Terms & Conditions.
18C AI Platform
Platform Terms - Companies
Last Updated: November 11, 2025INTRODUCTION
These terms & conditions for hiring companies (“Agreement”) govern the hiring companies (“You” or “Hiring Companies”) access to and use of the 18C AI Platform (“Platform”) and the related recruiting services offered by 18C (collectively, the “Services”). By creating an account, submitting information, or otherwise using the Platform, you agree to be bound by this Agreement and our Privacy Policy.
The Data Sharing Agreement governs how personal data is shared between 18C and the Hiring Company and is hereby incorporated into and made a part of this Agreement.
Please note: You are not a client of 18C unless you pay the required service fees, subject to additional payment terms. Creating an account gives you limited access to the Platform’s features, not including view of potential candidates.
INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR STATUS
18C is an independent contractor and not an employee, partner, joint venture, or agent of the Company. Nothing in these terms creates any employment, fiduciary, or agency relationship between the Parties. 18C has no authority to bind or act on behalf of the Company and will not represent otherwise. Each Party is solely responsible for its own business operations, taxes, insurance, and compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including all obligations relating to income, employment taxes, and workers’ compensation. 18C may, in its discretion, engage employees, agents, or subcontractors to assist in performing its duties under this Agreement, provided that 18C remains fully responsible for their conduct and performance. This Agreement does not restrict 18C from performing services for others, so long as such work does not involve the use or disclosure of the Company’s confidential information.
RECRUITING SERVICES
18C will provide talent acquisition services on a contingent basis, which include collecting and uploading role information, presenting confirmed candidates for review, and supporting communication throughout the hiring process. Services will generally follow the process below:
Role Kick-Off. Each role begins with a kick-off meeting to confirm role details and expectations. The Hiring Company will provide all required information (“Client Requirements”) necessary to facilitate the search, such as the location, compensation, qualifications, and responsibilities.
Content Approval. After 18C generates the job description and information necessary for posting the role, you will review and provide feedback as necessary until the content is approved to be presented to candidates on the Platform.
Candidate Matching. 18C will evaluate submitted applications for alignment with the approved role and present qualified candidates to you via Slack. Upon your confirmation of interest, 18C will facilitate an email introduction for you to facilitate the interview process. At this point, 18C’s role will be limited to supporting logistic communication between you and the Candidate to help ensure a quality interview experience for both.
Active Role Management. Each role will remain visible on the Platform until the position is filled, removed, or otherwise marked “inactive.”
Ongoing Communication. 18C will provide periodic check-ins, progress updates, and additional meetings as needed to support your search and interview processes. Additional Roles. To open new roles, you must submit a request to 18C for approval and follow the same process outlined above.
18C will use its professional expertise, industry knowledge, and standard pre-employment practices to identify, recruit, and screen qualified candidates for each approved role.
18C AI PLATFORM
The 18C AI Platform (“Platform”) is designed to connect professionals seeking new opportunities with companies seeking to fill roles by sharing opportunities with professionals for their consideration and application. You will have a subscription to the platform to post multiple roles for the consideration of candidates using the platform.
Account Registration and Maintenance. To access the Platform, your organization must create a company account and designate at least one authorized representative. By creating an account, you represent that you have authority to bind your organization to these terms; all information you provide is accurate and up to date; and you will ensure your authorized users comply with this Agreement.
Login credentials are confidential, non-transferable, and must not be shared with others.You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of account credentials and for all activity under your account. 18C reserves the right to suspend or terminate accounts that violate this Agreement.
User Conduct. When using the Platform and Services you agree not to:
Submit false, misleading, or incomplete role or company information;
Upload or transmit content that is unlawful, defamatory, discriminatory, harassing, or infringes on another’s rights;
Interfere with or compromise the security, functionality, or integrity of the Platform or connected systems;
Access, copy, or use data or information on the Platform for any purpose other than evaluating and hiring candidates presented by 18C;
Circumvent the Platform or contact candidates directly outside the authorized process without 18C’s consent;
Share or disclose any confidential, proprietary, or candidate information obtained through the Platform except as necessary for legitimate hiring purposes; and
Use the Platform in violation of any applicable law, regulation, or these terms.
18C reserves the right to suspend or terminate access for violations of this section or any misuse of the Platform.
YOUR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Company agrees to cooperate with 18C to ensure efficient delivery of the Services including adhering to the following duties:
Assign at least one authorized contact to manage communications and approvals.
Supply complete and accurate role details, hiring preferences, and updates promptly. 18C’s Services are conditioned on receiving all required information before beginning a candidate search.
Provide information and conduct hiring activities in compliance with all applicable employment, privacy, and equal opportunity laws.
Share materials only through secure, password-protected, or encrypted channels.
Comply with the Data Sharing Agreement, Privacy Policy, and any applicable data-protection regulations.
Reply to candidate submissions, scheduling requests, and communications without unreasonable delay.
Participate in interviews and provide timely feedback to ensure a positive candidate experience.
Cooperate with 18C to resolve access or technical issues and avoid any action that disrupts Platform operations.
Refrain from soliciting or hiring 18C’s employees, contractors, or representatives during the term of this Agreement and for twelve (12) months thereafter without 18C’s prior written consent.
Recognize that 18C’s performance depends on your timely communication, cooperation, and adherence to these responsibilities.
PAYMENTS
Services and the Platform will be subject to fees determined by the service package of your choice. Such payment will be reflected in a subsequent agreement prior to you becoming a client.
Payment Failures. 18C reserves the right to suspend Platform access and pause services for any payment failures or overdue balances.
90-Day Replacement / Refund Period. If a placed candidate voluntarily resigns or is terminated for cause within ninety (90) days of the start date, the Hiring Company will receive a pro-rated refund of the placement fee calculated as:
Refund = (Placement Fee) × (Days Remaining in 90-Day Period ÷ 90)
No refund will be issued if the termination results from a layoff, organizational restructuring, or changes unrelated to the candidate’s performance or conduct.
Candidate Ownership. For the purpose of Success Fee payments, 18C retains candidate ownership for twelve (12) months from the date the candidate was first presented to you. 18C is entitled to a Success Fee if (1) the candidate is hired by the Hiring Company, its affiliate, or related entity, regardless of role or title; or (2) 18C can reasonably demonstrate that the candidate became aware of the Hiring Company or any of its roles through 18C’s communications, introductions, or Platform activities even if the candidate applies independently. The Parties may request reasonable proof of communications or documentation to determine the origination source of the relationship.
TERM & TERMINATION
Term & Renewal. The term of services will begin once the Applicable Fee has been paid and will end subject to the service package selected. This Agreement will automatically renew on a month-to-month basis unless terminated.
By a Party: Either Party may terminate this Agreement by giving the other party written notice of non-renewal at least thirty (30) days before the end of the term.
By Inactivity: 18C may terminate this Agreement if you have no Active Roles on the Platform for ninety (90) consecutive days.
By Breach: If either Party materially breaches this Agreement, the non-breaching Party may terminate upon written notice if the breach is not cured within fourteen (14) days or a longer reasonable period depending on the nature of the breach.
Automatically: This Agreement will automatically terminate if either Party (i) is no longer legally permitted to conduct business, (ii) is subject to a court-ordered sale or restructuring, (iii) becomes insolvent or files for bankruptcy, or (iv) is dissolved, liquidated, or acquired.
For Cause: 18C may suspend or terminate the Hiring Company’s Platform access immediately if you (i) violate this Agreement, (ii) fail to make timely payment for thirty (30) days, (iii) engage in conduct that could harm 18C, its candidates, or other users, or (iv) use the Platform in a way that violates applicable law.
Termination Effects. Upon expiration or termination of this Agreement for any reason:
All outstanding payments owed to 18C will become immediately due and payable;
18C will cease making new candidate introductions or posting new roles;
The Hiring Company’s access to the Platform will be revoked and all Active Roles will be deemed “Inactive” and removed;
18C will delete or anonymize your data in accordance with its Privacy Policy and the Data Sharing Agreement, except as required to comply with legal, tax, or recordkeeping obligations; and
The sections relating to intellectual property, confidentiality, limitations of liability, dispute resolution, and other provisions intended to survive termination of this Agreement will remain in effect.
USE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE & TECHNOLOGY
The Platform may incorporate artificial intelligence (“AI”), machine learning, and other automated technologies to enhance the Services. These tools assist in processing information, formatting job descriptions, generating candidate matches, and improving overall user experience.
All AI-assisted candidate matching is reviewed by human staff before the candidate’s application materials are shared with hiring companies. 18C does not rely solely on automated tools to make hiring or eligibility decisions, and all final decisions involve human discretion.
18C may also use technological automations, such as scheduling integrations, data-entry tools, or communication templates, to streamline Services. These automations operate under 18C’s supervision and are designed to increase efficiency without compromising confidentiality or data security.
All use of AI, automations, and related technologies is governed by and subject to 18C’s Privacy Policy, Data Sharing Agreement, and applicable data-protection laws, including the California Consumer Privacy Act (as amended by the CPRA) and the EU/UK GDPR where applicable.
18C does not use any client or candidate data to train external or third-party AI models and implements reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect personal data from unauthorized use or disclosure.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
Pre-Existing Intellectual Property. Each Party retains all right, title, and interest in and to its respective pre-existing intellectual property (“Pre-Existing IP”). Nothing in this Agreement transfers ownership of either Party’s Pre-Existing IP.
18C’s Intellectual Property. All intellectual property owned or developed by 18C prior to or independently of this Agreement remains the exclusive property of 18C or its licensors and is protected by U.S. and international intellectual-property laws. Intellectual Property includes, but is not limited to the following:
Platform Assets: Website, interface design, user dashboards, matching algorithm, code base, AI prompts, automations, data architecture, and analytics logic.
Creative and Written Materials: Templates, forms, candidate-intake questionnaires, interview scripts, recruiter communications, workflows, process documentation, standard job-description formats, candidate reports, slide decks, marketing copy, brand messaging.
AI & Automation Outputs: AI-formatted job descriptions, matching summaries, generated recommendations, and related reports.
Brand Assets: “18C” name, logo, slogans, proprietary phrases (“Created by Women for Women”), color palette, and trade dress.
Methodologies: Recruiting frameworks, matching criteria, data-collection methods, coaching methodology.
Limited License. 18C grants you a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable, revocable license to access and use 18C’s Intellectual Property solely for the purpose of receiving and utilizing the Services. You may not copy, modify, distribute, sell, sublicense, publicly display, reverse engineer, or otherwise exploit any portion of 18C’s Intellectual Property without 18C’s prior written consent. Any unauthorized use constitutes a material breach of this Agreement and an infringement of 18C’s intellectual-property rights.
Your Intellectual Property. All materials, logos, job descriptions, or other content provided to 18C remain the Hiring Company’s intellectual property. By submitting such materials, you grant 18C a limited, worldwide, royalty-free, non-exclusive license to use, reproduce, and modify that content as necessary to perform the Services. This license automatically terminates upon completion of the Services, subject to 18C’s right to retain archival copies as required by law or internal recordkeeping policies.
Work-for-Hire and Deliverables. All deliverables specifically created by 18C for the Hiring Company in the course of performing the Services such as customized job descriptions, search criteria, candidate reports, and related written materials shall be deemed “works made for hire” under U.S. copyright law. 18C assigns to the Hiring Company all rights, title, and interest effective upon full payment of all fees due under this Agreement. 18C retains the right to reuse general ideas, concepts, know-how, or methodologies developed in connection with the Services, provided that such use does not disclose the Hiring Company’s confidential information.
CONFIDENTIALITY
Confidential Information. By virtue of this relationship, each Party (“Receiving Party”) may receive, be privy to, or inadvertently gain access to Confidential Information belonging to the other Party (“Disclosing Party”). “Confidential Information” includes any information, whether in physical, digital, or other form, that is marked or should reasonably be understood as confidential, including but not limited to candidate data, search strategies, reports, job descriptions, meeting notes, recordings, documentation, internal processes, and information about either Party’s clients, candidates, or business operations.
Duties of Confidentiality. The Receiving Party agrees to use Confidential Information solely as necessary to perform its obligations under this Agreement; restrict disclosure to only those employees, agents, or subcontractors who have a legitimate need to know and are bound by comparable confidentiality obligations; take all reasonable measures to protect the Confidential Information, including using encrypted communications, password-protected files, and secure software or systems with industry-standard security protocols; and not disclose Confidential Information to any third party without the Disclosing Party’s prior written consent and as required to perform the Services.
Required Disclosures. A Party may disclose Confidential Information if required by applicable law, regulation, or legal process, provided it gives prompt written notice to the non-disclosing Party and cooperates, at the requesting Party’s expense, in seeking a protective order or similar remedy.
FORCE MAJEURE
Neither Party shall be liable or deemed in default for any delay or failure to perform its obligations under this Agreement (other than payment obligations) if such delay or failure results from causes beyond its reasonable control (“Force Majeure Event”).
Force Majeure Events include natural disasters, public-health emergencies or government restrictions, acts of war or civil unrest, and unexpected power, internet, or technological disruptions, Platform outages including third-party hosting or vendor failures, or other events that make performance impossible or impracticable per California law despite the affected Party’s commercially reasonable efforts.
If a Force Majeure Event occurs, the affected Party shall promptly notify the other in writing, take reasonable steps to mitigate the effects, and resume performance as soon as practicable. If the Force Majeure Event continues for more than thirty (30) days, either Party may terminate this Agreement upon written notice without penalty.
Payment obligations already due or accruing prior to the Force Majeure Event are not excused.
DISPUTE RESOLUTION
Disputes. A “Dispute” for purposes of this Agreement means any disagreement, claim, or controversy between 18C and the Hiring Company arising out of this Agreement, the Platform, or the Services, including without limitation matters concerning payment, performance, interpretation, modification, renewal, termination, or alleged breach of these terms.
Disputes do not include internal conflicts among the Hiring Company’s employees, contractors, or candidates; issues concerning employment eligibility, compensation, performance, discipline, or termination of any candidate or employee; and candidate screening or interview outcomes. Only matters that present a genuine controversy regarding the rights or duties of the Parties under this Agreement shall qualify as a Dispute subject to the resolution process set forth herein.
Good Faith Negotiation. First, via “good faith” negotiation attempts for at least 30 days. “Good faith” means, (i) the party making the complaint (“Complaining Party”) must give the other party written notice of the Dispute within 5 days of the Complaining Party becoming aware of the Dispute and (ii) the parties must actively participate in informal negotiation discussions including substantive and prompt communication to maximize the 30-day period.
Mediation. Second, if good faith negotiations fail, the parties agree to submit the dispute to formal mediation with a qualified, mutually-agreed upon mediator. The parties agree to participate in at least 1 half-day mediation session. Mediation costs will be split equally and each party will be responsible for their own attorneys’ fees. The Parties also agree to sign a settlement agreement memorializing the solution reached.
Arbitration. Lastly, If mediation is unsuccessful, either Party may submit the dispute to binding arbitration in the State of California, County of San Francisco, in accordance with the California Arbitration Act and the JAMS Comprehensive Arbitration Rules and Procedures unless the Parties mutually agree on a different set of rules. The arbitration shall be conducted before a single neutral arbitrator mutually selected by the Parties. The Parties shall share arbitration fees and costs equally, subject to the arbitrator’s authority to reallocate fees in the final award. All proceedings, filings, and the arbitrator’s award shall remain confidential to the fullest extent permitted by law. The arbitrator’s decision shall be final, binding, and enforceable in any court of competent jurisdiction. Either Party may seek temporary or injunctive relief in court to protect its confidential information or intellectual-property rights pending completion of arbitration. This arbitration clause applies only to commercial disputes between the Parties and is not intended to govern employment or consumer claims.
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, NEITHER PARTY SHALL BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, SPECIAL, EXEMPLARY, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, LOST PROFITS, LOST DATA, LOSS OF GOODWILL, LOSS OF CANDIDATE RELATIONSHIPS, OR BUSINESS INTERRUPTION ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO THE SERVICES, THIS AGREEMENT, RECRUITING OUTCOMES, CANDIDATE PERFORMANCE, OR THIRD-PARTY INTEGRATIONS EVEN IF FORESEEABLE OR ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
IN NO EVENT SHALL 18C’S TOTAL LIABILITY FOR ANY CLAIM EXCEED THE TOTAL RELATED FEES PAID BY THE HIRING COMPANY TO 18C IN THE SIX (6) MONTHS IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING THE EVENT GIVING RISE TO THE CLAIM.
DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES
Each Party warrants they have the authority to enter into this Agreement and provide information to the other Party to be used to perform the Services that is lawful, accurate and free of third-party claims.
18C represents and warrants that it will perform the Services in a professional manner consistent with industry standards and that the Platform will substantially conform to its published descriptions under normal use.
You represent and warrant that its use of the Platform and Services will comply with all applicable laws, including employment, privacy, and anti-discrimination laws.
EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY SET FORTH ABOVE, THE PLATFORM AND SERVICES ARE PROVIDED “AS IS” AND “AS AVAILABLE,” WITHOUT ANY WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, WHETHER EXPRESS, IMPLIED, STATUTORY, OR OTHERWISE. 18C EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, TITLE, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT.
18C DOES NOT WARRANT THAT THE PLATFORM OR ANY AI-ASSISTED FEATURES WILL BE ERROR-FREE, UNINTERRUPTED, OR THAT ANY INFORMATION OR MATCHES PROVIDED WILL BE COMPLETE, ACCURATE, OR SUITABLE FOR ANY PARTICULAR HIRING DECISION. THE HIRING COMPANY ASSUMES ALL RESPONSIBILITY FOR ITS OWN EMPLOYMENT DECISIONS AND RESULTS.
INDEMNIFICATION
By the Hiring Company. The Hiring Company agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless 18C, its officers, employees, agents, contractors, and representatives from and against any and all third-party claims, demands, actions, damages, losses, liabilities, judgments, settlements, costs, and expenses arising out of or related to (a) your use of the Platform or Services in violation of these terms or applicable laws; (b) your gross negligence, willful misconduct, or omission; (c) any inaccuracy or illegality in information, materials, or data provided by you; (d) any employment, compensation, discrimination, or eligibility disputes involving the Hiring Company and any candidate; or (e) the Hiring Company’s unauthorized disclosure or misuse of personal or confidential information.
By 18C. 18C agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Hiring Company, its officers, employees, and agents from third-party claims arising solely from (a) 18C’s gross negligence or willful misconduct in performing the Services; or (b) allegations that the Platform or materials provided by 18C infringe upon a third party’s intellectual-property rights.
Procedure. The Party seeking indemnification (“Indemnified Party”) shall promptly notify the other Party (“Indemnifying Party”) in writing of any claim subject to indemnification. The Indemnified Party may participate in the defense with counsel of its choosing at the Indemnifying Party’s expense. Neither Party may settle a claim without the other’s prior written consent, which shall not be unreasonably withheld.
Insurance. During the Term, each Party shall maintain commercial general liability insurance and, for the Hiring Company, any required professional or employment-practice coverage in amounts reasonably sufficient to cover its obligations under this Agreement.
CHANGES TO THESE TERMS
18C may modify these terms at any time. Updated versions will include a new “Last Updated” date. Continued use of the Platform after changes means you accept the revised Terms. We’ll notify you of these changes by updating the date above and/or sending you an email.
MISCELLANEOUS
Governing Law. This Agreement shall be construed and governed by the laws of the State of California without regard to principles of conflicts of law.
Disclaimer. By Participating in this business relationship, in no way does 18C Partners make any representations, promises or guarantees about any outcomes from using the Services and the Platform.
Non Disparagement. The Parties agree to avoid making disparaging comments about the other.
No Waiver. If a Party fails to require strict performance under this Agreement, that failure shall not be construed as a waiver or preclusion of any right or remedy.
Notices. Notices required under this Agreement must be made in writing.
Days. References to “days” are calendar days unless otherwise specified.
Assignment. Neither Party can assign the terms and conditions of this Agreement to another person not a party to this Agreement unless both Parties agree in writing.
Attorneys’ Fees. Each Party will be responsible for their own attorneys’ fees.
Severability. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement does not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement.
Entire Agreement. This Agreement contains the entire understanding between the Parties regarding the business relationship described under these Terms. The Parties acknowledge they have read and understand the terms and agree to them. This Agreement supersedes all prior agreements, representations, or understanding whether written, oral, implied, or otherwise between the Parties.
CONTACT
For questions about these Terms or the Platform, please contact us at:
Email: team@18cpartners.com
Address: 2 Cortes Court, Moraga, CA 94556