ESIL (Early Stage Investing Launchpad) MOOC – Terms of Use
Effective Date: 14th November 2025
Controller / Provider: META Group S.r.l. (on behalf of the ESIL Partnership)
Platform Host: Thinkific Labs Inc.
Contact: [email protected]
1. Introduction and Acceptance of Terms
Welcome to the ESIL (Early Stage Investing Launchpad) eLearning Programme (“Programme”).
These Terms of Use (“Terms”) constitute a legally binding agreement between you (“User”, “you”, or “your”) and META Group S.r.l., acting on behalf of the ESIL initiative and its partners – Business Angels Europe (Belgium), Bpifrance/EuroQuity (France), and the developer of the Programme, the UK Business Angels Association (UK) (“we”, “us”, or “our”).
The Programme is delivered as part of the European Commission’s ESIL initiative, which aims to strengthen early-stage investing across Europe.
By accessing, registering for, or using this Programme (hosted on Thinkific), you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms, our Privacy Policy, and all applicable laws and regulations.
If you do not agree, you must not access or use the Programme.
2. Eligibility
You must be at least 16 years old to use this Programme.
By registering, you confirm that:
- You are at least 16 years of age;
- You have legal capacity to enter into this agreement;
- The information you provide is accurate and current; and
- You will maintain the accuracy of your information.
This Programme is designed for individuals interested in early-stage investment and entrepreneurial finance education.
3. Account Registration and Security
3.1 Account Creation
To participate, you must create a Thinkific account, providing accurate and complete information (first name, last name, email, organisation, and country/region).
3.2 Account Security
You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your credentials and for all activity under your account.
Notify us immediately of any unauthorised use at [email protected].
3.3 Account Termination
We reserve the right to suspend or terminate your account for violation of these Terms or misuse of the platform.
4. Communication and Voluntary Data Sharing
During or after registration, you may be invited to voluntarily provide additional information or consent for communication and networking purposes related to the ESIL initiative.
4.1 ESIL Updates and Newsletters
If you choose to receive updates, we may send you occasional information about new ESIL courses, events, or professional development opportunities in the field of early-stage investing.
You can withdraw this consent at any time by clicking “unsubscribe” in any message or by contacting [email protected].
4.2 Professional Networking and Business Angel Connections
As part of ESIL’s mission to connect investors and networks, you are invited to opt in to share your contact information (name, email, organisation, and country/region) with verified Business Angel Networks in your region.
This is completely optional and will only occur if you explicitly consent to it during registration.
Your decision will not affect your participation in the course, and you can withdraw consent at any time by contacting [email protected].
5. Programme Access and Use
5.1 License Grant
We grant you a non-exclusive, non-transferable, revocable license to use the Programme for personal educational purposes only.
5.2 Permitted Use
You may:
- Access and complete all learning materials, quizzes, and modules;
- Participate in discussion forums; and
- Download materials marked as downloadable.
5.3 Prohibited Use
You may not:
- Share login credentials;
- Reproduce or distribute Programme content without authorisation;
- Use bots or automated systems;
- Modify or resell content; or
- Engage in any illegal, abusive, or harmful behaviour toward other users.
6. Intellectual Property Rights
All course materials, graphics, videos, and resources within the Programme are owned by the ESIL initiative or its partners and are protected under copyright and EU intellectual property law.
You may not reuse or distribute materials for commercial purposes without written permission.
7. Fees and Refunds
Participation in this Programme is free of charge as part of the European Union’s ESIL initiative.
No payments or refunds apply.
8. Certificates and Credentials
Upon successful completion of the course, you may receive a digital certificate of completion.
Certificates confirm participation and learning achievement and may be revoked in cases of misuse.
9. Privacy and Data Protection
Your participation is subject to our Privacy Policy, which explains how your data is collected and processed under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
In summary:
- META Group is the Data Controller;
- Thinkific Labs Inc. is the Data Processor;
- Your data is used solely for educational and networking purposes under ESIL;
- You may withdraw consent or request deletion of your data at any time.
10. Programme Availability and Modifications
We aim for continuous access but may occasionally restrict availability for maintenance or updates.
We reserve the right to modify or update Programme content.
Material changes will be notified via email or site notice.
11. User Conduct and Community Guidelines
Participants must:
- Communicate respectfully in forums;
- Avoid offensive or discriminatory language;
- Respect privacy of others; and
- Use the platform professionally.
12. Third-Party Links and Services
This Programme may include links to third-party sites (e.g., partner networks or events).
We are not responsible for their content or privacy practices.
13. Disclaimers and Limitation of Liability
The Programme is provided for educational purposes only, “as is” and “as available”.
We make no warranty regarding uninterrupted access or content accuracy.
To the fullest extent permitted by law, we are not liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from your use of the Programme.
Nothing in these Terms limits liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence.
14. Indemnification
You agree to indemnify and hold harmless META Group and ESIL partners from any claims or losses arising from your breach of these Terms or misuse of the Programme.
15. Termination
You may close your account at any time by emailing [email protected].
We may suspend or terminate access if you breach these Terms or misuse the platform.
16. Governing Law and Jurisdiction
These Terms are governed by the laws of Italy and, where applicable, the laws of the European Union.
Any disputes shall be resolved before the courts of Rome, Italy, unless mandatory local consumer law applies.
17. Dispute Resolution
Before formal action, contact [email protected] to seek informal resolution.
EU users may also use the Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) platform:
https://ec.europa.eu/consumers/odr
18. Accessibility
We are committed to accessibility. If you experience barriers, contact [email protected].
19. Force Majeure
We are not liable for failure to perform due to causes beyond our control (e.g., natural disasters, war, pandemic).
20. Severability
If any provision is invalid or unenforceable, the remaining terms continue in effect.
21. Entire Agreement
These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and us concerning your participation in the ESIL MOOC.
22. Contact Information
META Group S.r.l.
Via Francesco Mancini 23, 05100 Terni, Italy
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.meta-group.com
23. Acknowledgment
By clicking “I Accept” or by accessing the Programme, you acknowledge that:
- You have read and understood these Terms;
- You agree to be bound by them; and
- You have reviewed and accepted our Privacy Policy.