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.

The Most Important Articles on Startupist for March, 2016

Special Interview with Hussam Hammo from Tamatem

Hussam Hammo from Tamatem gave special interview for Etohum right after the finals of Startup Turkey 2016 Challenge. [Tamatem](http://tamatem. co/), which is the leading mobile game publishing platform for the Arabic speaking market, won the third place… continue [special interview with hussam hammo from tamatem on startupist.

com](http://www. startupist. com/2016/03/01/special-interview-with-hussam-hammo-from-tamatem/).

Startup Turkey 2016: Special Interview with Murat Ozyegin

Murat Ozyegin, who is Fiba Holding board member and Endeavor Turkey member, was one of the important people at [Startup Turkey](http://startupturkey. com/) 2016 Conference. In a special interview for Etohum, he shared his opinion about Startup Turkey event and talked about the potential of the Turkish entrepreneurial ecosystem and its importance for the startup scene in the whole region… continue [startupist.

com](http://www. startupist. com/2016/03/03/startup-turkey-2016-special-interview-with-murat-ozyegin/).

Marketing Automation Tools That Can Make Your Life Easier #13

To maximize the effects of your digital marketing strategy, it is important to use your time in the most effective way. To help you achieve the best results, here you can find three awesome marketing automation tools that will save you time and will increase the efficiency of your marketing strategy… continue [startupist.

com](http://www. startupist. com/2016/03/02/marketing-automation-tools-that-can-make-your-life-easier-13/).

Awesome Growth Hacking Tools #40

In this series, every Friday we will present to you three very useful growth hacking tools, which can help every entrepreneur in their way to achieving startup growth and success.

Helpshift

Helpshift is a mobile support platform that helps you to engage, support and expand your customer base… continue awesome growth hacking tools 40 on startupist.com.

Startup Turkey 2016: Special Interview with Nevzat Aydin

Nevzat Aydin is one of the most significant names in the entrepreneurial scene in Turkey. In a special interview for Etohum, the founder of [Yemeksepeti](https://www. yemeksepeti.

com/), the online food ordering company, which was sold to [Delivery Hero](http://www. deliveryhero. com/), talked about his work after the exit of Yemeksepeti and shared his opinion about [Startup Turkey](http://startupturkey.

com/) 2016 event… continue [startupist. com](http://www.

startupist. com/2016/03/03/startup-turkey-2016-special-interview-with-nevzat-aydin/).

Special Interview with Cenk Soyak from AloTech

In a special interview for Etohum, Cenk Soyak from [AloTech](http://www. alotech. com. tr/) introduced their startup and talked about their future plans to expand their business in the US market, and shared his experience and opinion about Startup Turkey event…

continue [special interview with cenk soyak from alotech on startupist. com](http://www. startupist. com/2016/03/02/special-interview-with-cenk-soyak-from-alotech/).

Startup Turkey 2016: Special Interview with Prof. Dr. Erhan Erkut

Prof. Dr. Erhan Erkut gave special interview for Etohum, in which he shared his opinion about the significance of Startup Turkey 2016 event by emphasizing on some important key points – the increased international presence, the improvement of the quality of pitches and the importance of Turkey for the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the region. He also talked about one of the biggest problems that the Turkish startups have – scalability…

continue [startupist. com](http://www. startupist. com/2016/03/04/startup-turkey-2016-special-interview-with-prof-dr-erhan-erkut/).

Startup Turkey 2016: Special Interview with Eamonn Carey

In a special interview for Etohum, Eamonn Carey, who is Entrepreneur in Residence in Techstars, shared his opinion about Startup Turkey Conference, explained why he thinks that the Turkish entrepreneurial system has a lot of potential and talked about the opportunities that Techstars give to the entrepreneurs… continue startupist.com.

Startup Turkey 2016: Special Interview with Ross Kingsland

Ross Kingsland, Founder and CEO of [Inception Business Solutions](http://inceptionbusinesssolutions. com/), was one of the speakers at Startup Turkey 2016 event. Ross Kingsland is an entrepreneur, speaker, and author, who writes about real psychology in business and entrepreneurship in the most understandable and approachable way… continue [startupist.

com](http://www. startupist. com/2016/03/08/startup-turkey-2016-special-interview-with-ross-kingsland/).

Startup Turkey 2016: Special Interview with Cankut Durgun

In a special interview for Etohum, Cankut Durgun, Founding Partner at [Aslanoba Capital](http://www. aslanobacapital. com/team-members/), shared his opinion about Startup Turkey 2016 Conference, compared the Turkish entrepreneurial ecosystem with the rest by emphasizing on the key differences and pinpointing the main challenges that the Turkish ecosystem faces, and gave valuable advice to all entrepreneurs… continue [startupist.

com](http://www. startupist. com/2016/03/09/startup-turkey-2016-special-interview-with-cankut-durgun/).