Privacy Policy

Erris Consulting Group, LLC dba BiotechExec ("BiotechExec," "Ignite," "we," "our," or "us") operates the Ignite Life Science Executive Network platform (the "Platform"). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect information about you when you visit our website, create an account, or use our services.

By using the Platform, you agree to the collection and use of information described in this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree, please discontinue use of the Platform.

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Information You Provide Directly

• Account Registration: name, email address, password, and role (client or expert).
• Expert Profiles: professional biography, work history, areas of expertise, industry focus, availability, hourly rate, and any documents or resumes you upload.
• Client Profiles: company name, industry, project needs, and contact information.
• Communications: messages sent through the Platform, support tickets, and feedback submissions.
• Payment Information: billing details processed through our third-party payment processor, Stripe. We do not store full credit card numbers on our servers.

1.2 Information Collected Automatically

• Usage Data: pages visited, features used, search queries, click patterns, and session duration.
• Device and Log Data: IP address, browser type, operating system, referring URL, and timestamps.
• Cookies and Similar Technologies: session cookies required for authentication, and analytics cookies to understand how the Platform is used. See Section 5 for details.

1.3 Information from Third Parties

• Data imported from CRM systems such as Crelate or HubSpot where you have authorized such integration.
• Calendar data from Google Calendar or other calendar providers when you enable scheduling integrations.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Create and manage your account, and authenticate you when you log in.
• Match clients with expert consultants based on project requirements and expertise.
• Facilitate bookings, scheduling, and video consultations.
• Process payments and manage subscription billing through Stripe.
• Deliver platform communications, including booking confirmations, system alerts, and transactional emails via SendGrid.
• Provide AI-assisted search, profile analysis, and matching features using anonymized or aggregated data.
• Improve and personalize the Platform experience.
• Monitor and ensure the security and integrity of the Platform.
• Comply with legal obligations and enforce our Terms of Service.
• Respond to support requests and resolve disputes.

3. How We Share Your Information

We do not sell your personal information. We may share information in the following circumstances:

3.1 Between Clients and Experts

Expert profile information (name, biography, expertise, and availability) is visible to registered client users for the purpose of evaluating and booking consultations. Client project details are shared with matched experts as part of the engagement process.

3.2 Service Providers

We share data with trusted third-party vendors who assist us in operating the Platform, including:

• Stripe – payment processing
• SendGrid – transactional email delivery
• Zoom – video conferencing
• Google Cloud / Neon – infrastructure and database hosting
• Anthropic / OpenAI – AI-powered search and analysis features
• HubSpot / Crelate – CRM and expert tracking (where integration is enabled)

These providers are contractually obligated to use your data only to perform services on our behalf.

3.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information if required by law, regulation, or legal process, or to protect the rights, property, or safety of BiotechExec, our users, or the public.

3.4 Business Transfers

In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred to a successor entity, subject to the same privacy protections described here.

4. Data Retention

We retain your personal data for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide services, resolve disputes, comply with legal obligations, and enforce our agreements. You may request deletion of your account by contacting us at the address in Section 9. Some data may be retained in anonymized or aggregated form for analytics purposes after deletion.

5. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use the following types of cookies:

• Strictly Necessary Cookies: Required for authentication and session management. The Platform cannot function without these.
• Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how users interact with the Platform so we can improve it. These may be disabled through your browser settings.

Most browsers allow you to refuse cookies or delete them. Disabling strictly necessary cookies may prevent you from logging in or using core Platform features.

6. Data Security

We implement industry-standard technical and organizational security measures, including encrypted data transmission (HTTPS/TLS), hashed password storage, role-based access controls, and regular security reviews. However, no method of transmission over the internet is completely secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security of your data.

7. Your Rights and Choices

Depending on your location, you may have rights to:

• Access the personal data we hold about you.
• Correct inaccurate or incomplete data.
• Delete your personal data (subject to legal retention obligations).
• Restrict or object to certain processing activities.
• Data portability — receive a copy of your data in a structured, machine-readable format.
• Withdraw consent where processing is based on consent.

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the information in Section 9. We will respond within 30 days of receiving your request.

8. Children's Privacy

The Platform is intended for use by professionals aged 18 and older. We do not knowingly collect personal information from individuals under the age of 18. If we become aware that a minor has provided us with personal information, we will promptly delete it.

9. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or applicable law. We will notify registered users of material changes by email or by posting a notice on the Platform. Your continued use of the Platform after the effective date of a revised policy constitutes your acceptance of the changes.

10. Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or your personal data, please contact us: