaction, information may be transferred as part of that transaction, subject to applicable law.
### e) With Your Direction or Consent
We may share information where you ask us to do so or where you have provided the required consent.
## 6. Data Retention
We retain personal information for as long as reasonably necessary for the purposes described in this Privacy Policy, including to:
* provide our services;
* maintain your account;
* meet legitimate operational needs;
* resolve disputes;
* enforce agreements;
* prevent abuse and fraud; and
* comply with legal, accounting, tax, or regulatory requirements.
When information is no longer reasonably required, we may delete it, anonymize it, or securely dispose of it, subject to applicable legal or operational requirements.
Deleting your account does not necessarily mean that every record relating to you can be immediately deleted. Certain information may need to be retained for legal, security, fraud-prevention, dispute-resolution, or other legitimate purposes for a period of time.
## 7. Your Choices and Controls
Depending on the feature and applicable law, you may be able to:
* update your profile information;
* change your account settings;
* manage certain visibility settings;
* remove content you have submitted;
* manage notification preferences;
* unsubscribe from certain promotional emails;
* request access to personal information;
* request correction of inaccurate information;
* request deletion of personal information;
* withdraw consent where processing is based on consent; and
* raise a privacy or data-related complaint.
Some information may be necessary to operate your account or provide particular features. Removing or restricting certain information may therefore affect your ability to use those features.
You can contact us if you need assistance exercising a privacy-related right.
## 8. Withdrawal of Consent
Where we process personal data based on your consent, you may withdraw that consent, subject to applicable law.
We will provide reasonable means to withdraw consent.
Withdrawal of consent does not affect processing that was lawfully carried out before the withdrawal.
If certain information is necessary to provide a service or maintain an account, withdrawing consent may mean that some features become unavailable or that your account or certain functionality must be restricted.
## 9. Account Suspension and Moderation
If an account or content violates our [Terms](/legal/terms-and-conditions), [Code of Conduct](/legal/code-of-conduct), [Content Policies](/legal/content-policies), or applicable law, we may suspend, restrict, or terminate the account or remove the relevant content.
Information relating to reports, moderation actions, security incidents, or enforcement may be retained where reasonably necessary to protect the Platform, investigate abuse, comply with legal obligations, or prevent repeated violations.
## 10. Data Security
We take reasonable measures designed to protect personal information against unauthorized access, loss, misuse, alteration, or disclosure.
However, no website, application, network, or storage system can be guaranteed to be completely secure.
You are also responsible for keeping your account credentials confidential and for taking reasonable steps to protect your account.
If we become aware of a personal-data breach that requires notification under applicable law, we will take the steps required by applicable law.
## 11. Third-Party Websites and Services
The Platform may contain links to third-party websites, products, services, social networks, payment providers, or other external platforms.
Once you leave desifounder or interact directly with a third party, that third party's privacy policy and terms may apply.
We are not responsible for the privacy practices, security, content, or policies of third-party services.
We recommend reviewing their privacy policies before providing personal information.
## 12. Children's Privacy
desifounder is intended for users aged **16 and above**.
We do not knowingly permit children under 16 to create accounts or use account-based features of the Platform.
If we learn that we have collected personal information from a person under the applicable minimum age without the required authorization, we may take reasonable steps to delete or restrict that information and account.
Where applicable law requires additional consent, authorization, or safeguards for users who are minors, we will follow those requirements.
If you believe a person below the permitted age has created an account, please contact us.
## 13. Data Protection Under Indian Law
Where applicable, desifounder processes personal data in accordance with applicable Indian data-protection laws, including the **Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023** and applicable rules and regulations as they come into force.
Where the DPDP framework applies to our processing:
* desifounder may act as a Data Fiduciary and the individual to whom personal data relates may be a Data Principal;
* we will provide appropriate notices describing the personal data being collected and the purposes for which it is processed;
* personal data will be processed for lawful purposes and on the basis permitted by applicable law;
* where consent is the applicable basis, we will seek consent in a manner intended to be free, informed, specific, and unambiguous;
* we will provide appropriate means to withdraw consent where consent is the basis for processing;
* we will provide applicable mechanisms for exercising data rights;
* we will take reasonable security measures appropriate to the nature of the personal data;
* we will retain personal data only for as long as reasonably necessary for the applicable purpose or as required by law; and
* we will provide appropriate channels for privacy-related complaints and grievances.
The exact rights, obligations, notices, and mechanisms available to you may depend on the applicable law and the date on which particular provisions become effective.
## 14. International Data Processing
Some of our service providers or infrastructure may process or store information in countries other than the country in which you are located.
Where personal information is transferred or processed across borders, we will take reasonable steps required under applicable law and our service arrangements to protect that information.
## 15. Do Not Sell or Rent Personal Data
We do not sell or rent your personal data to third parties.
We may use third-party service providers to operate parts of the Platform, and those providers may process information on our behalf as necessary to provide their services.
We may also publicly display information that you intentionally publish on the Platform, as described in this Privacy Policy.
## 16. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time as our Platform, services, technology, or legal requirements change.
When we make changes, we will update the *“Last Updated”* date at the top of this page.
If a change is material, we may provide additional notice through the Platform, by email, or through another appropriate method where required.
We encourage you to review this page periodically.
## 17. Your Responsibility
You are responsible for ensuring that the personal information or other information you submit to desifounder is accurate and that you have the necessary rights or permissions to provide it.
You should not submit another person's personal information unless you have a lawful basis or the necessary permission to do so.
You should also avoid publishing sensitive or confidential information in public areas of the Platform.
## 18. Contact Us
For general questions about desifounder or this Privacy Policy:
* [**contact@desifounder.com**](mailto:contact@desifounder.com)
For privacy, legal, or data-protection matters:
* [**legal@desifounder.com**](mailto:legal@desifounder.com)
### Privacy and Data Grievances
If you have a concern, complaint, or grievance relating to the handling of your personal data, you may contact:
* [**legal@desifounder.com**](mailto:legal@desifounder.com)
Please include enough information for us to understand and investigate your concern.
We will review and respond to privacy-related requests and grievances within the timeframe required by applicable law.
## 19. Governing Law
This Privacy Policy is governed by the laws of **India**, subject to any mandatory rights or protections available to you under applicable law.
Any disputes relating to this Privacy Policy will be subject to the jurisdiction of the competent courts in India, unless applicable law requires otherwise.
# Refund & Cancellation Policy
Source: https://help.desifounder.com/legal/refund-and-cancellation-policy
Detailed Refund & Cancellations on desifounder.
*Effective Date: October 01, 2026 • Last updated on October 07, 2026*
This Refund & Cancellation Policy explains how refunds and cancellations work for paid products and services offered by desifounder (“desifounder”, “we”, “our”, or “us”).
It applies to Spotlight Promoted Launches and other paid digital products, promotional services, advertising placements, sponsorships, and similar services offered through the Platform.
By purchasing a paid service, you agree to this policy, our [Terms & Conditions](/legal/terms-and-conditions), [Content Policies](/legal/content-policies), and [Advertising & Sponsorship Policy](/legal/advertising-and-sponsorship-policy).
## 1. Current Spotlight Paid Plans
desifounder currently offers the following one-time Spotlight Promoted Launch options:
### \$29 - Instant Launch
Includes:
* Instant launch after approval
* Permanent dofollow link
* 7 days pinned in the Promo section
* No badge required
### \$99 - Featured Launch
Includes:
* Instant launch after approval
* Permanent dofollow link
* 30 days pinned in the Promo section
* No badge required
### \$129 - Bulk Launch
Includes:
* Unlimited launches for 30 days
* Launches go live on Mondays
* Nofollow links
* No badge required
### \$149 - Featured Launch + SEO
Includes:
* Instant launch after approval
* Permanent dofollow link
* 30 days pinned in the Promo section
* One dedicated SEO article delivered within 7 days
* No badge required
All of these are one-time purchases and do not automatically renew.
*Prices and available plans may change for future purchases.*
## 2. General Refund Policy
Because our paid services are digital services and promotional placements, purchases are generally non-refundable once the purchased service has been successfully activated, published, or delivered.
However, refunds may be available in the specific circumstances described below.
Nothing in this policy limits any refund or consumer right that cannot legally be excluded under applicable law.
## 3. Paid Spotlight Submission Rejected Before Publication
A paid Spotlight submission may be reviewed before publication.
If desifounder rejects a paid Spotlight submission before it is published or activated, the amount paid for that specific submission will be refunded.
A rejection may occur where a submission:
* violates our [Terms & Conditions](/legal/terms-and-conditions);
* violates our [Content Policies](/legal/content-policies) or [Spotlight Rules](/individual/spotlight/rules-guidelines);
* contains misleading or fraudulent information;
* infringes third-party rights;
* promotes prohibited content or activities;
* presents a security, legal, or reputational risk; or
* otherwise does not meet the requirements for publication.
Payment does not guarantee approval.
*If a paid submission is rejected before publication, the refund will normally be issued to the original payment method, subject to the payment provider's processing procedures.*
## 4. Published or Activated Services
Once a paid Spotlight launch has been approved and published or otherwise activated, the purchase is generally considered fulfilled and is not refundable.
This includes situations where the customer:
* changes their mind;
* no longer wants the launch;
* changes the project after purchase;
* decides not to promote the project;
* receives fewer views or clicks than expected;
* does not receive the expected engagement;
* does not receive customers or signups; or
* does not achieve the expected business or SEO results.
## 5. No Refund for Performance or Business Results
Purchasing a promotional service does not guarantee any particular result.
Refunds will not be provided solely because a customer does not achieve a desired level of:
* impressions;
* views;
* clicks;
* likes;
* comments;
* votes;
* followers;
* website traffic;
* signups;
* customers;
* sales;
* revenue;
* leads;
* funding;
* partnerships;
* search-engine rankings;
* SEO traffic; or
* other business outcomes.
*These are performance outcomes and are outside our control.*
## 6. Cancellation Before Publication
If you want to cancel a paid Spotlight submission before it has been published, contact us as soon as possible.
Cancellation does not automatically guarantee a refund.
If the submission has already entered review, been approved, been scheduled, or work has already begun on the purchased service, the applicable refund provisions of this policy will apply.
Where a paid submission is rejected by desifounder before publication, the refund provisions in Section 3 will apply.
## 7. SEO Article
The \$149 Featured Launch + SEO plan includes one dedicated SEO article delivered within 7 days.
The article benefit is considered a separate deliverable from search-engine performance.
We do not guarantee:
* search-engine rankings;
* search-engine indexing;
* organic traffic;
* backlinks from search engines;
* specific keyword positions;
* conversions; or
* any other SEO result.
If the article has been delivered in accordance with the purchased service, a refund will not be provided merely because the customer is dissatisfied with its search-engine performance.
If desifounder is unable to provide the included article due to an issue attributable to desifounder, we may, where appropriate, provide the article later, provide an alternative resolution, or issue an appropriate partial refund or credit.
## 8. Promotional Placement Periods
Where a plan includes a defined promotional period, such as 7 or 30 days, the service is considered fulfilled when the promotional placement is activated and made available for the applicable period, subject to reasonable interruptions caused by maintenance, technical problems, or circumstances outside our reasonable control.
A temporary technical interruption does not automatically create a right to a refund.
Where a material service interruption is caused by desifounder and significantly affects the purchased promotional period, we may provide an extension, replacement placement, credit, or other reasonable remedy.
## 9. Permanent Dofollow Links
Where a purchased plan includes a permanent dofollow link, the link benefit is part of the purchased service.
The permanent nature of the link does not guarantee:
* search-engine indexing;
* search rankings;
* SEO value;
* referral traffic; or
* any other search-engine or business result.
A link may be removed where reasonably necessary due to:
* violation of our policies;
* illegal or harmful content;
* security concerns;
* the linked website becoming unavailable or unsafe;
* a legal requirement; or
* other circumstances requiring removal to protect the Platform or its users.
*Removal for such reasons does not automatically create a refund entitlement.*
## 10. Bulk Launch
The \$129 Bulk Launch provides unlimited launches for 30 days under the conditions displayed at the time of purchase.
Individual launches remain subject to our [Terms](/legal/terms-and-conditions), [Content Policies](/legal/content-policies), and [Spotlight Rules](/individual/spotlight/rules-guidelines).
The Bulk Launch does not guarantee that every submitted project will be approved or published.
If a particular submission is rejected because it violates our policies, that does not by itself entitle the customer to a refund of the entire Bulk Launch purchase.
The Bulk Launch purchase is considered fulfilled based on the availability of the purchased Bulk Launch service during the applicable 30-day period.
## 11. Duplicate Charges and Payment Errors
If you believe you have been charged more than once for the same purchase, or that a payment was processed incorrectly, please contact us as soon as possible.
After verifying the transaction, we may correct the error through:
* a refund;
* reversal of the duplicate transaction; or
* another appropriate resolution.
*Any refund may be subject to the processing time of the payment provider.*
## 12. Payment Provider Issues
Payments may be processed through third-party payment providers.
If a payment is shown as unsuccessful but your account was charged, please contact us with the transaction details.
We will investigate the issue and work with the payment provider where necessary.
*Third-party payment-provider fees, processing times, currency conversion charges, or bank charges may be outside our control.*
## 13. Taxes and Currency
Prices displayed on the Platform may be subject to applicable taxes or charges, depending on the purchase and applicable law.
Where applicable, taxes will be shown or included as required.
Refunds, where approved, will generally be based on the amount actually paid for the relevant service, subject to applicable taxes, payment-provider procedures, and applicable law.
## 14. How to Request a Refund
To request a refund or report a payment issue, contact:
* [**contact@desifounder.com**](mailto:contact@desifounder.com)
Please include:
* your registered email address;
* the project or service involved;
* purchase date;
* transaction or payment reference, if available; and
* the reason for your request.
For legal or formal disputes relating to a payment or refund:
* [**legal@desifounder.com**](mailto:legal@desifounder.com)
We may request additional information to verify the purchase and assess the request.
## 15. Refund Processing
Where a refund is approved, it will generally be issued to the original payment method.
The time required for the refund to appear in your account depends on the payment provider, bank, card issuer, or other financial institution.
desifounder is not responsible for delays caused by third-party payment providers or financial institutions after the refund has been initiated.
## 16. Payment Disputes and Chargebacks
If you have a concern about a payment, refund, cancellation, or paid service, please contact us before initiating a chargeback, payment dispute, or similar claim through your bank, card issuer, payment provider, or other financial institution.
We will review the matter and, where appropriate, work with you in good faith to try to resolve the issue amicably.
Please contact:
* [**contact@desifounder.com**](mailto:contact@desifounder.com)
and provide your registered email address, transaction or payment reference, and details of the issue.
*Nothing in this section prevents you from exercising any rights or remedies available to you under applicable law or the rules of your payment provider.*
## 17. Exceptions Required by Law
Nothing in this policy is intended to exclude or restrict any rights or remedies that cannot legally be excluded or restricted under applicable law.
*Where applicable law requires a refund or other remedy, we will comply with those requirements.*
## 18. Changes to This Policy
We may update this [Refund & Cancellation Policy](/legal/refund-and-cancellation-policy) from time to time.
When we make changes, we will update the “*Last Updated*” date at the top of this page.
The refund terms applicable to a purchase will generally be those in effect when the purchase was made, unless a change is required by law or otherwise expressly communicated to you.
## 19. Contact Us
For questions about payments, refunds, or cancellations:
* [**contact@desifounder.com**](mailto:contact@desifounder.com)
For legal or formal matters:
* [**legal@desifounder.com**](mailto:legal@desifounder.com)
# Terms and Conditions
Source: https://help.desifounder.com/legal/terms-and-conditions
Detailed terms and conditions of desifounder.
*Effective Date: January 01, 2025 • Last Updated: October 07, 2026*
Welcome to [**desifounder.com**](http://desifounder.com/?ref=help) (“desifounder”, “we”, “our”, or “us”).
These Terms & Conditions (“Terms”) govern your access to and use of desifounder, including our website, user profiles, Community Feed, Spotlight, Events, Fund, Services, Referral Program, and other features or services we may introduce from time to time (collectively, the “Platform”).
By creating an account or using the Platform, you agree to these Terms and our Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with these Terms, please do not use the Platform.
## 1. Eligibility
You must be at least 16 years old to create an account or use account-based features on desifounder.
By using the Platform, you confirm that:
* you meet the applicable age requirement;
* the information you provide is accurate and up to date; and
* you will use the Platform in accordance with these Terms and applicable laws.
If we reasonably believe that information provided by you is false, misleading, or fraudulent, we may restrict, suspend, or terminate your account.
## 2. Your Account
You are responsible for maintaining the security of your account and login credentials.
You agree:
* not to share your account with another person;
* not to impersonate another person, company, or organization;
* not to create accounts for fraudulent or abusive purposes; and
* to notify us if you believe your account has been accessed without authorization.
You are responsible for activity carried out through your account, except where such activity results from circumstances outside your reasonable control.
## 3. Using desifounder
You may use desifounder for lawful purposes related to networking, discovering startups and products, sharing information, finding opportunities, publishing projects, participating in the community, and using other features made available on the Platform.
You must not:
* use the Platform for unlawful, fraudulent, deceptive, or abusive purposes;
* upload or distribute malicious software or harmful code;
* harass, threaten, defame, or abuse other users;
* impersonate another person or organization;
* submit intentionally false or misleading information;
* upload content that infringes another person's intellectual property, privacy, or other legal rights;
* use bots, scraping tools, or automated systems to abuse or excessively access the Platform;
* spam users or manipulate engagement, rankings, votes, comments, or other Platform activity;
* attempt to gain unauthorized access to accounts, systems, or data;
* interfere with the operation or security of the Platform; or
* use the Platform in a way that could reasonably harm desifounder or its users.
Additional rules may apply to specific features, including Spotlight, the Community Feed, Events, and Services.
## 4. User Content
You retain ownership of the content you submit to desifounder, including your profile information, projects, Spotlight submissions, posts, comments, service listings, event information, and other materials you provide (“User Content”).
By submitting User Content, you grant desifounder a non-exclusive, royalty-free, worldwide license to host, store, reproduce, display, distribute, and use that content for the purposes of operating, improving, maintaining, and promoting the Platform.
This may include displaying your content:
* on desifounder;
* in search and discovery areas;
* in newsletters;
* on our social media channels;
* in promotional materials; and
* through other channels used to promote or operate desifounder.
This license does not transfer ownership of your content to desifounder.
You are responsible for ensuring that you have the necessary rights and permissions for anything you submit.
You must not submit content that infringes another person's copyright, trademark, privacy, publicity, or other rights.
Desifounder does not claim ownership of User Content and generally does not independently verify the accuracy, legality, ownership, or completeness of content submitted by users.
## 5. Profiles, Projects and Community Content
Information submitted by users may be publicly visible depending on the feature and the visibility settings available on the Platform.
You are responsible for the information you publish on your profile, projects, posts, comments, service listings, and other public areas.
You understand that publishing information publicly may allow other people to view, copy, share, or otherwise use that information.
Desifounder may remove, restrict, edit, or disable content that violates these Terms, our policies, applicable law, or that we reasonably believe may create a risk to users or the Platform.
## 6. Spotlight
Spotlight allows founders, creators, and builders to showcase projects, products, companies, and other work.
*Spotlight may include both Free Launches and Promoted Launches.*
### 6.1 Free Launches
[Free Launches](/individual/spotlight/free-launches) may be subject to eligibility, availability, review, and participation requirements.
Current Free Launch requirements may include:
* completing the required community participation before submitting;
* liking and commenting on at least five other Spotlight projects;
* displaying and verifying the required “*Featured on desifounder*” badge on the project website;
* providing accurate project information; and
* complying with the Spotlight Rules & Guidelines.
Free Launches use a nofollow project link by default.
The top three eligible Free Launch entries of the week may receive a dofollow link as part of the Free Launch program, subject to the applicable Spotlight rules and selection criteria.
*Free Launches are scheduled to go live according to the applicable Spotlight publishing schedule.*
### 6.2 Promoted Launches
Desifounder may offer paid Spotlight options that provide additional visibility or other promotional benefits.
Current [Promoted Launch](/individual/spotlight/promoted-launches) options include:
#### **\$29 — Instant Launch**
* Instant launch after approval
* Permanent dofollow link
* 7 days pinned in the Promo section
* No badge required
#### **\$99 — Featured Launch**
* Instant launch after approval
* Permanent dofollow link
* 30 days pinned in the Promo section
* No badge required
#### **\$129 — Bulk Launch**
* Unlimited launches for 30 days
* Launches go live on Mondays
* Nofollow links
* No badge required
#### **\$149 — Featured Launch + SEO**
* Instant launch after approval
* Permanent dofollow link
* 30 days pinned in the Promo section
* One dedicated SEO article delivered within 7 days
* No badge required
All Promoted Launch purchases are one-time purchases unless otherwise stated.
Features, availability, pricing, and promotional packages may change in the future. The benefits applicable to a purchase will be those presented at the time of purchase.
### 6.3 Paid Promotion Does Not Guarantee Results
Purchasing a Promoted Launch does not guarantee:
* approval or publication;
* a particular number of views, impressions, clicks, votes, or visitors;
* engagement or social media activity;
* signups, customers, sales, or revenue;
* funding, investors, partnerships, or business opportunities;
* search-engine rankings or SEO results;
* search-engine traffic; or
* any other commercial or business outcome.
Where a paid submission requires review or approval, payment does not override our content rules or approval process.
## 7. Events
desifounder may allow users or organizations to submit and promote events.
Event information is generally provided by the event organizer. Desifounder does not guarantee the accuracy, availability, quality, safety, attendance, cancellation status, or outcome of any event unless explicitly stated by us.
Any registration, payment, attendance, or other transaction relating to an event may be between you and the event organizer or another third party.
Desifounder is not responsible for losses, cancellations, changes, disputes, or issues arising from your participation in a third-party event.
## 8. Investors and Funding Information
The Fund section may provide information about investors, venture capital firms, grants, funding opportunities, and related resources.
Such information is provided for discovery and informational purposes only.
Desifounder does not guarantee:
* that an investor or fund is currently active;
* that a funding opportunity is available;
* that you qualify for an opportunity;
* that an investor will review your application;
* that you will receive funding; or
* the accuracy or completeness of third-party information.
You are responsible for conducting your own research and due diligence before making any funding or investment decision.
desifounder is not an investment adviser, broker, financial adviser, or representative of any investor or funding provider unless explicitly stated otherwise.
## 9. Service Providers
desifounder may allow users and service providers (individuals / freelancers / agencies / studios) to list and discover professional services.
Service listings and related information are provided by users or third parties.
desifounder does not act as an agent, broker, employer, contractor, partner, or representative of service providers or customers.
Any agreement, payment, engagement, deliverable, refund, dispute, or other transaction between a customer and service provider is solely between those parties.
We do not guarantee the quality, availability, qualifications, pricing, performance, or outcome of any service listed on the Platform.
## 10. Third-Party Websites and Services
The Platform may contain links to third-party websites, products, tools, services, social media accounts, or other external resources.
These third parties operate independently from desifounder.
We do not control or guarantee the accuracy, availability, security, privacy practices, legality, quality, or performance of third-party websites or services.
Your use of third-party services is subject to their own terms and policies.
You are responsible for conducting your own due diligence before interacting with or purchasing from a third party.
## 11. Payments and Paid Services
Some features or services on desifounder may require payment.
Before completing a purchase, you will be shown the applicable price and the benefits included with the relevant product or service.
By purchasing a paid feature, you agree to:
* the applicable price;
* the applicable payment terms;
* the benefits and limitations of the purchased service; and
* our Refund & Cancellation Policy.
Unless specifically stated otherwise, Spotlight Promoted Launches are one-time purchases and do not automatically renew.
Payment for a service does not give you ownership of desifounder, its software, branding, content, or intellectual property.
## 12. Refunds and Cancellations
Refunds and cancellations for paid services are governed by our [**Refund & Cancellation Policy**](/legal/refund-and-cancellation-policy).
Unless otherwise stated in that policy or required by applicable law, dissatisfaction with the performance or results of a promotional service does not by itself create a right to a refund.
This includes dissatisfaction with impressions, views, clicks, engagement, traffic, signups, sales, SEO performance, funding opportunities, or other business results.
## 13. Intellectual Property
The desifounder name, branding, logos, website design, software, platform features, original text, graphics, and other materials created or provided by desifounder are owned by or licensed to desifounder and are protected by applicable intellectual-property laws.
Except where expressly permitted, you may not:
* copy or reproduce substantial parts of the Platform;
* modify or create derivative works from our software or platform materials;
* use our branding in a misleading way;
* sell, redistribute, or commercially exploit Platform materials without permission; or
* attempt to reverse engineer or circumvent technical protections of the Platform.
Your User Content remains yours, subject to the license described in these Terms.
## 14. Moderation and Enforcement
We may review, moderate, restrict, remove, hide, edit, or disable User Content, listings, projects, accounts, or other activity where we believe it:
* violates these Terms or another Platform policy;
* violates applicable law;
* is fraudulent, misleading, abusive, or harmful;
* infringes third-party rights;
* creates a security or operational risk; or
* otherwise threatens the integrity or safety of the Platform or its users.
Depending on the circumstances, we may take action with or without prior notice.
We may also cooperate with lawful requests from authorities or other legally authorized parties.
## 15. Account Suspension and Termination
We may suspend, restrict, or terminate your account if you:
* violate these Terms or our policies;
* engage in fraudulent, abusive, or unlawful activity;
* repeatedly submit prohibited content;
* attempt to manipulate Platform systems or engagement;
* create risks for other users or the Platform; or
* otherwise misuse desifounder.
You may stop using the Platform or request deletion of your account through the available account settings or by contacting us.
Termination of an account does not necessarily remove information that we are legally required or reasonably entitled to retain.
## 16. Platform Availability
We aim to keep desifounder available and reliable, but we do not guarantee that the Platform will always be:
* available;
* uninterrupted;
* secure;
* error-free; or
* free from bugs or technical issues.
We may temporarily suspend or restrict access for maintenance, upgrades, security reasons, technical issues, or other operational reasons.
We may also change, suspend, discontinue, or replace features from time to time.
## 17. No Professional or Investment Advice
Information available through desifounder is generally provided for informational and discovery purposes.
Unless explicitly stated otherwise, nothing on the Platform constitutes:
* financial or investment advice;
* legal advice;
* tax advice;
* employment advice;
* professional advice; or
* an endorsement or recommendation of a particular company, person, product, service, investor, or opportunity.
You should obtain appropriate professional advice before making decisions where professional advice is required.
## 18. Disclaimer of Warranties
To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, the Platform and its content are provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis.
We do not guarantee:
* the accuracy or completeness of User Content;
* the accuracy or availability of third-party information;
* uninterrupted or error-free access;
* the quality or suitability of any user, service, event, project, investor, or opportunity;
* any particular result from using the Platform; or
* that the Platform will meet your particular requirements.
## 19. Limitation of Liability
To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, desifounder, its founders, team members, partners, affiliates, and service providers will not be liable for indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive losses arising from or related to your use of the Platform.
This includes, where permitted by law, loss of:
* profits;
* revenue;
* business opportunities;
* data;
* reputation;
* customers;
* funding opportunities; or
* anticipated business results.
We are also not responsible for disputes, transactions, communications, or relationships between users or between users and third parties.
Nothing in these Terms excludes or limits liability that cannot lawfully be excluded or limited under applicable law.
## 20. Indemnification
To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, you agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless desifounder, its founders, team members, affiliates, and service providers from claims, losses, liabilities, damages, costs, and reasonable expenses arising from:
* your violation of these Terms;
* your unlawful or fraudulent use of the Platform;
* your User Content;
* your infringement of another person's rights; or
* your transactions or interactions with other users or third parties.
This obligation does not apply to the extent a claim is caused by our own unlawful conduct or liability that cannot legally be excluded.
## 21. Changes to the Platform, Features, and Pricing
desifounder is continuously evolving.
We may introduce new features, modify existing features, discontinue features, introduce paid functionality, or change pricing from time to time.
Where a change materially affects a paid service that you have already purchased, the applicable terms presented at the time of purchase will generally continue to apply to that purchase unless the change is required by law, necessary for security or technical reasons, or otherwise reasonably necessary to operate the service.
Updated pricing or new paid features will apply to future purchases unless otherwise stated.
## 22. Changes to These Terms
We may update these Terms from time to time.
When we make changes, we will update the “*Last Updated*” date at the top of this page. Where appropriate, we may also provide additional notice through the Platform or by email.
Your continued use of desifounder after updated Terms become effective means you accept the revised Terms.
If you do not agree with an updated version, you should stop using the Platform.
## 23. Governing Law and Jurisdiction
These Terms are governed by the laws of **India**.
Any dispute arising out of or relating to these Terms or your use of the Platform will first be addressed in good faith through discussion between the parties.
If the dispute cannot be resolved through discussion, it will be subject to the jurisdiction of the competent courts in India.
## 24. Severability
If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid, unlawful, or unenforceable, that provision will be interpreted or modified to the extent necessary to make it enforceable, where legally possible.
The remaining provisions will continue to remain in effect.
## 25. Entire Agreement
These Terms, together with the [Privacy Policy](/legal/privacy-policy) and other policies expressly referenced on the Platform, form the agreement between you and desifounder regarding your use of the Platform.
Additional terms may apply to specific features, products, or services where clearly communicated at the time of use or purchase.
## 26. Contact Us
For general questions or support:
* [**contact@desifounder.com**](mailto:contact@desifounder.com)
For legal matters, privacy concerns, or formal legal correspondence:
* [**legal@desifounder.com**](mailto:legal@desifounder.com)