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.

Listen to Eren Bali, CEO of Udemy, at Startup Istanbul Conference

Key Insights

Learn about to launch a successful E-Learning Company, by Udemy co-founder-Eren Bali in Startup Istanbul. Get your** Early Bird Tickets**

Further Perspectives

Eren Bali was the ! [download](/uploads/2014/08/download. jpg)co-founder and CEO of Udemy, the largest marketplace for [online courses.

Looking Ahead

](http://blog. startupistanbul. com/2014/08/04/the-benefits-of-e-learning/)Over 10 thousand instructor teach courses on Udemy to 3.

5 million students. Udemy is based in San Francisco and has raised $48 million dollars from venture capitalists.

Eren recently stepped down from the CEO position to focus entirely on innovating how people learn on demand. Prior to Udemy, Eren worked as a developer at gunlukbasin. com, dovetail.

tv, and bitgravity. Eren also worked at SpeedDate (acquired by IAC) as a founding engineer. Eren graduated from METU (Turkey) with a degree in Computer Science and a double major degree in Mathematics.

He won several awards in Mathematics, Physics and CS including a 2nd position in International Mathematical Olympiads. He was also listed in prestigious Forbes 30 Under 30 list in 2014.

Key Insights

Further Perspectives

Looking Ahead

Stay Updated