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.

Learn about Venture Capital, Financial Accounting, Entrepreneurship Opportunities and more on edX

Introduction to Venture Capital: How to get money for your startup

Learn about venture capitalists and what they can do for your business, how to choose the right venture capitalists for your startup, how to pitch your ideas to them, what a Term Sheet is and many other valuable things, which can be useful when you start raising money for your startup.

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Having some knowledge on accounting and finance in general is very important for entrepreneurs, who are building a business from scratch. Save yourself many troubles and learn about the fundamentals of financial accounting from this course.

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This course is part of MIT’s Entrepreneurship Program and gives valuable lessons on entrepreneurship. It can be very useful, especially for first-time entrepreneurs.

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By summarizing their startup knowledge in 6 easy steps, serial entrepreneurs Michael Stonebraker and Andy Palmer teach us how to start in the tech industry more prepared.