Cookie Policy
Last updated: 2026-10-13This 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 Swiss startup 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_oauth_state | HttpOnly cookie | Protect sign-in against misuse | Up to 10 minutes |
| sv_oauth_totp | HttpOnly cookie | Complete two-factor sign-in | Up to 5 minutes |
| sv-locale | Cookie | Remember your selected language | Up to 1 year |
| 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 |
| sv-ai-referral | sessionStorage | Avoid duplicate counting of an AI-referral source | Browser tab session |
3. Analytics
We use self-hosted Umami for aggregate page-view, referring-site and interaction metrics. It uses no analytics cookies or cross-site advertising profiles. Technical requests still process network/device information. URL query strings and fragments are excluded from page-view collection. Browser Do Not Track is respected. The sessionStorage entry above remembers a source category rather than account credentials or prompt text.
4. Advertising / Third-Party Trackers
Startup Valleys does not embed cross-site advertising trackers or remarketing pixels. Mapbox requests can occur automatically when a map loads; the provider receives technical connection data. Opening external websites, a sign-in provider or Stripe Checkout causes additional requests governed by that provider’s privacy and storage practices.
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]