Privacy Policy

Last updated: 27 July 2026

Forge ("Forge", "we", "us", "our") operates forgemint.co.za (the "Site"), including the waitlist and any related platform we launch. This Privacy Policy explains what personal information we collect, why we collect it, and the rights you have under the Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 ("POPIA").

Forge is currently in a pre-launch, waitlist stage. This policy will be updated as our product and data practices evolve.

1. Who We Are

Forge is the "Responsible Party" for personal information collected through the Site, as defined under POPIA.

Contact: privacy@forgemint.co.za

2. Information We Collect

When you join the waitlist or otherwise interact with the Site, we may collect:

  • Information you provide directly: your name and/or email address, country, and how you describe yourself (e.g. Founder, Developer, Designer, Investor, Student, etc.).
  • Information about your projects (if submitted):details you choose to share about what you're building, such as industry, stage, and what kind of co-founder or collaborator you're looking for.
  • Technical and usage information: IP address, browser type, device information, and site usage data, collected automatically through standard web technologies (including cookies or similar tools).

3. Why We Collect It

We process your personal information to:

  • Manage the waitlist and notify you about launch and access;
  • Match founders, builders, and operators with relevant people and opportunities once the platform launches;
  • Communicate with you about Forge, including product updates (you can opt out at any time);
  • Understand how the Site is used, and improve it;
  • Meet legal and regulatory obligations.

4. Legal Basis for Processing

We process your personal information on the basis of your consent (e.g. when you join the waitlist), to take steps toward a future agreement with you (onboarding to the platform), and, where applicable, our legitimate interests in operating and improving Forge.

5. Sharing Your Information

We do not sell your personal information. We may share it with:

  • Service providers who help us operate the Site (e.g. hosting, email, analytics providers), under confidentiality obligations;
  • Other users, but only information you choose to make visible as part of your public profile or project listing once the platform launches;
  • Authorities, where required by law.

6. Where Your Information Is Stored

Your information may be stored and processed on servers located inside or outside South Africa, including by third-party service providers. Where information is transferred outside South Africa, we take reasonable steps to ensure it remains protected in line with POPIA.

7. How Long We Keep It

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes described above, or as required by law. If you ask us to delete your information and we have no legal obligation to keep it, we will do so.

8. Your Rights Under POPIA

You have the right to:

  • Access the personal information we hold about you;
  • Request correction or deletion of your personal information;
  • Object to the processing of your personal information;
  • Withdraw consent at any time (e.g. unsubscribe from waitlist emails);
  • Lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator if you believe your rights have been infringed.

To exercise any of these rights, email privacy@forgemint.co.za.

9. Information Regulator

If you're unhappy with how we've handled your personal information, you can lodge a complaint with South Africa's Information Regulator:

  • Website: inforegulator.org.za
  • Complaints must be submitted via their eServices Portal, as set out on their website.

10. Cookies

The Site may use cookies or similar technologies to remember your preferences and understand how the Site is used. You can control cookies through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may affect how parts of the Site work.

11. Security

We take reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect your personal information against loss, unauthorised access, and misuse. No method of transmission or storage is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

12. Children's Privacy

Forge is not intended for use by children under 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children.

13. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy as Forge develops. We'll update the "Last updated" date above when we do. Material changes will be communicated where appropriate.

14. Contact Us

Questions about this policy or how we handle your information? Email privacy@forgemint.co.za.