Cookie Policy for StartUp National

We utilize cookies, pixel tags, web identifiers, device IDs, and corresponding technologies to collect and preserve data automatically concerning your computer, device, and interaction with www.startupnational.com, along with any subsites, applications, services, and content associated with it (collectively, “our Websites”). The specifics about cookies and how to handle them are offered below.

If you disagree with the use of these technologies, you may disable them by following the instructions in this policy, via ‘opt-out’ links, or by modifying your browser settings to prevent cookies from our Websites from being placed on your computer or mobile device.

What is a cookie?

Cookies are text files containing small quantities of information, downloaded to your device when visiting a specific webpage. They are then sent back to the originating webpage on following visits, or to another webpage recognizing that cookie. StartUp National uses cookies to enhance the functionality and efficiency of our website.

Cookies perform various functions, such as facilitating smooth navigation between pages, storing preferences, and improving the user experience. They help us know if you’ve visited our Websites before or if you’re a new visitor and assist in displaying relevant advertisements.

There are two broad categories of cookies:

• First-party cookies: Served directly by StartUp National to your computer or mobile device.
• Third-party cookies: Served by a third party on our behalf for functionality, performance/analytics, advertising, and social media purposes.

Some cookies are “session cookies,” existing only while your browser is open, and are deleted once you close it. Other cookies are “permanent cookies,” remaining after browser closure and recognizing your computer when you browse the Internet again.

How do we use cookies?

At StartUp National, we use cookies to:

• Monitor traffic and patterns of travel in connection with our Websites.
• Comprehend the total number of visitors and the types of browsers and operating systems used.
• Keep track of the performance of our Websites and continuously improve them.
• Personalize and enhance your online experience.
• Enable StartUp National and third parties to advertise both on and off our Websites.

We use pixel tags in conjunction with cookies, a technology placed on a website or within an email, used to track activity. Information from pixel tags, along with data from cookies, aids in enhancing your user experience and the overall quality of our services.

What Types of Cookies Do We Use at StartUp National?

The cookies used by StartUp National and our partners in connection with our Websites are classified into five distinct categories: “Essential Cookies,” “Functionality Cookies,” “Performance/Analytics Cookies,” “Advertising/Tracking Cookies,” and “Social Media Cookies.” We detail each category and the purposes of the cookies that we and third parties set below.

1. Essential Cookies
   • What They Do: These cookies are crucial to accessing our Websites and using some of its features, such as secure areas. Without them, services like transactional pages and secure login accounts wouldn’t be possible.
   • How to Block: Refer to the section on “How to control or delete cookies” below.
2. Functionality Cookies
   • What They Do: Functionality cookies remember your choices and enable us to customize our Websites. They allow us to save preferences, like location for local weather forecasts, layout settings, text size, colors, and log-in status.
   • How to Block: Instructions are in the “How to control or delete cookies” section below.
3. Performance/Analytics Cookies
   • What They Do: These cookies help us analyze our Websites’ performance to enhance your user experience. They allow us to understand visitor demographics, test design ideas, identify devices, determine unique users, measure errors, and conduct research to improve our products.
   • How to Block: See the “How to control or delete cookies” section below.
4. Advertising/Tracking Cookies
   • What They Do: As you use our Websites, third-party companies may place cookies to track your activity and show relevant ads. These cookies are anonymous, storing content information but not personal details. They help in frequency capping, avoiding repeated ads, tailoring the ads, detecting fraud, and measuring effectiveness.
   • How to Block: Refer to the privacy policies of the ad companies or the “How to control or delete cookies” section below.
5. Social Media Cookies
   • What They Do: Third-party applications on our Websites may set anonymous cookies for tracking and customizing applications. When you share content via social media buttons or view embedded content like videos, these sites may set their own cookies.
   • How to Block: Guidance is found in the “How to control or delete cookies” section below.

How to Control or Delete Cookies at StartUp National

Understanding Your Rights

At StartUp National, we respect your right to control the cookies used on our Websites. You have the right to choose whether or not to accept them, and we want to explain how you can exercise this right. Please note that refusing cookies might limit the full functionality of our Websites.

Modifying Browser Settings

Most browsers give you the ability to change your cookie settings. You’ll typically find these settings in the “options” or “preferences” menu of your browser. To assist you in understanding these settings, we’ve provided links to specific browser guides:

• Cookie settings in Internet Explorer
• Cookie settings in Firefox
• Cookie settings in Chrome
• Cookie settings in Safari web and iOS

Remember, many companies other than StartUp National may also drop cookies via our Websites.

Expiration and Deletion

All cookies controlled by StartUp National automatically expire within a period of up to 6 months from acceptance unless you, as the user, delete them sooner.

Changes to this Cookie Policy

We occasionally update this Cookie Policy to ensure that it aligns with our practices and services. Whenever we make changes, we’ll revise the “Last Updated” date at the top of the policy. Significant changes in how we collect, use, or share information in cookies will be prominently posted on our Websites. We encourage you to revisit this page periodically to stay informed.

Previous Cookies

If you have disabled one or more cookies, we may still utilize information collected from cookies before your preferences were set. However, we will cease using the disabled cookie to gather any further information.

Contacting StartUp National

Your privacy is vital to us. If you have any questions or comments about this cookie policy or privacy matters in general, please email us at [email protected].

We strive to provide transparency and control over the cookies we use at StartUp National. We’re committed to ensuring a responsive and personalized experience and offer clear guidance on how to manage or delete cookies. By understanding these preferences, you can shape how our Websites work for you, maintaining the balance between convenience and privacy.