At O Accelerator, we are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal data. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, share, and protect your information when you visit oaccelerator.com (the “Website”) or engage with our services, including our startup accelerator program and immigration support for the Canada Startup Visa (SUV) and USA EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) programs. By using our Website or services, you consent to the practices described in this policy.

Who We Are

O Accelerator operates the website at https://oaccelerator.com. We provide startup acceleration services, including mentorship, investor networking, and immigration assistance for entrepreneurs worldwide. For questions about this policy, contact us at [email protected].

Information We Collect

We collect information to provide and improve our services, including:

  • Personal Information: When you apply for our accelerator program, request immigration support, or contact us, we may collect your name, email address, phone number, company details, and other information you provide (e.g., business plans or immigration-related documents).

  • Comments and Interactions: If you leave comments on our blog or contact forms, we collect the data entered (e.g., name, email) along with your IP address and browser user agent string to aid spam detection.

  • Cookies and Usage Data: We use cookies to enhance your experience, such as saving login preferences or tracking site interactions. We also collect anonymized data via analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics) to understand how users navigate our Website.

  • Media: If you upload images or documents (e.g., for applications), we advise against including sensitive metadata (e.g., EXIF GPS data), as this could be accessed by others if publicly shared.

How We Use Your Data

We use your information to:

  • Process applications for our accelerator program and immigration services.

  • Provide personalized support, including connecting you with investors, mentors, or legal professionals.

  • Communicate with you about our services, updates, or inquiries.

  • Improve our Website and services through analytics and user feedback.

  • Detect and prevent spam, fraud, or misuse of our platform.

  • Comply with legal obligations, such as immigration or tax regulations.

Cookies

We use cookies to enhance functionality and user experience:

  • Essential Cookies: Temporary cookies verify if your browser accepts cookies or maintain login sessions (lasting up to two days unless you select “Remember Me,” which extends to two weeks).

  • Preference Cookies: Store your name, email, or website details for convenience when commenting (lasting one year).

  • Analytics Cookies: Track anonymized usage data to improve our Website (e.g., page views, session duration).

  • Article Editing Cookies: If you edit or publish content (e.g., blog posts), a cookie stores the post ID for one day.

You can manage cookie preferences via your browser settings, but disabling cookies may limit Website functionality.

Embedded Content from Other Websites

Our Website may include embedded content (e.g., videos, images, or links to external articles). These third-party sites may collect data, use cookies, or track your interactions as if you visited their site directly. We are not responsible for their privacy practices, so please review their policies (e.g., YouTube or Vimeo for embedded videos).

Who We Share Your Data With

We share your data only as necessary:

  • Service Providers: With trusted partners (e.g., immigration lawyers, analytics providers, or cloud storage services) who assist in delivering our services, bound by confidentiality agreements.

  • Immigration Authorities: For Canada SUV or USA EB-2 NIW applications, we may share relevant data with government agencies or legal professionals as required.

  • Investor Networks: With your consent, we may share business details with potential investors or partners to facilitate connections.

  • Spam Detection: Comments are checked via automated spam detection services, which may process your IP address or comment data.

If you request a password reset, your IP address may be included in the reset email for security purposes. We do not sell your data to third parties.

How Long We Retain Your Data

  • Comments: Comments and their metadata (e.g., IP address) are retained indefinitely to streamline moderation and recognize follow-up comments.

  • User Profiles: If you register for our services, we store your personal information (e.g., application data) for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide services.

  • Immigration Data: Documents related to visa applications are retained as required by law or for the duration of the application process, after which they are securely deleted unless you consent to longer retention.

  • Analytics Data: Anonymized usage data is retained for up to 26 months for Website improvement.

We delete data no longer needed, except where required for legal, administrative, or security purposes.

What Rights You Have Over Your Data

Under applicable laws (e.g., GDPR, CCPA), you have the right to:

  • Access: Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you.

  • Correct: Update inaccurate or incomplete information.

  • Delete: Request erasure of your data, subject to legal retention obligations.

  • Restrict: Limit how we process your data in certain cases.

  • Portability: Receive your data in a structured, machine-readable format.

  • Object: Opt out of data processing for marketing or analytics purposes.

To exercise these rights, contact us at [email protected]. If you have an account or have left comments, you can request an exported file of your data or its deletion. We will respond within 30 days (or as required by law).

Where Your Data Is Sent

Your data may be processed or stored in Canada, USA, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Vietnam or other jurisdictions where our service providers operate, subject to strict data protection standards. We ensure compliance with international data transfer regulations (e.g., GDPR’s standard contractual clauses). Visitor comments may be checked by third-party spam detection services, which may involve data transfer to their servers.

Security Measures

We implement industry-standard security measures, including encryption, secure servers, and access controls, to protect your data. However, no online platform is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute protection against unauthorized access.

Third-Party Links

Our Website may contain links to external sites (e.g., investor platforms or government portals). We are not responsible for their content or privacy practices. Please review their policies before engaging.

Children’s Privacy

Our services are not intended for individuals under 18. We do not knowingly collect data from minors. If you believe we have collected such data, contact us to request its deletion.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. Updates will be posted on this page, and significant changes will be communicated via email or Website notice. Continued use of our services after updates constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.

Contact Us

For questions, concerns, or to exercise your data rights, contact us at:
Email: [email protected]