Code of Conduct
1. OBJECTIVE
This Code of Conduct establishes ethical principles and behavioral standards for all members, mentors, investors, and other participants of the PUC angels Association (PUC angels). The objective is to ensure integrity, respect, and transparency in all interactions within the Association's ecosystem.
2. FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES
All members of PUC angels must guide their conduct by the following principles:
Ethics and Integrity: Act with honesty, transparency, and commitment to the Association's values.
Respect and Inclusion: Promote a respectful and inclusive environment, free from discrimination or harassment.
Positive Communication: Promote positive communication in all interactions, respecting others and being understanding of the other party.
Confidentiality: Safeguard strategic or sensitive information obtained within the scope of the Association.
Conflict of Interest: Avoid situations that may compromise the impartiality of decisions.
Commitment to the Ecosystem: Actively contribute to the development of startups, mentees, and the entrepreneurial community.
Non-Competition: Do not use access to the Association's data and contacts to create other communities, associations, or for purposes that compete with the Association's objectives and services.
3. CONDUCT RULES
3.1. Relationship between Members
Treat all participants with respect and cordiality, regardless of position or hierarchy
Maintain a professional and constructive posture in all interactions
Preserve the reputation and integrity of the association and its members
Practice active and empathetic listening in communications
3.1.2. Expected Behaviors
Use appropriate and professional language in all communications
Respect established schedules and commitments
Contribute to a collaborative and welcoming environment
Share knowledge and experiences constructively
Recognize and value the contributions of other members
Contribute with assertive market topics with their due sources
3.1.3. Prohibited Conducts
Discrimination in any form, including but not limited to:
Race, ethnicity, or color
Gender or gender identity
Sexual orientation
Religion or belief
Age
Disability
Socioeconomic status
Nationality
Physical appearance
Political positioning
Moral or sexual harassment or any type of violence
Use of offensive, defamatory, or slanderous language
Dissemination of rumors or false information
Undue exposure of personal data of other members
Use of the platform for illicit or unauthorized purposes
3.1.4 Networking Practices
Prioritize the quality of connections and mutual benefit
Avoid invasive or excessively commercial approaches
Respect the privacy and time of other members
Do not use contact data for spam or unsolicited marketing
Be transparent about intentions and objectives in connections
3.1.5 Use of Brand and Image
Look after the PUC angels image in all public manifestations
Do not speak on behalf of the association without express authorization
Use official channels to publicize actions and events
Respect brand guidelines and visual identity
Do not use the brand for personal benefit
3.1.6 Good Communication Practices
In meetings and events:
Participate actively and constructively
Respect others' speaking time
Keep focus on established agendas
Present criticism constructively
In digital communication:
Respond to communications in a timely manner
Maintain a professional tone in all channels
Use appropriate channels for each type of communication
Respect privacy and confidentiality of information
3.1.7 Additional Responsibilities
Report observed violations to appropriate channels
Contribute to maintaining an ethical and professional environment
Participate in training and updates on conduct when offered
Serve as a positive example for new members.
Maintain an unblemished reputation before and during participation in the Association, with the risk of having participation suspended in case of criminal accusation (during the trial and fact-finding period) and having participation terminated in case of conviction for any criminal act (after first-instance conviction, with possibility of return after contrary judgment in higher instances)*.
* The Association, although non-profit, is of private law and may reject/suspend the association of anyone who applies or is already approved after verification of open legal data via direct consultation by the Association. Members, associates, and other participants are aware that their data may be consulted, but it will remain confidential only for the exclusive treatment of each participant, without external disclosure.
3.2. Confidentiality and Information Protection
Do not disclose sensitive or strategic information about internal activities, services, groups, events, or other members without prior authorization.
Maintain confidentiality regarding internal meetings and discussions of the Association, except when there is express authorization for sharing.
Use information received in the context of the Association only for agreed purposes, without undue personal benefit.
Sensitive information is understood as that which shows how the Association functions, its internal organization, or even information that was previously marked as sensitive or confidential, such as member data.
3.3. Conflicts of Interest
Declare in advance any potential conflict of interest in investments, mentorships, or strategic decisions.
Do not use the position within the Association to obtain personal advantages or unduly favor third parties.
In case of conflict, abstain from decisions that may compromise impartiality.
3.4. Relationship with Companies and Mentees
Act ethically and professionally in mentorships and interactions with companies.
Offer impartial guidance, based on the best interest of the entrepreneur and the ecosystem.
Avoid abusive practices or unfounded promises to companies and mentees.
3.5. Investments and Partnerships
Follow good governance and transparency practices in investment decisions.
Do not exploit companies financially in a predatory manner.
Respect agreements and contracts signed with investors and entrepreneurs.
Use the invested value for the purpose it was agreed upon.
4. RESPONSIBILITY AND SANCTIONS
Non-compliance with this Code of Conduct may result in sanctions applied by the PUC angels Ethics Council, which may include warnings, suspension, or even exclusion of the member from the Association.
Serious violations, such as harassment, corruption, or misuse of confidential information, may be forwarded for appropriate legal measures.
Applicable sanctions:
Verbal or written warning
Temporary suspension of activities
Exclusion from specific groups or projects
Dismissal from the association
Possible legal measures in serious cases
5. Communication and Conflict Resolution Channels
Use official channels to report problems:
Email: denuncia@pucangels.org
Ethics Council
Ombudsman (when applicable)
6. COMMITMENT DECLARATION
By reading and associating, you automatically confirm that you have read and agree with the terms above, confirming that you will comply with them in their entirety and will send any divergences or doubts to the Ethics Council through the channel: denuncia@pucangels.org
