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.

Startup Challenge Announcement (Who will take the stage?)

Selected startups will have a place on stage at the Startup Istanbul event on 30th of September to all Venture Capitals and Angel Investors. Get Your Tickets Now.

Startup Istanbul offers a great chance for startups to get guidance, advice and assistance from the top mentors who have a real world point-of-view. We have received a high number of applications and there are really many promising startups and entrepreneurs at this year. Mentorship & Training is an exciting program that helps entrepreneurs through the transition of their companies from a startup to a big company.

Key Insights

The program will ensure startups have a network of mentors and inspire them to become a successful companies in their business fields. They will participate many trainings and get a realistic preview of what to expect, and a set of strategies to help them succeed. [](/uploads/2014/08/MS_1. jpg/)Startup Challenge at Microsoft Istanbul Office Selected 100 startups will gather in Istanbul and meet the best mentors from US and Europe.

On 29th of September all startups will pitch to the jury and 20 of them will have a place on stage at the [Startup Istanbul](http://wwww. Startupistanbul. Mentorship & Training program will start on the 27th of September with a 2-day intensive training for the selected startups.

The trainings will be held in the Microsoft Office Istanbul. After the trainings the startups will pitch to the jury on the 29th of September to get the pitching spots at Startup Istanbul, will be located at Lutfi Kirdar Congress Center.

Further Perspectives

Only the startups who have attended to the trainings and selected by the jury will be able to pitch on stage at Startup Istanbul

Here is the program:

27 September Saturday

Looking Ahead

09:00 Welcome & Networking + Coffee 09:45 Burak Buyukdemir - Etohum 10:00 Marvin Liao - 500Startups 10:30 Vitaly Golomb 11:00 Networking Break 11:15 Bas Van den Beld 11:45 Eren Bali - Udemy 12:30 Lunch 1 Paralel Session 2 Paralel Session 14:00 7 Startups Pitch - Mentoring 7 Startups Pitch - Mentoring 15:30 Networking Break 16:00 7 Startups Pitch - Mentoring 7 Startups Pitch - Mentoring 17:30 Networking & Closing 20:00 Mentors Dinner - Invitation only

28 September Sunday

09:30 Welcome & Networking + Coffee 10:00 Ozan Sonmez 10:30 Adam Berk 11:00 Networking Break 11:15 Mike Reiner 11:45 Gary Stewart 12:30 Lunch 1 Paralel Session 2 Paralel Session 14:00 7 Startups Pitch - Mentoring 7 Startups Pitch - Mentoring 15:30 Networking Break 16:00 7 Startups Pitch - Mentoring 7 Startups Pitch - Mentoring 17:30 Networking & Closing 20:00 Mentors Dinner - Invitation only

29 September Monday

09:00 Welcome & Networking + Coffee 1 Paralel Session 2 Paralel Session 09:30 15 Startups Pitch 15 Startups Pitch 11:00 Networking Break 11:30 15 Startups Pitch 15 Startups Pitch 13:00 Lunch 1 Paralel Session 2 Paralel Session 14:30 10 Startups Pitch 10 Startups Pitch 15:30 Networking Break 16:00 10 Startups Pitch 10 Startups Pitch 17:30 Final Startups Announced 20:00 VIP Dinner - Invitation only

Key Insights

Further Perspectives

Looking Ahead

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