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.

Pitch Like The Finalists at Startup Turkey 2016: Menu for Tourists

Key Insights

Meet [Menu for Tourists](http://www. menufortourist. com/): Menu for Tourist is an app that helps the foreign tourist to find the menus of the best restaurants translated into their language.

Further Perspectives

It is very simple. The app lists the restaurants close to the tourist’s location that have been translated.

Looking Ahead

Upon clicking on the restaurant, the tourist will find all the basic information about it and its menu with all the prices listed. Choose what you want to order and show it to the server in the local language, thus putting an end to the communication problem between restaurants and tourists. With that solved, tourists and restaurants will be satisfied. Menu for Tourist: easy to order, easy to eat.

Founders: Melina Guelman, Gabriela Guelman, Leonardo Paula

Watch their final pitch in the video below and feel free to leave your comment in the comment section.

Key Insights

Further Perspectives

Looking Ahead

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