To achieve this and to provide a high-quality and trustworthy platform for exchange, the following rules apply:

1. Respectful Interaction and Appreciative Exchange

PitchPal thrives on respectful and appreciative exchanges. Here are some basic rules that we should all follow:

• Civility and Respect: Treat all members with civility and respect. We value open but respectful communication, even when opinions differ.
• No Discrimination or Harassment: Any form of discrimination, harassment, or bullying will not be tolerated. Hate postings, insults, threats, or similar behavior will lead to immediate consequences.
• Informal Address: At PitchPal, we maintain an informal address (“du” in German) to promote communication on an equal footing.

2. Confidentiality

PitchPal offers a safe place for the exchange of sensitive and personal topics. Confidentiality is of utmost importance:

• Protection of Sensitive Information: Treat all information shared in conversations, chats, or video conferences with the necessary confidentiality.
• Confidential Handling: Do not share information entrusted to you by other members without their explicit consent.

3. Protection of Intellectual Property

The intellectual property of our members is particularly important to us. Therefore, the following rules apply:

• Ownership of Ideas: Any idea shared on PitchPal remains the intellectual property of the person who developed it. It is forbidden to use or further develop others’ ideas without their explicit consent.
• Obtain Permission: If you are interested in building on another member’s idea, you must obtain the explicit permission of the originator.
• Consequences for Violations: Violations of copyright will lead to strict measures, including account suspension or deletion.

4. No Advertising, No Solicitation

PitchPal is a space for the exchange of ideas, not for self-promotion or solicitation:

• Advertising-Free Zone: Any form of self-promotion is prohibited unless explicitly requested. This rule also applies to private messages.
• Exception: Helpful references to third-party offerings are allowed, provided they are not primarily promotional in nature.

5. Real Name and Profile Picture Requirement

We want a transparent and trustworthy community:

• Use of Real Names: All members must use their real first and last name or company name as their username.
• Profile Picture: Use a profile picture that clearly shows you. It doesn’t have to be professional, but it should represent you well.

6. No Harmful Content

PitchPal is a safe space. The following content is strictly prohibited:

• Illegal Content: Extremist, racist, sexist, or other illegal or questionable content will be immediately removed.
• Depictions of Violence and Nudity: Depictions of violence, sexual abuse, nudity, or harmful content have no place on PitchPal.
• Privacy: Do not share private data of others without their consent.

7. Political Discussions

PitchPal is a platform for entrepreneurial growth and creative ideas:

• Political Context: Political discussions should only be held if they directly impact entrepreneurial activities and should be conducted respectfully.
• No Political Debates: Discussions not related to business matters are not desired.

8. Contacts and Support

Our community managers are here to help:

• Community Managers: Recognize our community managers by the suffix “- PitchPal Team.” If you have any questions or issues, you can contact them directly.
• Support: For technical difficulties or other concerns, please contact support@pitchpal.de.

9. Rule Violations

Our guidelines apply to all members:

• Actions for Violations: Violations of the rules may lead to warnings, account restrictions, or account deletions.
• Appeal: If you believe that actions have been wrongly taken against you, you can appeal by contacting us via email.