Terms of Service.

Last updated: May 5, 2026

These Terms of Service (the "Terms") govern your access to and use of Refery (the "Platform"), operated by 10K Ventures ("Refery," "we," "our," or "us"). By using the Platform, submitting an intake form, or entering into a separate engagement with us, you agree to these Terms.

1. Who we are

Refery is a curated referral-based recruiting platform. We connect VC-backed startups, typically from Seed to Series B, with independent recruiters and operator scouts to place senior engineering and go-to-market talent. The Platform is operated by 10K Ventures.

2. Who can use Refery

The Platform is intended for two types of users. The first is hiring managers and companies seeking to place senior talent through our network. The second is independent recruiters and operator scouts who apply to join the network. By submitting an intake form, you confirm that you are at least 18 years old and authorized to act on behalf of the company or individual you represent.

3. The services we provide

Refery introduces hiring companies to recruiters and scouts within our network and supports the matching process between candidates and roles. We are not an employer, an employee, or an agent of either party in the underlying employment relationship. Hiring decisions, employment terms, and compensation are the sole responsibility of the hiring company.

4. Fees and payment

Refery operates on a success-based model. Placement fees typically range from 15% to 20% of first-year base compensation. Recruiters and scouts in our network earn 70% of the collected placement fee on hires they originate. The specific fee terms, payment schedule, and replacement guarantee for any engagement are governed by a separate agreement between you and Refery, not by these Terms.

5. No guarantees

We do not guarantee that any submission, intake form, or engagement will result in a placement, an interview, or a specific outcome. We do not guarantee timelines or specific candidate quality. The Platform is provided on an "as is" and "as available" basis. To the maximum extent permitted by law, we disclaim all implied warranties, including merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and non-infringement.

6. Your responsibilities

You agree to provide accurate and current information when using the Platform. You agree not to misrepresent yourself, your company, or any candidate. You agree not to use the Platform to circumvent fees, solicit our network outside of Refery, or interfere with our operations. You are responsible for compliance with all applicable employment, anti-discrimination, and data protection laws in your jurisdiction.

7. Intellectual property

The Refery brand, the Platform, our matching methodology, our network data, and all related materials are our proprietary property or that of our licensors. You may not copy, reproduce, or create derivative works of the Platform without our written permission. Nothing in these Terms transfers any intellectual property rights to you.

8. Confidentiality

Information shared with you about candidates, roles, or other parties through the Platform may be confidential. You agree to use it only for the purpose of evaluating fit, and not to disclose it to any third party without consent.

9. Termination

Either party may terminate the relationship at any time, with or without cause, by providing written notice. Termination does not affect any fees earned for placements made before termination, which remain payable under the applicable engagement agreement. Sections that by their nature should survive termination, including those on intellectual property, confidentiality, disclaimers, and governing law, will survive.

10. Limitation of liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, Refery and its affiliates will not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, or any loss of profits, revenues, data, or goodwill arising from your use of the Platform. Our total liability for any claim related to these Terms or the Platform will not exceed the fees paid by or to you in the twelve months before the event giving rise to the claim.

11. Changes to these Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. When we do, we will revise the "Last updated" date above. Material changes will be communicated by email or through the Platform. Your continued use after the changes take effect constitutes acceptance.

12. Governing law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Delaware, USA, without regard to conflict of law principles. Any dispute arising from these Terms will be brought in the state or federal courts located in Delaware, and you consent to personal jurisdiction there.

13. Contact

Questions about these Terms? Reach us at hello@refery.io.