Last Updated: 12/26/25
Wide Open Ventures is committed to protecting your privacy and personal data. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, process, and protect information when you visit https://wideopenventures.com/ (the “Website”) or submit information through our online forms, including our Engagement Request Form powered by Zoho Forms.
By using this Website or submitting any form, you agree to the practices described in this Privacy Policy.
1. Information We Collect
1.1 Information You Voluntarily Provide
When you complete an online form on our Website, including the Engagement Request Form, we may collect the following personal and business-related information:
- First name and last name
- Email address
- Phone number
- Organization name
- Organization type (e.g., credit union, bank, regulator, fintech, other)
- Asset size (if applicable and voluntarily provided)
- Engagement or event details, including:
- Engagement type
- Delivery format (in-person or virtual)
- Event start date and duration
- Topic or focus
- Intended audience
- Estimated attendee count
- Budget information
- Goals or desired outcomes
- Location details for in-person engagements (city, state, venue)
- Additional notes or information you choose to provide
- Newsletter or marketing communication preferences
Certain fields are required to allow us to evaluate and respond to your request.
2. How We Collect Information
Information is collected through:
- Forms embedded on our Website
- Zoho Forms, integrated into WordPress
- Automated form validation and conditional logic
- Standard website technologies such as cookies and server logs
3. Use of Zoho Forms and Zoho CRM (Data Processing Alignment)
We use Zoho Forms and Zoho CRM, services provided by Zoho Corporation, to collect, store, and manage form submissions.
3.1 Role of Zoho
- Lamont Black acts as the Data Controller for information submitted through the Website.
- Zoho acts as a Data Processor, processing personal data on our behalf and according to our instructions.
Zoho processes data in accordance with its contractual obligations, security standards, and Data Processing Addendum (DPA).
3.2 Form Submission and CRM Processing
When you submit an Engagement Request Form:
- Your data is securely transmitted to Zoho Forms.
- The submission automatically creates:
- One Lead record
- One Contact record in Zoho CRM.
- Internal workflows may be triggered, including:
- Creation of follow-up tasks
- Internal notification emails
- Engagement review and response processes
Duplicate handling and record management may be applied to maintain accurate records.
4. Newsletter and Marketing Communications
Forms may include an optional, unchecked-by-default checkbox allowing you to opt in to receive email updates or resources.
- If you opt in, your preference is recorded in Zoho CRM.
- You may receive occasional marketing or informational emails.
- You can unsubscribe at any time using the link included in our emails.
If you do not opt in, you will not receive marketing communications beyond operational or transactional messages related to your request.
5. How We Use Your Information
We use personal information to:
- Respond to engagement or event requests
- Evaluate and plan services or engagements
- Communicate with you regarding your submission
- Manage internal operations and workflows
- Send marketing communications (only if you opt in)
- Improve our Website and services
- Comply with legal, regulatory, and business obligations
6. Legal Basis for Processing
Where applicable, personal data is processed based on one or more of the following legal bases:
- Your consent
- Performance of a contract or pre-contractual steps
- Legitimate business interests
- Compliance with legal obligations
7. Data Sharing and Disclosure
We do not sell personal information.
Information may be shared only with:
- Zoho Corporation, as our data processing service provider
- Authorized internal personnel
- Legal or regulatory authorities when required by law
All processors are contractually obligated to protect personal data and use it only for authorized purposes.
8. International Data Transfers
Zoho may process and store data in data centers located in multiple countries. Where data is transferred internationally, appropriate safeguards are in place, including contractual protections and compliance with applicable data protection laws.
9. Data Retention
We retain personal information only as long as necessary to:
- Fulfill the purposes described in this Privacy Policy
- Maintain business records
- Comply with legal or regulatory requirements
Data is securely deleted or anonymized when no longer required.
10. Data Security
We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and organizational safeguards to protect personal information. Zoho also applies industry-standard security controls. However, no system can guarantee absolute security.
11. Your Privacy Rights
Depending on your location, you may have the right to:
- Access your personal data
- Request correction or deletion
- Restrict or object to processing
- Withdraw consent at any time
Requests can be made using the contact information below.
12. Cookies and Website Analytics
Our Website may use cookies or similar technologies to support functionality and analyze performance. You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings.
13. Third-Party Links
This Website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for their privacy practices or content.
14. Children’s Privacy
This Website is not intended for children under the age of 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal data from children.
15. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Changes will be posted on this page with a revised “Last Updated” date.
16. Contact Information
For questions or requests related to this Privacy Policy or your personal data, contact:
Wide Open Ventures
Website: https://wideopenventures.com/
Email: [email protected]