Privacy Policy

Effective Date: January 10, 2026
Last Updated: January 10, 2026

At MENA Startup Digest (menastartupdigest.com), we respect your privacy and are committed to protecting the personal information you share with us. This Privacy Policy explains what we collect, how we use it, and the choices you have when you visit our website or subscribe to our newsletter.

1. Information We Collect

A. Newsletter Subscription Information

If you subscribe to our newsletter, we may collect:

  • Your email address
  • Any additional information you choose to provide (for example, your name)

Our newsletter is delivered and managed through Substack, which processes subscription data on our behalf.

B. Website Usage Data (Analytics)

When you visit our website, we collect certain information automatically via Google Analytics (implemented through Google Site Kit), such as:

  • Pages you view and how you navigate the site
  • Approximate location (based on IP address)
  • Device type, browser type, and operating system
  • Referring/exit pages and links clicked
  • Date and time of visits
  • General engagement information (for example, session duration)

Google Analytics may use cookies or similar technologies to collect this information.

C. Cookies and Similar Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to:

  • Enable site functionality
  • Understand site traffic and performance
  • Improve content and user experience

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

  • Deliver the weekly MENA Startup Digest newsletter to subscribers
  • Operate, maintain, and improve our website and content
  • Understand audience behavior and improve user experience (via analytics)
  • Respond to messages or inquiries you send us
  • Protect the security and integrity of our website

3. Newsletter Communications and Unsubscribing

If you subscribe to our newsletter, you will receive weekly emails from MENA Startup Digest.
You can unsubscribe at any time using the unsubscribe link included in every email. You may also request removal by contacting us at the email listed in the Contact section below.

4. Sharing of Information

We do not sell your personal information.

We may share information with trusted service providers that help us operate the website and deliver the newsletter, including:

  • Substack (newsletter delivery and subscription management)
  • Google Analytics via Google Site Kit (website traffic and performance analytics)
  • Hosting, security, and technical service providers necessary to keep the website running

We may also disclose information if required to comply with legal obligations or to protect our rights, users, or platform security.

5. Third-Party Services and Links

Our website contains links to third-party websites and services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of those external sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing personal information.

Google Analytics and Substack are third-party services that have their own privacy policies and practices.

6. Data Retention

  • Newsletter data: We retain subscription information for as long as you remain subscribed. If you unsubscribe, your data may remain in Substack systems for a limited period as required for operational, legal, or backup purposes.
  • Analytics data: We retain analytics data according to our Google Analytics configuration and Google’s retention settings.

7. Your Rights and Choices

Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have rights to:

  • Request access to personal data we hold about you
  • Request correction or deletion of your data
  • Object to or restrict certain processing activities

To exercise these rights, contact us using the details below.

Cookie Choices

You can control cookies through:

  • Your browser settings (blocking or deleting cookies)
  • Any cookie consent or preference tools available on our website (if enabled)

Please note that disabling cookies may affect how the website functions.

8. International Data Processing

Your information may be processed by service providers (such as Google and Substack) in countries outside your country of residence. We take reasonable steps to work with reputable providers and to protect information consistent with this Privacy Policy.

9. Security

We take reasonable administrative and technical measures to protect your information. However, no method of transmission or storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

10. Children’s Privacy

MENA Startup Digest is not intended for children under 16, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided personal information, contact us and we will take appropriate steps to remove it.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page, and the “Last Updated” date will be revised accordingly.

12. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or how we handle information, contact us at:

MENA Startup Digest