Privacy policy

Last Updated: 04/12/25

Britain’s Got Startups is the trading name of BGS Ventures LTD, a company registered in England and Wales, company number: 16644139, with ICO registration number ZC061644. Our registered address is 52 East Parade, Harrogate, England. HG1 5LT.  

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect personal data submitted as part of the Britain’s Got Startups application and event process. By applying to or attending our events, you agree to the terms outlined below. 

1. Data We Collect 

We collect information provided directly by applicants and event attendees, including: 

  • Contact details 

  • Application responses 

  • Pitch decks or supporting materials 

  • Demographic data (optional; redacted during review) 

  • Communication records 

We do not collect unnecessary sensitive information. Applicants should avoid submitting personal identifiers (e.g., bank details, NI numbers) within pitch materials. 

2. How We Use Your Data 

We use your personal data to: 

  • Process and evaluate applications 

  • Communicate with applicants 

  • Run in-person and online events 

  • Conduct judging and scoring 

  • Ensure accessibility and operational planning 

  • Improve future programmes 

We only process personal data where we have a valid legal basis, including legitimate interests, performance of a contract, consent, and compliance with legal obligations.  

3. Automated Decision-Making 

Part of the initial screening stage involves automated tools that score applications against predefined criteria. This helps us efficiently assess a high volume of submissions. 

Progression to the final, and the selection of the overall winner, is not automated and is based on human judgement. Applicants may request a human review of any automated decision by contacting us at hello@britainsgotstartups.co.uk. 

4. Confidentiality of Application Materials 

All information submitted through the application process - including business information, pitch content, and financial details - is treated as confidential. 

Access is limited to staff, judges, advisors, and third-party partners involved in reviewing or administrating the event series. 

We do not share confidential applicant information outside the event process unless legally required. 

5. Third-Party Service Providers and Sharing 

We may use trusted third-party service providers to assist with: 

  • Application processing 

  • Scoring tools 

  • Event management platforms 

  • Cloud hosting and CRM 

  • Communication systems 

These providers may process personal data on our behalf and are contractually required to comply with strict confidentiality and data-protection standards. 

We may also share your data with judges, advisors, or event partners to facilitate application review and participation in the event. 

6. International Transfers 

Some of our third-party providers may store or process data outside the UK or EU. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your personal data in accordance with applicable data protection laws. 

7. Data Security 

We take appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your data. 
However, transmitting information online always carries inherent risks. Applicants should avoid including unnecessary sensitive information in their documents, and we recommend removing personal identifiers from pitch decks unless essential. 

8. Data Retention 

We retain personal data only for as long as necessary to: 

  • Run and evaluate the event series 

  • Meet legal and reporting requirements 

All application materials and related personal data are retained for up to 6 years after the programme concludes unless longer retention is required by law. 

9. Your Rights 

You have the right to: 

  • Access your data 

  • Request correction or deletion 

  • Object to or restrict processing 

  • Request human review of automated decisions 

  • Withdraw consent (where consent is used as the legal basis) 

To exercise these rights, contact us at: hello@britainsgotstartups.co.uk

10. Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or how we handle your personal data, please contact us at: 

Email: hello@britainsgotstartups.co.uk