Terms of Use | iknowly

1. Introduction and Scope

1.1 Legal Entity and Identity

These Terms of Use ("Terms") govern the use of the digital services offered by:

iknowly UG (haftungsbeschränkt)
Winterhuder Weg 29
22085 Hamburg, Germany
Commercial Register: Amtsgericht Hamburg, HRB 195337
Represented by: Taha Al-Taie (Managing Director)
Email: legal@iknowly.com

(hereinafter referred to as "iknowly", "we", "us", or "our").

iknowly UG (haftungsbeschränkt) is a private limited liability company established under the laws of the Federal Republic of Germany, subject to the provisions of the German Limited Liability Companies Act (GmbHG).

1.2 Purpose of the Platform

iknowly operates a digital marketplace accessible via https://www.iknowly.com (the "Platform"), which enables registered mentees ("Mentees") to discover, book, and pay for one-on-one professional mentorship services provided remotely by independent third parties ("Mentors").

These services may include, but are not limited to, career development, job application training, academic mentorship, and related personal guidance sessions.

iknowly itself does not provide mentorship services and does not become a party to any service contract concluded between Mentees and Mentors. Rather, iknowly acts solely as a technical intermediary and commercial facilitator in accordance with § 2 para. 1 sentence 1 no. 1 of the German Digitale-Dienste-Gesetz (DDG) and Art. 14 of Directive 2000/31/EC (eCommerce Directive). Mentors operate independently and are not employees, representatives, or agents of iknowly.

Although iknowly may apply verification procedures, it does not warrant or guarantee the truthfulness, legality, or quality of the mentorship services provided by Mentors.

1.3 Contractual Scope and Applicability

These Terms of Use apply to all Users of the Platform, including both:

Consumers as defined by § 13 of the German Civil Code (Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch – BGB); and
Entrepreneurs as defined by § 14 BGB.

They govern all aspects of the use of the Platform, including account creation, browsing Mentor profiles, booking sessions, using communication features, and making payments.

By registering for a mentee account, accessing the Platform, or using any of its functionalities, you agree to be legally bound by these Terms, as amended from time to time.

Certain features of the Platform may be subject to additional terms and conditions which shall become part of the agreement upon acceptance.

1.4 Exclusion of Conflicting Terms

Any deviating, conflicting, or supplementary terms and conditions of Mentees or Mentors shall not become part of the contract, even if not expressly rejected by iknowly, unless their inclusion is expressly agreed to in writing.

1.5 Language and Legal Interpretation

These Terms are available in both English and German. In the event of discrepancies, the version identified as legally binding shall prevail. Unless otherwise specified, the English version shall be considered binding for international users, and the German version for users domiciled in Germany.

These Terms incorporate and must be read together with the following additional policies, all of which form an integral part of the contractual relationship:

iknowly uses cookies and similar technologies to provide essential platform functionality, improve performance, and deliver personalized experiences. The use of cookies is governed by our Cookie Policy, in accordance with the EU ePrivacy Directive and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

We categorize cookies as follows:

Essential Cookies – Required for platform operation (e.g., session authentication)
Analytics Cookies – Used for usage tracking and performance insights (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR, with consent)
Marketing Cookies – Used to personalize content and ads (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR, with consent)

Users can review or update their cookie preferences at any time via the Privacy Settings page available in the website footer.

2. Description of Services Provided by iknowly

2.1 Nature and Function of the Platform

iknowly operates a digital platform accessible via https://www.iknowly.com, which enables registered mentees ("Mentees") to discover, book, and pay for one-on-one online mentorship sessions with independent professionals ("Mentors"). These sessions focus on career development, academic mentorship, industry-specific guidance, and job market readiness.

The Platform provides the following core functionalities:

Browsing and intelligent filtering of Mentor profiles using search parameters such as name, industry, company affiliation, services offered, and real-time availability
Booking of sessions via a custom-built availability calendar
Secure payment processing via Stripe
Integrated video calling via ZEGOCLOUD
Internal messaging features for pre- and post-booking communication
Mentee dashboard for appointment management, session history, and mentor reviews

2.2 iknowly's Role as Intermediary

iknowly acts solely as a technical and commercial intermediary under § 2 para. 1 sentence 1 TMG and Article 14 of the eCommerce Directive. It is not a contractual party to service agreements between Mentees and Mentors.

iknowly enables the listing, scheduling, and payment infrastructure for services offered by third-party Mentors
Mentors provide services independently and at their own legal and professional responsibility
No employment, agency, or service relationship exists between iknowly and the Mentors

2.3 Mentor Verification and Onboarding

All Mentors undergo a structured verification and onboarding process before offering services on the iknowly Platform:

Verification includes submission of employment confirmation, academic credentials, and a professional resume or biography. These documents are reviewed manually or semi-automatically to ensure authenticity and service quality.

Onboarding includes providing a Tax ID (and VAT ID, if applicable) and completing Know Your Customer (KYC) onboarding via Stripe Express, which handles identity verification, payout setup, and financial compliance.

iknowly does not store identity or banking documents used in Stripe onboarding. Mentors must also comply with all relevant platform policies prior to profile activation.

2.4 Platform Availability and Modification Rights

While iknowly strives to ensure maximum uptime and performance, it does not guarantee uninterrupted availability. Downtime may occur due to:

Scheduled maintenance or infrastructure updates
Software bugs, third-party disruptions, or security interventions
Force majeure events or hosting outages

iknowly reserves the right to:

Modify features, layout, or access models of the Platform
Adjust search and filtering algorithms
Introduce new service tiers or payment structures, provided changes are reasonable and Users are appropriately notified

2.5 No Guarantee of Outcomes

Although iknowly connects Mentees with highly qualified professionals, it does not guarantee any specific result, including:

Job offers, promotions, or career advancement
Admissions or scholarship outcomes
Fulfillment of personal or professional goals

The Platform provides tools to facilitate access to expertise. The implementation and results of advice received rest solely with the Mentee.

2.6 Use of Third-Party Tools and Limitations

iknowly integrates selected third-party services to deliver certain functionalities:

Stripe for payment processing and financial compliance
ZEGOCLOUD for secure, high-quality video sessions
Internal systems for user messaging and calendar management

iknowly is not liable for disruptions, errors, or damages caused by third-party services unless such liability arises from willful misconduct or gross negligence as defined under §§ 276 and 278 BGB.

2.7 Membership Plans (Subscriptions)

iknowly offers optional recurring Membership Plans (“Memberships”) that provide Users with bundled access to session credits, unlimited Q&A support, and other benefits as described on the Platform.

Memberships are recurring subscription contracts with automatic renewal according to the billing cycle selected during checkout.

The membership start date begins on the date the selected mentor confirms the Intro Session.

From this date, a seven (7)-day trial period starts, during which the User may cancel the Membership at any time and receive a full refund of the first payment.

If the User does not cancel within the trial period, the Membership automatically continues as a paid plan and renews according to the selected billing cycle.

All booking rules, mentor acceptance timelines, and refund rights apply equally to all sessions conducted under Memberships.

3. Registration and User Accounts

3.1 Account Creation

3.1.1 To access and use core functionalities of the iknowly Platform, Users must create an account by registering either via email or through Google OAuth (social login). Registration using other methods is not currently supported.

3.1.2 The User must provide accurate and complete information during registration and keep it up to date at all times. The use of pseudonyms or false identity data is prohibited.

3.1.3 Registration is only permitted for natural persons who are at least 18 years of age and have full legal capacity under applicable law. The use of the Platform by minors or automated agents is strictly prohibited.

3.1.4 Each User may register only one account. Duplicate or impersonated accounts may be restricted, suspended, or permanently removed without notice.

3.1.5 Children’s Use Prohibited

The iknowly platform is not intended for use by individuals under the age of 16. We do not knowingly collect or process personal data from minors. If we become aware that a minor has registered or submitted personal information, we will take immediate steps to delete the account and any associated data.

Suspected misuse should be reported to support@iknowly.com.

3.2 Account Types

There are two account types available on the Platform:

Mentee Account: Grants access to browse mentors, book sessions, manage appointments, and communicate via internal messaging
Mentor Account: Grants access to manage a professional profile, set availability, receive bookings, and conduct mentorship sessions. Mentor accounts are subject to additional onboarding requirements (see Section 3.4)

Each account type has distinct permissions and obligations under these Terms and the associated Platform Policies.

3.3 Account Security

3.3.1 Users are solely responsible for protecting their account credentials (email and password or OAuth access). Users must ensure that no unauthorized third parties gain access to their account.

3.3.2 Any unauthorized use of the account or suspected security breach must be reported to support@iknowly.com without undue delay.

3.3.3 iknowly is not liable for damages resulting from unauthorised account access unless caused by gross negligence on our part.

3.4 Mentor Verification (Optional)

3.4.1 iknowly offers an optional professional verification process to enhance trust and credibility on the Platform.
Mentors who complete this process will receive a “Verified” badge displayed on their public profile.

3.4.2 The professional verification process includes submitting:

A recent employment confirmation letter or contract
A valid academic degree or transcript
A professional resume or biography outlining relevant skills and experience

3.4.3 Participation in this verification process is optional.
Mentors may create and activate their profile without completing professional verification.
However, completing verification may increase booking rates and mentee trust.

3.4.4 Note: This professional verification is separate from payout onboarding requirements (see Section 3.5).
Tax information and Stripe KYC onboarding are only required before requesting the first payout.

3.4.5 Internal Access and Review by iknowly Support Team

To maintain platform integrity and deliver customer support, certain authorized personnel within iknowly (e.g., support, admin, and compliance staff) are granted role-based access to mentor profile information submitted during onboarding and verification. This includes:

Professional biography, education, experience, languages, and skills
Uploaded documents such as diplomas, employment letters, and certifications
Session pricing, availability settings, and service offerings

All such access is:

Strictly limited to authorized personnel under confidentiality obligations
Monitored and logged for audit and accountability purposes
Used solely for application review, mentee queries, quality assurance, or support-related communication
Handled in accordance with GDPR and applicable data protection laws

Mentors acknowledge and agree that this internal access is necessary for platform operations, support handling, and maintaining service quality and compliance.

3.5 Mentor Onboarding

3.5.1 Mentor Payout Onboarding

Mentors can register, receive approval, and begin offering services on the Platform without submitting payout or tax information.

However, prior to requesting their first payout, Mentors must complete payout onboarding, which includes:

Providing their Tax Identification Number (TIN)
Providing a VAT ID, if applicable (optional for non-VAT-registered mentors)
Completing Stripe Express onboarding, including:
- Identity verification (KYC/AML compliance)
- Bank account and payout method setup
- Submission of any additional tax-related information required under DAC7 and German tax law

Mentors may accumulate earnings in their wallet before completing payout onboarding.
No payouts will be processed until all compliance requirements are fulfilled in accordance with DAC7 (Council Directive (EU) 2021/514) and German tax regulations.

iknowly is legally obligated to collect and verify this information by December 31 of each reporting year and may block payouts or suspend accounts if the required data is not provided after reasonable reminders and grace periods.

Failure to Provide Required Information:

If a Mentor fails to provide the required tax or payout information after two reminders and a grace period of at least 60 days, iknowly is legally obliged to block payouts or suspend the Mentor account until compliance is achieved.

3.5.2 iknowly does not store or process sensitive KYC documentation (e.g. identity cards or banking data); this is securely handled by Stripe.

3.6 Account Suspension and Termination

3.6.1 iknowly may restrict, suspend, or terminate any account, at any time and without prior notice, if:

The Mentee or Mentor violates these Terms or any applicable laws
Fraud, misuse, or circumvention of the payment or referral system is detected
False or misleading information was submitted during registration or verification
There is significant user misconduct or repeated complaints

3.6.2 Users may delete their account at any time through the Platform interface or by written request to support@iknowly.com.

3.6.3 Account termination has no retroactive effect on legally binding service agreements already entered into. Payments owed prior to deletion remain due.

3.7 Data Protection and Account Privacy

3.7.1 All personal data submitted during registration and use of the Platform is processed in accordance with:

The EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR – Regulation (EU) 2016/679)
The German Federal Data Protection Act (BDSG)
iknowly's Privacy Policy

3.7.2 The following categories of personal data are collected and stored during account creation and use:

For all users: name, email address, login credentials (hashed), profile photo, session history
For Mentors: additionally employment certificates, academic documents, and Stripe KYC metadata (not stored by iknowly directly)

3.7.3 Legal Basis:

The legal basis for data processing is Art. 6(1)(b) GDPR (performance of a contract) and Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR (legitimate interest in platform security and fraud prevention)

3.7.4 Retention:

User data will be stored as long as the account is active and for a period of up to 6 years thereafter in accordance with German commercial and tax retention obligations (§§ 257 HGB, 147 AO)

3.7.5 Rights of the Data Subject:

Users have the right to request access, rectification, erasure, restriction of processing, portability, or objection under Articles 15–21 GDPR
Data erasure requests must not conflict with statutory retention obligations

3.7.6 Third-Party Processors:

Stripe, Google, and ZEGOCLOUD act as data processors under Art. 28 GDPR. All such partners are contractually bound by data processing agreements (DPAs) and operate in compliance with GDPR

3.7.7 Internal Access and Data Governance

iknowly maintains strict internal data access controls to ensure privacy and compliance with Art. 5(1)(f) and Art. 32 GDPR (integrity and confidentiality):

Access Control by Role:
- Platform Administrators have full access to mentor profiles, onboarding documents, and account data for purposes of application review, fraud prevention, and compliance verification
- Support and Customer Experience Teams have limited access to mentee and mentor profile data strictly for handling mentee queries, technical support, mentee feedback, and communication
- Finance Team may access billing and payout-related information (e.g., invoice details, Stripe metadata) to manage mentor payouts and platform accounting
Security Measures:
- All access is role-based and logged for accountability
- Sensitive data is encrypted both in transit and at rest
- All internal personnel are bound by confidentiality obligations and receive data protection training

This access is strictly limited to purposes necessary for platform operation, legal compliance, and user support. No unauthorized access or external sharing of user data occurs without explicit legal basis or consent.

3.8 Membership Management and Cancellations

Memberships can be cancelled by sending an email to support@iknowly.com

If a User does not cancel during the 7-day trial, the membership automatically continues as a paid plan under the same conditions.

Cancellations take effect at the end of the current billing cycle unless otherwise specified.

Users may cancel a newly activated membership within seven (7) days of mentor confirmation for a full refund, provided that no paid session has been completed during that period.

4. Booking, Payments, and Fees

4.1 Booking Process

4.1.1 Registered Mentees may submit booking requests for mentorship sessions with Mentors through the iknowly Platform. Session availability is based on each Mentor's published calendar.

4.1.2 A booking request is not confirmed immediately. It becomes binding only once:

The Mentee submits a session request
The Mentor explicitly approves the booking; and
Payment is successfully processed

4.1.3 Booking requests are subject to the following time-based acceptance rules:

For sessions scheduled more than 48 hours in advance, the Mentor has 24 hours to accept the request
For sessions scheduled between 24 and 48 hours in advance, the Mentor must accept within 12 hours

4.1.4 If the Mentor does not accept the request within the applicable time frame:

The request is automatically cancelled
No charges are applied to the Mentee's account
The Mentee is notified and invited to reschedule or select another Mentor

4.2 Session Types and Duration

iknowly offers three standardized session formats:

Trial Session: 15 minutes
Standard Session: 30 minutes
Extended Session: 60 minutes

Each Mentor defines the scope and availability of each session type. Mentees are expected to attend punctually. Late arrival does not entitle the Mentee to an extension or refund.

4.3 Pricing and VAT Policy

4.3.1 All prices shown on the Platform are gross prices inclusive of VAT. The pricing structure complies with the German VAT Act (UStG) and the EU VAT Directive.

For B2C Users worldwide: VAT is included in all session fees. iknowly collects and remits VAT in accordance with applicable regulations
For B2B Users outside Germany with a valid VAT ID: The reverse charge mechanism applies, and no VAT is charged on the invoice, as per Article 196 of the VAT Directive

4.3.2 For sessions provided by Kleinunternehmer Mentors (§ 19 UStG), iknowly manages the VAT handling. Mentees will see a VAT-inclusive total, regardless of the Mentor's tax status.

4.4 Payment Processing

4.4.1 Payments are processed exclusively via Stripe, a secure, PCI-compliant payment gateway. Accepted methods include credit and debit cards and regional payment options.

4.4.2 Payment is collected upon Mentor approval of the booking. iknowly does not store any payment credentials directly.

4.4.3 The booking becomes confirmed only after successful payment processing.

4.5 Platform Commission and Mentor Payouts

4.5.1 The platform fee retained by iknowly depends on the type of booking: For One-Off Sessions, the applicable commission is defined in Section [One-Off Session Fees] of the Mentor Policy (currently 15% for platform-sourced users, 10% for mentor-referral users). For Membership Plans, the applicable commission and fee caps are defined in Section [Membership Fees] of the Mentor Policy, based on the monthly price tier chosen by the User. These fee tables form an integral part of the compensation structure and supersede any previous or flat commission models.

4.5.2 After deducting the applicable platform fee, the remaining amount constitutes the Mentor Payout. Mentors receive their payout via their connected Stripe Express account.

4.5.3 iknowly processes payouts based on the type of booking:

(a) One-Off Sessions Payouts for completed one-off sessions are generated weekly on Wednesdays, provided that: the session has been marked as completed;

positive available balance exists; and the Mentor has completed all required Stripe onboarding steps (KYC, tax details, payout account setup).

(b) Membership Plans Payouts for membership plans are generated monthly, at the end of each User’s membership billing cycle. The membership payout includes: the total monthly amount earned under the mentor’s plan; minus the applicable iknowly platform fee and VAT on the fee (where applicable). General Conditions All payouts are transferred through Stripe Express, and transfer timelines depend on the Mentor’s banking institution and country.

4.5.4 Mentors are solely responsible for compliance with income and tax declaration obligations in their country of residence.

4.5.5 DAC7 Reporting Obligations

iknowly is legally required to report mentor earnings and tax data annually under DAC7 (Council Directive (EU) 2021/514).

Mentors will be informed of the data submitted to tax authorities for their own tax filings.
Failure to provide the required information by the end of the reporting year may result in payout suspension or account restrictions.

4.5.6 Membership Commission and Payouts

(a) For Membership Plans, iknowly charges a platform fee on the gross membership price paid by the User (after discounts or promo codes).

The platform fee excludes VAT and already includes payment processing costs (Stripe).

Mentor payout for each membership cycle is calculated as:

Payout = Gross Price − iknowly Fee, according to the following schedule:

Price Range (€ / month)	iknowly Fee (net, excl. VAT + Stripe)	Fee Cap (net)	Mentor Payout	Effective Take	Notes
€1–€99	Flat €15	—	Price − €15	15–25%	Protects smaller mentors
€100–€499	min(15% × Price, €65)	€65	Price − Fee	~13–15%	Cap applies ≥ €433
€500–€999	min(12% × Price, €100)	€100	Price − Fee	~10–12%	Cap applies ≥ €833
€1 000–€1 999	min(10% × Price, €150)	€150	Price − Fee	≤10%	Cap applies ≥ €1 500
≥ €2 000	min(8% × Price, €200)	€200	Price − Fee	≤8%	Cap applies ≥ €2 500

(b) Payouts for all membership-related sessions and Q&A activities are released at the end of each User’s subscription month, calculated from the date the membership began, provided that all sessions are marked completed and no refund or dispute is pending.

(c) Since mentor payouts are made only after the monthly cycle completes, no payout adjustments are required for cancellations or refunds during the trial period.

(d) Mentors agree that all fees and VAT handling for Membership Plans follow the same principles as Section 4.3.

4.5.7 Trial Period and Intro Session

(a) Each Membership Plan begins with a 7-day free trial period, during which the User may book one free Intro Session with the selected mentor.

(b) Payment for the first month is collected at the start of the trial but remains refundable if the User cancels within seven (7) days of the mentor’s confirmation.

(c) If the User does not cancel before the trial ends, the membership automatically converts into a paid plan at the selected rate.

(d) Mentors participating in Memberships must honor the free Intro Session for trial members and acknowledge that no compensation is provided for sessions or Q&A during the trial.

4.5.8 Mentor Performance and Membership Cancellation by User

(a) Users may cancel their membership without penalty if the assigned mentor repeatedly fails to:

(i) maintain published availability,

(ii) respond to Q&A messages within the agreed timeframe, or

(iii) deliver sessions according to iknowly’s quality standards.

(b) Such issues must be reported to support@iknowly.com with relevant evidence such as screenshots or timestamps.

4.6 Invoicing

4.6.1 Each User receives an automatically generated invoice upon payment. The invoice includes:

Session type and Mentor
Net and gross fees
VAT rate and amount (or reverse charge indication)
Applied discount or promotional code (if any)
Issuer: iknowly UG (haftungsbeschränkt), Winterhuder Weg 29, 22085 Hamburg

4.6.2 For B2B users under reverse charge, the invoice includes the legally required text: "VAT not charged. Reverse charge under Article 196 of the EU VAT Directive."

4.6.3 All records are stored in accordance with § 14b UStG and § 147 AO for at least 10 years.

4.6.4 Self-Billing (Gutschrift) Agreement

By using the iknowly Platform and accepting bookings, Mentors agree that iknowly will issue self-billed invoices (“Gutschriften”) on their behalf for services rendered via the Platform.

iknowly will provide copies of these self-billed invoices to Mentors for their records and tax reporting.
Mentors confirm that they will not issue separate invoices for these transactions.
Mentors must inform iknowly immediately of any changes to their VAT registration status that may affect invoicing requirements.

4.7 Cancellation and Refunds

4.7.1 Cancellations are governed by the [Cancellation and Refund Policy], which is an integral part of these Terms.

4.7.2 Mentees may cancel a confirmed booking free of charge if done at least 24 hours before the session start time.

4.7.3 Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the session are non-refundable, unless an exception is granted by iknowly or the Mentor cancels.

4.7.4 If a Mentor cancels the session, the Mentee is entitled to either a full refund or to reschedule the session at no additional cost.

4.7.5 Refunds are processed via Stripe to the original payment method within 14 calendar days.

4.7.6 Membership Plan Cancellation and Refunds

(a) Membership cancellations must be submitted by email to support@iknowly.com

(b) A User who cancels within seven (7) days of mentor confirmation is entitled to a full refund, provided that no paid session has been completed during that period.

(d) Refunds are processed via Stripe to the original payment method within 14 calendar days.

(e) All B2C memberships include VAT, regardless of whether the User is located inside or outside the EU.

5. User Conduct and Platform Rules

5.1 General Obligations of Users

5.1.1 All Users — including both session Mentees and Mentors — are obligated to use the Platform in a lawful, respectful, and non-abusive manner.

5.1.2 Users agree to:

Refrain from any conduct that would violate applicable laws or these Terms
Provide only truthful, current, and accurate information during registration and use
Use the Platform in a manner that does not damage, disable, overburden, or impair iknowly's systems or interfere with other users' access

5.1.3 Users must not:

Attempt to circumvent payment systems or the booking interface
Solicit or offer services outside the Platform that were initially initiated via iknowly
Use the Platform to distribute harmful, threatening, offensive, or illegal content
Reverse-engineer, scrape, or manipulate Platform features or data without authorization
Impersonate another person or falsely claim affiliation with any entity or institution

5.2 Rules of Conduct for Mentors

5.2.1 Mentors are held to elevated standards of professional and ethical conduct. They must:

Perform mentorship sessions with diligence, honesty, and in good faith
Provide Mentees with accurate, career-relevant advice within the scope of their expertise
Appear punctually at scheduled sessions and maintain availability as published
Maintain confidentiality over all personal and professional matters discussed during a session
Abstain from promoting unrelated services, multi-level marketing, or recruitment efforts

5.2.2 Mentors must not:

Provide legally regulated advice (e.g., legal, tax, or medical advice) without proper licensing
Misrepresent their background, employment, education, or qualifications
Cancel sessions repeatedly or at short notice without valid justification

5.3 Prohibited Behavior

The following conduct is strictly prohibited on the Platform and may result in immediate suspension or termination of the Mentee or Mentor account:

Harassment, hate speech, or discriminatory language directed at any individual or group
Recording sessions without prior mutual consent (except where legally permitted and clearly disclosed)
Offering or requesting illicit services
Attempting to access another user's account or private information
Uploading viruses, bots, or any other malicious code
Fraudulent activity such as identity misuse, falsified reviews, or payment disputes made in bad faith

5.4 Session Etiquette and Communication

5.4.1 Mentees and Mentors are expected to communicate respectfully and professionally via iknowly's messaging tools.

5.4.2 Any offensive, threatening, or inappropriate messages must be reported to iknowly. We reserve the right to investigate and take appropriate action, including removal of accounts.

5.4.3 All scheduling, clarifications, or cancellations should be handled through the Platform or its messaging system to ensure proper documentation.

5.5 Platform Integrity and Fair Use

5.5.1 The Platform and its infrastructure may not be used in ways that exceed normal use or attempt to undermine its security, availability, or purpose.

5.5.2 Any automated access (e.g., via bots or scrapers) is expressly forbidden unless approved in writing by iknowly.

5.5.3 Users agree not to use the Platform for data mining, commercial re-sale, or unauthorized recruitment purposes.

5.6 Enforcement and Consequences

5.6.1 iknowly reserves the right to monitor platform activity for compliance purposes, including reviewing profiles, messages, and user behavior to detect violations.

5.6.2 In the event of a breach of these rules, iknowly may take one or more of the following actions:

Issue a warning or formal notice
Temporarily suspend account functionality
Restrict access to certain services or disable booking privileges
Permanently delete the account without refund or notice, in severe cases

5.6.3 iknowly reserves the right to forward relevant information to law enforcement or regulators where violations constitute criminal or regulatory offenses.

6. Intellectual Property

6.1 Ownership of Platform Content

6.1.1 All content, structure, design elements, code, graphics, logos, branding, user interface elements, and software underlying the iknowly Platform are the intellectual property of iknowly UG (haftungsbeschränkt) or its licensors and are protected by German copyright law (Urheberrechtsgesetz – UrhG), trademark law, and applicable international treaties.

6.1.2 Except as expressly permitted by law or authorized in writing by iknowly, the following are prohibited:

Reproduction, distribution, modification, reverse engineering, or public display of any Platform content
Use of iknowly's trademarks, trade names, or branding for commercial purposes without prior written approval

6.1.3 The User receives a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable right of use, strictly limited to accessing and using the Platform for its intended purpose.

6.2 Mentor-Generated Content

6.2.1 Mentors retain all intellectual property rights in the materials they independently create and upload to their profile (e.g., profile descriptions, bios, images, presentations, or any materials delivered during sessions), provided that such content does not infringe third-party rights.

6.2.2 By submitting or uploading content to the Platform, the Mentor grants iknowly a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free, sublicensable license to use, host, store, reproduce, display, and publicly promote such content for purposes directly related to:

Operating and improving the Platform
Marketing the Mentor's services
Presenting Mentor profiles and offerings to prospective Mentees

6.2.3 This license remains in effect for as long as the content is published on the Platform and automatically terminates upon permanent deletion of the Mentor's account or relevant content.

6.2.4 Public Profile Use for Platform Marketing (Mandatory)

By creating and publishing a Mentor profile, the Mentor agrees that iknowly may feature public portions of their profile (such as name, profile image, professional title, tagline, industry, biography, rating, and skills) in marketing and promotional materials directly related to the promotion of the Platform and the Mentor's services. This includes, but is not limited to:

iknowly's homepage or landing pages
Newsletters and social media posts
Marketing emails and advertisements
Partner campaigns that promote the Platform or Mentors generally

This use is necessary to fulfill the core purpose of the Platform and is based on Art. 6(1)(b) GDPR (performance of the platform contract) and Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR (iknowly's legitimate interest in promoting its services and Mentors).

Such content will never include sensitive information, private communication, or non-public onboarding data.

6.3 Mentee-Submitted Content and Review Policy

6.3.1 Review Eligibility

Only Mentees who have completed a confirmed and paid session with a Mentor may submit a review. Reviews must reflect genuine personal experience.

6.3.2 Permitted and Prohibited Content

Users must not include any of the following in their reviews:

Personal data (e.g. email, phone number, or address)
Discriminatory, offensive, or defamatory language
Commercial promotion, spam, or external links
Allegations of illegal activity (such concerns must be submitted privately to support@iknowly.com)

iknowly reserves the right to moderate, edit, or remove any review that violates these guidelines, at its sole discretion.

6.3.3 Moderation Process and Timeline

Reviews are not pre-screened but may be flagged by Mentees or Mentors for moderation. Upon receiving a report, iknowly will assess the review within 7 calendar days and take appropriate action, including:

Editing redacted parts
Removing the review entirely
Requesting clarification from the reviewer or reviewed party

6.3.4 Mentor Right of Reply

Mentors may request the right to respond publicly to a review via a designated comment feature (if available) or by submitting a written reply to support@iknowly.com, which iknowly may publish at its discretion.

6.3.5 Review Removal Requests

Mentors may request review removal if they reasonably believe the content to be:

False or misleading
Based on a misunderstanding of services rendered
In violation of the Platform’s rules

iknowly will review such requests manually and respond with a decision within 14 calendar days. The decision is final and not subject to appeal.

6.3.6 Use of Reviews

By submitting a review, the User grants iknowly a non-exclusive, irrevocable, perpetual license to publish, edit, or translate the review across its Platform and marketing channels for transparency and promotional purposes.

6.3.7 No Automated Rating Manipulation

iknowly does not manipulate, weight, or algorithmically adjust Mentor ratings beyond simple averaging of authentic reviews. Only manually submitted, verified reviews affect public ratings.

6.4 Third-Party Content and Copyright Infringement

6.4.1 If you believe that any content published on the Platform infringes your intellectual property rights, you may submit a takedown request to legal@iknowly.com, including:

A description of the copyrighted work
Evidence of ownership or license
The location of the allegedly infringing material on the Platform
A formal statement that you are the rights holder or are acting on behalf of one

6.4.2 iknowly reserves the right to remove or disable access to infringing content in accordance with applicable German and EU laws.

6.5 Open Source Components and Third-Party Tools

6.5.1 Where applicable, parts of the Platform may include or integrate open-source software licensed under recognized frameworks (e.g., MIT, GPL). Such components remain subject to their respective licenses, and attribution will be provided as required.

6.5.2 Use of third-party tools (e.g., Stripe, ZEGOCLOUD, Google OAuth) is governed by the respective provider's terms and does not imply ownership or licensing by iknowly.

6.6 Haftungsausschluss für externe Links

Die iknowly-Plattform kann Links zu Webseiten, Diensten oder Ressourcen Dritter enthalten, die nicht von iknowly betrieben oder kontrolliert werden. Diese Links dienen ausschließlich Informationszwecken. iknowly übernimmt keine Verantwortung für Inhalte, Verfügbarkeit, Datenschutzpraktiken oder Richtigkeit solcher externen Seiten. Der Zugriff auf Dienste Dritter über die Plattform erfolgt auf eigenes Risiko und unterliegt den jeweiligen Geschäftsbedingungen des Anbieters.

7. Liability and Disclaimers

iknowly makes no guarantee or warranty for the outcomes of sessions or Q&A support delivered through Membership Plans.

All advice and communications provided by mentors are the sole responsibility of the mentor.

7.1 Platform as Intermediary

7.1.1 iknowly provides an online infrastructure that facilitates connections and transactions between independent Mentors and Mentees. iknowly does not offer mentorship services and does not become a contractual party to the agreement between Mentee and Mentor.

7.1.2 iknowly is not responsible for the:

Content, quality, or legality of advice given during sessions
Mentor's punctuality, preparation, or professional outcomes
Accuracy or completeness of information shared by Mentees or Mentors

7.1.3 While iknowly may conduct basic profile and document checks, it does not certify, accredit, or supervise Mentors in a professional or regulatory capacity.

7.2 General Limitation of Liability

7.2.1 iknowly is liable without limitation for damages resulting from:

Injury to life, body, or health
Intentional or grossly negligent breach of duty by iknowly, its legal representatives, or vicarious agents
Fraudulent concealment of a defect
Liability under the German Product Liability Act (Produkthaftungsgesetz)

7.2.2 In cases of slight negligence, iknowly shall only be liable for:

Breaches of cardinal contractual obligations (i.e., obligations whose fulfillment enables the proper performance of the contract and on whose observance the mentee may rely)
And only to the extent that the damages are foreseeable and typical for this type of contract

7.2.3 In all other cases, iknowly's liability is excluded to the fullest extent permitted by law.

7.3 Indirect and Consequential Damages

7.3.1 iknowly shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, or consequential damages, including but not limited to:

Loss of income, revenue, business, data, reputation, or opportunity
Costs related to employment decisions, academic applications, or business actions based on mentorship received via the Platform

7.4 Force Majeure

7.4.1 iknowly shall not be held liable for any failure or delay in performance due to events beyond its reasonable control (“Force Majeure Events”), including but not limited to: natural disasters, pandemics, acts of war or terrorism, cyberattacks, government actions, legal injunctions, power outages, or infrastructure failures affecting third-party providers.

7.4.2 In the event of a Force Majeure, iknowly may suspend or limit access to the Platform, cancel affected bookings, or delay service delivery without liability.

7.4.3 If a booked session is impacted by a Force Majeure Event (e.g. platform unavailability or disruption to the Mentor's ability to conduct the session), iknowly will notify both parties and will either:

Attempt to reschedule the session at no additional cost; or
Issue a full refund if rescheduling is not feasible within a reasonable timeframe.

7.4.4 Ongoing dispute resolution procedures (e.g. complaint handling or legal processes) may be delayed due to Force Majeure. Mentees will be informed of such delays, and all legal deadlines will be suspended for the duration of the interruption, as permitted by applicable law.

7.5 Third-Party Services

7.5.1 iknowly integrates external services such as Stripe, ZEGOCLOUD, and Google OAuth. These are subject to the respective providers' terms and conditions.

7.5.2 iknowly shall not be liable for the availability, reliability, data security, or functionality of third-party systems, except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct on its part.

7.5.3 Automated Tools, Recommendations, and Profiling

iknowly may use AI-driven or automated systems to enhance user experience and streamline platform operations. These tools may be used for:

Recommending relevant Mentors based on the User’s preferred industry, skills, career goals, and language
Suggesting potential mentorship matches based on Mentor services, expertise, availability, and mentee filters
Detecting and flagging unusual behavior (e.g., incomplete profiles, duplicate accounts, or suspected fraud) for manual verification
Recommending featured Mentors based on verified credentials, platform activity, and ratings

These tools operate using predefined logic, user-submitted data, and platform interaction history. However, no binding decisions are made solely by automated means. Any decision that affects account status, onboarding, visibility, or access to services is reviewed and confirmed by authorized iknowly personnel.

In accordance with Articles 21 and 22 GDPR, Mentees and Mentors have the right to:

Object to automated processing or profiling
Request a human review of decisions that significantly affect them
Receive information about how automated tools are used

Requests may be submitted to privacy@iknowly.com.

7.6 No Guarantees

7.6.1 iknowly makes no guarantee or warranty that:

A session will result in a particular career, academic, or business outcome
A Mentor or Mentee will act in any particular way
The Platform will be uninterrupted, error-free, or immune to loss or corruption of data

7.7 Mentee Responsibility

7.7.1 The Mentee is responsible for:

Verifying the Mentor's expertise prior to booking
Acting on the advice received at their own discretion and risk
Maintaining the confidentiality and legality of all information shared via the Platform

7.7.2 Mentees indemnify iknowly from any claims brought by third parties arising from violations of legal rights, these Terms, or applicable laws.

8. Right of Withdrawal (Widerrufsrecht)

8.1 Applicability of Consumer Withdrawal Rights

8.1.1 If you are a consumer within the meaning of § 13 of the German Civil Code (BGB), you may be entitled to a statutory right of withdrawal when booking services through the iknowly Platform.

8.1.2 This right applies only where the session has not yet been fully performed and the conditions for revocation under § 355 BGB are met.

8.2 Platform-Based Cancellation Mechanism

8.2.1 Regardless of your statutory withdrawal rights, you may cancel your session at any time via your iknowly dashboard:

Go to the "Sessions" section
Select the relevant session
Follow the cancellation prompts

8.2.2 To receive a full refund, the cancellation must be submitted at least 24 hours before the scheduled session start time.

8.2.3 Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the scheduled session are not eligible for any refund, regardless of the Mentor's individual cancellation terms. This is a strict platform-wide policy to ensure fairness and protect Mentors' availability.

8.3 Consumer Withdrawal Rights (§ 355 BGB)

8.3.1 Statutory Right of Withdrawal
Consumers have a statutory right to withdraw from distance contracts within 14 days of booking confirmation, provided the service has not been fully performed.

8.3.2 Withdrawal Procedure

Method:
Send a clear written withdrawal notice to:

iknowly UG (haftungsbeschränkt)
Winterhuder Weg 29, 22085 Hamburg, Germany
Email: support@iknowly.com
Subject: "Consumer Withdrawal – [Booking Reference]"

Required Information:

Your name and contact details
Booking date and mentor name
Explicit statement of withdrawal
Date of withdrawal notice

8.3.3 Premature Expiry of Withdrawal Right
In accordance with § 356(4) BGB, the withdrawal right expires if:

The session has been fully performed; and
You explicitly agreed to immediate performance; and
You acknowledged that the withdrawal right is lost upon completion

8.3.4 Express Consent for Immediate Performance
For bookings within the 14-day withdrawal period:

During the booking process, consumers must provide explicit consent via checkbox:

☐ "I expressly request that the mentorship service begins before the expiry of the 14-day withdrawal period. I acknowledge that I will lose my right of withdrawal once the session has been fully performed."

Without this consent:

Sessions cannot be scheduled within the withdrawal period
Earliest possible session: 15 days after booking confirmation
Full withdrawal rights remain until session completion

8.4 Early Expiry of the Statutory Right of Withdrawal

8.4.1 In accordance with § 356 (4) BGB, the statutory right of withdrawal expires prematurely if:

The service has been fully performed (i.e., the session has been delivered); and
You explicitly agreed that performance may begin before the withdrawal period ends; and
You acknowledged the loss of your withdrawal right once performance is complete

8.4.2 By requesting a session to be scheduled within the 14-day withdrawal period, you agree that the Mentor may begin providing the service immediately, and that your right of withdrawal will expire once the session has taken place.

8.5 Refunds After Cancellation or Withdrawal

8.5.1 If your cancellation is submitted more than 24 hours before the scheduled session, iknowly will refund the full amount paid, using the original payment method, within 14 calendar days.

8.5.2 Cancellations submitted less than 24 hours in advance are non-refundable under all circumstances.

8.5.3 If your statutory withdrawal request is valid and submitted in time, you will also receive a full refund unless the service has already been performed.

8.6 Model Withdrawal Form (Optional)

You may use the following template to exercise your withdrawal right under § 355 BGB:

Model Withdrawal Form

To:
iknowly UG (haftungsbeschränkt)
Winterhuder Weg 29
22085 Hamburg, Germany
Email: support@iknowly.com

I hereby withdraw from the contract for the following session:

Name: [Insert Name]
Email: [Insert Email]
Mentor: [Insert Name]
Session Date: [Insert Date & Time]
Booking Date: [Insert Date]

Date: [Insert]
Signature (if printed)

8.7 Withdrawal Rights for Memberships

(a) Consumers have a statutory 14-day right of withdrawal from the start of the Membership.

(b) If the User requests that Membership benefits begin immediately (for example, by starting the trial, booking the Intro Session, or using Q&A), the User acknowledges that value compensation will be owed for services used before withdrawal (§ 357 BGB).

“I request immediate access to membership benefits before the end of the withdrawal period and acknowledge that I will owe value compensation for any services used.”

(d) Once the service (for example, sessions or Q&A) is fully provided, the right of withdrawal expires.

9. Termination

9.1 Termination by the User

9.1.1 Users may terminate their account and discontinue use of the Platform at any time without providing a reason by:

Using the account deletion feature in the user dashboard, or
Sending an email request to support@iknowly.com from the registered email address

9.1.2 Termination of an account does not affect existing or accepted bookings. All confirmed sessions must be honored unless cancelled according to Section 8 or the applicable cancellation policy.

9.1.3 Outstanding payments for completed or accepted sessions prior to termination remain due.

9.2 Termination by iknowly

9.2.1 iknowly reserves the right to suspend, restrict, or terminate any account at its sole discretion, in particular if:

There is a breach of these Terms of Use or related policies
The User engages in fraudulent, abusive, or misleading activity
The User provides false or manipulated identity or certification documents
The User attempts to circumvent platform processes (e.g., payment, KYC, messaging, or booking)

9.2.2 In cases of minor or first-time violations, iknowly may issue a formal warning before proceeding to termination. However, iknowly reserves the right to terminate immediately in severe cases.

9.2.3 iknowly may also suspend or deactivate Mentor accounts in cases of:

Repeated session no-shows, poor conduct, or substantiated complaints
Inactivity, failure to complete Stripe onboarding, or legal non-compliance

9.3 Effects of Termination

9.3.1 Upon termination:

Access to the Platform, session history, and internal messaging will be deactivated
User profile data may be anonymized or deleted in accordance with the Privacy Policy
iknowly reserves the right to retain invoicing and transaction records for up to 10 years pursuant to tax and commercial law (§§ 147 AO, 257 HGB)

9.3.2 Mentors with outstanding balances will still receive payouts under the normal payout schedule, subject to successful Stripe settlement.

9.3.3 Termination does not affect the legality or enforceability of any agreements concluded before the termination took effect.

9.4 Blocking for Legal or Security Reasons

9.4.1 iknowly may temporarily or permanently restrict account access if required to:

Comply with court orders, tax audits, or statutory obligations
Investigate technical abuse, data breaches, or suspected criminal behavior
Ensure the integrity and trustworthiness of the platform and its community

9.5 Suspension Appeals & Reactivation

Mentees or Mentors whose accounts have been suspended or restricted may submit a written appeal by contacting support@iknowly.com. Appeals will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. iknowly reserves the right to accept, reject, or conditionally reactivate an account at its sole discretion. No guarantee is made regarding reinstatement.

10. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

10.1 Applicable Law

10.1.1 These Terms of Use and any contractual relationship between the User and iknowly shall be governed by the laws of the Federal Republic of Germany, to the exclusion of the United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods (CISG).

10.1.2 For consumers residing in the EU or EEA, this choice of law does not deprive you of the protection afforded by mandatory consumer protection provisions of your country of habitual residence, in accordance with Article 6(2) of the Rome I Regulation (593/2008/EC).

10.2 Jurisdiction

10.2.1 If the User is a merchant (Kaufmann), a legal entity under public law, or a special fund under public law, the exclusive place of jurisdiction shall be Hamburg, Germany.

10.2.2 For consumers, the statutory provisions on jurisdiction apply. This means:

You may bring legal proceedings in the court of your residence; and
iknowly may only sue you in the court of your country of residence (pursuant to Article 18(1) Brussels I Regulation)

10.3 Dispute Resolution for Consumers (EU)

10.3.1 The European Commission provides an online dispute resolution platform (ODR), accessible at:
https://ec.europa.eu/consumers/odr

This platform allows consumers and traders to resolve disputes related to online purchases out of court.

10.3.2 iknowly is not obliged and does not currently participate in consumer arbitration proceedings before an alternative dispute resolution body, as defined by the German Consumer Dispute Resolution Act (VSBG).

10.4 Internal Complaint Handling

10.4.1 Users may contact iknowly at support@iknowly.com in the event of disputes or service-related concerns.

10.4.2 iknowly strives to handle all complaints promptly and fairly. Please include relevant booking, session, or account information in your inquiry to enable an efficient review.

10.5 Legal Disclosure under § 36 VSBG

In accordance with § 36 of the German Consumer Dispute Resolution Act (Verbraucherstreitbeilegungsgesetz – VSBG), iknowly UG (haftungsbeschränkt) is neither obligated nor willing to participate in dispute settlement proceedings before a consumer arbitration board.

11. Changes to These Terms

11.1 Right to Modify Terms

11.1.1
iknowly reserves the right to modify or update these Terms of Use at any time, for valid reasons including but not limited to:

Legal or regulatory changes
Changes to the functionality or scope of the Platform
Security improvements or updates to account management procedures
Adjustments to the payment structure, cancellation policies, or partner integrations

11.1.2
Any modification shall be made in good faith and with reasonable regard to the interests of Mentees and Mentors.

11.2 Notification and Acceptance Process

11.2.1 Notification
Users will be notified of any material changes to these Terms via:

Email (to the address registered in the User's account), and/or
A prominent notification within the Platform (e.g., login banner or popup)

11.2.2 Acceptance for Business Users
For Users who are entrepreneurs within the meaning of § 14 BGB (business users):

If the User does not object to the amended Terms within 30 calendar days after receipt of the notice, the amendments will be deemed accepted
The notification will include a reference to this automatic approval mechanism and the objection deadline
Continued use of the Platform after the objection period constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms

11.2.3 Acceptance for Consumers
For Users who are consumers within the meaning of § 13 BGB:

Changes to these Terms require explicit acceptance
Upon next login or Platform access after notification, consumers will be presented with the updated Terms and must actively confirm acceptance to continue using the Platform
No automatic acceptance through silence or continued use applies to consumers
Consumers who do not accept the changes may continue under the existing Terms or terminate their account as outlined in Section 11.3

11.3 Objection and Consequences

11.3.1 Business User Objection
If a business User objects to the changes within the 30-day objection period:

iknowly may, at its discretion, continue the existing contract under the previously valid Terms, or
Terminate the contractual relationship with a notice period of 30 days

11.3.2 Consumer Non-Acceptance
If a consumer does not accept the updated Terms:

The existing contractual relationship continues under the previously valid Terms for ongoing bookings
iknowly may terminate the contract with 30 days' written notice
No new bookings may be made under the previous Terms

11.3.3 Existing Bookings
In all cases of termination due to Terms changes:

Any confirmed session that has not yet been fulfilled will be honored under the original Terms
All parties' rights and obligations regarding existing bookings remain unaffected

11.4 Version Control and Legal Certainty

11.4.1
The current version of these Terms is always available on the Platform under the “Legal” or “Terms” section.

11.4.2
The version date and applicable user category (B2B/B2C) are clearly indicated.

11.4.3
Users are encouraged to regularly review the Terms to stay informed of their rights and obligations.

11.4.4
Each user's applicable Terms version is documented in their account for legal certainty.

11.5 Price Adjustments for Memberships

iknowly may adjust membership prices for future billing cycles with 30 days’ prior notice via email and in-app notification.

If the User does not accept the new price, the membership may be cancelled before the new rate takes effect. Continued use after the effective date constitutes acceptance of the adjusted price.

12. Contact and Legal Notices

12.1 Legal Entity and Responsible Party

These Terms of Use and the Platform https://www.iknowly.com are provided by:

iknowly UG (haftungsbeschränkt) Winterhuder Weg 29
22085 Hamburg
Germany

Registered with the Commercial Register at:
Amtsgericht Hamburg, HRB 195337

Managing Director: Taha Al-Taie
Email: legal@iknowly.com
Website: https://www.iknowly.com

12.2 Communication and Notices

12.2.1 All communication with legal effect must be made in text form (§ 126b BGB), e.g., via email or contact form, unless stricter formal requirements apply under the law.

12.2.2 For general inquiries or technical support, please contact:
support@iknowly.com

12.2.3 Legal documents, including Terms of use, Privacy Policy, and other notices, are available in English and may also be made available in German. In case of discrepancies, the language version designated as legally binding in Section 1.5 shall apply.

12.3 Service of Process

12.3.1 Official documents or legal correspondence (e.g., cease-and-desist letters, regulatory notices) must be sent by post to the company's registered address, unless digital service is expressly permitted or legally recognized.

12.4 Platform Responsibility and Hosting

12.4.1 The operator responsible for content in accordance with § 5 TMG and § 18 MStV is the Managing Director named above.

12.4.2 Hosting and infrastructure services for the Platform are provided via:

Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Stripe Payments Europe, Ltd. (Payment processing)
ZEGOCLOUD (Video communications infrastructure)

12.5 Accessibility Statement

iknowly is committed to ensuring digital accessibility for all users, including individuals with disabilities. We are actively working to improve platform usability and compatibility with screen readers, keyboard navigation, and other assistive technologies.

If you encounter any issues or have suggestions for improvement, please contact us at support@iknowly.com.

13. Content Moderation and Reporting (DSA Compliance)

13.1 Illegal Content Reporting Mechanism

13.1.1
In accordance with Article 16 of the Digital Services Act (EU) 2022/2065, iknowly provides an electronic reporting mechanism for Users to notify us of potentially illegal content or activities on the Platform.

13.1.2
Reports may be submitted via email to: report@iknowly.com
Subject line: "DSA Report – [Brief Description]"

13.1.3
The report must include the following information:

Clear identification of the allegedly illegal content or conduct
Specific location on the Platform (e.g., URL, mentor profile)
Legal grounds or applicable law allegedly violated
Contact information for follow-up
Statement of good faith belief that the report is accurate

13.1.4
iknowly will acknowledge receipt of the report within 24 hours and provide a substantive response within 7 working days.

13.2 Content Moderation Procedures

13.2.1
The following types of content are subject to moderation:

Mentor profiles and service descriptions
User reviews and ratings
Internal messaging communications
Uploaded documents and media

13.2.2
Moderation is conducted through a combination of:

Automated screening for prohibited content patterns
Manual review by trained moderation staff
User reporting and community flagging
Proactive monitoring of high-risk content areas

13.2.3
Possible moderation actions include:

Content removal or restriction
Account suspension or limitation
Issuance of warning notices to users
Referral to law enforcement authorities where appropriate

13.3 Complaint and Appeal Process

13.3.1
Users whose content has been moderated or whose accounts have been subject to enforcement actions may submit complaints to iknowly’s internal complaint system.

13.3.2
Complaints may be submitted via email to: appeals@iknowly.com

13.3.3
iknowly will respond to complaints as follows:

Initial response within 7 days
Final decision within 30 days

13.3.4
The complaint should include:

A copy of the original content
Details of the moderation action taken
Grounds for the appeal

13.3.5
The complaint will be reviewed by a senior moderation staff member who was not involved in the original decision.

13.3.6
In accordance with Article 21 DSA, users may also request access to certified out-of-court dispute settlement bodies. Information about such bodies is available upon request.

13.4 Transparency Reporting

13.4.1
iknowly publishes annual transparency reports that include:

Number and types of reports received
Content moderation actions taken
Outcomes of appeals and processing times
Use of automated decision-making systems

13.4.2
Reports are available at: https://www.iknowly.com/transparency-report

13.5 Algorithmic Systems and Recommendations

13.5.1
iknowly uses algorithmic systems to recommend relevant mentors based on:

User-specified search criteria (industry, skills, language)
Mentor availability and response rates
Historical booking patterns and user preferences
Mentor ratings and platform activity levels

13.5.2
Transparency measures include:

No profiling of users for behavioral advertising
Recommendation logic based solely on explicit user inputs
Ability for users to modify search parameters to influence results
No automated decision-making that produces legal effects

13.5.3
User control features include:

Manual sorting and filtering options
No obligation to follow algorithmic recommendations
Direct search functionality
Adjustable preference settings

13.6 Cooperation with Authorities

13.6.1
iknowly cooperates with competent authorities as required by the DSA, including:

Prompt responses to content removal or information orders
Preservation of evidence when legally mandated
Reporting of serious criminal offenses
Assistance with investigations into cybersecurity incidents

13.6.2
Legal process contact: legal@iknowly.com

In accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and other applicable laws, iknowly collects and stores user consents at various stages of the platform based on the context of interaction. Below is a detailed explanation of the different types of consent collected, how they are presented to users, and their legal basis.

14.1. PRIVACY POLICY TERMS

This consent is collected during the signup process, both for mentees and mentors. By proceeding with signup, mentees automatically agree to our Terms of use and Privacy Policy.

Checkbox Shown: No
Revocable: No
Default Status: Opt-in
Version: v1.3
Legal Basis: Article 6(1)(b) GDPR – Consent is necessary for entering into a user contract and for lawful data processing.

14.2. EMAIL MARKETING

Mentees and mentors may optionally subscribe to receive promotional emails about updates, news, and offers from iknowly during the signup process.

Checkbox Shown: Yes
Revocable: Yes
Default Status: Opt-out (if unchecked), Opt-in (if checked)
Version: v1.0
Legal Basis: Article 6(1)(a) GDPR – Explicit consent is required for marketing communication.

During the mentor application (Step 4), mentors must explicitly agree to the Terms of use and Privacy Policy. before submitting their application and being listed publicly.

Checkbox Shown: Yes
Revocable: No
Default Status: Opt-in
Version: v1.0
Legal Purpose: Legal commitment to platform terms, enabling public profile display.

14.4. ACCURACY DECLARATION

Mentors are required to declare that all information they provide is accurate and truthful when applying to join the platform. This happens in Step 4 of the mentor application process.

Checkbox Shown: Yes
Revocable: No
Default Status: Opt-in
Version: v1.0
Legal Purpose: Due diligence, to limit liability in cases of false or misleading data.

14.5. DATA PROCESSING

This consent is collected from mentors in Step 4 of the application. It permits iknowly to process their personal and sensitive information for evaluating their application.

Checkbox Shown: Yes
Revocable: No
Default Status: Opt-in
Version: v1.0
Legal Basis: Article 6(1)(a) and Article 9 GDPR – Required for processing sensitive or personal data.

Before mentors are redirected to Stripe for onboarding, they are asked to consent to the collection and storage of their Tax Identification Number (Steuernummer).

Checkbox Shown: Yes
Revocable: No
Default Status: Opt-in
Version: v1.0
Legal Basis: Article 6(1)(c) GDPR – Legal requirement for invoicing and tax reporting compliance.

14.7. BOOKING TERMS AND CANCELLATION

During the mentorship booking process, after selecting the date and communication tool, users are informed of terms regarding pricing (including VAT) and data processing.

Checkbox Shown: No
Revocable: No
Default Status: Opt-in
Version: v1.0
Legal Purpose: Acknowledgement of refund rights and data processing under consumer protection laws and GDPR.

14.8. How Consents Are Stored in the Database

To ensure transparency and auditability, each user consent is stored in our system with the following fields:

identityId: A unique identifier linking the consent to a specific mentee or mentor.
consentType: Identifies which of the above consent categories was given.
canRevoke: Indicates whether the user has the legal and technical ability to withdraw the consent at any time (per Article 7(3) GDPR).
hasCheckbox: Records whether the consent was collected via a visible checkbox or automatically applied.
status: States whether the user explicitly opted in or out at the time (e.g., "optin" or "optout").
textSnapshot: The exact text shown to the user at the time of consent, stored for legal and compliance purposes.
timestamp: The exact date and time when the consent was recorded.
version: Indicates the version of the consent text, helping track changes over time.

Additional Consent Types

Consent Type	Checkbox	Revocable	Legal Basis	Notes
AUTO_RENEWAL_CONSENT	Yes	Yes	Art. 6(1)(b) GDPR	User agrees to automatic monthly renewal after trial
TRIAL_CONVERSION_ACK	Yes	Yes	Art. 6(1)(b) GDPR	Records the start and automatic conversion of 7-day trial
WITHDRAWAL_VALUE_COMP_ACK	Yes	No	Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR	Consent for early performance and value compensation
CANCEL_EVENT	—	—	Compliance log	Timestamp and method of membership cancellation
RESPONSE_TIME_AGREEMENT	Yes	Yes	Art. 6(1)(b) GDPR	Mentor’s agreed Q&A response-time commitment

15. Referral Program Terms

15.1 Purpose and Scope

This Referral Program outlines the conditions under which registered Mentees and Mentors (“Participants”) of the iknowly platform can refer others and earn rewards. The program aims to support organic growth through trust-based referrals, while remaining compliant with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), German commercial law, and applicable tax regulations.

15.2 Mentee-to-Mentee Referral Program

15.2.1 Eligibility

All registered Mentees with an active iknowly account are eligible to participate in the Mentee-to-Mentee referral program. To qualify, the person being referred must be a new mentee who has not previously registered on the iknowly platform.

15.2.2 Rewards and Conditions

When a Mentee refers a new individual to the platform:

The referrer (Mentee A) receives a discount credit of either €10 or 10%, whichever provides greater value, applied to their next booking. The promocode is sent by email and must be used within 30 days of issuance.
The referred mentee (Mentee B) receives a welcome discount of either €10 or 10%, also via email, to be applied to their next booking. This promocode remains valid for 7 days.

These rewards are granted only if the referred individual completes a paid session with a minimum booking value of €30. Only one referral reward is issued per new mentee account.

The referral system uses a Highest Value Rule to determine the reward:

If the booking is below €100, the fixed discount of €10 is applied.
If the booking exceeds €100, the 10% discount is applied.

iknowly reserves the right to change the reward amounts temporarily during promotions or events.

15.3 Mentor-to-Mentor Referral Program

15.3.1 Eligibility

Mentors who are actively registered on the iknowly platform may participate in the Mentor referral program. To be eligible for rewards, the referred Mentor must:

Successfully complete the onboarding process.
Deliver at least one paid session with a minimum order value of €30, compliant with VAT requirements.

15.3.2 Rewards and Conditions

If the referral conditions are met:

The referring Mentor (Mentor A) receives a monetary reward of €20, which is included in their next Stripe Express payout after the referred Mentor completes an eligible session.
The referred Mentor (Mentor B) receives a welcome bonus of €10, which is added to their first payout following completion of their first eligible session.

The minimum value of €30 must be interpreted as follows:

For B2C or B2B clients within Germany, the threshold includes VAT.
For B2B clients outside Germany with a valid VAT ID, the €30 threshold refers to the net amount excluding VAT.

Mentors may earn referral rewards for up to five (5) referred mentors per calendar month. Rewards are only paid out once the referred session is completed and not refunded or cancelled.

iknowly reserves the right to withhold, adjust, or cancel referral rewards in cases of suspected abuse, false referrals, or other violations of platform rules.

15.4 Tax and Reporting Obligations

Monetary rewards earned through the referral program may constitute taxable income. Each reward recipient is solely responsible for reporting and paying any taxes due under local laws. In accordance with German tax laws, iknowly may issue an income summary if the total referral rewards exceed €256 per year.

No personally identifiable information is exchanged between the referring and referred parties. Referral tracking is carried out via anonymous referral codes or first-party cookies.

The legal basis for this processing is:

Article 6(1)(b) GDPR – Processing is necessary for the performance of a contract.
Article 6(1)(f) GDPR – Based on legitimate interest to promote the platform.

All referred users are notified during signup that their account creation may trigger a reward for another user.

15.6 Fraud Prevention and Abuse

iknowly reserves the right to monitor referral activity and enforce compliance. This includes:

Refusing, delaying, or revoking referral rewards if there is reasonable suspicion of fraud, abuse, or manipulation (such as self-referral or creating fake accounts).
Suspending or terminating accounts engaged in repeated violations or any behavior that undermines the integrity of the referral program.

15.7 Amendments and Termination

iknowly reserves the right to change or terminate the Referral Program at any time without prior notice. Updates will be publicly posted on the iknowly website. Changes apply prospectively and do not impact rewards already earned prior to the update.

16. Mentor Terms

This section applies specifically to individuals registering and operating as Mentors on the iknowly platform.

By completing the onboarding process and activating a Mentor profile, the individual agrees to adhere to the Mentor Policy, which is a binding part of the Terms of Use.

The Mentor Policy outlines important obligations, including but not limited to:

Minimum onboarding requirements
Rules related to profile verification and approval
Booking rules and cancellation terms
Stripe Express payout procedures
Professional conduct guidelines

Mentors who fail to comply with the Mentor Policy may face penalties such as profile deactivation, temporary suspension, or permanent removal, in accordance with Section 8 of the Mentor Policy.

Unlimited Q&A and Response Standards (a) Mentors participating in Membership Plans must provide unlimited Q&A support to active members through the iknowly messaging system.

(b) Each mentor must clearly define their individual response-time commitment within their Membership offer (for example, 24 hours, 48 hours, or longer). The chosen timeframe becomes binding once a User subscribes to that mentor’s plan.

(c) Repeated failure to respond within the declared timeframe may lead to payout reductions, membership reassignment, or account suspension.

(d) Compensation for Unlimited Q&A is included in the monthly membership payout. Mentors may not charge additional fees outside the platform for this service.

16.5 Membership Payout Schedule

Payouts for sessions and Q&A under Membership Plans are aggregated and released at the end of each User’s subscription month, based on the plan’s start date, provided that:

all sessions are marked completed.
no refund or dispute is active.

If refunds occur after payout, iknowly may deduct the corresponding amount from future mentor payouts.

As of: July 28, 2025
Last Updated: July 28, 2025

Terms of Use - iknowly