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.

15 Market Research Tools You Should Know About

All entrepreneurs know that it is essential to know well their market and in order to get the information they need they must do the right market research. Market researching is not a piece of cake and does require a lot of efforts, time and specific attention. Luckily, there are many online tools that can help you understand better your market and here you can find 15 of them.

Note: You can keep an eye on the competitors with these great tools.

15 Market Research Tools You Should Know About

Survey Monkey - Create surveys, get answers

SurveyPal - Transform your online surveys into great customer experiences

Survata - Consumer feedback for any business decision

VoicePolls - Ask. Answer. Discover.

Qualaroo - Get voice of customer insights that help your business grow.

Proved.co - Prove your product idea

BizStats - free business statistics and financial ratios

FreeLunch - Free economic, demographic & financial data

Ubersuggest - Get keyword ideas with Übersuggest

Loop11 - Online Usability Testing

Temper - Temper measures how your customers feel about your business so you know what to improve

Typeform - Forms done awesomely

Userlytics - Omni-Channel User Experience Testing

PersonApp - Isn’t it time you visualised your audience?