Cookie Policy

Last updated: July 2025

1. Introduction

This Cookie Policy explains how Symbern ("we," "our," or "us") uses cookies and similar technologies when founders, investors, and partners engage with our digital properties. This policy should be read alongside our Privacy Policy.

By using our websites, investor portals, or deal rooms, you consent to the use of cookies in accordance with this policy. You can control and manage cookies through your browser settings.

2. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files that are stored on your device (computer, tablet, or mobile phone) when you visit a website. They help websites remember information about your visit, such as your preferred language and other settings, which can make your next visit easier and the site more useful to you.

Cookies can be "persistent" or "session" cookies. Persistent cookies remain on your device after you close your browser, while session cookies are deleted when you close your browser.

3. Types of Cookies We Use

Essential Cookies

These cookies are necessary for the platform to function properly and cannot be disabled. They include:

• Authentication cookies that keep you logged in
• Security cookies that protect against fraud
• Session cookies that maintain your current session
• Load balancing cookies that distribute traffic

Functional Cookies

These cookies enhance your experience by remembering preferences relevant to venture engagements:

• Language and region preferences
• User interface customization within data rooms and portals
• Form data submitted in pitch or investor intake forms
• Saved diligence filters, comparison lists, or deal tags

Analytics Cookies

These cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our venture properties:

• Page views and navigation patterns across portfolio and program pages
• Time spent reviewing resources or submitting deal information
• Error tracking and performance monitoring for data rooms
• User journey analysis to improve diligence workflows

Marketing Cookies

These cookies are used to deliver relevant communications and invitations:

• Targeting venture updates, program announcements, and thought leadership
• Measuring the effectiveness of investor or founder outreach
• Retargeting website visitors with relevant Symbern initiatives
• Integrating with social and professional networking platforms

4. Third-Party Cookies

We may use third-party services that place cookies on your device:

• Google Analytics or similar tools: For website analytics and performance monitoring
• Google Calendar and event platforms: For booking strategy sessions or office hours
• Fund administration and payment processors: For secure capital or invoice management
• Customer relationship management (CRM) platforms: For tracking deal flow and partnerships
• Community and collaboration tools: For forums, virtual events, or portfolio communication

These third-party services have their own privacy policies and cookie practices. We encourage you to review their policies.

5. How We Use Cookies

We use cookies for the following purposes:

• Authentication: To keep you logged in to investor portals and data rooms
• Preferences: To remember your settings and tailored venture content
• Security: To protect against unauthorized access, fraud, or misuse
• Performance: To monitor and improve platform stability and speed
• Analytics: To understand how founders and investors interact with our resources
• Personalization: To recommend relevant programs, insights, or portfolio stories
• Marketing: To deliver targeted venture updates, events, and partnership invitations

6. Cookie Duration

Cookies on our platform have different lifespans:

• Session Cookies: Deleted when you close your browser
• Persistent Cookies: Remain for a set period (typically 30 days to 2 years)
• Authentication Cookies: May last for extended periods for convenience
• Analytics Cookies: Usually expire after 1-2 years

7. Managing Your Cookie Preferences

You have several options for managing cookies:

Browser Settings

Most browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings:

• Block all cookies
• Block third-party cookies only
• Delete existing cookies
• Set preferences for specific websites

Cookie Consent

When you first visit our platform, you'll see a cookie consent banner that allows you to:

• Accept all cookies
• Reject non-essential cookies
• Customize your cookie preferences
• Learn more about our cookie usage

Opt-Out Tools

You can also use opt-out tools for specific types of cookies:

• Google Analytics opt-out browser add-on
• Digital Advertising Alliance opt-out tool
• Network Advertising Initiative opt-out tool

8. Impact of Disabling Cookies

If you choose to disable cookies, please be aware that:

• Some portal or data room features may not function properly
• You may need to authenticate repeatedly during diligence sessions
• Your preferences for deal filters or saved materials may not be retained
• Suggested content, programs, or portfolio insights may be less relevant
• Security safeguards, including risk monitoring, may be limited

Essential cookies cannot be disabled as they are necessary for basic platform functionality.

9. Updates to This Cookie Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect:

• Changes in our cookie practices
• New technologies or services
• Legal or regulatory requirements
• User feedback and preferences

We will notify you of significant changes and update the "Last updated" date at the top of this policy.

10. Contact Us

If you have any questions about our use of cookies or this Cookie Policy, please contact us:

Email: privacy@symbern.com
Response Time: We will respond to your inquiry within 30 days.