Last updated: 23 September 2026
What cookies and similar technologies are
Cookies are small text files that a website stores in your browser. They let the website remember information between pages or visits, such as the choices you have made.
Websites can also use similar technologies that store information in your browser. This website uses session storage, which keeps information only for as long as your browser tab is open and deletes it when you close the tab. Unlike cookies, session storage is not sent to our server with each request.
In this policy, we use “cookies” to mean both cookies and these similar technologies. This policy should be read together with our Privacy Policy.
The categories we use
We group cookies and similar technologies into four categories. Only strictly necessary technologies are active unless you choose otherwise.
Strictly necessary
Needed for the website to work and to remember your privacy choices. These can’t be switched off, but they don’t track you or identify you across other websites.
Because these are needed for the website to work and to respect your choices, they are always active and don’t require your consent.
Used on this website: vc_consent. Full details are in the table below.
Functional
Improve your experience, for example by keeping your chat assistant conversation as you move between pages.
These are optional. We only use them if you allow them, and you can switch them off at any time.
Used on this website: vc_chat_history. Full details are in the table below.
Analytics
Would help us understand how visitors use the website so we can improve it.
We do not currently use any analytics cookies or similar technologies. If we introduce them in future, we will update this policy and they will only run if you give your consent.
Marketing
Would be used to show or measure advertising on other websites.
We do not currently use any marketing cookies or similar technologies. If we introduce them in future, we will update this policy and they will only run if you give your consent.
Chat assistant storage
The Ask VC chat assistant runs in your browser and answers from the content of this website. Your messages are not sent to VC or to an AI service.
- If you allow functional technologies, your conversation is kept in your browser’s session storage so it stays in place as you move between pages. It is deleted when you close the browser tab.
- If you don’t allow functional technologies, nothing is stored. Your conversation is held only in the page’s memory and is cleared when you leave or reload the page.
- If you switch functional technologies off later, any stored conversation is deleted straight away.
Cookies and similar technologies we use
This table lists every cookie and similar technology set by this website. It is generated from the same list the website uses to manage your choices, so it stays in step with how the website works.
| Name | Category | Type | Provider | Purpose | Duration | When set |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| vc_consent | Strictly necessary | Cookie | This website (first party) | Remembers your cookie choices so we don’t ask again on every page, and so optional technologies stay off unless you allow them. | 6 months | When you make a choice in the cookie banner or on the Cookie Preferences page. |
| vc_chat_history | Functional | Session storage | This website (first party) | Keeps your Ask VC chat conversation while you move between pages, so you don’t lose your place. | Until you close the browser tab | Only if you allow functional technologies and use the chat assistant. It is deleted if you later switch functional technologies off. |
Cookies and similar technologies set by this website
vc_consent
- Category
- Strictly necessary
- Type
- Cookie
- Provider
- This website (first party)
- Purpose
- Remembers your cookie choices so we don’t ask again on every page, and so optional technologies stay off unless you allow them.
- Duration
- 6 months
- When set
- When you make a choice in the cookie banner or on the Cookie Preferences page.
vc_chat_history
- Category
- Functional
- Type
- Session storage
- Provider
- This website (first party)
- Purpose
- Keeps your Ask VC chat conversation while you move between pages, so you don’t lose your place.
- Duration
- Until you close the browser tab
- When set
- Only if you allow functional technologies and use the chat assistant. It is deleted if you later switch functional technologies off.
How to change your choices
You can change your choices at any time on our Cookie Preferences page. A link to it is also in the footer of every page.
You can also use your browser settings to block or delete cookies and other stored data. Most browsers explain how to do this in their help or settings pages. If you block all cookies, the website will not be able to remember your choices, so you may be asked again on your next visit.
Third-party cookies
This website does not currently use any third-party cookies. All the technologies listed above are set by this website itself (first party). If this changes, we will update this policy and ask for your consent where it is required.
Updates to this policy
We may update this policy when we change the technologies the website uses, or for other operational, legal or regulatory reasons. The latest version will always be on this page, with the date it was last updated shown at the top. If the categories of optional technologies change, we will ask for your choices again.