Terms of Service

Who we are

Startology is a program operated by Fracs LLC, an Iowa limited liability company (“Startology”, “we”, “us”). These Terms apply to startology.io, the Startology app, and every service we provide through them (the “Program”). By applying, creating an account or using the Program, you agree to these Terms, our Privacy Policy and our Partner and Sponsor Disclosures.

Who can join

You must be at least 18, able to form a contract, and starting a business in the United States. The first cohorts are for businesses based in Iowa. We review every application and may decline, wait-list or limit any application, including for capacity, eligibility or the type of business.

We do not build businesses that are illegal where they operate, or that involve weapons, adult content, gambling, multi-level marketing, debt relief, regulated cannabis, or anything that requires a license the founder cannot obtain.

What the Program includes

Depending on your business and where it operates, the Program can include:

• forming your limited liability company and paying the initial state filing fee
• applying for your federal EIN with you
• identifying the licenses and permits your business needs, and helping you apply
• a logo and brand kit, a domain, a business email and a website
• a customer test with up to 100 people who match your target customer, and a report
• a 13-week launch plan and weekly check-ins with our team
• optional introductions to partners, mentors, other founders and investors
• an optional founder-track profile shared with employer partners

We decide the scope, timing and tools for each build. We do our best to finish every step, but we do not guarantee a deadline, a result or any amount of revenue.

What it costs

The build is free to you. We do not charge founders a fee, take equity in your business, or take a share of your revenue in exchange for the Program. The Program is paid for by partners and sponsors, as explained in our disclosures.

Costs after your build are yours. These include renewing your domain, keeping your website hosted, your registered agent after the first year, state biennial reports and fees, licenses that renew, taxes, and any product or service you choose to buy from a partner. We will tell you which ongoing costs apply before your build is finished.

You own your business

You own your company, its name, its customers and its revenue. Brand files, website content and other work we create specifically for your business are assigned to you when we deliver them. Domains are registered in your name or your company’s name. Templates, tools and know-how we use across many founders remain ours, and you receive a perpetual, royalty-free license to use any of them that are built into your deliverables.

We may describe your business in general terms in our reports to partners, for example “a bakery in Ankeny launched in March.” We will ask before using your name, your logo or your story in marketing.

Your responsibilities

• Give us accurate and complete information, and keep it current.
• Review and sign documents prepared for you. You are the organizer and owner of record and are responsible for what is filed in your name.
• Follow the laws that apply to your business, including licensing, tax, employment, privacy and consumer protection laws.
• Keep your company in good standing after the build, including annual or biennial reports and registered agent requirements.
• Keep your login secure. You are responsible for activity on your account.

Not legal, tax or financial advice

Startology is not a law firm, an accounting firm, a bank, an insurance agency or an investment adviser. Nothing in the Program is legal, tax, accounting, insurance, investment or financial advice. Templates and guidance are general information. For advice about your situation, talk to a licensed professional.

The 100-person test

Test responses come from third-party research panels and from people who match the customer you describe. The report reflects what those people said. It does not predict sales, and people often buy differently than they answer. Use it as one input to your decisions.

Partners and third-party services

Banks, insurers, software companies and other partners offer products inside the Program. Using any partner is always optional and never a condition of your free build. We only share your details with a partner after you agree to it for that specific offer, and you can stop sharing at any time in your settings. A partner’s product is provided by that partner under its own terms, and the partner, not Startology, is responsible for it. Some partners pay us, as described in our disclosures.

Fund first look

You can choose to let an investment fund affiliated with Startology see your progress so it can consider investing in your business. This is optional and off by default. Saying yes or no never affects your free build. Any investment would be made only under separate written agreements and applicable securities laws. Nothing in the Program is an offer to buy or sell a security.

Founder track

If your business does not continue, you can turn on a founder-track profile that employer partners can see. It is optional, off by default, and you can turn it off at any time. Employers decide whom to interview or hire. Some employer partners may pay us a fee when they hire someone they met through the Program.

Acceptable use

Do not misuse the Program. That includes giving false information, using another person’s identity, trying to access accounts or data that are not yours, interfering with the service, scraping it, or using it to send spam or break the law.

Ending the Program

You can leave the Program at any time by emailing us. We can pause or end your participation if you break these Terms, stop responding for 60 days, or if continuing would be unlawful or unsafe. If the Program ends for any reason, you keep your company, your domain and every deliverable already handed over.

Disclaimers

The Program is provided “as is” and “as available.” To the fullest extent the law allows, we disclaim all warranties, express or implied, including merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose and non-infringement. We do not promise that your business will succeed.

Limitation of liability

To the fullest extent the law allows, Startology and Fracs LLC will not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential or punitive damages, or for lost profits, revenue or data. Because the Program is free, our total liability for any claim relating to it is limited to one hundred US dollars ($100). Some places do not allow these limits, so they may not apply to you.

Indemnity

You agree to defend and hold harmless Startology and Fracs LLC from claims arising from your business, your products or services, information you gave us, or your breach of these Terms.

Law and disputes

Iowa law governs these Terms, without regard to conflict-of-law rules. Any dispute will be resolved in the state or federal courts located in Polk County, Iowa, and you and we consent to their jurisdiction. Before filing a claim, each side agrees to try to resolve it informally by email for 30 days.

Changes

We may update these Terms. If a change is material, we will email you or show a notice in the app before it takes effect. Continuing to use the Program after that means you accept the updated Terms.

Contact

Questions about these Terms: bonnie@fracs.io.