Code of Conduct

Freedom of thought and the open exchange of ideas are key to Founders + Funders’ programs, conferences, and events. That kind of exchange can happen only in an environment that recognizes the value of each person and fosters mutual respect. That’s why we’re dedicated to providing badges with your full names and a harassment-free experience.

Put another way: if we create an atmosphere in which anyone can say anything, we have not fostered an open exchange of ideas, because participants who don’t like or can’t tolerate offensive comments and hateful behavior won’t participate. To help ensure that conversations at our programs are focused on entrepreneurship and that the atmosphere encourages participation from as wide a range of attendees as possible, we do not tolerate harassment based on race, gender, religion, age, color, national origin, physical appearance, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity.

When we say “harassment,” we’re talking about unwelcome or hostile behavior, including speech that intimidates, creates discomfort, or interferes with a person’s participation within the program (speaker presentations fall under this category and should not use images or examples that would violate the code of conduct); unwelcome physical contact; unwelcome sexual attention; deliberate intimidation; and stalking. Sponsors should not use sexualized images or activities, and sponsor representatives (including volunteers) should not use sexualized clothing/uniforms/costumes.

If you’re a participant–whether attendee, speaker, exhibitor or volunteer–and you violate these basic standards, we may take any action we deem appropriate, including expelling you from the program and conference, without a refund, at our discretion.

If you’re being harassed, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, please contact our team at hello [at] seneca.vc. All reports will be kept confidential among our staff, who have been trained to respond to violations of this code of conduct.

Let’s blow up Twitter with a stream of great ideas, not a riot about how we treat each other.