Legal

Privacy Policy

Last updated: March 2026

The short version: We collect only what we need to run Earlyship. We never sell your data. You can delete your account and all associated data at any time by emailing hello@earlyship.io.

1. Who we are

Earlyship ("we", "us", "our") operates the Earlyship platform at earlyship.io and related subdomains. We provide signal intelligence and research tools for early-stage founders. Questions? Email us at hello@earlyship.io.

2. What data we collect

Waitlist signups: When you join a waitlist, we store your email address, the idea you signed up for (cluster title), and the timestamp of signup. We may also store the UTM source if you arrived via a tracked link.

Usage data: We collect anonymised analytics about page visits (pages viewed, time on page, referral source). This does not include personally identifiable information unless you explicitly provide it.

Communications: If you email us, we retain that correspondence for support and follow-up purposes.

2b. Research surveys

Survey responses: When you complete a research survey on our /validate pages, we collect your multiple-choice answers and an optional free-text comment. These responses are stored with the cluster (research topic) they relate to. Individual answers are not shared publicly.

Phone number (optional): If you opt in to a follow-up call, we collect your phone number. We only store it with your explicit consent (checkbox). Phone numbers are used solely for a single research call conducted by our team or our voice research partner (Bland.ai). We do not use phone numbers for marketing, sales, or sharing with third parties.

Legal basis: We process survey responses and phone numbers under GDPR Article 6(1)(a) (consent). You can withdraw consent at any time by emailing hello@earlyship.io.

3. How we use your data

We use your data exclusively to:

Notify you when early access opens for an idea you signed up for
Send you a one-time onboarding email after signup
Improve our platform and research pipeline
Conduct follow-up research calls (only with your explicit opt-in consent)
Aggregate survey responses to understand market problems (individual responses are never published)
Respond to your messages

We do not use your data for advertising, profiling, or selling to third parties.

4. Cookies and tracking

We use cookies for session management and analytics (Vercel Analytics). We do not use advertising or tracking cookies. By continuing to use Earlyship, you consent to this minimal cookie use. You can disable cookies in your browser settings without losing core functionality.

5. Data storage and security

Your data is stored in Supabase (EU region). We use HTTPS throughout. Access is restricted to authorised Earlyship team members only. We do not share your data with any third parties except the infrastructure providers necessary to run the service (Supabase, Vercel).

6. Your rights (GDPR)

If you are in the EU/EEA, you have the right to access, correct, delete, or export your personal data at any time. To exercise any of these rights, email hello@earlyship.io with the subject line "Data Request". We will respond within 30 days.

7. Data retention

Waitlist data is retained until you request deletion or 24 months after your signup, whichever comes first. If you never activate an account, your data is automatically purged after 24 months.

Survey data: Survey responses are retained for research purposes. Phone numbers are deleted within 30 days of the research call or upon your request, whichever comes first.

8. Changes to this policy

We may update this policy from time to time. We will notify waitlist members of significant changes via email. Continued use of the service after such notice constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

9. Contact

For any privacy questions or data requests: hello@earlyship.io