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.

100 Entrepreneurs From 65 Countries Came together on Startup Turkey

Annually hosted Startup Turkey, which has grown to become one of the biggest tech convergences worldwide for 11 years and running, held on the 26-29t of April in Istanbul this year. This year, 130,000 entrepreneurs applied to Startup Turkey 2019. Many entrepreneurs from all corners of the world, strong names that drive various industry sectors, companies and investors all came together to be a part of Startup Turkey 2019.

100 Entrepreneurs From 65 Countries Came together on Startup Turkey - Day2

Turkey’s leading accelerator program and seed investor organization, Etohum’s 11th Startup Turkey event brought over 1000 participants, more than 150 investors and 100 entrepreneurs together between 26th and 29th of April at UNIQ Istanbul.

The Startup Turkey 2019 event hosted entrepreneurs from many parts of the world. 100 entrepreneurs from a span of 65 countries were selected from 130,000 startup applications. During the event, the selected entrepreneurs met with global technology firms, companies in Etohum Investor Club, and leading investors.

Investors and risk capital companies got the chance to listen and invest in the entrepreneurs they got attracted to. Leading names if the industry also gave information about developments and their sector’s performance of the last year through panel sessions and speeches.

100 Entrepreneurs From 65 Countries Came together on Startup Turkey - IMG 4453 1 1024x683

Founder of Etohum, Burak Büyükdemir commented on the 11th Startup Turkey: “Startup Turkey continues to grow every year. Especially last 5 years, the event channeled 100 million dollars’ worth investment to 30 entrepreneurs. Startup Turkey continues to be an event which entrepreneurs excitedly awaits because of this. I believe Startup Turkey will continue to be one of the most important entrepreneurship events of the world.”

For more information about Startup Turkey event: http://www.startupturkey.com/

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