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Terms and Conditions
These Terms and Conditions (Terms) govern your access to and use of the Astute website at joinastute.com (the Site) and the Astute platform, marketplace and related services (together, the Platform).
In these Terms, Astute, we, us or our means the Astute company you contract with (the Astute Contracting Entity), which is:
(a) if your billing address is in the United States, Lumera AI, Inc. (doing business as Astute), a Delaware corporation; or
(b) in all other cases, Lumera AI Limited (trading as Astute), a company registered in England and Wales with company number 16708536 and registered office at 42a Arbor Lane, Winnersh, Wokingham, England, RG41 5JD.
Lumera AI, Inc. and Lumera AI Limited are each an Affiliate of the other.
By creating an Account, making or accepting a Booking, or otherwise using the Platform, you agree to these Terms on behalf of yourself and any organisation you represent. If you do not agree, you must not use the Platform. Our Privacy Policy explains how we handle personal data and forms part of these Terms.
1. Definitions
1.1 In these Terms, the following definitions apply:
Account: an account registered on the Platform by a Brand or a Creator.
Affiliate: any entity that directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with a party.
Aggregated Data: data derived from use of the Platform, Campaigns and Platform Data that has been aggregated, de-identified or anonymised so that it does not identify any individual, Brand or Creator.
Booking: a request by a Brand to purchase a Placement from a Creator through the Platform, which becomes binding when accepted by the Creator.
Brand: a business, organisation or individual acting in the course of business that uses the Platform to purchase Placements.
Brief: the instructions, materials, key messages, links and requirements for a Placement provided by the Brand.
Campaign: one or more Placements purchased by a Brand, whether a Self-Serve Campaign or a Managed Campaign.
Creator: an individual or entity that publishes content (including newsletters, podcasts, social media posts, video and events) and offers Placements through the Platform.
Creator Content: content created, published or delivered by a Creator, including content containing a Placement.
Creator Profile: a profile for a Creator on the Platform, whether set up by the Creator or created by Astute from publicly available information.
Delivery Deadline: the date or window for publication of a Placement set out in the Booking or otherwise communicated to the Creator through the Platform, as extended by agreement through the Platform.
Fees: the amounts payable by a Brand for a Booking as shown on the Platform or in an Order, including Astute's service fee.
Intellectual Property Rights: patents, rights to inventions, copyright and related rights, trade marks, business names and domain names, rights in get-up, goodwill, rights in designs, database rights, rights in confidential information and all other intellectual property rights, in each case whether registered or unregistered, anywhere in the world.
Managed Campaign: a Campaign planned and managed by Astute on behalf of a Brand under a separate order form, proposal or statement of work (an Order).
Placement: a sponsorship, advertisement, mention, integration or other promotional deliverable to be included by a Creator in its content.
Platform Data: all data and information submitted to, collected by or generated through the Platform, including Account details, Creator profiles, audience and performance metrics, pricing, Booking and Campaign data, and communications sent through the Platform.
Self-Serve Campaign: a Campaign that a Brand books directly with one or more Creators through the Platform without an Order.
2. The Platform and Accounts
2.1 The Platform is a marketplace that allows Brands to discover, book and pay vetted Creators for Placements. Unless stated otherwise in an Order, Astute is not a party to the creative relationship between a Brand and a Creator and does not publish Creator Content.
2.2 You must be at least 18 years old and use the Platform for business purposes. You must not use the Platform as a consumer.
2.3 You will provide accurate, current and complete information when registering an Account and keep it up to date. You are responsible for all activity on your Account and for keeping your login details secure. You must notify us promptly of any unauthorised use.
2.4 Astute may review and vet Creators before listing them, and may approve, decline, suspend or remove any Account or listing at its discretion. Vetting does not amount to a guarantee of any Creator's audience, performance or conduct.
2.5 Astute does not guarantee any particular outcome from a Campaign, including reach, impressions, clicks, leads, conversions or revenue. Audience and performance information shown on the Platform is provided by Creators or third parties, or estimated by Astute, and is given for guidance only.
2.6 You may connect third-party accounts (for example LinkedIn, Google, newsletter or podcast hosting platforms) to your Account. You confirm that you are entitled to do so and you authorise Astute to access and use information from those accounts as described in our Privacy Policy.
2.7 Astute may create a Creator Profile from publicly available information before the Creator joins the Platform. To claim a Creator Profile, the Creator must accept these Terms, and by claiming it the Creator agrees to be bound by them. The Creator must check the information in its Creator Profile once claimed and correct anything that is inaccurate.
3. Bookings and Campaigns
3.1 Self-Serve Campaigns. A Brand may submit a Booking for a Placement listed on the Platform. A Booking becomes a binding contract between the Brand and the Creator when the Creator accepts it through the Platform. The Brand will provide the Brief within the time shown on the Platform.
3.2 Delivery. The Creator will deliver the Placement in accordance with the Booking and the Brief on or before the Delivery Deadline, and will upload proof of publication (such as a live link, screenshot or episode timestamp) to the Platform.
3.3 Approvals. Where a Booking provides for Brand review, the Brand will review and approve or give reasonable feedback on draft Creator Content within 3 business days. If the Brand does not respond within that period, the draft will be treated as approved.
3.4 Managed Campaigns. Managed Campaigns are governed by the relevant Order and these Terms. If there is a conflict, the Order takes priority.
3.5 Changes and cancellations. Changes to a Booking after acceptance require the agreement of both the Brand and the Creator through the Platform. Cancellations are subject to Clause 5.
4. Fees and Payment
4.1 Brands will pay the Fees for a Self-Serve Campaign in full, in advance, at the time of Booking. Fees for Managed Campaigns are payable as set out in the Order.
4.2 Payments are processed by a third-party payment provider (currently Stripe). Your card or bank statement may show payments as made to "Astute" or "Stripe". You are responsible for any foreign transaction fees charged by your bank. You agree to comply with the terms of the payment provider that apply to you.
4.3 Astute as the Creator's agent. Each Creator appoints Astute as its non-exclusive agent to: (a) promote the Creator and its Placements to Brands; (b) receive Booking requests and, where the Creator asks, negotiate the terms of Placements with Brands on the Creator's behalf; and (c) act as its limited payment collection agent, accepting Fees from Brands on the Creator's behalf. A Booking only binds the Creator once the Creator has accepted it through the Platform. Payment of Fees to Astute discharges the Brand's obligation to pay the Creator for that Booking. Astute will pay the Creator the amount due, less Astute's service fee and any applicable deductions, at the time shown on the Platform or in the Booking, which may be before the Placement is delivered.
4.4 All Fees are exclusive of VAT and any other applicable taxes, which will be added where required. Creators are responsible for their own tax affairs, including declaring income and charging VAT where applicable.
4.5 If a Brand fails to pay any amount when due under a Managed Campaign, the Brand will pay interest on the overdue sum, accruing daily from the due date until payment, whether before or after judgment: (a) where the Astute Contracting Entity is Lumera AI, Inc., at the lower of 1% a month and the highest rate permitted by law; and (b) where the Astute Contracting Entity is Lumera AI Limited, at 4% a year above the Bank of England base rate.
4.6 All payments for Placements arranged through the Platform must be made through the Platform. Brands and Creators must not request, make or accept payment for such Placements outside the Platform.
5. Self-Serve Campaigns: Delivery and Refunds
5.1 Unless different terms apply under Clause 5.9, the Creator must deliver each Placement in a Self-Serve Campaign by the Delivery Deadline.
5.2 If the Creator fails to deliver a Placement by the Delivery Deadline, and the failure is not caused by the Brand:
(a) the Brand will be entitled to a full refund of the Fees paid for that Placement. Astute will process the refund to the original payment method within 14 days of confirming the non-delivery or, if the Brand chooses, provide it as credit on the Platform; and
(b) the Creator must repay to Astute 100% of any amount it has received for that Placement within 14 days of Astute's request.
5.3 Astute may recover any amount a Creator owes under Clause 5.2 by deducting it from any other amount Astute owes the Creator, and may suspend the Creator's Account until it is repaid in full.
5.4 The Brand will not be entitled to a refund under Clause 5.2 where the failure to deliver results from the Brand's act or omission, including failing to provide the Brief or required materials on time, failing to respond to approval requests, requesting changes outside the scope of the Booking, or cancelling after the Creator has accepted the Booking.
5.5 A Placement is delivered when it is published or distributed in accordance with the Booking and proof of publication has been uploaded to the Platform. The Brand must raise any concern about delivery through the Platform within 5 business days of proof of publication being uploaded. If no concern is raised, the Placement will be treated as delivered.
5.6 Where a Placement is delivered, Astute will release the Fees due to the Creator in accordance with Clause 4.3.
5.7 Subject to Clause 5.10, if a Brand cancels a Booking before the Creator has accepted it, or the Creator declines it, the Brand will receive a full refund of the Fees for that Booking.
5.8 The refund under Clause 5.2 (or any refund available under different terms agreed under Clause 5.9) is the Brand's sole and exclusive remedy, as against Astute, for a Creator's failure to deliver a Placement.
5.9 Payment and refund terms may differ between Bookings. Astute may offer a Booking on different terms, for example with a different refund arrangement. Any such terms will be shown on the Platform or confirmed in writing before the Brand makes the Booking, and will apply to that Booking instead of Clauses 5.1 to 5.4. Where no different terms are shown, this Clause 5 applies in full.
5.10 Where a Brand and a Creator have agreed the terms of a Placement and payment for that Placement has been requested from the Brand through the Platform, Astute reserves the right to charge the Brand 30% of the total fee agreed with the Creator for that Placement if the Brand then cancels the Booking or does not pay.
6. Creator Obligations
6.1 Each Creator will:
(a) deliver each Placement with reasonable care and skill, in accordance with the Booking and the Brief;
(b) provide accurate and up-to-date information about its channels, audience and performance, and not inflate or misrepresent any metric;
(c) clearly disclose paid content in accordance with applicable law and guidance, including the UK Code of Non-broadcast Advertising and Direct & Promotional Marketing (CAP Code), the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 (and any successor legislation), the FTC Endorsement Guides where applicable, and the branded content tools of the relevant platform (for example LinkedIn's Brand Partnership feature);
(d) ensure that Creator Content is original, does not infringe the rights of any third party and is not defamatory, misleading or unlawful; and
(e) provide accurate payout details and any information we reasonably request to verify its identity or comply with law.
6.2 Creators act as independent contractors. Nothing in these Terms creates an employment relationship between Astute and any Creator.
6.3 Disclosure of paid content is the Creator's sole responsibility. Astute is not liable for any claim, penalty or loss resulting from a failure to disclose paid or sponsored content correctly.
7. Brand Obligations
7.1 Each Brand will:
(a) ensure that the products and services promoted, and all claims, materials and messaging in the Brief, are accurate, lawful and substantiated;
(b) provide the Brief, materials and approvals in good time; and
(c) not request any Creator to act in a way that would breach applicable law or Clause 6.
7.2 The Brand acknowledges that Creators retain editorial control over their content, subject to the Booking and the Brief.
8. Non-Circumvention
8.1 During the term of your use of the Platform and for 12 months after your last Booking, you will not, directly or indirectly, contract or transact with any Brand or Creator that you were introduced to through the Platform, for Placements or similar services, outside the Platform.
8.2 If you breach Clause 8.1, you will pay Astute a fee equal to 20% of the value of the transaction made outside the Platform, which the parties agree is a genuine pre-estimate of Astute’s loss.
8.3 Clause 8.1 does not apply where a Brand and a Creator can show they had a pre-existing commercial relationship before being introduced through the Platform.
9. Intellectual Property Rights
9.1 Astute and its licensors retain all Intellectual Property Rights in the Site, the Platform, and any materials created by Astute in providing the Platform. Except as expressly set out in these Terms, nothing grants you any rights in them.
9.2 Creators retain ownership of Creator Content. Unless otherwise agreed in the Booking, the Creator grants the Brand a non-exclusive, royalty-free licence to share, link to and repost the published Placement on the Brand's own organic channels for 12 months from publication. Paid amplification or other use requires the Creator's separate agreement.
9.3 The Brand grants the Creator a non-exclusive, royalty-free licence to use the Brand's names, logos and materials provided in the Brief solely to create and deliver the Placement.
9.4 You grant Astute a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free licence to use, host, reproduce and display your name, logo, profile information and published Creator Content to operate and promote the Platform, including by referring to you as a Brand or Creator on Astute's website, case studies and marketing materials. You may ask us to stop using your logo for marketing purposes at any time.
9.5 If you send us comments, feedback or suggestions about the Platform, we may use them without restriction or payment to you.
10. Data
10.1 Each party is an independent controller of personal data it processes in connection with these Terms. Astute processes personal data in accordance with its Privacy Policy.
10.2 You grant Astute a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free and perpetual licence to collect, use, analyse, combine and store Platform Data to provide, maintain, secure and improve the Platform, to measure Campaign performance, to develop pricing, benchmarks, recommendations and matching, and to develop new products and services.
10.3 Astute owns all right, title and interest in Aggregated Data and may use and share it for any lawful purpose, including publishing industry benchmarks and reports, provided it does not identify you.
10.4 Brands will receive Creator information, and Creators will receive Brand information, only as needed to deliver a Campaign. Each will use that information only for that Campaign and in compliance with applicable data protection law.
10.5 Brands must not use the Platform to send Creators personal data about their customers or other individuals unless agreed in writing with Astute.
10.6 Google API data. Clauses 10.2 and 10.3 and any other general licence, aggregation, retention, sharing or transfer provision do not authorise use of information received from Google APIs, or information derived from it, beyond the Google API Services User Data Policy, including its Limited Use requirements, and section 2.10 of our Privacy Policy. Those restrictions prevail in any conflict.
11. Confidentiality
11.1 Each party will use the other party's Confidential Information only to exercise its rights and perform its obligations under these Terms, and will not disclose it except as set out in this Clause 11. Confidential Information means all non-public information disclosed by one party to the other, including pricing, Campaign terms, Briefs before publication, and business, technical and financial information.
11.2 Each party may disclose Confidential Information to its employees, officers, Affiliates, advisers, lenders and investors who need to know it, provided they are bound by obligations of confidentiality no less protective than this Clause 11.
11.3 Each party may disclose Confidential Information where required by law, any court, or any governmental, regulatory or supervisory authority.
12. Representations and Warranties
12.1 Each party represents and warrants that it has full power and authority to enter into and perform its obligations under these Terms.
12.2 Astute will provide the Platform using reasonable care and skill. Astute does not warrant that the Platform will be uninterrupted, timely, secure or error-free, and any software is provided "as is" and "as available".
12.3 Astute is not responsible for any delay, delivery failure or other loss resulting from the transfer of data over communications networks, including the internet, or from the acts or omissions of third-party platforms on which Creator Content is published.
12.4 Except as set out in these Terms, all warranties, conditions and other terms implied by statute, common law or otherwise are excluded to the fullest extent permitted by law.
13. Indemnity
13.1 You will indemnify Astute and its Affiliates, officers, employees and agents against all liabilities, costs, expenses, damages and losses (including reasonable legal fees) suffered or incurred by Astute arising out of or in connection with:
(a) your breach of these Terms, including Clauses 4 (Fees and Payment), 6 (Creator Obligations), 7 (Brand Obligations), 8 (Non-Circumvention) and 16 (Compliance);
(b) any claim that your content, materials, Brief or Creator Content infringes the Intellectual Property Rights or other rights of a third party, or breaches applicable law;
(c) any failure to comply with laws or regulations on the disclosure of sponsorships, brand partnerships or paid content; and
(d) any dispute between a Brand and a Creator.
14. Limitation of Liability
14.1 THE EXTENT OF ASTUTE'S LIABILITY UNDER OR IN CONNECTION WITH THESE TERMS (WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE), MISREPRESENTATION OR OTHERWISE) WILL BE AS SET OUT IN THIS CLAUSE 14.
14.2 SUBJECT TO CLAUSE 14.4, ASTUTE’S TOTAL AGGREGATE LIABILITY TO YOU WILL NOT EXCEED THE FEES RETAINED BY ASTUTE AS ITS SERVICE FEE IN RESPECT OF THE BOOKINGS GIVING RISE TO THE CLAIM IN THE 12 MONTHS BEFORE THE EVENT GIVING RISE TO THE CLAIM.
14.3 SUBJECT TO CLAUSE 14.4, ASTUTE WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY OF THE FOLLOWING (WHETHER DIRECT OR INDIRECT): (A) CONSEQUENTIAL, INDIRECT OR SPECIAL LOSSES; (B) LOSS OF PROFIT; (C) LOSS OF REVENUE; (D) LOSS OR CORRUPTION OF DATA; (E) LOSS OF CONTRACT; (F) LOSS OF COMMERCIAL OPPORTUNITY; (G) LOSS OF ANTICIPATED SAVINGS; OR (H) HARM TO REPUTATION OR LOSS OF GOODWILL.
14.4 NOTHING IN THESE TERMS LIMITS OR EXCLUDES LIABILITY FOR: (A) DEATH OR PERSONAL INJURY CAUSED BY NEGLIGENCE; (B) FRAUD OR FRAUDULENT MISREPRESENTATION; OR (C) ANY OTHER LIABILITY WHICH CANNOT BE LIMITED OR EXCLUDED BY LAW.
14.5 ASTUTE IS NOT LIABLE FOR THE ACTS OR OMISSIONS OF ANY BRAND OR CREATOR, OR FOR THE CONTENT OF ANY PLACEMENT OR CREATOR CONTENT.
14.6 NO CLAIM MAY BE MADE AGAINST ASTUTE UNLESS WRITTEN NOTICE OF THE CLAIM, WITH REASONABLE DETAILS, IS GIVEN TO ASTUTE WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF THE DATE ON WHICH THE BREACH GIVING RISE TO THE CLAIM FIRST OCCURRED.
15. Suspension and Termination
15.1 Astute may suspend or restrict your access to the Platform (in whole or in part), without liability, if: (a) there is a security threat; (b) any payment is not made when due; (c) doing so is necessary to comply with applicable law; (d) we reasonably suspect fraud, misuse or misrepresentation of metrics; or (e) you breach these Terms.
15.2 You may close your Account at any time by contacting us, subject to completing or cancelling any accepted Bookings in accordance with these Terms.
15.3 Astute may terminate your Account with immediate effect by written notice if you commit a material breach of these Terms that is irremediable, or that you fail to remedy within 14 days of being notified; if you become subject to an insolvency event; or if it becomes unlawful for Astute to provide the Platform to you.
15.4 On termination: (a) your right to use the Platform ends; (b) you will immediately pay all amounts outstanding; (c) accepted Bookings will be completed or refunded in accordance with Clause 5; and (d) any accrued rights and remedies are not affected. Clauses 4, 5, 8 to 11, 13, 14 and 17 to 19 survive termination.
16. Compliance
16.1 Each party will comply with all laws and regulations applicable to it, including advertising, consumer protection, data protection, anti-bribery (including the Bribery Act 2010), anti-money laundering and sanctions laws.
16.2 You represent and warrant that you, and any party that owns or controls you, are not subject to sanctions or located in, or conducting business in, any country that is subject to comprehensive sanctions imposed by the United Kingdom, the United Nations, the European Union or the United States.
17. General
17.1 Force majeure. Astute will not be in breach of these Terms or otherwise liable for any failure or delay in performance caused by events beyond its reasonable control, including the failure of any third-party platform, payment provider, hosting provider or internet service.
17.2 Assignment. You may not assign, transfer or subcontract any of your rights or obligations under these Terms without Astute's prior written consent. Astute may assign, novate or transfer its rights and obligations at any time on notice to you.
17.3 Changes to these Terms. Astute may update these Terms from time to time. We will post the updated Terms on the Site and, for material changes, notify Account holders by email or through the Platform at least 14 days before they take effect. Your continued use of the Platform after that date means you accept the updated Terms. Bookings accepted before the change are governed by the Terms in force when they were accepted.
17.4 Waiver. A failure or delay in exercising any right or remedy is not a waiver of it. A waiver is only effective if given in writing.
17.5 Severance. If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, it will be deemed deleted to that extent, and the rest of these Terms will remain in force.
17.6 No partnership or agency. Except for Astute's appointment as the Creator's agent under Clause 4.3, nothing in these Terms creates a partnership, joint venture or agency between any of the parties.
17.7 Notices. Notices to Astute must be sent to privacy@joinastute.com. Notices to you may be sent to the email address on your Account. A notice sent by email is deemed received at the time of transmission.
17.8 Third party rights. Except for Astute's Affiliates, no person other than the parties has any right to enforce any term of these Terms, including under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999.
17.9 Entire agreement. These Terms, the Privacy Policy and any Order or Booking constitute the entire agreement between the parties and supersede all previous agreements and understandings relating to their subject matter. Each party agrees that it has not relied on any statement, representation or warranty not set out in them.
18. Dispute Resolution
18.1 If a dispute arises out of or in connection with these Terms, the party raising the dispute will give the other written notice of its nature and full particulars. The parties will attempt in good faith to resolve the dispute, and neither party will start court proceedings until at least 30 days after the notice was given, except where urgent relief is needed to protect its rights.
18.2 Disputes between a Brand and a Creator about the content or quality of a Placement should first be raised through the Platform. Astute may, but is not obliged to, help resolve them. Astute's decision on whether a Placement was delivered for the purposes of Clause 5 is final, unless it is manifestly wrong.
19. Governing Law and Jurisdiction
19.1 Where the Astute Contracting Entity is Lumera AI, Inc., these Terms and any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with them are governed by the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to its conflict of laws rules, and the state and federal courts located in Delaware have exclusive jurisdiction to settle any such dispute or claim. Each party waives any right to a jury trial.
19.2 Where the Astute Contracting Entity is Lumera AI Limited, these Terms and any dispute or claim (including non-contractual disputes or claims) arising out of or in connection with them are governed by the law of England and Wales, and the courts of England and Wales have exclusive jurisdiction to settle any such dispute or claim.
20. Contact
If you have any questions about these Terms, please contact us at privacy@joinastute.com.
Privacy Policy
This Privacy Policy sets out how Astute collects, uses and protects your personal data when you visit joinastute.com (the Site), use the Astute platform as a Brand or a Creator (the Platform), interact with our social media profiles or emails, or otherwise deal with us. Please read it carefully to understand the types of personal data we collect, how we use them, when we share them, and your rights. Capitalised terms not defined here have the meaning given in our Terms and Conditions.
1. Who we are
Astute is operated by two companies in the same group:
- Lumera AI, Inc. (doing business as Astute), a Delaware corporation; and
- Lumera AI Limited (trading as Astute), a company registered in England and Wales with company number 16708536 and registered office at 42a Arbor Lane, Winnersh, Wokingham, England, RG41 5JD.
Lumera AI, Inc. and Lumera AI Limited (together, Astute, we, us or our) are joint controllers of personal data processed through the Site and Platform, and share it with each other to operate Astute. If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, or want to exercise your rights against either company, please contact us at privacy@joinastute.com.
Brands and Creators are responsible for personal data they collect independently from their audiences. This Privacy Policy covers our processing of that information when it is provided to Astute, including supporter contact details supplied for launch invitations.
2. Personal data we collect
2.1 Personal data we need to provide and manage the Platform, justified on the basis of performing our contract with you and our legitimate interests
When you create an Account, we ask for basic information so that we can set you up and manage your Account. This typically includes your name, job title, company, email address, phone number, login details and billing details. We use the same information to contact you about the Platform, respond to your queries and provide customer support. We continuously improve the Platform on the basis of the information you provide and how you use it.
2.2 Creator profile, audience and performance data, justified on the basis of performing our contract with you and our legitimate interests
If you are a Creator, we collect the information you add to your profile, such as your biography, photographs, channels, rates, audience size and demographics, topics and sample content. If you connect a third-party account (for example LinkedIn, a newsletter platform, a podcast host or Google), we receive information from that account in line with the permissions you give, such as subscriber and follower counts, open and click rates, downloads, engagement and audience composition. We use this to build your profile, show it to Brands, recommend pricing, match you with suitable Campaigns and report on Campaign performance.
2.3 Information from publicly available sources, justified on the basis of our legitimate interests
We may collect information that creators and businesses have chosen to make public, such as public social media profiles, newsletter and podcast listings, published content and publicly reported audience figures. We use it to identify creators who may be a good fit for the Platform, to keep Creator profiles accurate, and to provide benchmarks and recommendations to Brands. If you have not yet joined the Platform and would like us to stop using this information, please contact us.
2.4 Payment and transaction data, justified on the basis of performing our contract with you and our legal obligations
We process information about Bookings, Campaigns, Fees, refunds and payouts. Card and bank details are collected and processed by our payment provider, Stripe, and we receive only limited information such as the last four digits of a card, payment status and payout details. We keep records of transactions to meet our tax and accounting obligations.
2.5 Personal data we need to promote and advertise the Platform, justified on the basis of our legitimate interests
We may approach you online or offline (for example on LinkedIn, by email or at events) to ask whether you or your organisation would be interested in the Platform. To do this we use information you have chosen to publish, such as your LinkedIn profile, or have shared with us, for example by exchanging business cards. We may also receive business contact information from third-party data providers and combine it with information we already hold, so that our communications are relevant to you. We will contact you if you fill in a form on the Site, using the details you provide.
2.6 Communications, justified on the basis of performing our contract with you and our legitimate interests
When you contact us, or message other users through the Platform, we process the content of those communications and related information (such as the time sent and whether a message was read) to respond to you, to support Bookings, to resolve disputes and to keep the Platform safe.
2.7 Information generated when you use the Site and Platform, justified on the basis of your consent where required, and otherwise our legitimate interests
When you visit the Site or use the Platform, technical information about you and the device you use is generated by cookies, pixels, web beacons, server logs and similar technologies. This may include your IP address, browser type, device identifiers, pages visited, referring website, time spent, and the actions you take. Our emails may contain a small tracking pixel that tells us whether an email was opened and which links were clicked.
Where you consent, we use analytics tools (Google Analytics and PostHog) to understand how the Site and Platform are used, including by recording browsing sessions, and to measure the effectiveness of our marketing, for example by tracking the campaign tags (UTM tags) in the links that brought you to the Site. You can manage your choices using the cookie banner on the Site. Please see section 9 for more detail.
2.8 Aggregated and de-identified data
We may combine and analyse data from across the Platform, including Campaign results, pricing and audience metrics, to create aggregated or de-identified insights, for example market rates and performance benchmarks for different types of Creator. These insights do not identify you, and we may use and share them for any lawful purpose.
2.9 Minors
The Platform is for business users aged 18 or over. We do not knowingly collect personal data from or about anyone under 18. If you believe someone under 18 has provided us with personal data, please contact us and we will delete it.
2.10 Google connections and data
You can choose to connect Google services to specific Astute features. We request the permissions used by the feature you connect. These connections are separate from the website analytics described elsewhere in this Privacy Policy.
Google Calendar launch invitations. When you connect Google Calendar, we receive your Google account identifier and verified email address to identify the organiser and display the connected account to your company. We use access to events on calendars you own to create launch invitations on your primary calendar, update their timing, message, recipients or live post link, and cancel them when instructed through Astute. We retrieve the specific events created for these launches to check their state, avoid duplicate invitations and preserve attendee responses during updates. This feature does not list or import unrelated events or change calendar settings.
We store the organiser's account identifier and email address, an encrypted refresh token, launch details, recipient names and email addresses supplied to Astute, Google event identifiers and processing status. Google receives event details and recipient addresses to provide invitations, updates and cancellations. Recipients can see their invitation and organiser information. Astute configures invitations to hide the guest list and prevent guests from adding people or editing the event. Members of your Astute company and authorised Astute administrators can view and manage its launch invitations and supporter list.
Google Analytics reporting. When you connect Google Analytics, we use read-only access to list the accounts and properties available to your Google account, let you select a property and conversion events, and retrieve aggregate campaign measurements such as sessions, users and event counts. We store the selected property and events, an encrypted refresh token and reporting results used in Astute's campaign dashboards. We do not use this connection to change your Google Analytics property. Authorised company users and Astute administrators can access the relevant reporting, and reports can be shared through Astute's report-sharing features.
Google Sheets and Drive campaign workflows. Authorised Astute administrators can connect an account used for campaign spreadsheets. We create and update campaign spreadsheets, read specified spreadsheets' cell text and formatting to interpret changes and selections, and store spreadsheet references and campaign information derived from these workflows. We use the connected account's email address to identify that account during setup. Generated spreadsheets may be shared with named editors and with anyone who has their link. When an administrator asks Astute's campaign assistant to interpret a selected spreadsheet, information from that spreadsheet may be processed by our AI service providers to perform that campaign task. This connection does not provide Gmail access.
Use and disclosure limits. Astute's use and transfer of information received from Google APIs will adhere to the Google API Services User Data Policy, including its Limited Use requirements. These limits also apply to information derived from Google API data and take priority over broader descriptions elsewhere in this Privacy Policy or our Terms. We use Google data for the connected features described here and transfers necessary to provide those features, subject to those requirements. Our general provisions about Platform improvement, marketing, aggregation, sharing and corporate transactions do not permit uses or transfers of Google data that those requirements prohibit.
Storage and controls. Calendar and Google Analytics refresh tokens are encrypted in Astute's database and are not returned to company members through the application. Access to integration records is controlled by the server and company permissions. Astute uses service providers to operate its hosting, database and connected features; Google also processes data under its own policies. You can review or remove Astute's access in your Google Account.
Disconnecting Calendar in Astute removes the active refresh token from that connection and stops new invitation processing through it while disconnected. It does not cancel existing Google Calendar events or erase the organiser identity, supporter lists or invitation history already stored by Astute. Clearing the reusable supporter list does not erase recipient records retained with existing invitations. Wait for invitation cancellations to finish before disconnecting if you want Astute to send their cancellations. Previously delivered information may remain with recipients or Google.
Disconnecting Google Analytics removes the active connection credentials and selected property configuration from Astute; it does not automatically erase previously generated reports. The internal Sheets connection is managed by Astute administrators. Removing its access does not delete spreadsheets already created in Google Drive.
We retain Google connection data and related information for the purposes described in this section, subject to section 6 and the Google API Services User Data Policy. To request deletion of this information held by Astute, contact privacy@joinastute.com. We handle requests under section 8, including identity verification and any applicable retention obligations. Disconnecting access and requesting deletion are separate actions.
3. How we use personal data
We use personal data for the following purposes. The legal basis we rely on is shown in brackets.
- Providing access to the Site and Platform, managing Accounts and verifying users [performance of a contract, legitimate interests].
- Processing Bookings, payments, refunds and payouts, and sending confirmations, invoices and notices [performance of a contract, legal obligation].
- Matching Brands with Creators, recommending pricing and producing Campaign reports [performance of a contract, legitimate interests].
- Responding to queries and providing customer support [performance of a contract, legitimate interests].
- Improving, testing and developing the Platform and new products and services [legitimate interests].
- Producing analytics, benchmarks and aggregated insights [legitimate interests, and consent where required for cookies].
- Marketing the Platform, including by email, on social media and through online advertising [consent where required, otherwise legitimate interests].
- Detecting and preventing fraud, misuse, inflated metrics and security incidents [legitimate interests].
- Complying with law, and establishing, exercising or defending legal claims [legal obligation, legitimate interests].
You can opt out of marketing emails at any time using the unsubscribe link in each email.
4. Disclosures of personal data
Astute treats your personal data as confidential and does not sell it. We use various technology providers to deliver, manage, improve, promote and advertise the Platform. These include cloud hosting and storage providers, payment providers, customer relationship management systems, email and communication tools, analytics providers, advertising partners and social media companies, such as Supabase (database and authentication), Stripe (payments), Google Workspace (email and documents), Railway (hosting), Slack (internal messaging) and Notion (internal documentation). Our providers may only use personal data to provide their services to us, although their roles mean some will have access to your information.
We also share personal data as follows:
- Between Brands and Creators. Creator profiles, rates and audience information are visible to Brands on the Platform. When a Booking is made, we share the contact and Campaign information each side needs to deliver it.
- With our Affiliates, for the purposes described in this Privacy Policy.
- Corporate transactions. If Astute buys or sells any business or assets, or if Astute or substantially all of its assets are acquired, personal data may be disclosed to the prospective buyer or seller, or transferred as one of the assets [legitimate interests].
- Professional advisers, such as lawyers, accountants, auditors and insurers, where reasonably necessary [legitimate interests].
- Protecting rights. Where we need to protect the rights, property or safety of Astute, our users or others, or to enforce our Terms [legitimate interests].
- Legal requirements. To courts, regulators, law enforcement or tax authorities where required by law. Where permitted, we will tell you about such a request [legal obligation].
5. Transfers outside the UK or EEA
Some of our service providers store or process personal data outside the United Kingdom and the European Economic Area, including in the United States. Where we do this, we put in place safeguards required by law, such as the UK International Data Transfer Addendum or the European Commission's standard contractual clauses, or rely on an adequacy decision such as the UK-US Data Bridge. Please contact us if you would like more information about these safeguards.
6. How long we keep personal data
We keep personal data for as long as necessary for the purposes described in this Privacy Policy, including for as long as you have an Account and for a reasonable period after, to deal with any issues that may arise, or as required by law. Some personal data, such as transaction records, may need to be kept for up to six years after the end of the relevant financial year to meet legal and tax requirements. Unsubscribed email addresses may be kept on a suppression list so that we do not contact you again.
To decide retention periods, we consider the amount, nature and sensitivity of the data, the risk of harm from unauthorised use, the purposes of processing and our legal obligations. When we no longer need personal data, we delete it or anonymise it. Anonymised information may be kept indefinitely.
7. Security
We use appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect personal data, including encryption in transit, access controls and limiting access to staff who need it. No internet transmission is completely secure, so please take care when deciding what to send us and keep your login details safe.
8. Your rights
Under UK GDPR (and, where it applies, EU GDPR) you have rights in relation to your personal data. You can exercise them by contacting us at privacy@joinastute.com. You have the right to:
- be informed about how we use your personal data;
- access your personal data;
- have inaccurate personal data corrected;
- have your personal data erased, in certain cases;
- restrict our processing, in certain cases;
- object to processing based on our legitimate interests, including profiling, and to object at any time to direct marketing;
- data portability, in certain cases;
- withdraw consent at any time, where we rely on consent; and
- complain to the Information Commissioner's Office (ico.org.uk). We would appreciate the chance to address your concerns first.
We will respond within one month, which may be extended where a request is complex. We may need to verify your identity before acting on a request. Asking us to stop processing or to delete your personal data may mean you can no longer use the Platform, or parts of it.
9. Cookies and similar technologies
Cookies are small files stored on your device when you visit a website. We use:
- Strictly necessary cookies, which the Site and Platform need to work, for example to keep you logged in and secure; and
- Analytics cookies, which help us understand how people use the Site and Platform, and which of our marketing campaigns brought them to the Site, so we can improve them.
We only use analytics cookies with your consent, which you can give or withdraw at any time using the cookie banner or settings on the Site, or through your browser settings. Unless stated otherwise, cookies may remain on your device for up to two years. For more information, please see our Cookie Policy.
10. Automated decision-making
We use automated tools to suggest matches between Brands and Creators, recommend pricing and flag suspicious activity, such as unusual payment attempts or metrics that appear inflated. These tools support our team and do not make decisions that have a legal or similarly significant effect on you without human involvement.
11. Third-party websites and social media
The Site and Platform may link to third-party websites and platforms, such as LinkedIn, YouTube, Substack and podcast platforms. We are not responsible for their privacy practices, and we encourage you to read their privacy policies. When you interact with our social media pages, the platform provider also processes your data, and in some cases we may be jointly responsible with them for that processing.
12. Additional information for US residents
Depending on the state you live in (including California, Colorado, Connecticut, Virginia and others), you may have the right to: know what personal information we collect about you and how we use and disclose it; access, correct or delete that information; and opt out of the "sale" or "sharing" of personal information, or its use for targeted advertising.
We do not sell personal information, and we do not use cookies or pixels for targeted advertising. You can opt out of our analytics cookies at any time in our cookie settings, and we treat Global Privacy Control signals from your browser as a valid opt-out request.
To exercise your rights, email privacy@joinastute.com. We will verify your request and respond within the time required by law. We will not discriminate against you for exercising your rights. If we decline your request, you may appeal by replying to our decision.
13. Changes to this Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page and, where appropriate, notified to you by email or through the Platform. Please check this page regularly.
14. Contact and privacy requests
To ask a question or make a privacy request, please email privacy@joinastute.com or write to us at Lumera AI Limited, 42a Arbor Lane, Winnersh, Wokingham, England, RG41 5JD.