Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

South African Equity Fund (SAEF) is committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website or use our services. We comply with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and other applicable data protection laws in South Africa.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information

We may collect the following personal information:

• Name, email address, and phone number
• Company information and business details
• Financial information and business plans
• Identity documents and verification information
• Communication preferences and history

2.2 Technical Information

We automatically collect certain technical information when you visit our website:

• IP address and device information
• Browser type and version
• Pages visited and time spent
• Referring website information
• Cookies and similar technologies

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your information for the following purposes:

• To provide and improve our equity bridge financing services
• To evaluate investment opportunities and conduct due diligence
• To communicate with you about our services
• To comply with legal and regulatory requirements
• To prevent fraud and ensure security
• To analyze website usage and improve user experience

4. Legal Basis for Processing

We process your personal information based on the following legal grounds:

• Consent: When you explicitly agree to our processing
• Contract: To fulfill our contractual obligations
• Legal Obligation: To comply with applicable laws
• Legitimate Interest: To provide and improve our services

5. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We may share your information in the following circumstances:

• Service Providers: With trusted third-party service providers who assist us in operating our business
• Financial Institutions: With banks and DFIs as part of the equity bridge process
• Legal Requirements: When required by law or to protect our rights
• Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets
• With Your Consent: When you explicitly authorize us to do so

6. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include encryption, secure servers, access controls, and regular security assessments.

7. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to:

• Provide our services and maintain business relationships
• Comply with legal and regulatory requirements
• Resolve disputes and enforce agreements
• Protect against fraud and abuse

When we no longer need your information, we will securely delete or anonymize it.

8. Your Rights

Under POPIA, you have the following rights regarding your personal information:

• Access: Request a copy of your personal information
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information
• Restriction: Request restriction of processing
• Portability: Request transfer of your data
• Objection: Object to processing based on legitimate interests
• Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent where processing is based on consent

9. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to:

• Remember your preferences and settings
• Analyze website traffic and usage patterns
• Improve website functionality and user experience
• Provide personalized content and advertisements

You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences. However, disabling cookies may affect website functionality.

10. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these websites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any personal information.

11. International Data Transfers

Your personal information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than South Africa. We ensure that such transfers comply with applicable data protection laws and implement appropriate safeguards to protect your information.

12. Children's Privacy

Our services are not intended for individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe we have collected information from a child, please contact us immediately.

13. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the new policy on our website and updating the "Last updated" date. Your continued use of our services after such changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

14. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us: