Question 1

What is Startup Istanbul?

Accepted Answer

Startup Istanbul is a startup ecosystem platform connecting founders, investors, and operators — built around discovery, connections, and founder-focused support.

Question 2

Are you currently organizing events?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

How can I apply with my startup?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 4

What is StartupIst Ventures Fund I?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

What is Etohum?

Accepted Answer

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).

Question 6

Who is Burak Büyükdemir?

Accepted Answer

Burak Büyükdemir is the founder of Etohum and Startup Istanbul, and the founder of StartupIst Ventures Fund I (global early-stage investing).

Question 7

How do you work with founders today?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 8

Do you offer sponsorship or partnership opportunities?

Accepted Answer

Yes. For sponsorships, partnerships, or co-investing inquiries, please contact us via email at startupistanbul.com/contact.

Blog

Michael Seibel (Y-Combinator) Interview-Startup Istanbul 2014

Lean Kanban Istanbul 2014 Speakers Are Announced

Mastercard and Etohum Partnership to Support ''Fintech'' Startups

Marketing VP of Eventbrite, Marion Gamel's Startup Istanbul Talk

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The Smallest Printing Pen in the World, LIX Pen's Presentation at Startup Istanbul

Co-Founder of The Next Web, Boris Veldhuijzen Van Zanten's Startup Istanbul Talk

Founder of Dealroom, Yoram Wijngaarde’s Startup Istanbul Talk

Founder of KISSmetrics, Neil Patel Interview About Growth Hacking

Co-Founder of Udemy, Eren Bali's Startup Istanbul Talk

Microsoft Ventures GM, Rahul Sood's Startup Istanbul Talk

Adam Berk Interview-Startup Istanbul 2014

Philipp Kandal Main Stage Presentation: Kick Ass from An Emerging Market!

What VCs Really Want? (Learn from Startup Istanbul VCs)

Carlos Conde (Amazon Web Services) Interview-Startup Istanbul 2014

Dave McClure (500 Startups) Interview-Startup Istanbul 2014

Jason Ball (Qualcomm Ventures) Interview-Startup Istanbul 2014

Lean Kanban Istanbul 2014 is Starting

Andy Tsao (Silicon Valley Bank) Interview-Startup Istanbul 2014

Gary Parnell (SAP Startup Focus) Interview-Startup Istanbul 2014