Terms of Service

These Terms govern your use of Gumme, which is run by Gumme LLC, a California company. By creating an account or using the app, you agree to them. We've tried to keep them clear and human — if anything's confusing, email us at hello@gumme.io.

Two things worth knowing up front: Gumme activities happen in the real world, and you attend them at your own risk (Section 5). And if we ever have a legal dispute, it gets resolved through individual arbitration, not a class action or jury trial — with a 30-day opt-out if you'd rather keep your day in court (Section 17).

1. Who can use Gumme

You must be at least 18 years old and legally able to enter into a contract. When you sign up, you're telling us — and every host and attendee who relies on your profile — that your information is true. Keep your name, age, and other details accurate and current. By using Gumme, you confirm that you're at least 18, that you can legally agree to these Terms, and that you'll follow the law while using the app and attending activities.

If we've removed you from Gumme, you can't come back. Don't create a new account with a different phone number, use someone else's account, or have a friend sign up on your behalf. Any account made to get around a suspension or ban can be removed the moment we find it, without warning.

2. Your account

One person per account. Everything that happens through your account is your responsibility — messages sent, events posted, RSVPs made. Don't share your login or let anyone else use your account. If you think someone has gotten into it, email hello@gumme.io right away. We're not responsible for anything that happens because someone else used your account.

3. Your content

You own the photos, messages, event descriptions, and other content you post (“Your Content”) — we never take ownership. But to run Gumme we need some room: you give us a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to host, store, copy, resize, and display Your Content, to share it with the service providers who run our infrastructure, and to show it to other users in the app. When you post to public spaces — like a public activity page or club — you also let us feature that content on Gumme's website, social accounts, and ads to show off the community. Want something we've featured taken down? Email us. The license ends when you delete the content or your account, except for uses already underway and records we're required to keep.

If other people appear in what you post — say, a group shot from last night's run — make sure they're okay with it before you upload. You're promising us that everyone identifiable in Your Content is fine appearing on Gumme, that you actually have the rights to whatever you post (no lifting a photographer's work), and that nobody can charge Gumme a fee for using it the way these Terms allow. If someone asks you or us to take down a photo of them, we'll remove it from Gumme and our own channels.

We love hearing your ideas — a lot of Gumme gets built from user suggestions. Just know that if you send us feedback, suggestions, or feature ideas, we're free to use them forever, in any way, without owing you payment or credit. So please don't send us anything you consider confidential or expect to be paid for.

Usernames and club names on Gumme aren't property — you don't own or buy them. If a handle impersonates someone, squats on a trademark or a real club's or venue's name, or sits on a long-dead account, we may reclaim, change, or reassign it. We'll give you a heads-up when we reasonably can.

4. What you can't do

Don't use Gumme to:

• Harass, threaten, or harm other users.
• Post sexual content involving minors, or any illegal content.
• Promote violence, hate, or discrimination based on race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic.
• Impersonate someone else or misrepresent who you are.
• Spam, scam, advertise, or use Gumme for commercial promotion (unless we've given you written permission).
• Scrape, copy, or attempt to reverse-engineer the app.
• Interfere with the service's security, performance, or other users' experience.
• Use bots or automated accounts.

Some activities have entry requirements set by their host — women-only events, age ranges, host approval, or a face-scan check-in. Don't lie on your profile or game the system to get into an event you don't qualify for, and don't bring along people who weren't approved. Hosts can turn away anyone who doesn't meet an event's listed requirements, and trying to sneak past those requirements is grounds for an immediate ban.

Gumme events happen in the real world, so our rules don't stop at the app. How you treat people at an event counts. Harassing another attendee at a run club, showing up in a state that puts others at risk, or making people feel unsafe can earn you a strike or a ban — even if nothing happened inside the app. We can also act on credible reports of conduct outside Gumme entirely when we believe it puts our community at risk.

5. Events happen in the real world

Gumme activities happen in the real world — runs, pickleball, hikes, dinners. Physical activity comes with real risks: you can trip, get hurt, overheat, or worse. When you join an activity, you accept those risks. You're choosing to participate, and only you know whether you're healthy and fit enough to do so — check with a doctor if you're unsure. Gumme is an app that helps you find activities. We don't run them, supervise them, or check conditions on the ground. You participate voluntarily and at your own risk.

Gumme connects you with real people, and real people are unpredictable. We don't run criminal background checks or screen anyone's history — not attendees, not hosts, not clubs — and verification (like face check-in) only confirms a face matches the profile it was enrolled with. A verified badge is not a promise that anyone is safe or honest. Hosts are independent members of the community, not Gumme employees or agents; they run their own events, and hosting rights aren't an endorsement of the host. We may step in when something is reported, but we're not obligated to monitor conversations, mediate disagreements, or referee events. Use the block and report tools, meet in public places, tell someone where you're going, and trust your instincts — your interactions with other users are between you and them.

Activities happen at parks, restaurants, courts, trails, and other places Gumme doesn't own, control, or inspect. Follow the venue's rules. A venue can refuse entry or ask anyone to leave — that's their call, not ours. We're not responsible for the condition of any venue or for anything that happens there, including injury, theft, or damage to your belongings. If you have a problem with a venue, take it up with the venue.

Gumme doesn't provide insurance of any kind — not for you, not for hosts, not for events. If you're hurt at an activity or your property is damaged, no Gumme policy covers it. Make sure your own health insurance covers the activities you join. If you host events — especially physical ones — consider whether you need your own coverage.

One more real-world thing: people take photos. By attending an activity, you're okay with the host and Gumme capturing photos and video that may include you, and with Gumme using that material in the app and in our own marketing — things like social posts and ads that show what the community looks like. Prefer to stay out of photos? Tell the host or step out of frame. And if a photo of you is on Gumme or in our marketing and you want it gone, email hello@gumme.io — we'll take it down from our surfaces. (We can't remove photos from a host's or another user's personal accounts — ask them directly for those.)

6. Paid events & money

Gumme is free. We don't charge you to use the app, and we never collect, hold, or process money for events. Some hosts charge for their events — when they do, you pay the host directly (for example, through the host's Venmo). That payment is entirely between you and the host. Gumme isn't a party to it, doesn't take a cut, and never sees your payment details. If we ever add paid features, we'll tell you clearly before you're charged anything.

Because we never receive your money, we can't refund it. If a paid event is canceled, changes, or isn't what you expected, any refund comes from the host — work it out with them directly, or through Venmo's own tools. We may take action against hosts who take money and don't deliver (like strikes or removal), but we can't return payments ourselves, and we're not responsible if a host refuses to refund you.

If you charge for events you host, that money is yours — and so are any taxes on it. You're responsible for reporting and paying whatever taxes apply to what you collect from attendees. Gumme doesn't withhold taxes, issue tax forms, or give tax advice.

7. Text messaging (SMS) program

The Gumme SMS program sends (1) one-time passcodes to verify your phone number when you sign up or sign in, and — if you opted in when providing your number — (2) occasional account and launch-status updates, for example when Gumme becomes available in your city, and (3) updates about activities you've joined or host, such as RSVP confirmations, event reminders, and cancellation notices. Message frequency varies: sign-in codes are sent only when you request them, and updates are infrequent. Message and data rates may apply.

Reply STOP at any time to opt out of texts, or HELP for help. You can also reach us at hello@gumme.io for support. Opting out of texts may prevent sign-in by SMS code. Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages. See our Privacy Policy for how we handle your number — we never share it with third parties for their marketing.

By giving us your phone number, you confirm it's really yours and agree that we can text it — including using automated systems — for the messages described above. If you change numbers, update your account (or text STOP from the old number) so we don't message a stranger. We can't guarantee a text will arrive on time or at all, so don't rely on SMS alone for anything important, like an event reminder.

8. Third-party services

Gumme shows links to, and works with, services we don't run — a host's Venmo handle, a club's website, our face-check partner. Those belong to other companies with their own terms and privacy policies, and we don't control or vouch for them. Double-check a Venmo handle before you send money; we can't reverse a payment sent to the wrong person or to a scammer. If a third-party service breaks, changes, or cuts you off, that's between you and them.

9. Promos & referral rewards

We sometimes run promos — referral rewards, badges, early-access perks. Each one has its own rules, and we decide who's eligible. We can change or end a promo at any time, and we can take back rewards earned by gaming the system (like fake accounts or fake referrals).

10. Moderation, enforcement & changes to the service

We care a lot about who's in the room at Gumme events. So we can suspend or ban any account, remove any content, and add or take away features like hosting — at any time, with or without notice, at our sole discretion. Usually it's because of a rule violation or a safety concern, but we don't owe you a reason, and we often can't share details when a report involves someone else's privacy. Our calls on removals, strikes, and hosting privileges are final. You can delete your own account anytime from Profile → Manage Account.

Event pages, profiles, photos, and chat messages come from users, not from us. We don't fact-check them and we're not responsible for them — the person who posted something is. An event appearing on Gumme, even in Discover or a featured spot, doesn't mean we've verified it or endorse the host, venue, or activity. Despite our rules, you might occasionally see something inaccurate, offensive, or that just shouldn't be there. If you do, report it and we'll review it, but you use user-posted content at your own judgment.

If something goes wrong — a safety report, suspected fraud, or a legal issue tied to your account or an event you hosted or attended — we may ask you questions. You agree to answer honestly and reasonably quickly, and to help us get to the bottom of it. Refusing to cooperate with a safety investigation can itself lead to suspension.

Gumme is young and will keep changing. We may add, change, limit, or remove features — including hosting privileges, verification, or availability in your city — or pause or shut down the service entirely, at any time, without owing you anything. We'll try to give a heads-up before big changes, but we can't always.

11. Copyright (DMCA)

We respect creators. If someone posted your copyrighted work on Gumme without permission, email hello@gumme.io (our designated copyright agent) with “Copyright notice” in the subject and include: your physical or electronic signature; the work you believe was infringed; where the material appears on Gumme; your contact info; a statement that you have a good-faith belief the use isn't authorized by the owner, their agent, or the law; and a statement, under penalty of perjury, that your notice is accurate and you're the owner or authorized to act for them. We'll remove infringing material promptly, and we close the accounts of repeat infringers. Heads up: knowingly filing a false claim can make you liable for damages, so please be sure.

12. Gumme's stuff

Everything that makes Gumme, Gumme — the app, its design, code, name, logo, and the content we create ourselves — belongs to Gumme LLC. You get permission to use the app as it's meant to be used, and that's it. Please don't use our name or logo to promote anything (including your own events) in a way that suggests we made it or endorsed it, unless we've agreed in writing. Saying “find us on Gumme” on your flyer? Totally fine — encouraged, even.

13. Service is provided “as is”

We work hard to make Gumme reliable, but we don't promise it'll be available 24/7, free of bugs, or perfect for your specific situation. To the maximum extent allowed by law, Gumme is provided without warranties of any kind.

14. Limitation of liability

To the extent permitted by law, Gumme isn't liable for indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, or lost profits, revenue, or data. Because activities happen in the real world, this also covers personal injury and property damage arising from events you attend or from other users' conduct. Our total liability for any claim won't exceed the greater of $100 or what you paid us in the 12 months before the claim. These limits apply no matter the legal theory — contract, negligence, or anything else — even if we knew a problem was possible. Some laws don't allow certain limits; where that's true, ours apply as far as the law allows.

15. Release of claims

To the fullest extent California law allows, you release Gumme LLC — and its owner, employees, and partners — from claims, damages, and losses arising out of activities you attend or your interactions with other users. That includes things a host, attendee, or venue does or fails to do. California Civil Code Section 1542 says a general release doesn't extend to claims you don't know or suspect exist in your favor when you give it; you expressly waive Section 1542, so this release also covers claims you don't know about yet, to the extent the law allows. This doesn't waive anything the law says can't be waived. It means that when something goes wrong between you and another person at an event, that's between you and them — not a claim against Gumme.

16. If your actions get us sued

If something you do on Gumme gets us sued, that's on you — not us. If we face claims, losses, or legal costs because of your content, an event you hosted, how you treated someone, a law you broke, your violation of these Terms, or someone using Gumme through your account, you agree to defend us and cover those costs. This doesn't shift blame for problems we cause ourselves. It just means the consequences of your choices belong to you.

17. Disputes: let's talk first — then arbitration

This section matters, so please read it.

Talk to us first

Before either of us starts arbitration or files a claim — including in small claims court, but not counting an emergency court order under the exception below — we agree to try to work it out directly first. Email us at hello@gumme.io with your name, what happened, and what you'd like us to do; we'll do the same if we have an issue with you. If we haven't resolved it together within 60 days, either of us can then move forward. Honestly, we'd rather just fix the problem. Most issues never need to go past this step.

Individual arbitration

If we can't work it out, you and Gumme both agree to resolve any legal dispute through binding individual arbitration, not a lawsuit in court. Arbitration is handled by the American Arbitration Association (AAA) under its Consumer Arbitration Rules (available at adr.org). This covers any claim connected to Gumme or these Terms, including claims that arose before you accepted them. Arbitration takes place in Orange County, California, or in the county where you live, or by video — whatever is practical. The arbitrator, not a court, decides any disagreement about whether this section applies or is enforceable. The Federal Arbitration Act governs this section.

One-on-one only

Disputes between you and Gumme are one-on-one. You agree to bring any claim only in your individual capacity — not as a plaintiff or member of a class action, collective action, or any case brought on behalf of other users, whether in court or in arbitration. The arbitrator can't combine your claim with anyone else's, and can only award relief to you, based on your own claim. We're agreeing to the same thing on our side.

Small claims court

Either of us can skip arbitration and bring a qualifying claim in small claims court instead, as long as the case stays in that court and stays individual — just you and us, no class or representative claims. Small claims court is often the fastest and cheapest option for everyone.

Emergencies

One exception to arbitration: either of us can go straight to court for an emergency order (an injunction) to stop urgent, ongoing harm — like someone scraping Gumme's data, breaking into accounts, misusing our trademarks or code, or violating data security. Waiting for arbitration doesn't work when harm is happening right now. This exception covers only the court order to stop the harm; claims for money still go through arbitration.

Who pays

Arbitration shouldn't cost you more than going to court would. Your filing fee is capped at the AAA's consumer rate (roughly a court filing fee), and Gumme pays the rest of the AAA's and the arbitrator's fees, as the AAA Consumer Arbitration Rules require. If you win, the arbitrator can also award you your reasonable attorney's fees and costs where the law allows it.

You can opt out

Arbitration isn't forced on you. If you'd rather keep your right to go to court, you can opt out — just email hello@gumme.io within 30 days of first accepting these Terms with your name, the phone number on your account, and a note saying you're opting out of arbitration. If you opt out, everything else in these Terms still applies, and disputes will be handled by the courts in Orange County, California.

If part of this section fails

If any part of this disputes section is found invalid or unenforceable, that part gets removed and the rest still applies. One special case: if a court decides the individual-claims rule can't apply to a request for a public injunction, that single request can be heard in court — after your individual claims finish in arbitration — while everything else stays in arbitration.

18. Governing law & where disputes go

These Terms are governed by California law, without regard to conflict-of-laws rules. The Federal Arbitration Act governs the arbitration section above. For anything that doesn't go to arbitration — small-claims matters that leave that court, appeals of an arbitration award, or all disputes if you opted out — you and Gumme agree that the state and federal courts in Orange County, California are the exclusive venue, and we each consent to jurisdiction there.

19. Changes to these Terms

We may update these Terms as Gumme grows. For material changes, we'll notify you in the app and update the date at the top of this page before they take effect. If you keep using Gumme after updated Terms take effect, that counts as accepting them. If you don't agree with a change, stop using Gumme and delete your account. We may send notices by text, email, or in-app message — keep your contact info current, because a notice we send properly counts even if your filters eat it.

20. Apple App Store

You get Gumme through Apple's App Store, but your agreement is with us, not Apple. Apple doesn't maintain or support Gumme and isn't responsible for it — though Apple can enforce these Terms as a third-party beneficiary. Your carrier's normal data charges apply when you use the app, and the app may update automatically. Apple's App Store rules apply on top of these Terms.

21. The legal odds & ends

• Severability. If a court decides any part of these Terms can't be enforced, that part gets trimmed as narrowly as possible — and the rest of the Terms stay in full effect.
• Survival. Deleting your account doesn't delete these Terms. The parts that logically should outlive your account — like the liability limits, the release, the indemnity, the dispute and governing-law rules, and anything about content we're required to retain — keep applying after you leave.
• No waiver. If we let something slide — once, or for a while — that's not a free pass. We can still enforce that rule, or any other part of these Terms, whenever we choose.
• Entire agreement. These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy, are the entire agreement between you and Gumme. Nothing in our marketing, social posts, emails, or messages adds to or changes them.
• Assignment. You can't transfer your rights or obligations under these Terms to anyone else. We can — if Gumme merges, gets acquired, or reorganizes, these Terms carry over to the new entity and keep applying to you the same way.
• California residents. Under California Civil Code section 1789.3, you may report complaints to the Complaint Assistance Unit of the Division of Consumer Services of the California Department of Consumer Affairs, 1625 North Market Blvd., Suite N 112, Sacramento, CA 95834, or by phone at (800) 952-5210. That said, we'd love the chance to fix things first — email hello@gumme.io.

Contact us

Questions? Email hello@gumme.io. Gumme LLC, California.