Terms of Service

1. Definitions

In these Terms of Service (the “Terms”), the following terms have the meanings set out below:

“Company” or “We” or “Us” or “Our”

means Engineering Leaders Community s.r.o., a company registered in the Czech Republic, operating the ELC Mentoring Hub.

“Platform”

means the online mentoring marketplace operated by the Company, including the website at elc.space (landing page) and the application at app.elc.space.

“Mentee” or “Client” or “You”

means any person who registers with the Platform and engages in mentoring sessions.

“Mentor”

means a qualified professional contracted by the Company to provide mentoring services through the Platform. All mentors are vetted and trained by the Company.

“Session” or “Mentoring Session”

means a scheduled meeting between a Mentor and a Mentee for the purpose of providing mentoring guidance. A standard session is 60 minutes; an introductory session is 30 minutes.

“Mentoring Journey Log” or “MJL”

means the shared collaborative document in Notion that tracks session summaries, feedback, homework, and progress for each Mentee. The MJL is accessible to the Mentee, the Mentor, and the Company.

“Free Session”

means a Session for which no payment is due, as defined in Section 8.

“Mentoring Package”

means a pre-purchased set of Sessions (typically 6 Sessions) offered at a discounted rate.

“Quality Guarantee”

means the Company’s commitment that if a Session scores below 7 out of 10 on the Net Promoter Score (NPS) feedback, the Mentee is not charged for that Session.

“Effective Date”

means the date this agreement becomes effective and binding on you.

2. Service Description

2.1 What We Provide

The ELC Mentoring Hub is a premium mentoring marketplace that connects vetted engineering and product leaders with experienced mentors. Our service includes:

• Access to a vetted network of experienced Mentors based in Central Europe
• Ability to browse Mentor profiles, specializations, and ratings
• Online booking and scheduling of Sessions through our integrated calendar system
• Structured feedback collection and session tracking via the Mentoring Journey Log
• Support documentation, email reminders, and administrative coordination

2.2 What We Do Not Provide

The Platform is a marketplace facilitating introductions and Session bookings. The Company does not:

• Employ Mentors as employees; Mentors are independent contractors
• Guarantee specific outcomes, career advancement, or salary increases from mentoring
• Provide financial, legal, investment, or medical advice (Mentors may draw on experience in these areas but are not providing professional services)
• Provide business incorporation, tax planning, or accounting services
• Offer real-time support during Sessions; Sessions take place directly between Mentor and Mentee

2.3 Target Market

The Platform is intended for engineering leaders, product leaders, and technology professionals based in or serving Central Europe (Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, and surrounding regions) who wish to develop their leadership and professional skills.

3. Account Registration and Eligibility

3.1 Registration

To use the Platform, you must:

1. Be at least 18 years of age
2. Complete the application form with accurate information
3. Provide a valid email address
4. Accept these Terms of Service

3.2 Eligibility

By using the Platform, you represent and warrant that:

• You have the authority and legal capacity to enter into this agreement
• You are not prohibited by law from using the Platform
• All information you provide is true, accurate, and complete
• You will use the Platform for lawful purposes only

3.3 Application Review

The Company reviews all applications. We reserve the right to:

• Reject any application without providing a reason
• Request additional information to verify your identity or eligibility
• Suspend or terminate access if you violate these Terms

The Company aims to complete application reviews within 5 business days of submission.

3.4 Account Responsibility

You are responsible for:

• Maintaining the confidentiality of your email address and login credentials (if applicable)
• All activity that occurs under your account
• Notifying the Company immediately of any unauthorized access or security concerns
• Keeping your contact information current and accurate

4. Booking and Scheduling

4.1 How to Book a Session

To book a Session:

1. Select a Mentor from the Platform
2. Choose an available time slot through our integrated calendar (Cal.com)
3. For first-time users, complete your invoicing details
4. Receive a confirmation email with Session details and the MJL link

4.2 Session Types

The Platform offers three Session types:

Introductory Session (30 minutes)

• Typically offered for first-time Mentees engaging in regular mentoring relationships
• No formal feedback or homework is required
• Pass/fail evaluation by the Company
• Does not trigger standard post-Session review flow
• May be free if eligible under Section 8

Regular Sessions (60 minutes)

• Ongoing mentoring relationship with the same Mentor
• Full feedback and summary collection
• Homework tracking and Ownership Score calculation
• Eligible for package discounts (6-Session packages at 32% discount for B2B)

One-Off Sessions (60 minutes)

• Single mentoring consultation with a Mentor
• Full feedback and summary collection
• No commitment for future Sessions

4.3 Session Confirmation and Cancellation

Once a Session is booked and confirmed through the calendar, it is binding on both parties. Cancellation rules are detailed in Section 7.

4.4 Session Rescheduling

If you need to reschedule a Session:

• You may cancel (following cancellation rules in Section 7) and rebook an alternative time slot
• A mentor-initiated cancellation allows you to reschedule at no additional cost
• Rescheduled Sessions maintain the original booking date’s cancellation policy

5. Pricing and Payment Terms

5.1 Session Pricing

All prices are in EUR and exclude VAT (21% in Czech Republic).

Base Price: EUR 430 per 60-minute Session

Discount Tiers:

Introductory Sessions may be offered at no charge if eligible under Section 8.

5.2 No Price Matching or Renegotiation

All Mentors charge the same rate. The Company does not negotiate rates on an individual basis. The rates listed above are fixed and apply to all Mentees in each tier.

5.3 Payment Invoicing

In MVP1, invoices are generated and sent monthly. Payment terms are Net 30 days from invoice date. Future versions may support per-Session invoicing or Stripe pre-payment.

Payment must be made to the account specified on your invoice. Bank transfer details will be provided in your invoice.

5.4 VAT and Taxes

Prices exclude VAT. As a Czech-registered company, we charge 21% VAT on all services. The final amount due (including VAT) will be stated on your invoice.

You are responsible for any applicable taxes, duties, or levies based on your jurisdiction of residence or your company’s registration.

5.5 Currency and Fees

All transactions are in EUR. If you pay from a different currency, you are responsible for any currency conversion fees charged by your bank.

5.6 Failed Payments

If a payment fails:

• The Company will attempt to recover the payment via your provided payment method
• If payment cannot be collected, your account may be suspended until payment is received
• Outstanding balances may be referred to a collection agency

6. Quality Guarantee and Refund Policy

6.1 Quality Guarantee

The Company stands behind the quality of our Mentoring Sessions. If you rate a Session below 7 out of 10 on the Net Promoter Score (NPS) feedback form, you are not charged for that Session.

How it works:

1. You provide feedback via the post-Session survey within 3 days of the Session
2. If your NPS score is below 7, the Session is marked as waived at no cost
3. You may rebook the Session with the same or a different Mentor at no charge

6.2 Feedback Required for Quality Guarantee

The Quality Guarantee applies only if:

• You submit feedback within 3 days of the Session
• The feedback includes an NPS rating
• Your rating is a numeric score (not a missing or null value)

If you do not submit feedback within 3 days, a default NPS score of 8 is recorded, and the Session is charged.

6.3 Refunds Beyond the Quality Guarantee

The Company does not offer refunds beyond the Quality Guarantee, except in the following circumstances:

1. Mentor No-Show: If a Mentor fails to attend a scheduled Session without prior cancellation, you receive a free Session credit of equal duration with that Mentor or another Mentor of your choice.
2. Company Error: If the Company makes a billing error (e.g., duplicate charge), we will correct it within 10 business days.
3. Service Disruption: If technical issues prevent the Session from taking place (e.g., calendar system failure), you may reschedule at no cost.

All refund requests must be submitted within 30 days of the Session date. Refunds are issued in the form of account credits rather than monetary reimbursement, except where legally required.

6.4 No Refunds for Mentee No-Show or Late Cancellation

If you fail to attend a Session or cancel with less than 8 hours’ notice, you are charged in full. This is detailed further in Section 7.

7. Cancellation and No-Show Policy

7.1 Cancellation Timeline

8 Hours or More Before Session Start Time: Free Cancellation

• You may cancel at no cost via the calendar system or by emailing support
• No charge is applied
• You may reschedule to another available time slot

Less Than 8 Hours Before Session Start Time: Full Charge

• Cancellation is not permitted
• If you cancel, you are charged the full Session price
• The Company is entitled to enforce this charge
• The Mentor is compensated in full

No-Show: Full Charge

• If you do not attend a scheduled Session without prior cancellation, the Session is recorded as a no-show
• You are charged the full Session price
• The Mentor is compensated in full
• Repeated no-shows (3 or more in a row) may result in account suspension

7.2 Repeated Cancellations

If you cancel 3 or more consecutive Sessions, the Company will send a nudge email to understand your needs. Repeated cancellations may indicate misalignment with your selected Mentor or the mentoring format.

7.3 Mentor-Initiated Cancellation

If a Mentor cancels a Session for any reason:

• The Session is rescheduled at the Mentor’s initiative
• You are given priority for available time slots
• No charge applies to you
• You receive a compensation of one additional free Session credit

7.4 How to Cancel

To cancel a Session:

1. Log in to your account or click the cancellation link in your confirmation email
2. Click “Cancel Session” on the calendar
3. For urgent cancellations, contact support at [email protected] with your Session ID and Mentor name

Note: Cancellations submitted via the calendar system are processed immediately and are legally binding.

8. Free Session Policy

8.1 When Sessions Are Free

The Company provides free Sessions in the following circumstances:

First Session Ever

• Your very first mentoring Session on the Platform is free
• This applies to all Mentees, regardless of ELC membership status
• Typically structured as an introductory Session (30 minutes)

Gap Session (90+ Days Without a Session)

• If 90 or more days have passed since your last completed Session, your next Session is free
• This applies only to regular Session relationships (not one-off Sessions)
• The free Session is intended to reconnect and assess current goals

8.2 Free Session Eligibility Check

The Company automatically checks your eligibility for a free Session when you book via the calendar. The confirmation email will indicate if your Session is free or paid.

8.3 No Free Sessions on Packages

Free Sessions do not count against a Mentoring Package. If you have a 6-Session package with 2 remaining and you book a free Session due to a gap, the next paid booking will still deduct from your package balance.

8.4 Free Sessions Apply After Cancellation Charges

If you cancel with less than 8 hours’ notice and are charged, you still have the option to book a free Session at your next eligible opportunity (e.g., 90 days later). The prior cancellation charge does not prevent future free Session eligibility.

9. Intellectual Property and Session Content

9.1 Mentoring Journey Log Ownership

The Mentoring Journey Log (MJL) is a shared document created in Notion that contains session summaries, feedback, homework assignments, and progress notes. Ownership of the MJL is as follows:

• Access: The Mentee, the Mentor, and the Company each have read and write access to the MJL
• Data Retention: The Company retains the MJL for record-keeping and quality assurance purposes
• Mentee Use: You may export or download the MJL for personal records or to share with your employer (if applicable)
• Termination: If your account is terminated, the Company retains the MJL for archival purposes for 7 years

9.2 Session Content and Recording

Sessions are held via video call (typically Google Meet). By participating in a Session:

• You consent to the Mentor taking notes during the Session
• You consent to the Mentor creating a summary that is stored in the MJL
• You consent to the Company analyzing Session feedback and summaries for quality and platform improvement purposes

Recording: Sessions are not automatically recorded. However:

• If either party wishes to record the Session, both parties must consent in advance
• The recording belongs to both parties jointly
• Recordings may not be shared publicly without explicit written consent from both the Mentor and the Mentee

9.3 Confidentiality of Session Content

All information shared during a Session, including in the MJL, is confidential. See Section 10 for full details.

9.4 Company Use of Anonymized Data

The Company may use anonymized Session feedback, progress data, and testimonials for:

• Platform improvement and quality monitoring
• Marketing and promotional materials
• Mentor performance evaluation
• Statistical analysis and reporting

Anonymized means that individual names, company names, and identifying details are removed or obscured. You may opt out of this by indicating in your profile settings or by contacting support.

10. Confidentiality

10.1 Mutual Confidentiality

Both you and the Mentor agree to keep all information shared during Sessions and in the MJL confidential. Confidential information includes:

• Personal challenges, goals, and development areas discussed during Sessions
• Strategic information about your company or team
• Advice and recommendations provided by the Mentor
• Any proprietary or sensitive business information

10.2 Company Confidentiality

The Company agrees to keep your personal information and Session content confidential, subject to:

• Use for platform operation, quality assurance, and legal compliance
• Sharing with the Mentor and (if applicable) your manager, with your consent
• Disclosure required by law or court order

10.3 Exceptions to Confidentiality

Confidentiality obligations do not apply to information that:

• Is already in the public domain
• Is independently developed without reference to the Session
• Is required to be disclosed by law (e.g., subpoena, government request)
• Is necessary to prevent harm to a person or to comply with legal obligations

10.4 LinkedIn and Marketing

If you opted in during onboarding, the Company may highlight your mentoring relationship on LinkedIn or other marketing channels to boost your and our personal brand. This will be done respectfully and in a way that reflects well on both parties.

You may opt out of LinkedIn sharing at any time by contacting [email protected].

11. Data Collection and Processing

11.1 Data We Collect

The Company collects the following data about you and your Sessions:

From Your Application and Profile:

• Full name
• Email address
• Company name (if provided)
• ELC membership status
• Mentor preference and specialization
• Session motivation and goals
• Invoicing details (company, address, VAT ID, if provided)

From Your Sessions:

• Session date, time, and duration
• Mentor assigned
• Session outcome (completed, cancelled, no-show)
• Your Net Promoter Score (NPS) feedback
• Mentor summary and notes
• Homework assignments and completion status
• Ownership Score (engagement metric)

From Your Interactions:

• Calendar bookings and cancellations
• Email opens and link clicks
• Support requests and communications

11.2 Data Storage

Data is stored in the following systems:

• Database: Supabase (EU-hosted)
• Calendars and Scheduling: Cal.com
• Forms: Tally
• Session Notes: Notion (Mentoring Journey Log)
• Email: Resend
• Backup: Encrypted backups stored by Supabase

11.3 Data Processing and GDPR

The Company processes your personal data in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). You have the right to:

• Access your personal data
• Correct inaccurate information
• Request deletion (right to be forgotten)
• Opt out of marketing communications
• Export your data in a portable format

To exercise these rights, contact [email protected].

11.4 Data Retention

• Active Accounts: Data is retained for as long as your account is active
• Closed Accounts: Data is retained for 7 years for legal and tax compliance
• Backup Data: Retained per Supabase retention policy

12. Limitation of Liability

12.1 Disclaimer of Warranties

The Platform and mentoring services are provided on an “as-is” and “as-available” basis. The Company makes no warranties, express or implied, including:

• Warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose
• Warranty that Sessions will meet your specific needs or expectations
• Warranty that Mentors’ advice will be correct or beneficial
• Warranty that the Platform will be error-free or uninterrupted

12.2 Limitation of Liability

Except where prohibited by law, the Company shall not be liable for:

• Any indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages
• Loss of profit, data, or business opportunity
• Damage to reputation or emotional distress
• Claims arising from a Mentor’s advice or conduct

The Company’s total liability under these Terms is limited to the amount you paid for the relevant Session or service in the 12 months preceding the claim.

12.3 Exceptions

The limitations in this section do not apply to:

• Death or bodily injury caused by the Company’s negligence
• Fraud or willful misconduct
• Liability that cannot be limited by law

12.4 You Assume Risk

You acknowledge that mentoring is educational in nature and results depend on your engagement, effort, and circumstances. The Company is not responsible for outcomes.

13. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

13.1 Governing Law

These Terms of Service are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Czech Republic, without regard to its conflict of law principles.

13.2 Jurisdiction

Any legal action or proceeding arising under these Terms shall be brought exclusively in the courts of the Czech Republic. You hereby consent to the jurisdiction and venue of the courts of the Czech Republic.

13.3 Dispute Resolution Attempt

Before initiating formal legal proceedings, both parties agree to attempt to resolve disputes through good faith negotiation. Either party may request a meeting to discuss the dispute. If negotiation fails, arbitration or litigation may proceed.

14. Dispute Resolution

14.1 Informal Resolution

If you have a dispute with the Company or a Mentor, please contact [email protected] with details of the issue. The Company will respond within 10 business days with a proposed resolution.

14.2 Formal Arbitration (Optional)

If informal resolution fails, either party may request binding arbitration before a single arbitrator under the Czech Arbitration Rules. The arbitration shall:

• Be conducted in English
• Take place in Prague, Czech Republic
• Follow the procedural rules of the Czech Chamber of Arbitrators
• Result in a binding decision

Costs of arbitration are split equally unless the arbitrator determines otherwise.

14.3 Legal Action

Either party may bring legal action in the Czech courts if arbitration is not pursued or if arbitration fails. This is the exclusive remedy for disputes.

14.4 Class Action Waiver

You agree not to participate in class action lawsuits or class arbitrations against the Company. Disputes must be resolved individually.

15. Modification of Terms

15.1 Right to Change

The Company reserves the right to modify these Terms at any time. Changes are effective immediately upon posting to the Platform.

15.2 Notification of Changes

Material changes will be communicated to you via email at least 30 days in advance. Continued use of the Platform after the change date constitutes your acceptance of the updated Terms.

15.3 Disagreement with Changes

If you disagree with changes to these Terms, you may:

• Cancel your account and request a refund for any prepaid Sessions not yet used
• Refund will be issued as a full credit within 30 days

16. Termination

16.1 Termination by You

You may terminate your account at any time by contacting [email protected]. Upon termination:

• You lose access to the Platform
• Unused prepaid Sessions are forfeited
• The Company retains the Mentoring Journey Log for record-keeping
• You remain liable for any unpaid invoices

16.2 Termination by the Company

The Company may suspend or terminate your account without notice if:

• You violate these Terms of Service
• You engage in abusive, harassing, or illegal conduct
• You fail to pay outstanding invoices after 30 days
• You repeatedly cancel Sessions without valid reason
• You share confidential information inappropriately
• You attempt to fraudulently use the Platform

16.3 Effect of Termination

Upon termination:

• Your account is closed
• You lose access to the Platform and Mentoring Journey Log
• The Company is not liable for any loss or inconvenience
• Confidentiality obligations survive termination

16.4 Survival

Sections 9 (Intellectual Property), 10 (Confidentiality), 12 (Limitation of Liability), and 13 (Governing Law) survive termination.

17. Contact Information

17.1 Company Details

Engineering Leaders Community s.r.o.

• Founder: Marian Kamenistak
• Location: Czech Republic
• Website: https://elc.space
• Application: https://app.elc.space

17.2 Support and Inquiries

For questions, support requests, or concerns, contact us at:

• Email: [email protected]
• Privacy Questions: [email protected]
• Billing Inquiries: [email protected]
• General Inquiries: [email protected]

The Company aims to respond to all inquiries within 2 business days.

17.3 Legal Notices

Legal notices, complaints, or formal requests should be sent to the Company’s registered address in the Czech Republic. For sensitive matters, contact [email protected].

18. Miscellaneous

18.1 Entire Agreement

These Terms of Service, together with any additional terms you may have agreed to, constitute the entire agreement between you and the Company regarding the use of the Platform and Services. Any prior agreements or understandings are superseded.

18.2 Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, that provision is severed, and the remaining provisions continue in full force and effect.

18.3 Waiver

Failure by the Company to enforce any provision of these Terms does not constitute a waiver of that provision or any other provision. No waiver is effective unless in writing and signed by the Company.

18.4 Assignment

You may not assign or transfer your rights or obligations under these Terms without the Company’s written consent. The Company may assign these Terms to a successor entity without notice.

18.5 No Third-Party Beneficiaries

These Terms are entered into solely for the benefit of you and the Company. No third party has any rights or claims under these Terms.

18.6 Interpretation

The headings in these Terms are for convenience only and do not affect interpretation. The use of “including” means “including but not limited to.”

19. Questions and Feedback

The ELC Mentoring Hub is continuously improving. If you have questions about these Terms or feedback about the Platform, please reach out to [email protected].

Thank you for choosing the ELC Mentoring Hub.