The terms that govern ProofPoint's website and services

1. About ProofPoint

ProofPoint is an independent due diligence and business advisory firm. We provide services including, but not limited to:

• Startup and business due diligence.
• Grant and programme due diligence.
• Investment readiness assessments and risk assessments.
• Founder mentorship, business advisory, market and business research, and strategic business support.

2. Our Independence

Our independence is one of our core principles. Our due diligence findings are objective and based on the information available at the time of our review. We do not alter, suppress, or influence our findings to satisfy any client, founder, investor, or third party.

Where we later provide mentorship or business advisory services to a founder or organisation, those services are separate from any completed due diligence engagement and do not change the conclusions of our original assessment.

3. Scope of Services and Client Responsibilities

The scope, timelines, deliverables, and fees for each engagement will be agreed in writing before work begins. Any work requested outside the agreed scope may require additional fees and revised timelines.

To help us deliver our services effectively, clients agree to:

• Provide complete and accurate information.
• Respond promptly to requests for clarification.
• Ensure they have authority to share any documents or information provided to us.
• Inform us of any material changes that may affect the engagement.

Delays in receiving information may affect delivery timelines.

4. Due Diligence Reports

Our reports represent our professional assessment based on the information available during the engagement. A report is intended to support decision-making and should not be interpreted as investment advice, financial advice, legal advice, tax advice, accounting advice, a guarantee of future business performance, or a guarantee of investment, funding, lending, or grant outcomes.

Investment, funding, lending, or grant decisions remain the sole responsibility of the client.

5. Business Advisory and Mentorship

Where requested, ProofPoint may provide mentorship, coaching, strategic guidance, or business advisory services. These services are intended to help businesses strengthen identified gaps and improve investment readiness.

We do not guarantee investment funding, grant awards, business success, revenue growth, regulatory approvals, or commercial outcomes. Success depends on many factors beyond our control.

6. Fees and Payment

Fees will be communicated before work begins. Unless otherwise agreed, invoices are payable according to the agreed payment schedule. Work may begin only after any required advance payment has been received. Late payments may delay project delivery. All applicable taxes remain the responsibility of the client unless otherwise stated.

7. Confidentiality and Intellectual Property

Both ProofPoint and our clients agree to protect confidential information shared during an engagement. We will not disclose confidential information except with the client's permission, where required by law, or where disclosure is necessary to protect our legal rights. This obligation continues after the engagement has ended.

Unless otherwise agreed in writing, all methodologies, templates, frameworks, tools, processes, and proprietary materials developed by ProofPoint remain our intellectual property. Clients own the information and documents they provide to us and may use reports prepared for them for internal decision-making purposes.

Reports may not be reproduced, modified, published, or distributed to third parties without written permission, except where required for legitimate investment, governance, legal, or regulatory purposes.

8. Third-Party Information

Our assessments may rely on information obtained from clients, founders, public records, interviews, market research, and third-party sources. While we take reasonable steps to verify information, we cannot guarantee the completeness or accuracy of information provided by third parties.

9. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, ProofPoint shall not be liable for investment losses, lost profits, lost business opportunities, indirect or consequential damages, or decisions made based on our reports. Our total liability arising from an engagement shall not exceed the fees paid for that specific engagement.

10. Website Use and Privacy

You agree to use our website lawfully and responsibly. You must not:

• Attempt to gain unauthorised access to our systems.
• Interfere with website functionality.
• Upload malicious software.
• Copy or misuse website content without permission.

Our collection and use of personal information is governed by our Privacy Policy. By using our website or services, you acknowledge that you have read our Privacy Policy.

11. Force Majeure, Termination, and Changes

ProofPoint shall not be responsible for delays or failure to perform caused by events beyond our reasonable control, including natural disasters, internet outages, government actions, labour disputes, or other unforeseen events.

Either party may terminate an engagement in accordance with the agreed contract. Where work has already been completed, clients remain responsible for payment for services performed up to the termination date.

We may update these terms from time to time. The latest version will always be available on our website, and the revised effective date will be displayed at the top of this page.

12. Governing Law

These terms shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Any dispute arising from these terms shall first be addressed through good-faith negotiation. If a resolution cannot be reached, the dispute shall be submitted to the courts of competent jurisdiction in Nigeria, unless the parties agree otherwise in writing.

13. Contact Us

If you have questions about these Terms & Conditions or our services, please contact ProofPoint, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. Email: hello@proofpoint.co. Website: www.proofpoint.com.ng

By accessing our website or engaging ProofPoint's services, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to these Terms & Conditions.