Risk Disclosure & Platform Disclaimer

1. About this Disclaimer & Scope

This Disclaimer explains important limits on the information and services provided on the SME4ME website, mobile apps, APIs and related services (the "Platform"). It should be read together with our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. By accessing or using the Platform, you agree to this Disclaimer.

2. No Investment Advice or Recommendations

SME4ME is a marketplace that hosts listings and information provided by businesses ("Issuers") and provides general educational content. SME4ME and its affiliates do not provide investment, legal, tax or accounting advice, do not recommend or endorse any particular security, offering, issuer or investment strategy, and do not opine on the suitability of any investment for any person. You are solely responsible for your own investment decisions and should seek independent professional advice as needed.

3. No Offer or Solicitation; Eligibility

Content on the Platform is provided for information only and does not constitute an offer to the public, an invitation to the public to subscribe for or purchase any securities, or a solicitation of any kind in any jurisdiction where such offer or solicitation would be unlawful. Any actual investment can only be made pursuant to definitive offering documents and agreements, and only by users who satisfy applicable eligibility, suitability and onboarding requirements.

4. Accuracy of Information; User-Generated & Third‑Party Content

Issuer pages, pitch materials, metrics, forecasts and other information are prepared by the Issuer or other third parties. While SME4ME may perform certain checks or require certain documents, SME4ME does not independently verify all information and makes no representation or warranty as to its adequacy, accuracy or completeness. You should conduct your own due diligence and review the full offering materials before investing.

5. Risks of Early‑Stage / SME Investing

• Investments in SMEs and early‑stage ventures are speculative and involve a high degree of risk, including the possible loss of your entire investment.
• Such investments are typically illiquid and subject to significant restrictions on transfer or resale. Investors should have no need for liquidity and be able to withstand a total loss.
• Performance and valuations of private companies are highly uncertain and may not be updated regularly. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

6. Illiquidity & Secondary Trading

Secondary trading (if any) may be limited or unavailable and is subject to applicable law, issuer restrictions and platform functionality. There can be no assurance of any market for resale or that you will be able to exit your investment.

7. Fees, Compensation & Potential Conflicts

SME4ME and/or its affiliates may receive compensation from Issuers or service providers in connection with listings, onboarding, payment processing, escrow, marketing support, technology or other services. Details of any fees or compensation applicable to a particular offering are disclosed in the offering materials and/or our posted Fee Schedule. Any marketing credits or reimbursements are not contingent on offering success and will be provided in accordance with applicable rules.

8. Custody, Escrow & Payment Processing

Unless expressly stated, SME4ME does not provide custody services. Customer funds and/or securities (if applicable) are held with third‑party institutions such as banks, licensed trust companies or escrow agents pursuant to their terms and applicable law. Settlement and payment services may be provided by third‑party payment processors. SME4ME is not responsible for the acts or omissions of such third parties, but will engage them under appropriate contracts and oversight.

9. Forward‑Looking Statements & Projections

Issuer materials and Platform content may contain forward‑looking statements, projections, plans or objectives. Such statements are inherently uncertain and subject to significant business, economic and competitive risks and contingencies beyond anyone's control. Actual results may differ materially. No person should rely on forward‑looking statements without carefully evaluating the risk factors and assumptions described in the offering materials.

10. Tax & Legal Matters

SME4ME does not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. The tax treatment of private investments can be complex and may vary by investor. You should consult your own professional advisers regarding tax and legal consequences before investing.

11. Technology, Outages & Security

The Platform is provided on an "AS IS" and "AS AVAILABLE" basis. From time to time, access may be interrupted due to maintenance, updates, outages or events beyond our control. While we use reasonable security measures, no system is completely secure; you use the Platform at your own risk.

12. Links to External Sites

Links to third‑party websites are provided for information only. SME4ME does not control and is not responsible for the content, security, accuracy or practices of any linked site. Inclusion of a link is not an endorsement or recommendation.

13. Jurisdictional & Regulatory Notices

SME4ME operates subject to Kenyan law. SME4ME is not a bank and investments made through the Platform are not deposits and are not protected by the Kenya Deposit Insurance Corporation (KDIC). Any activities that are regulated under the Capital Markets Act or related regulations will only be conducted where SME4ME or a designated affiliate has obtained the necessary authorisations or exemptions. If and when SME4ME participates in a regulatory sandbox or obtains licences, we will publish details on the Platform.

14. Investor Responsibilities

• Review the complete offering materials, including risk factors, before making any investment.
• Rely on your own examination of the Issuer and the terms of the offering; do not rely solely on summaries, headlines or social media.
• Consider your financial situation, objectives and risk tolerance; consult independent professional advisers as needed.

15. No Banking, Insurance or Guarantee

Investments facilitated through the Platform are not bank deposits, are not insured by KDIC or any government agency, and are not guaranteed by SME4ME or any affiliate.

16. Changes to this Disclaimer

We may update this Disclaimer from time to time. Material updates will be posted on the Platform with the effective date indicated. Your continued use of the Platform after an update constitutes acceptance of the revised Disclaimer.

17. Contact

Questions about this Disclaimer can be sent to legal@sme2me.co.ke or to our registered address.