What is Startup Istanbul?

Startup Istanbul is a startup ecosystem platform connecting founders, investors, and operators — built around discovery, connections, and founder-focused support.

Are you currently organizing events?

Startup Istanbul is best known for major in-person ecosystem events in earlier years. No new events are currently scheduled. Future editions may return and will be announced when ready.

How can I apply with my startup?

You can apply through the application form on the website. Applications are open, but the process is selective — we don't run a rigid cohort. If there's a fit, we follow up for deeper evaluation.

What is StartupIst Ventures Fund I?

StartupIst Ventures Fund I is an early-stage investment fund that invests globally, sector-agnostic, typically writing $50K–$200K tickets. We often co-invest alongside other VCs/investors and prioritize strong founders.

Etohum is a founder-first platform in Türkiye, founded in 2008. It is the broader organization behind Startup Istanbul (especially in its earlier event years).

Who is Burak Büyükdemir?

Burak Büyükdemir is the founder of Etohum and Startup Istanbul, and the founder of StartupIst Ventures Fund I (global early-stage investing).

How do you work with founders today?

We keep applications open for discovery, but we work with founders in a more selective way: open applications, selective depth, founder-specific support, often 1-on-1, and focused on real progress — not a demo-day calendar.

Do you offer sponsorship or partnership opportunities?

Yes. For sponsorships, partnerships, or co-investing inquiries, please contact us via email at startupistanbul.com/contact.

Next startup will be Ersan Özer co-founder of uzmantv.com

Key Insights

Mohaç Yücel ve Ersan Özer

Further Perspectives

On 21th August our guest startup will be co-founder of Magnet ltd which owns uzmantv. com, istanbul. Ersan Özer is one of the pioneer entrepreneurs in Turkey who have already exited sucessfully from his first startup itiraf.

Looking Ahead

com (confession site) Afterwards he founded Magnet ltd with Gittigidiyor founders (ebay has minority share in GG) they have launced local match making sites Istanbul. net, Ankara,net, Izmir. net, Sevgi. These sites focus on city based match making, and similar to match.

In last years they additionally launched new business uzmantv. com, which is video verison of about. Experts answer different questions in all subjects less then 3 minutes.

The lack of this model is income. They will soon launch expert academy and sell online education on uzmantv. We will be meeting on 21 th August Thursday in Cevahir Shopping Center at Schiller Cafe.

Etohum next meetup will be 21 th August 2008 Thursday at 17:30 -19:30 Cevahir Shopping Center at Schiller Cafe.

Key Insights

Further Perspectives

Looking Ahead

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