01.
Who we are
HyKr Venture Studio LLC (“HyKr”, “we”, “us”, “our”) runs the HyKr Build Challenge and related studio programs to support early‑stage and idea‑stage founders. This privacy policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your information when you interact with us online.
Website: https://www.hykr.studio
By using our website or submitting an application, you agree to this privacy policy. If you do not agree, please do not use the site or share your information.
02.
What this policy covers
This policy applies when you:
- Visit our website or landing pages for HyKr Studio or the HyKr Build Challenge
- Submit an application or any form (e.g., Build Challenge, waitlist, contact forms)
- Interact with us over email or other digital channels linked from our site
It does not cover:
- Third‑party websites, apps, or platforms that we link to
- Any products or services operated by others under their own privacy terms
Information we collect
03.
Information you provide directly
When you use our site or apply to our programs, you may provide:
- Contact details: name, email address, phone number, city, country
- Startup / idea details: startup or project name, problem statement, solution, sector, stage, links to pitch decks or documents
- Team details: team size, team member names, roles, responsibilities, LinkedIn/GitHub or similar links
- Program forms: responses to application questions, preferences, and any files or links you upload
- Communications: emails, messages via forms, meeting notes, or call details you share with us
Please avoid including highly sensitive information (such as passwords, payment card numbers, or government ID numbers) in open‑text fields unless we explicitly request it for a specific purpose.
04.
Information collected automatically
When you visit our website, some technical data may be collected automatically, such as:
- IP address, browser type, device type, operating system
- Pages visited, time spent, referral source, and general usage patterns
- Cookies or similar technologies used for basic analytics and performance
This helps us understand how people use the site and improve content and performance.
05.
How we use your information
We use your information to:
Operate our programs
- Receive and review applications to the HyKr Build Challenge and studio‑related programs
- Assess eligibility, fit, and alignment
- Communicate with you about your application, interviews, and results
Evaluate and select teams
- Share applications with internal team members and select mentors/evaluators
- Shortlist teams and coordinate advanced review (including Investment Committee–level discussions)
Improve our offerings
- Understand founder profiles, sectors, and needs
- Improve our forms, content, and processes
- Create aggregated, anonymized statistics (e.g., number of applications, sectors, geographies)
Communicate with you
- Send updates about timelines, events, and program changes
- Share relevant information about HyKr Studio, future cohorts, and community opportunities (you can opt out of non‑essential emails at any time)
Security and legal compliance
- Maintain the security and reliability of our website and systems
- Comply with applicable legal obligations and respond to lawful requests
We do not use your personal data for purposes that are materially different from those described here without an appropriate legal basis and, where required, your consent.
06.
Cookies and analytics
Our website may use cookies and similar technologies to:
- Keep the site functioning securely and correctly
- Understand traffic and usage patterns
- Improve user experience and content
You can usually control cookies through your browser settings. Some features may not work as intended if certain cookies are disabled.
07.
How we share your information
We may share your information with:
Service providers
- Website hosting, form tools, email and communication tools, analytics, and similar infrastructure
- They are contractually required to use your data only to provide services to us and to protect it.
Mentors, evaluators, and partners
- Limited information necessary for them to review applications, mentor teams, or support the program
- Shared under reasonable confidentiality expectations
Affiliates or related entities
- To support studio, investment, or follow‑on programs connected to HyKr
Legal and compliance
- When required by law, regulation, or legal process
- To protect our rights, property, or safety, or those of others
We do not sell your personal data.
08.
Data storage, retention, and security
- Your information is stored using reputable cloud and SaaS providers.
We keep your information only for as long as reasonably necessary to:
- Run the current cohort or program
- Consider you for immediate or closely related opportunities
- Meet legal, regulatory, or record‑keeping requirements
In general:
- Applications that do not move forward may be retained for a limited period (for example, up to 12–24 months) so we can track interest and potentially reach out about similar opportunities, unless you ask us not to.
- Data for selected teams, finalists, and those who continue into studio/investment relationships may be kept longer, in line with legal and business requirements.
When data is no longer needed, we aim to delete or de‑identify it within reasonable timelines, subject to applicable law.
We use reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect your information, such as:
- Password‑protected tools and accounts
- Role‑based access to application data
- Use of reputable vendors with appropriate security practices
However, no system can be guaranteed to be 100% secure.
09.
Your choices and rights
Depending on where you live and applicable laws, you may have rights to:
- Access certain personal information we hold about you
- Correct or update inaccurate or incomplete information
- Request deletion of your personal information, where feasible and not in conflict with legal or legitimate retention needs
- Object to or restrict certain types of processing in specific circumstances
- Withdraw consent for optional uses (such as marketing communications), at any time
To exercise these rights or update your details, please contact us at info@hykr.studio
We may need to verify your identity before acting on some requests.
You can also opt out of non‑essential email updates by using the unsubscribe link (where available) or by emailing us.
10.
Changes to this policy
We may update this privacy policy from time to time. When we do, we will update the “Last updated” date at the top of this page. If we make significant changes, we may also provide a more prominent notice on the website.
11.
Contact
Questions about the Challenge or these Terms:
USA Office Address:
HyKr Venture Studio LLC
13652 Allegheny Drive, Frisco, TX 75035, USA
India Office Address:
Cabin-763, Street Number 1, Patrika Nagar, HITEC City, Hyderabad, Telangana 500081
Contact email: info@hykr.studio
