Terms of Service

1. Platform Overview

BeUntethered (“the Platform”, “we”, “us”) is a software delivery marketplace that connects Clients with independent Facilitators (developers, architects, and technical experts) for software project delivery. The Platform provides AI-assisted project scoping, milestone-based Stripe Escrow payment processing, and dispute resolution tools.

2. User Roles & Eligibility

Users register as either a Client (project poster) or a Facilitator (independent contractor). You must be at least 18 years of age and legally able to enter binding contracts in your jurisdiction.

3. Independent Contractor Relationship

Facilitators are independent contractors, not employees of BeUntethered or the Client. The Platform does not control how, when, or where Facilitators perform their work. Facilitators are solely responsible for their own tax obligations, insurance, and compliance with local labor laws. Nothing in these Terms creates an employment, partnership, joint venture, or agency relationship.

4. Fees & Orchestration Premium

4.1 Facilitator Fees

BeUntethered charges 0% platform feesto Facilitators. Facilitators retain 100% of the milestone amount upon escrow release, minus standard Stripe payment processing fees (approximately 2.9% + 30¢).

4.2 Client Orchestration Premium

Clients pay an 8% Orchestration & Escrow Premium on each milestone funded through the Platform. This fee covers AI-assisted scoping, Stripe Escrow infrastructure, and dispute resolution services. For projects brought via the BYOC (Bring Your Own Client) program, the premium is reduced to 5%. Discovery milestone engagements carry a 25% platform fee reflecting the AI-assisted deliverable generation.

5. Escrow & Payment Terms

All milestone payments are processed through Stripe Connect. Funds are held in escrow until the Client approves the milestone deliverables. Upon approval, funds are automatically transferred to the Facilitator's connected Stripe account.

5.1 Refund Policy

If a dispute is resolved in the Client's favor, escrowed funds for the disputed milestone will be refunded to the Client via Stripe. Refunds are processed within 5-10 business days.

5.2 Escrow Release

Facilitators submit milestone deliverables (including code payloads and live preview URLs). Clients must review and approve or dispute within 14 calendar days of submission. If no action is taken within 14 days, the milestone is automatically approved and funds are released.

6. Dispute Resolution

Either party may open a dispute on an active milestone. Disputes freeze the project and trigger an AI-assisted fact-finding analysis. A human arbiter reviews the AI report and evidence from both parties before rendering a binding decision. The arbiter may resolve the dispute in favor of either party, resulting in escrow release or refund.

7. AI-Assisted Content Disclaimer

The Platform uses artificial intelligence to generate Statements of Work, bid scorecards, squad match recommendations, and dispute fact-finding reports. AI-assisted content is provided as a draft and advisory tool only. It does not constitute legal advice, a binding contract, or a guaranteed outcome. Users are responsible for reviewing, editing, and approving all AI-assisted content before it becomes part of any agreement.

8. Intellectual Property

Upon escrow release for a milestone, all intellectual property rights in the delivered code and assets transfer from the Facilitator to the Client, unless explicitly agreed otherwise in the Statement of Work. Until escrow release, the Facilitator retains full ownership of their work product.

9. BYOK (Bring Your Own Key) Data Handling

Users may provide their own API keys for AI providers (OpenAI, Anthropic, Google). These keys are encrypted at rest using AES-256-GCMand are only transmitted to the user's chosen AI provider for explicitly triggered features. BeUntethered does not use customer API keys for any purpose other than executing the specific feature the user requested.

10. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, BeUntethered shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising out of or related to the use of the Platform, including but not limited to loss of profits, data, or business opportunities. Our total liability for any claim shall not exceed the total fees paid by the user to BeUntethered in the 12 months preceding the claim.

11. Modifications

We may update these Terms from time to time. Material changes will be communicated via email to registered users at least 30 days before they take effect. Continued use of the Platform after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.

12. Contact

For questions about these Terms, contact us at legal@beuntethered.com.