Terms & Conditions

Introduction, Definitions, Eligibility, User Accounts, Membership & Fees

1. Introduction

Welcome to the official website of the India Innovation Startup Association ("IISA", "Association", "we", "our", or "us").

These Terms & Conditions ("Terms") constitute a legally binding agreement between IISA and every individual or organisation accessing, browsing, registering with, or using the IISA website, digital platforms, programmes, memberships, events, products, or services.

These Terms govern your use of:

• IISA website
• Member Portal
• Startup Directory
• Founder Dashboard
• Investor Network
• Mentor Network
• Event Registration System
• Incubation & Acceleration Programmes
• Digital Products
• Mobile Applications
• APIs (if introduced)
• AI-powered services
• Any future digital or physical services introduced by IISA

By accessing or using any IISA platform, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to be legally bound by these Terms.

If you do not agree with any provision contained herein, you must immediately discontinue the use of all IISA services.

2. About IISA

India Innovation Startup Association (IISA) is an independent startup ecosystem dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs, innovators, students, founders, startups, MSMEs, investors, incubators, accelerators, educational institutions, corporate organisations and ecosystem partners.

Our objective is to facilitate entrepreneurship through:

• Startup networking
• Business mentoring
• Incubation support
• Accelerator programmes
• Investor engagement
• Government scheme awareness
• Industry partnerships
• Skill development
• Business consulting
• Startup showcases
• Community building
• Digital enablement

IISA acts solely as an ecosystem facilitator. Unless expressly agreed in writing, IISA does not act as:

• a financial advisor;
• an investment advisor;
• a legal consultant;
• a chartered accountant;
• a tax consultant;
• an employment agency;
• a venture capital firm;
• an incubator recognised under any government scheme solely by virtue of operating this website.

3. Definitions

For the purpose of these Terms:

• Association: The India Innovation Startup Association (IISA), including its governing body, employees, officers, volunteers, consultants, authorised representatives and affiliates.
• Website: Every website, web application, mobile application, portal, API, dashboard or digital property owned or operated by IISA.
• User: Every visitor accessing any IISA platform, whether registered or not.
• Member: Any individual or organisation holding an active membership issued by IISA.
• Founder: An individual establishing, operating or representing a startup or business.
• Startup: Any innovative business, MSME, private company, LLP, partnership, proprietorship, student venture, social enterprise or entrepreneurial initiative participating in IISA.
• Mentor: An individual providing strategic, technical, operational or business guidance through IISA.
• Investor: Any angel investor, venture capitalist, family office, investment fund, corporate investor, financial institution or other investment participant.
• Programme: Any workshop, webinar, networking event, incubation programme, accelerator programme, mentorship programme, consulting assignment, conference, competition, fellowship or initiative organised by IISA.
• Content: All text, graphics, software, videos, documents, templates, logos, trademarks, databases, photographs, audio recordings, code, AI-generated content and digital materials available through IISA.

4. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing the website or using any service offered by IISA, you represent and warrant that:

• you have legal capacity to enter into this agreement;
• you agree to comply with these Terms;
• you will comply with all applicable laws and regulations;
• all information supplied by you is true and complete;
• you understand that continued use of IISA services constitutes ongoing acceptance of these Terms.

If you are acting on behalf of an organisation, you represent that you possess authority to bind that organisation.

5. Eligibility

You may register for IISA services only if:

• you are at least 15 years of age, or otherwise have the consent of a parent or legal guardian where applicable;
• you possess legal authority to enter into binding agreements;
• your activities comply with Indian laws and any other laws applicable to your jurisdiction.

IISA reserves the right to request identity verification, business registration documents or additional information at any time. Failure to provide satisfactory verification may result in refusal, suspension or termination of access.

6. User Accounts

When creating an account, you agree to:

• Provide accurate information about the startup.
• Keep your profile updated with the latest information in case of any major changes about the startup.
• Maintain the confidentiality of your credentials and immediately notify IISA of any unauthorised use.
• Accept responsibility for all activities conducted through your account.

You shall not:

• create multiple accounts for deceptive purposes;
• impersonate another individual or organisation;
• transfer your account without written approval;
• share login credentials with unauthorised persons.

IISA reserves the right to suspend or disable accounts where fraudulent, misleading or unlawful activity is suspected.

7. Membership

Membership is a privilege granted by IISA and does not create ownership, partnership, employment or agency rights.

Membership categories may include:

• Student Membership
• Startup Membership
• Founder Membership
• Mentor Membership
• Investor Membership

Membership benefits may include:

• access to the platform and resources listed on it.
• startup directory listings and related information.
• mentoring opportunities from market experts (based entirely on performance and mentor availability).
• investor engagement opportunities.
• discounted event registrations and special access to some events using the IISA passport.
• partner offers and business support services.

Membership benefits may vary by category and are subject to change. No specific benefit is guaranteed unless expressly confirmed by IISA in writing.

8. Membership Applications

Submission of an application does not guarantee acceptance. IISA reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to:

• approve or reject any application and conduct due diligence.
• verify information supplied and request additional documentation if required for verification and working.
• interview applicants and gather information related to the startup.
• suspend processing and refuse membership without providing reasons where legally permissible.

Applicants providing false, misleading or incomplete information may be permanently disqualified.

9. Membership Fees

9.1. Fee Structure and Publication

All applicable membership fees, subscription charges, and specific programme fees will be published on the official IISA website. IISA reserves the right to modify these fees at its sole discretion. Any changes to recurring membership fees will be communicated to existing members at least 30 days before their next billing cycle.

9.2. Payment Terms

Unless expressly stated otherwise in a specific agreement:

• Advance Payment: All membership fees are payable in full and in advance of the membership period (e.g., annually or monthly).
• Payment Methods: Payments must be made via the approved payment gateways or methods listed on the IISA website.
• Currency: All fees are stated and payable in INR, unless otherwise indicated.

9.3. Taxes

All advertised fees are exclusive of applicable taxes. Members are responsible for paying all relevant statutory taxes, levies, or duties (such as GST or VAT) imposed by taxing authorities. These will be calculated and added to the final invoice at checkout.

9.4. Membership Activation and Approval

Submission of an application and payment of fees does not guarantee IISA membership.

• Activation: A membership becomes officially active only upon both successful payment and formal approval of the member's application by the IISA committee.
• Rejection: If an application is rejected after payment has been made, IISA will initiate a full refund of the base membership fee within 30 business days.

9.5. Non-Transferability and Non-Assignability

• Individual Memberships: Memberships tied to a specific individual cannot be transferred, assigned, or resold to another person under any circumstances.
• Corporate/Startup Memberships: If the membership is granted to a startup entity, it remains with that specific registered entity. It cannot be transferred to a parent company, subsidiary, or a new entity in the event of an acquisition or merger.

9.6. Refund and Cancellation Policy

Once a membership is approved and activated, all paid fees are strictly non-refundable. This applies even if the member chooses to cancel their membership before the expiry of their current term, or if they fail to utilize the association's services and programmes.

9.7. Late Payments, Suspension, and Termination

Failure to pay renewal fees or programme charges on time will result in the following actions:

• Grace Period: Members will be granted a 7-day grace period following the due date to clear pending dues.
• Suspension: If payment is not received by the end of the grace period, IISA reserves the right to immediately suspend the member's access to all services, benefits, voting rights, and portals.
• Termination: If an account remains in arrears for more than 30 days, the membership may be permanently terminated. Rejoining the association after termination may require a new application and payment of a reactivation or late fee.

10. Refund Policy

Unless specifically stated otherwise in writing or under applicable law:

• membership fees are non-refundable;
• programme fees may be governed by separate programme-specific policies;
• cancellation by a participant does not automatically entitle the participant to a refund;
• administrative fees, payment gateway charges and applicable taxes may be deducted where refunds are approved.

Chargebacks initiated without reasonable grounds may result in immediate suspension of membership pending investigation.

11. Member Responsibilities

Members agree to:

• act honestly and ethically;
• comply with all applicable laws;
• maintain accurate profile information;
• respect other members;
• avoid misleading business claims;
• cooperate during verification processes;
• safeguard confidential information received through IISA.

Members shall remain solely responsible for all business decisions, contractual relationships, investments, fundraising activities and commercial transactions undertaken through contacts established within the IISA ecosystem.

IISA does not supervise or endorse commercial dealings between members.