Distilled Intelligence Terms of Service
Effective Date: July 1, 2025
IMPORTANT: THIS IS A LEGALLY BINDING AGREEMENT. BY PURCHASING A TICKET, SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION, ATTENDING, PARTICIPATING IN, OR BEING PRESENT AT ANY PART OF THE EVENT KNOWN AS "DISTILLED INTELLIGENCE" (THE "EVENT"), YOU ("YOU," "YOUR," "PARTICIPANT") AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THESE TERMS OF SERVICE (THE "AGREEMENT").
This Agreement is entered into by and between you and Startupland Events LLC, a Virginia limited liability company and the sole legal producer and owner of the Event ("DI," "we," "us," or "our"). Fortify Ventures LLC and Loudoun County Economic Development are co-hosts and affiliates but are not parties to this Agreement unless otherwise expressly stated.
1. ADMISSION AND ELIGIBILITY
1.1 Discretionary Access
Participation in the Event is extended solely at the discretion of Startupland Events LLC. We reserve the absolute and unrestricted right to deny or revoke access to any individual or entity, at any time and for any reason or no reason, with or without notice or refund. Reasons for denial may include, but are not limited to: security concerns, misrepresentation of credentials, violation of previous event terms, regulatory compliance issues, or capacity limitations.
1.2 Modifications and Updates
We may amend these Terms at any time by posting updated terms on our website or sending notice to your registered email address. Continued engagement with the Event constitutes acceptance of the most current version of the Terms.
1.3 Age and Capacity
Participants must be at least 18 years of age and have the legal capacity to enter into this Agreement. Minors may attend only with explicit written consent from a parent or guardian who agrees to be bound by these Terms.
2. TICKETING AND PAYMENT — INVESTORS
2.1 Payment Processing
Tickets and hotel rooms may be purchased through our designated third-party processor (currently Stripe). DI makes no representations or warranties as to the operation, reliability, or policies of such third parties. All payment disputes must be resolved directly with the payment processor.
2.2 Itemization and Responsibility
Tickets and hotel bookings may be purchased together or separately. All purchases are subject to availability. Participants are solely responsible for ensuring the accuracy of data entered, including but not limited to contact, billing, and travel information. DI disclaims all liability arising from user error.
2.3 Post-Purchase Intake Form
Following purchase, participants will receive an electronic form requesting additional information related to attendance, dietary needs, lodging preferences, and scheduling. Submission of preferences does not obligate DI to accommodate any request. DI may, in its sole discretion, attempt to accommodate certain preferences on a non-binding basis.
2.4 Refund Policy
Refunds may only be requested in writing via email to hello@fortify.vc and must be received at least twenty-one (21) calendar days prior to the scheduled Event start date. Approved refunds will be processed within 30 business days via the original payment method, less any processing fees. Requests submitted thereafter are not guaranteed and are subject to the sole discretion of DI. No-shows, last-minute cancellations, or failures to complete required follow-up communications may result in forfeiture of all payments.
3. FOUNDER APPLICATIONS
3.1 Application Process
Submission of a founder or company application does not guarantee review, acceptance, or inclusion. All applications are reviewed solely at DI's discretion. Admission decisions are final, non-appealable, and need not be justified.
3.2 Revocation of Admission
Accepted founders may have their admittance revoked at any time and for any reason. DI shall bear no liability for costs or damages incurred as a result of any such revocation.
3.3 Attendance Expectations
Founder attendance at the Event may be offered without cost, except for travel or lodging, which are the responsibility of the attendee. These terms are subject to modification without notice.
4. SPONSORS
Sponsor participation is governed by independent contractual agreements between the sponsor and Startupland Events LLC. In the event of a conflict between such agreement and these Terms, the sponsorship agreement shall control with respect to the sponsor only.
5. MEDIA
Media representatives are subject to separate terms and explicit written permission. DI reserves the right to grant, deny, or revoke media access at any time. Media participants must adhere to all confidentiality obligations, embargoes, and behavioral standards. Unauthorized media activity is strictly prohibited and may result in removal or legal action.
6. RECORDINGS AND PUBLICITY
6.1 Grant of Rights
By attending or participating in the Event, you grant to Startupland Events LLC, and its partners, successors, licensees, and assigns, the irrevocable, worldwide, perpetual, sublicensable, royalty-free right to capture, reproduce, display, publish, distribute, edit, and otherwise use your image, voice, name, likeness, and biographical data in any media format (including photo, video, and audio), for any purpose whatsoever, including but not limited to advertising, publicity, and commercial distribution. You expressly waive all rights of privacy, publicity, or approval in connection with such uses.
6.2 No Compensation
You acknowledge that you shall receive no compensation for any use of recordings or imagery and waive any claim for payment or royalties.
6.3 Prohibited Attendee Recordings
Attendees are strictly prohibited from photographing, filming, recording, streaming, or otherwise capturing content from the Event without prior written consent from DI. Violation may result in immediate expulsion, legal action, liquidated damages of $10,000 per violation, and permanent disqualification from future events.
7. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND CONFIDENTIALITY
7.1 Proprietary Rights
All content, materials, presentations, methodologies, and information provided by DI or its speakers remain the exclusive property of their respective owners. No license or right to use such materials is granted unless explicitly stated in writing.
7.2 Confidential Information
Participants may be exposed to confidential, proprietary, or sensitive information during the Event. You agree to maintain the confidentiality of all non-public information shared by other participants, speakers, or DI, and not to disclose, use, or exploit such information for any purpose outside the Event.
7.3 Participant Content
Any presentations, materials, or information you share at the Event remain your property, but you grant DI a non-exclusive right to reference and discuss such content in connection with the Event and future events.
8. CODE OF CONDUCT
All participants must behave in a respectful, professional, and lawful manner. Harassment, discrimination, disruptive conduct, illegal activity, or violation of venue policies will result in immediate ejection without refund. DI reserves the right to remove anyone at any time, for any reason, and without liability.
9. HEALTH AND SAFETY
9.1 Medical Conditions
You represent that you are in good health and have no medical conditions that would prevent safe participation. You are responsible for disclosing any dietary restrictions, allergies, or accessibility needs.
9.2 Assumption of Risk
You acknowledge that participation in the Event involves inherent risks, including but not limited to exposure to communicable diseases, physical injury, and travel-related incidents. You voluntarily assume all such risks.
9.3 Medical Emergencies
In the event of a medical emergency, you consent to emergency medical treatment and acknowledge that DI is not responsible for medical decisions or costs incurred.
9.4 Alcohol Service
Alcohol may be served at Event functions. You agree to consume responsibly and acknowledge that DI is not liable for any consequences of alcohol consumption.
10. TECHNOLOGY AND SECURITY
10.1 Network Usage
Use of Event Wi-Fi and technology resources is subject to acceptable use policies. Prohibited activities include hacking, unauthorized access, malware distribution, or illegal downloads.
10.2 Device Security
You are responsible for securing your own devices and data. DI disclaims all liability for cybersecurity incidents, data breaches, or device theft.
10.3 Technical Difficulties
DI is not responsible for technical failures, connectivity issues, or equipment malfunctions that may affect your participation.
11. PRIVACY AND DATA PROTECTION
11.1 Data Collection
We collect personal information including contact details, payment information, dietary preferences, and professional background. This information is used solely for Event administration and related communications. Please refer to the Privacy Policy for further detail on privacy and data practices and policies.
11.2 Data Sharing
We may share your information with co-hosts, sponsors, and service providers as necessary for Event operations. We do not sell personal information to third parties.
11.3 Data Retention
We retain personal information for as long as necessary for business purposes and legal compliance, typically no longer than 7 years after the Event.
11.4 Your Rights
You may request access to, correction of, or deletion of your personal information by contacting hello@fortify.vc.
12. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
To the fullest extent permitted by law:
- DI shall not be liable for any indirect, special, incidental, consequential, punitive, or exemplary damages of any kind.
- DI's total aggregate liability shall not exceed the amount paid by you to DI for the Event.
- DI is not responsible for any acts or omissions of co-hosts, sponsors, third-party vendors, hotels, transportation providers, or other service providers.
- DI disclaims all warranties regarding investment advice, business outcomes, networking results, or commercial opportunities.
- DI is not liable for any business decisions made based on information obtained at the Event.
You acknowledge that participation in the Event involves potential risks, including exposure to communicable diseases, and you voluntarily assume all such risks.
13. INDEMNIFICATION
You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Startupland Events LLC, its co-hosts (including Fortify Ventures and Loudoun County Economic Development), affiliates, agents, and personnel from and against any and all claims, damages, liabilities, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising from your actions, omissions, breach of these Terms, or violation of any law or third-party rights.
14. COMPLIANCE AND REGULATORY MATTERS
14.1 Securities Law Disclaimer
No content at the Event constitutes investment advice or a recommendation to buy or sell securities. All investment decisions are made at your own risk.
14.2 Anti-Corruption
Participants must comply with all applicable anti-corruption laws and regulations. Any attempt to offer or solicit improper payments or benefits is strictly prohibited.
14.3 Export Controls
International participants are responsible for compliance with all applicable export control laws and regulations.
15. EVENT CANCELLATION AND FORCE MAJEURE
15.1 Cancellation by DI
DI may cancel or postpone the Event for any reason, including but not limited to insufficient registration, venue unavailability, or force majeure events. In such cases, DI will provide reasonable notice and offer refunds or credits for future events.
15.2 Force Majeure
DI shall not be liable for any failure or delay in performance caused by acts beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to natural disasters, terrorism, war, labor disputes, pandemic, internet outages, or government restrictions.
15.3 Partial Event Completion
If the Event is partially completed, refunds will be calculated pro rata based on the portion of the Event not delivered.
16. TERMINATION
16.1 Termination by DI
DI may terminate your participation at any time for violation of these Terms, disruptive behavior, or any other reason. No refund will be provided for termination due to participant misconduct.
16.2 Effect of Termination
Upon termination, you must immediately cease all Event participation and return any materials provided by DI.
17. GOVERNING LAW; VENUE
This Agreement shall be governed exclusively by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia, without regard to conflict of laws principles. All disputes arising under or in connection with this Agreement shall be brought solely in the state or federal courts located in or nearest to Ashburn, Virginia, and the parties irrevocably submit to the jurisdiction thereof. You expressly waive any right to a jury trial.
18. MISCELLANEOUS
- Entire Agreement: These Terms constitute the entire agreement between you and DI and supersede all prior or contemporaneous communications.
- Severability: If any provision is found unenforceable, the remainder shall remain in full force and effect.
- No Waiver: DI's failure to enforce any provision shall not constitute a waiver.
- Assignment: You may not assign rights under this Agreement without DI's prior written consent. DI may assign freely.
- Survival: Provisions relating to liability, indemnification, media rights, intellectual property, confidentiality, and dispute resolution shall survive termination.
- Notice: All notices must be sent in writing to the addresses specified in this Agreement.
CONTACT
For any inquiries regarding this Agreement, contact:
Startupland Events LLC
Email: hello@fortify.vc
BY PROCEEDING WITH TICKET PURCHASE OR EVENT PARTICIPATION, YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT YOU HAVE READ, UNDERSTOOD, AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THESE TERMS OF SERVICE.