Participation Agreement, Code of Conduct & Waiver

This JHTC Founder Network Participation Agreement, Code of Conduct & Waiver (this “Agreement”) is entered into by and between JHTC and the undersigned participant (hereinafter “Member,” which includes Founding Companies, Service Providers and any other individual or company that is registered in or using the directory alike). By participating in the JHTC Founder Network, you agree to uphold the following terms, ethics, rules, and waiver of liability.

1. Introduction & Nature of the Network

The JHTC Founder Network is a curated, high-impact environment designed to foster authentic connections, professional benchmarking, resource sharing, and mutually beneficial collaboration between Founding Companies and vetted Service Providers.

• Participation in the network is voluntary and entered into at your sole risk.
• The network acts as a facilitator and platform for connection; it in no way guarantees specific commercial outcomes, funding, or business growth.
• Members may undergo verification processes, including corporate identity checks, professional credentials review, and reference checks where applicable, but JHTC assumes no responsibility for the acts, omissions, advice, or services of individual members.

2. Shared Code of Ethics

All participants—Founding Companies, Service Providers or any other individual or company that is registered in or using the directory commit to upholding these core values:

• Integrity: Act with honesty, transparency, and accountability in all dealings.
• Respect: Treat all members with professional courtesy and maintain an inclusive culture welcoming diverse perspectives.
• Value-First Approach: Prioritize shared problem-solving and mutual benefit over immediate transactions.
• Constructive Conflict: Disagreements must remain focused on business ideas and strategies rather than personal matters.

3. Operational Rules & Boundaries

For Service Providers:

• Permission-Based Engagement: Engagement must be permission-based, conducted through authorized JHTC channels, and initiated only when specifically invited or requested by a Founder.
• No Pestering: Aggressive “cold” outreach, unsolicited messaging, and aggressive follow-ups are strictly prohibited.
• Transparency & Value Delivery: Providers must honor stated fee structures and fulfill any committed “Free Initial Evaluation” terms. Maintain high standards of expertise and respect the Founder’s time.

For Founding Companies:

• Constructive Reciprocity: Provide clear context, feedback, and active participation during benchmarking and diagnostic sessions.
• Responsible Participation: Respect the time and preparation invested by Service Providers.

General Rules:

• Non-Solicitation: Members may not use the network to bypass established community channels or engage in bulk outreach for purposes outside the network’s scope.

4. Confidentiality & Intellectual Property

• Strict Confidentiality: All discussions within the JHTC Founder Network—including challenges, strategic conversations, proprietary business information, and peer insights—are strictly confidential. Sharing proprietary information or discussions outside the network is prohibited.
• Intellectual Property: Members must respect the proprietary nature of business strategies, software prototypes, and operational workflows discussed within the group.
• Reporting Violations: Members are requested to confidentially report any actions or behaviors that violate this Code of Conduct to the JHTC leadership team.

5. Verification Standards & Ongoing Accountability

• Verification Process: Members undergo verification (such as corporate email and LinkedIn confirmation). Service Providers must submit active professional credentials and references.
• Ongoing Accountability: Verification is not permanent. Membership and verified statuses may be suspended or removed due to negative feedback, failure to deliver services as described, or violations of this Code of Conduct. As JHTC is currently in a pilot phase, the leadership team reserves the right to review, restrict, or terminate membership to ensure network integrity.

6. Liability Disclaimer & Waiver

This WAIVER AGREEMENT is made and entered into as of the start date of participation (the “Effective Date”) by and between JHTC and the undersigned participant. In return for participation in the JHTC Founder Network, the undersigned hereby agrees as follows:

1. Release and Indemnification: I hereby release, indemnify, and hold harmless JHTC, its founders, directors, officers, employees, agents, staff, President, Board of Directors, and volunteers (including other network participants), and their successors and assigns (hereafter “Released Parties”) from any and all liability, claims, and demands of whatever kind or nature, either in law or in equity, which arise or may hereafter arise from my participation in the JHTC Founder Network.
2. Scope of Discharge: I understand and acknowledge that this Agreement discharges the Released Parties from any liability for present and future claims that I may have against them, including without limitation any and all claims for bodily injury, personal injury, mental injury, illness, death, professional outcome disputes, commercial disputes, or property damage resulting from or during my participation in the network.
3. Independent Status: Members and Service Providers are independent participants and are neither affiliates nor representatives of JHTC, and JHTC does not assume any responsibility for the acts, omissions, or advice of any network participants.
4. Governing Law: This Agreement is intended to be as broad and inclusive as permitted by the laws of the State of California and shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with those laws. If any clause or provision is deemed invalid, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.

Acknowledgment

By registering in the directory of the Founder Network or by clicking on the submission button on the application form, I acknowledge that I have carefully read, understand, and agree to the terms of this Participation Agreement, Code of Conduct, Liability Disclaimerand Waiver, and I represent my intent to enter into this agreement willingly and voluntarily.