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.

Looking back: Reflections from Startup Turkey

To get a hint of the talks on stage that have outlasted the event and still continue to offer value to startup founders, investors and other budding entrepreneurs here are 3 of our favorite: [News is a purple cow! How often do you see purple cows? ](https://www.

com/embed/ZlccwU9E5Bc? autoplay=1) by Mike Butcher Editor at Large, Techcrunch. [Turkish unicorns: Million Dollar startups](https://www.

com/embed/QIW4oKWhVJE? autoplay=1) A great panel it was! [An interview with David Rose, CEO of Gust](https://www.

com/embed/XnLXCGrQmjc? autoplay=1) To get a glimpse of what perennnial attendees have to say about how much Startup Turkey has grown from the initial days, Pamir Gelembe of Hummingbird Ventures says it all below.

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