These Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) govern the provision of services by The Lighthouse Group LLC (“Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) to our clients (“Client” or “you”). By engaging our services, signing a Master Services Agreement or Statement of Work, or otherwise commencing a business relationship with The Lighthouse Group LLC, you agree to be bound by these Terms.
1. Services
1.1 Service Offerings
The Lighthouse Group LLC provides strategic planning, financial analysis and modeling, fundraising advisory, mergers and acquisitions advisory, fractional CFO services, financial risk management, and other professional services as mutually agreed in a Statement of Work or engagement letter.
1.2 Engagement Structure
Specific services, deliverables, timelines, and fees for each engagement are set forth in a Statement of Work (“SOW”) or engagement letter, which is incorporated by reference into these Terms. In the event of conflict between these Terms and an SOW, the SOW shall govern.
1.3 Independent Contractor
The Lighthouse Group LLC operates as an independent contractor. Nothing in these Terms creates an employment, partnership, joint venture, or agency relationship between the parties. We retain sole discretion over the methods and means by which we perform services, subject to the deliverables specified in each SOW.
1.4 Service Limitations
Our scope is strategic and analytical. We do not provide:
- Month-end accounting close, reconciliations, or bookkeeping services
- Tax preparation, tax advice, or CPA services
- ERP or financial systems selection and implementation
- Legal advice or legal document drafting
- Licensed investment advisory services (securities recommendations)
- Staff augmentation or full-time finance department replacement
For any of the above, we will recommend qualified partners when appropriate.
2. Fees and Payment
2.1 Fee Structure
Fees are as specified in each SOW or engagement letter. Unless otherwise stated, fees are due in advance of service delivery for project-based engagements, and monthly in advance for retainer engagements.
2.2 Invoicing
Invoices are issued per the payment schedule in the applicable SOW. Payment is due within 15 days of invoice date unless otherwise agreed in writing.
2.3 Late Payment
Accounts past due by more than 30 days may accrue interest at 1.5% per month on the outstanding balance. We reserve the right to suspend services on accounts more than 45 days past due.
2.4 Expenses
Out-of-pocket expenses (travel, third-party tools, etc.) are billed at cost with prior Client approval, unless a fixed expense allowance is stated in the SOW.
2.5 Fee Adjustments
We reserve the right to adjust fees for ongoing retainer engagements with 30 days' written notice. Fee adjustments do not apply to fixed-fee project engagements already under SOW.
3. Client Responsibilities
3.1 Information and Access
Client agrees to provide accurate and complete financial information, data, and access to systems necessary for service delivery. The quality of our deliverables depends on the accuracy of information provided by Client.
3.2 Timely Cooperation
Client agrees to respond to reasonable requests for information, review, and approval within agreed timeframes. Delays caused by Client's failure to cooperate may affect deliverable timelines and are not our responsibility.
3.3 Qualified Personnel
Client agrees to designate a primary point of contact with authority to make decisions and provide approvals on Client's behalf.
3.4 Clean Books Prerequisite
Our strategic and analytical services operate on top of Client's existing accounting records. Client is responsible for maintaining accurate, up-to-date books prepared by a qualified accountant or controller. We are not responsible for errors arising from inaccurate underlying financial records.
4. Confidentiality
4.1 Mutual Confidentiality
Each party agrees to maintain the confidentiality of the other party's proprietary and non-public information disclosed in connection with the engagement. This obligation survives termination of the engagement for three (3) years.
4.2 Exclusions
Confidentiality obligations do not apply to information that is publicly available through no fault of the receiving party, independently developed without reference to confidential information, or required to be disclosed by law or court order (with prompt notice to the disclosing party where legally permissible).
4.3 Client Reference
We will not identify Client as a client or describe the nature of the engagement in any public communication without Client's prior written consent, except as required by law.
5. Intellectual Property
5.1 Client Ownership
Deliverables specifically prepared for Client under a SOW and paid for in full are the property of Client upon payment. This includes financial models, reports, and analysis prepared for Client's specific use.
5.2 Our Retained Rights
We retain ownership of our methodologies, frameworks (including the Financial Health Matrix), templates, tools, and general know-how developed independently of any Client engagement. Client receives a license to use deliverables for internal business purposes only; deliverables may not be resold or sublicensed without our written consent.
5.3 Pre-Existing Materials
Any pre-existing materials incorporated into deliverables remain our property. Client receives a limited license to use such materials solely as incorporated into the deliverable.
6. Limitation of Liability
6.1 No Guarantee of Outcomes
Our services represent professional analysis and advisory guidance. We do not guarantee specific financial results, transaction outcomes, or business performance. All projections and models are based on assumptions that may not materialize.
6.2 Liability Cap
To the maximum extent permitted by law, our aggregate liability for any claims arising from or related to an engagement shall not exceed the total fees paid by Client for the specific engagement giving rise to the claim in the twelve (12) months preceding the claim.
6.3 Consequential Damages
Neither party shall be liable for indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, including lost profits, even if advised of the possibility of such damages.
6.4 Not Professional Licensure
Our services do not constitute legal, tax, accounting, or registered investment advice. Clients should consult licensed attorneys, CPAs, and registered investment advisers for matters within those regulated domains.
7. Term and Termination
7.1 Term
These Terms remain in effect for the duration of any active engagement and survive termination with respect to payment obligations, confidentiality, intellectual property, and limitation of liability.
7.2 Termination for Convenience
Either party may terminate an ongoing engagement with 30 days' written notice. For project-based engagements, termination terms are specified in the applicable SOW.
7.3 Termination for Cause
Either party may terminate immediately upon written notice if the other party materially breaches these Terms or an SOW and fails to cure such breach within 10 business days of written notice.
7.4 Effect of Termination
Upon termination, Client shall pay all fees earned through the termination date. We shall deliver all completed work product through termination. Each party shall return or destroy the other's confidential information upon request.
8. Indemnification
Each party agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the other party from third-party claims arising from: (a) the indemnifying party's breach of these Terms; (b) the indemnifying party's negligence or willful misconduct; or (c) in the case of Client, Client's use of our deliverables in a manner inconsistent with these Terms or applicable law.
9. Dispute Resolution
9.1 Good Faith
The parties agree to attempt to resolve any dispute through good-faith negotiation before initiating formal proceedings.
9.2 Governing Law
These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of California, without regard to conflict of law principles.
9.3 Venue
Any legal action arising from these Terms shall be brought in the state or federal courts located in Los Angeles County, California. Each party consents to the personal jurisdiction of such courts.
10. General Provisions
10.1 Entire Agreement
These Terms, together with any applicable SOW or engagement letter, constitute the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter herein and supersede all prior agreements, representations, and understandings.
10.2 Amendments
These Terms may be updated from time to time. Material changes will be communicated to active clients. Continued engagement after notice constitutes acceptance of updated Terms.
10.3 Severability
If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.
10.4 Waiver
Failure to enforce any provision of these Terms does not constitute a waiver of the right to enforce such provision in the future.
10.5 Assignment
Client may not assign rights or obligations under these Terms without our prior written consent. We may assign these Terms in connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of substantially all of our assets.
10.6 Force Majeure
Neither party shall be liable for delays or failures in performance resulting from circumstances beyond their reasonable control, including acts of God, government actions, pandemics, or infrastructure failures, provided the affected party gives prompt notice and uses reasonable efforts to resume performance.
11. Contact
For questions about these Terms or to discuss an engagement:
The Lighthouse Group LLC
Legal inquiries: legal@thelhgrp.com
General: info@thelhgrp.com
12. FounderFinance.ai
FounderFinance.ai is a product of The Lighthouse Group LLC. Use of FounderFinance.ai (founderfinance.ai) is subject to separate terms available at founderfinance.ai/terms. The contracting entity for all services — advisory and diagnostic — is The Lighthouse Group LLC.
13. Privacy
Our Privacy Policy, available at thelhgrp.com/privacy, is incorporated by reference into these Terms and governs the collection and use of personal information in connection with our services and websites.