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.

Yemeksepeti CEO, Nevzat Aydin is a Keynote Speaker at Startup Turkey

The speakers at Startup Turkey are individuals who have achieved amazing things through their entrepreneurial journey and here we feature one of them from our line up. Nevzat Aydin is the CEO of [Yemeksepeti. com](https://www.

yemeksepeti. com/) Turkey’s biggest online food ordering service. He is a household name after co-founding this tech firm from as early as 2000 and guiding it to a mega acquisition in 2015. Many have asked if Nevzat is [“The Best Boss In The World?

”](http://www. independent. uk/news/business/news/yemeksepeti-turkish-tech-ceo-nevzat-aydin-hands-workers-bonuses-worth-17-after-sale-of-firm-10424378.

html) after he distributed huge equity in bonuses amongst employees after the sale of the company. Definitely, you can expect this and more juicy stories from his talk at Startup Turkey.

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