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.

Five Ways to Make Your Startup Rise above the Competition

Listen to your customers

Many entrepreneurs listens to their advisors and mentors, but forget to listen to the people, whose opinion truly matters – the customers. Make sure that you pay enough attention to the feedback that your business receives and try to communicate more effectively with your clients. Don’t forget that without them your startup will not be needed, so reconsider the way you communicate with your customers and focus on improving it.

Create awesome team

Now is the time to be the best version of yourself as an entrepreneur and to showcase your leadership skills. Choose your startup employees carefully and form the best team of people, who share your vision and compliment each other’s skill sets. Strong teams are unbeatable!

Know your strengths

Be aware of the things that make you stronger than your competition and use these advantages to outrun them. Concentrate on your strengths, but don’t ignore your weaknesses either. Look at the whole picture realistically and choose to work towards improving your weaknesses, not just obsessing about them.

Be innovative

Think out of the box when you create your business plan, your marketing strategy, when you develop your product and so on. Give the world something that nobody has ever seen before, something that brings value and solves problems and you will never have to worry about the competition.

Be flexible

Be ready to let go of the things that hold you back and limit you to achieve your full potential. Be ready to face failure and to accept the critiques that you will receive along your way. Be flexible in everything that you do, but never forget what inspired you to get started in first place.

[Pivot](http://www. startupist. com/2016/01/19/the-importance-of-pivoting-in-entrepreneurship/) when you need to and be brave to look forward and you will always be able to rise above the competition!