Cookie Policy
Last updated: 2026-05-07This page lists every cookie and browser-storage entry that startupvalleys.com uses, what each one does, and how long it persists. Startup Valleys is a worldwide directory and applies the same cookie practices to all users regardless of country.
1. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files that a website stores in your browser. We also use localStorage — a similar mechanism that, unlike cookies, is never sent back to the server. Both are scoped to the startupvalleys.com origin.
2. Strictly Necessary
These are required for the Service to function (signing in, keeping a session, basic preferences). They are set without consent because the Service cannot work without them.
| Name | Type | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| sv_refresh | HttpOnly cookie | Refresh your signed-in session | 30 days |
| sv:locale | localStorage | Remember your language preference | Persistent (until cleared) |
| sv:mapStyle | localStorage | Remember your map style (light / dark / satellite) | Persistent (until cleared) |
| sv:wizard:* | localStorage | Save contribute-flow drafts so refreshes don’t lose progress | Until submitted or cleared |
3. Analytics
We use privacy-respecting, anonymous analytics. We do not use Google Analytics, we do not set cross-site tracking cookies, and we do not build advertising profiles. Aggregate metrics (pageviews, country, referrer) are collected without identifying you.
4. Advertising / Third-Party Trackers
None. Startup Valleys does not embed advertising trackers, social widgets that set cookies, or remarketing pixels. Third-party domains are only contacted when you actively interact with embedded content (e.g. opening Stripe Checkout, viewing a Mapbox tile).
5. Managing Cookies
You can clear cookies and localStorage at any time from your browser settings. Doing so will sign you out of Startup Valleys and reset your preferences (language, map style, contribute drafts). Most browsers also let you block cookies entirely, but doing so will make sign-in impossible.
6. Changes to This Policy
We’ll update this page whenever we add, remove, or change a cookie or storage entry. The “Last updated” date above reflects the current version.
7. Related Documents
8. Contact
Questions about cookies: [email protected]