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.

Three Habits That Lead to Terrible Decisions

The habits that entrepreneurs have more or less shape the course of their startups. There are some habits that can help your business, but there are some daily habits that can be harmful for it. Here you will find three habits that can lead to terrible decisions and what you can do to ditch them.

Bad habit: Never listen well to their teams. Many entrepreneurs tend to overlook the information, which comes from their team members and ignore their ideas, suggestions and opinions. Try to really hear what the people have to say. Sometimes you may overlook important details, which can lead you to taking bad decision.
Bad habit: Try to please everyone. Many entrepreneurs try to take decisions that will please everyone. The problem is that sometimes what is right for your company is not what others would like to hear. Often you will piss people off, but this is probably a sign that you are going to the right direction.
Bad habit: Procrastination as a result of messiness. If you are messy in a way that does not affect the outcomes of it, it is probably OK. But if you are too messy and can’t seem to organize not only your notes, but also your thoughts, it can be very distracting. Being messy can easily backfire to you, because it may be the reason why you have missed out on an important opportunity, missed a deadline or overlooked some game-changing details.

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