Terms and Conditions

Last updated: July 3, 2025

These Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) govern your use of Shortcut's AI-powered Excel analysis and automation platform (“Service”) provided by Fundamental Research Labs, Inc. (“Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our”). By accessing or using our Service, you agree to be bound by these Terms.

1. Definitions

  • “Service”: Shortcut's AI-powered Excel automation platform.
  • “User Content”: Your Excel files, models, and other uploaded data.
  • “AI-Generated Content”: Output provided by Shortcut's AI tools.
  • “You” / “Your”: The individual or entity using the Service.

2. Service Description

2.1 Platform Overview

Shortcut provides an AI-powered platform that helps users analyze, automate, and enhance Excel spreadsheets and financial models through secure, real-time processing. Our Service includes:

  • AI-driven Excel formula generation and optimization
  • Financial model analysis and enhancement
  • Real-time spreadsheet processing and automation
  • Secure file upload and temporary processing

2.2 AI Technology

Our Service utilizes advanced AI models to provide intelligent Excel assistance while maintaining strict security and privacy standards.

3. Acceptance and Eligibility

3.1 Agreement to Terms

By creating an account, accessing, or using our Service, you agree to be bound by these Terms.

3.2 Eligibility

You must be at least 18 years old and have the legal authority to enter into these Terms. If you are using the Service on behalf of an organization, you represent that you are authorized to bind that entity.

3.3 Account Registration

You must provide accurate, current, and complete account information and maintain confidentiality of your credentials.

4. Data Security and Privacy

4.1 No Training on Your Data

We do not use your Excel files, models, or formulas to train our AI. Your content remains fully your property.

4.2 Data Control

You retain full control and ownership of your data and can:

  • Download completed models anytime
  • Request deletion of any temporary processing data
  • Export your work history and logs
  • Control access to shared files
  • Opt out of product analytics or usage tracking

4.3 Security Standards

We apply financial-industry-grade protection:

  • Encrypted in transit
  • Secure authentication protocols
  • Isolated session processing

4.4 Third-Party Service Providers

To provide our Service, we share data with:

  • Anthropic – Used to power AI functionality. Prompt data may be shared for processing under Anthropic's terms of service and privacy policy.
  • PostHog – For usage analytics and product improvement (can be opted out for Enterprise).
  • Polar – For subscription management and usage tracking.
  • BetterAuth – For secure authentication and account access.

5. Acceptable Use

5.1 Permitted Uses

Service is intended for:

  • Financial modeling and analysis
  • Excel automation and reporting
  • Business use cases and research
  • Educational purposes

5.2 Prohibited Uses

You agree not to:

  • Upload harmful or unauthorized content
  • Use the Service for illegal or deceptive purposes
  • Reverse engineer or misuse the platform
  • Share credentials with unauthorized users
  • Violate any applicable laws or third-party rights

5.3 Content Responsibility

You confirm that any uploaded data:

  • Is lawfully owned or licensed by you
  • Is not harmful, illegal, or infringing
  • Is authorized for processing

6. Subscription and Payment Terms

6.1 Service Tiers

  • Pro: Base functionality and support
  • MAX: Built on superior AI model than Pro
  • Teams: Custom SLAs, compliance, tech support, zero data retention and zero training from Anthropic

6.2 Billing and Payments

  • Subscription fees are billed in advance
  • Fees are non-refundable unless required by law
  • Pricing may change with notice
  • Enterprise billing terms may vary

6.3 Usage & Fair Use

  • Premium tiers subject to fair use
  • Excessive or abusive use may result in suspension

7. Intellectual Property

7.1 Your Content

You retain all IP rights to your Excel files and models. You grant us a limited license to process this content for Service delivery only.

7.2 Our Technology

Our platform, AI models, and technology are protected under IP laws. You may not copy, distribute, or modify our software or models.

7.3 AI-Generated Content

AI output is provided for your use, but may contain inaccuracies. You are responsible for verifying results before reliance or publication.

8. Service Availability and Support

8.1 Uptime

We aim to provide reliable access to Shortcut but do not guarantee uninterrupted uptime. As our infrastructure depends on third-party AI providers such as Anthropic, occasional disruptions or maintenance-related downtime may occur.

8.2 Performance

Our models follow Financial Modeling World Championship testing standards, but no model is guaranteed to be free from error.

8.3 Support

We offer support via email and web. Enterprise customers receive expedited response times.

9. Disclaimers and Limitations

9.1 “As Is” Disclaimer

The Service is provided “as is” without warranties of any kind. We disclaim all implied warranties including merchantability, fitness, and non-infringement.

9.2 AI Limitations

AI may make incorrect assumptions. You must validate any recommendations before using them for business or financial decisions.

9.3 Liability Cap

Our total liability shall not exceed the amount paid by you for the Service in the preceding 12 months.

9.4 Not Financial Advice

The Service supports technical and spreadsheet automation—not investment, legal, or financial advice.

10. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold Shortcut harmless against any claims arising from your misuse of the Service, content uploads, or violations of these Terms.

11. Termination

11.1 Your Right

You may cancel your account and delete your data at any time. You retain the right to export files.

11.2 Our Right

We may suspend or terminate access for violations, abuse, or non-payment. Reasonable notice will be provided when possible.

11.3 Consequences

Upon termination:

  • Access ends
  • Data is deleted per our retention policy
  • Unpaid fees remain owed
  • Relevant sections of these Terms survive

12. Updates and Changes

12.1 Service Improvements

We may add new features, fix bugs, or update models to improve user experience.

12.2 Terms Changes

We may update these Terms periodically. Material changes will be communicated, and continued use signifies acceptance. Previous versions are available upon request.

13. Compliance and Export Controls

13.1 Export Law Compliance

You agree to comply with all U.S. and international export restrictions and regulations applicable to the Service.

13.2 Regulated Industries

If you operate in a regulated space, it's your responsibility to ensure Shortcut is appropriate for your compliance environment.

13.3 Data Residency

We offer geographic flexibility in data processing where feasible to meet regulatory requirements.

14. Enterprise Agreements

14.1 Custom Contracts

Enterprise users may negotiate additional terms including:

  • Dedicated infrastructure
  • Custom pricing
  • Integration support
  • White-label or API access

14.2 API Terms

Use of Shortcut's API must adhere to specific rate limits, security protocols, and authentication standards, as documented in our developer guidelines.

15. Dispute Resolution

15.1 Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Delaware, United States.

15.2 Dispute Process

Parties agree to attempt resolution informally. Unresolved disputes may be escalated to binding arbitration in accordance with AAA rules.

15.3 Class Action Waiver

You waive the right to participate in class actions except where prohibited by law.

16. Miscellaneous

16.1 Entire Agreement

These Terms, our Privacy Policy, and any addenda constitute the full agreement between you and Fundamental Research Labs, Inc.

16.2 Severability

If any provision is unenforceable, the rest remain in effect.

16.3 Assignment

You may not assign this agreement without our written consent. We may assign rights to successors.

16.4 Force Majeure

We are not liable for events beyond our control, including outages due to natural disasters, war, or third-party failures.

17. Contact Information

For any questions regarding these Terms:

nico@fundamentalresearchlabs.com

18. Early Stage Partnership Opportunities

Shortcut is early in its journey and committed to building the best AI-powered Excel automation platform. We recognize that enterprise customers often have unique requirements, compliance needs, and integration challenges that may not be fully addressed by our standard offerings.

As we continue to develop our platform, we welcome the opportunity to work closely with enterprise partners to:

  • Customize our service to meet specific industry requirements
  • Develop enhanced security and compliance features
  • Create tailored integration solutions and API access
  • Establish custom SLAs and support agreements
  • Explore white-label or private deployment options
  • Accommodate unique data residency and processing requirements