Terms of Service

Terms and conditions governing your use of the Spark Venture Funding platform

These Terms of Service ("Terms") constitute a legally binding agreement between you and Spark Venture Funding ("Spark", "we", "us", or "our") governing your access to and use of the Spark Venture Funding platform and services.

By accessing or using our platform, registering for an account, or making an investment, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree to these Terms, you must not use our platform.

Please read these Terms carefully. They contain important information about your rights and obligations, including limitations of liability and dispute resolution provisions.

1. Definitions

  • "Platform" means the Spark Venture Funding website, mobile applications, and related services
  • "User" means any person who accesses or uses the Platform
  • "Investor" means a User who invests or intends to invest in funding opportunities through the Platform
  • "Project Owner" means a company or entity seeking to raise investment capital through the Platform
  • "Campaign" means a fundraising opportunity presented on the Platform
  • "Investment" means the purchase of shares or other securities through the Platform
  • "Nominee" means the nominee company that holds shares on behalf of Investors

2. About Spark Venture Funding

2.1 Our Role

Spark Venture Funding operates as an authorized venture funding platform, facilitating connections between Project Owners seeking capital and Investors seeking investment opportunities. We are authorized and regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

2.2 What We Do Not Do

  • Provide investment advice or recommendations
  • Guarantee the success of any Campaign or Investment
  • Act as a financial advisor, broker, or intermediary
  • Manage or control Project Owner companies or their operations
  • Guarantee returns, dividends, or exits

2.3 Platform Service

We provide a technology platform that enables Project Owners to present funding opportunities and Investors to review and participate in those opportunities. Investment decisions are made solely by Investors based on their own assessment and due diligence.

3. Account Registration and Eligibility

3.1 Eligibility Requirements

  • Be at least 18 years of age
  • Have legal capacity to enter into binding contracts
  • Not be prohibited from using the Platform under any applicable laws
  • Provide accurate and complete information when registering

3.2 Account Security

You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials, all activities that occur under your account, and notifying us immediately of any unauthorized access or security breach.

3.3 Account Verification

We are required by law to verify the identity of all Users. You agree to provide documentation and information as requested. We reserve the right to suspend or terminate accounts that fail verification.

4. Investment Terms

4.1 Investment Process

  • Browse available Campaigns and review all relevant documentation
  • Complete the suitability assessment before investing
  • Submit investment commitment through the Platform
  • Complete payment via approved payment methods
  • Receive confirmation and legal documentation upon Campaign closure

4.2 Nominee Structure

All Investments are made through a nominee company that holds legal title to the shares on your behalf, maintains a register of beneficial owners, and facilitates communication between you and the Project Owner.

4.3 Binding Commitments

Investment commitments are legally binding. Once you commit, you cannot withdraw except as permitted by law, and you authorize us to debit your account upon successful Campaign closure.

4.4 Cooling-Off Period

Irish law provides a cooling-off period during which you may cancel your Investment commitment. Details will be provided at the time of Investment.

5. Investment Risks

5.1 High-Risk Investment Warning

  • Investments in early-stage companies carry a high risk of total loss
  • Investments are illiquid and you may not be able to sell your shares
  • Returns are not guaranteed and dividends may never be paid
  • Your investment may be diluted by future funding rounds
  • Past performance is not indicative of future results

5.2 Diversification Recommendation

Do not invest more than 10% of your net worth in venture funding projects. Diversify across multiple companies and sectors. Only invest money you can afford to lose. Seek independent financial advice before investing.

5.3 Your Responsibility

You are solely responsible for evaluating the merits and risks of each Investment. You should conduct your own due diligence and assess whether an Investment is suitable for your financial situation and risk tolerance.

6. Platform Use and Conduct

6.1 Acceptable Use

You must not:

  • Use the Platform for any unlawful purpose
  • Provide false or misleading information
  • Attempt to circumvent any security measures
  • Interfere with or disrupt the Platform
  • Copy or scrape content without permission

6.2 Prohibited Activities

  • Money laundering or terrorist financing
  • Market manipulation or insider trading
  • Impersonating other users or third parties
  • Distributing malware or harmful code
  • Any activity that may harm Spark or other users

7. Intellectual Property

The Platform and all content are owned by Spark and protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws. You may not copy, modify, distribute, or create derivative works without our express written permission.

"Spark Venture Funding" and our logo are trademarks. You may not use these marks without our prior written consent.

8. Fees and Payments

8.1 Investor Fees

Investors do not pay fees to Spark for using the Platform or making Investments. Third-party payment processing fees may apply and will be disclosed before you complete an Investment.

8.2 Project Owner Fees

Project Owners pay a success fee of 6% (excluding VAT) on funds successfully raised. Additional terms applicable to Project Owners are set out in the Project Owner Terms and Conditions.

8.3 Payment Methods

We accept payment via bank transfer, debit card, and other methods as specified on the Platform. All payments are processed through secure third-party payment providers.

9. Disclaimers and Limitations of Liability

9.1 Platform "As Is"

The Platform is provided "as is" and "as available" without warranties of any kind. We do not warrant that the Platform will be uninterrupted, error-free, or secure.

9.2 No Investment Advice

Nothing on the Platform constitutes investment, financial, legal, or tax advice. We do not endorse or recommend any Investment opportunity. All Investment decisions are made at your own risk.

9.3 Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, Spark shall not be liable for:

  • Any loss of investment or financial losses
  • Indirect, incidental, or consequential damages
  • Loss of data or business interruption
  • Actions or omissions of Project Owners
  • Third-party content or services

9.4 Maximum Liability

Our total liability shall not exceed the fees you have paid to Spark in the 12 months preceding the claim.

10. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Spark and its affiliates from any claims, liabilities, damages, losses, costs, and expenses arising from your use of the Platform, breach of these Terms, violation of any laws or regulations, or your investment decisions.

11. Termination and Suspension

You may close your account at any time by contacting us. Closure does not affect existing Investment commitments or obligations.

We may suspend or terminate your account if you breach these Terms, provide false information, are required by law, or if we suspect fraudulent, illegal, or abusive activity.

12. Privacy and Data Protection

Your use of the Platform is subject to our Privacy Policy, which explains how we collect, use, and protect your personal information in accordance with GDPR and Irish data protection laws.

13. Tax Considerations

You are solely responsible for determining and paying any taxes applicable to your Investments, including income tax, capital gains tax, and any tax relief claims (such as EIIS). Tax relief is not guaranteed and may be withdrawn if conditions are not met. You should seek independent tax advice.

14. Dispute Resolution

14.1 Complaints

If you have a complaint, please contact us at complaints@sparkventurefunding.com. We will investigate and respond within a reasonable timeframe.

14.2 Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of Ireland. Any disputes shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Irish courts.

14.3 Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman

If you are not satisfied with our response to your complaint, you may refer the matter to the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman (FSPO) at www.fspo.ie.

15. General Provisions

  • These Terms constitute the entire agreement between you and Spark
  • If any provision is found invalid, the remaining provisions continue in force
  • Our failure to enforce any right is not a waiver of that right
  • We may update these Terms; continued use constitutes acceptance
  • You may not assign your rights without our written consent

Last Updated: March 2026

Questions About Our Terms?

Our team is happy to clarify any aspect of our terms and conditions.