Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

At BizSearch India ("we," "our," or "us"), we are committed to protecting your privacy and the confidentiality of your business information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our website at bizsearch.in, mobile applications, and related services (collectively, the "Platform").

We understand the sensitive nature of business transaction information and have designed our data practices accordingly. Please read this Privacy Policy carefully. By accessing or using our Platform, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this Privacy Policy.

2. Information We Collect

We collect several types of information from and about users of our Platform:

2.1. Personal Information

Personal information includes information that can be used to identify you individually, such as:

• Contact information (name, email address, phone number, postal address)
• Account credentials (username, password)
• Professional information (job title, company name)
• Financial information (payment details for premium subscriptions)
• Identity verification documents (when required for profile verification)
• Profile pictures and biographical information

2.2. Business Information

Depending on your user type, we may collect different business information:

For Business Owners:

• Business name, type, and location
• Business description and history
• Financial information (revenue, profit, asking price)
• Asset information
• Employee information (number of employees, organizational structure)
• Customer and supplier information
• Reason for selling
• Business documents (financial statements, contracts, etc.)

For Franchisors:

• Franchise name, industry, and locations
• Investment requirements
• Area requirements
• Support provided to franchisees
• Number of existing franchise outlets
• Franchise disclosure documents
• Marketing materials and brand assets

For Investors:

• Investment preferences and criteria
• Investment capacity
• Industry and location preferences
• Investment timeline
• Previous investment experience

2.3. Usage Information

We automatically collect information about your interactions with our Platform, including:

• IP address and device information
• Browser type and version
• Operating system
• Pages visited and features used
• Time and date of visits
• Referring website or application
• Search terms used to find our Platform
• Click-through patterns

2.4. Communication Information

We collect information when you communicate with us or other users through our Platform, including:

• Messages sent through our messaging system
• Inquiries and responses regarding listings
• Feedback and support requests
• Survey responses

3. How We Collect Information

We collect information through various methods:

3.1. Direct Collection

Information you provide to us when you:

• Register for an account
• Create or update your profile
• Post a business or franchise listing
• Upload documents or images
• Communicate with other users
• Subscribe to premium services
• Contact our support team
• Participate in surveys or promotions

3.2. Automated Collection

Information collected automatically when you use our Platform through:

• Cookies and similar tracking technologies
• Log files
• Web beacons
• Analytics tools

3.3. Third-Party Sources

We may receive information about you from third-party sources, such as:

• Business verification services
• Identity verification providers
• Payment processors
• Social media platforms (if you connect your account)
• Business partners and affiliates

4. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for various purposes, including:

4.1. Providing and Improving the Platform

• Creating and managing your account
• Processing and displaying your listings
• Matching investors with business opportunities
• Facilitating communication between users
• Processing payments and subscriptions
• Improving and optimizing our Platform
• Developing new features and services

4.2. Communication

• Sending administrative notifications (e.g., account verification, payment confirmations)
• Providing customer support
• Sending updates about your listings or matches
• Delivering marketing communications (with your consent)
• Conducting surveys and collecting feedback

4.3. Security and Compliance

• Verifying your identity and business information
• Preventing fraud and unauthorized access
• Monitoring and enforcing compliance with our Terms and Conditions
• Resolving disputes between users
• Complying with legal obligations

4.4. Analytics and Research

• Analyzing usage patterns and trends
• Measuring the effectiveness of our services
• Conducting market research
• Creating aggregated or anonymized data for analytical purposes

5. How We Share Your Information

We may share your information with the following categories of recipients:

5.1. Other Users

Depending on your profile type and privacy settings, certain information may be visible to other users of the Platform:

• Public Information: Basic profile information and non-confidential listing details are visible to all users.
• Confidential Information: Sensitive business information is only shared with verified users who have expressed interest in your listing and, in some cases, only after they have signed a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA).

5.2. Service Providers

We share information with third-party service providers who perform services on our behalf, such as:

• Hosting and cloud storage providers
• Payment processors
• Identity verification services
• Customer support services
• Email and communication service providers
• Analytics providers
• Marketing and advertising partners

These service providers are contractually obligated to use your information only for the purposes of providing services to us and in accordance with this Privacy Policy.

5.3. Business Transfers

If we are involved in a merger, acquisition, financing, reorganization, bankruptcy, or sale of our assets, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction. We will notify you of any such change in ownership or control of your personal information.

5.4. Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information if required to do so by law or in response to valid requests by public authorities (e.g., a court or government agency). We may also disclose your information to:

• Enforce our Terms and Conditions and other agreements
• Protect and defend our rights or property
• Prevent or investigate possible wrongdoing in connection with the Platform
• Protect the personal safety of users of the Platform or the public

6. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include:

• Encryption of sensitive data
• Secure socket layer (SSL) technology
• Regular security assessments and audits
• Access controls and authentication procedures
• Secure data storage practices
• Employee training on data security

However, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to use commercially acceptable means to protect your information, we cannot guarantee its absolute security.

7. Data Retention

We retain your information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide you with our services. We will also retain and use your information as necessary to comply with our legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce our agreements.

If you close your account, we will delete or anonymize your personal information within 30 days, except for information that we are required to retain for legal or legitimate business purposes.

8. Your Privacy Rights

Depending on your location, you may have certain rights regarding your personal information. These may include:

• Access: You can request a copy of the personal information we hold about you.
• Correction: You can request that we correct inaccurate or incomplete information about you.
• Deletion: You can request that we delete your personal information in certain circumstances.
• Restriction: You can request that we restrict the processing of your information in certain circumstances.
• Data Portability: You can request a copy of your information in a structured, commonly used, and machine-readable format.
• Objection: You can object to our processing of your personal information in certain circumstances.
• Withdrawal of Consent: You can withdraw any consent you have provided for the processing of your information at any time.

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information provided in the "Contact Us" section below. We will respond to your request within the timeframe required by applicable law.

9. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to collect information about your browsing activities on our Platform. Cookies are small text files that are stored on your device when you visit a website.

We use the following types of cookies:

• Essential Cookies: These cookies are necessary for the Platform to function properly and cannot be switched off in our systems.
• Analytical/Performance Cookies: These cookies allow us to recognize and count the number of visitors and to see how visitors move around our Platform when they are using it.
• Functionality Cookies: These cookies enable the Platform to provide enhanced functionality and personalization.
• Targeting Cookies: These cookies record your visit to our Platform, the pages you have visited, and the links you have followed.

You can control cookies through your browser settings. However, if you block certain cookies, you may not be able to use all the features of our Platform.

10. Children's Privacy

Our Platform is not intended for children under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18. If you are a parent or guardian and believe that your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us, and we will delete such information from our systems.

11. International Data Transfers

We are based in India, and your information may be processed and stored in India and other countries where our service providers maintain facilities. These countries may have data protection laws that are different from those in your country.

By using our Platform, you consent to the transfer of your information to countries outside your country of residence, including India, which may have different data protection rules than those in your country.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or for other operational, legal, or regulatory reasons. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page and updating the "Last Updated" date at the top of this page.

We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically for any changes. Your continued use of the Platform after the posting of changes constitutes your acceptance of such changes.

13. Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us at:

Email: privacy@bizsearch.in
Address: BizSearch India, 123 Business Avenue, New Delhi, 110001, India

We will respond to your inquiry within 30 days.

14. Dispute Resolution

If you have a complaint about our privacy practices, please contact us first. We will investigate and attempt to resolve any complaints or disputes regarding the use or disclosure of your personal information.

If your complaint is not resolved through these channels, you may have the right to lodge a complaint with the relevant data protection authority in your jurisdiction.