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.

Co-Founder of Udemy, Eren Bali's Startup Istanbul Talk

Key Insights

Eren Bali graduated from Middle East Technical University, Department of Computer Engineering. He worked as developer at gunlukbasin. com, dovetail.

Further Perspectives

tv, and bitgravity. He was the CEO and co-founder at Eofer and Knowband. Later he founded the SpeedDate.

Looking Ahead

com, and worked as director of engineering. He worked as advisor at pikkoo, mydipp. He is the co-founder of [Udemy](http://udemy.

com), and worked as CEO until April 2014. Currently he is the chairman of Udemy and giving consultancy to Waplog.

Eren talked about Udemy and some steps to launch a successful startup. He also give examples about his previous experiences as an entrepreneur. You can watch the full talk here:

Eren Bali - Startup Istanbul - 30 September 2014

Key Insights

Further Perspectives

Looking Ahead

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