Confidentiality & Community Trust Policy

1. Welcome to the Young Founders Forum

Welcome to the Young Founders Forum (YFF).

YFF is a private, trust-based community for ambitious young founders and operators. Our Members openly discuss sensitive business topics, early-stage ideas, financial details, technical challenges, and personal experiences. This level of openness is only possible if every Member commits to strict confidentiality and good-faith conduct.

This Confidentiality & Community Trust Policy explains the standards we expect from all Members and Guests of YFF. It is based on — and complements — the Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) signed by all Members. By participating in YFF in any capacity, you agree to follow this Policy.

If you have any questions, please contact us at questions@youngfoundersforum.com

2. Purpose of This Policy

The purpose of this Policy is to:

• Protect confidential, proprietary, and personal information shared within YFF
• Enable Members to speak freely without fear of idea theft, misuse, or exposure
• Prevent misuse of YFF's community, structure, or business model
• Maintain a safe, respectful, and high-integrity environment

Many YFF Members run startups or work on sensitive projects. This Policy exists to protect them, you, and YFF as a whole.

3. What Is Considered Confidential Information

"Confidential Information" includes, but is not limited to:

• Business ideas, strategies, and models
• Financial information or projections
• Product designs, roadmaps, or technical data
• Client lists, supplier relationships, or investor discussions
• Personal or sensitive personal information shared by Members
• Information explicitly marked as confidential
• Any non-public information learned through YFF events, chats, or introductions

If information is shared within YFF, you should assume it is confidential unless clearly stated otherwise.

4. Confidentiality Obligations

All Members and Guests agree to:

4.1 Non-Disclosure

• Not disclose Confidential Information to any third party without prior written consent from the disclosing Member
• Not share YFF discussions, screenshots, recordings, or summaries outside the community

4.2 Safeguarding Information

• Use reasonable care to protect Confidential Information
• Secure digital and physical materials
• Prevent unauthorized access

4.3 Proper Use

Use Confidential Information only to:

• Evaluate or discuss opportunities presented by other Members
• Provide support, advice, or collaboration aligned with YFF's purpose

Never use Confidential Information to compete with, exploit, or disadvantage another Member.

5. Good Faith & Ethical Conduct

YFF is built on trust. All Members and Guests are expected to:

• Act honestly and in good faith
• Avoid misrepresentation or manipulation
• Not withhold critical context in a misleading way
• Respect boundaries set by other Members

Exploiting other Members for personal gain — financially, reputationally, or otherwise — is strictly prohibited.

6. Community Safety & Conduct

YFF exists to serve the community as a whole. During YFF events, online spaces, and related activities:

Intentionally causing harm to others is prohibited, including:

• Financial harm
• Emotional harm
• Physical harm

Harassment, intimidation, or coercive behavior is not tolerated.

6.1 Conflict Resolution

• If issues arise between Members or Guests, please contact a YFF representative first so we can attempt mediation
• Legal action should be a last resort between Members

6.2 Limitation of Liability

• Disputes between Members are the responsibility of the involved parties
• YFF is not liable for individual Member disputes

7. Duration of Confidentiality

Confidentiality obligations:

• Survive termination of your Membership or Guest status
• Remain in effect indefinitely from the date of your last participation

Information shared under confidentiality may never be used, regardless of whether you remain a Member.

8. Non-Compete & Non-Replication

To protect the integrity of the community:

Members and Guests agree that for five (5) years after their last participation, they will not:

• Create or operate a forum substantially similar to YFF
• Use YFF Confidential Information, Member lists, or internal knowledge to recruit Members for a competing group

This applies only to activities derived from participation in YFF.

9. Breach & Reporting

If you become aware of:

• Unauthorized disclosure
• Misuse of Confidential Information
• Behavior that violates this Policy

You must notify YFF and/or the affected Member promptly and in writing. YFF reserves the right to take appropriate action, including removal from the community or legal remedies when necessary.

10. Governing Law & Dispute Resolution

• This Policy is governed by the laws of Switzerland, specifically meaning that the jurisdiction ("Gerichtsstand") is Zurich, Switzerland
• Disputes involving YFF shall be resolved through arbitration under:
  • Swiss Chambers' Arbitration Institution (SCAI), or
  • International Chamber of Commerce (ICC)

11. Policy Updates

• This Policy may be updated from time to time
• Written notice will be provided for material changes
• If multiple versions exist, the most recent accepted version applies

12. Acceptance

Participation in YFF — including attending events, accessing communication channels, or interacting with Members — constitutes acceptance of this Policy. This acceptance is binding and irrevocable, even if Membership or Guest status ends.