Refund Policy

Refund Policy

Last Updated: February 22, 2026

This Refund Policy applies to all ticket purchases, sponsorship packages, and paid services offered by Startup Istanbul, operated by Etohum Bilişim Teknolojileri Yatırım ve Ticaret A.Ş. ("Company," "we," "us," or "our"). By purchasing any ticket or service, you agree to the terms outlined below.

1. Event Ticket Refunds

Full Refund (More than 30 days before the event):

  • Cancellations made more than 30 days before the event date are eligible for a full refund minus any processing fees charged by the payment provider.
  • Refund requests must be submitted in writing to tickets@startupistanbul.com.

Partial Refund (15–30 days before the event):

  • Cancellations made between 15 and 30 days before the event are eligible for a 50% refund.

No Refund (Less than 15 days before the event):

  • Cancellations made fewer than 15 days before the event are not eligible for a refund.
  • However, tickets may be transferred to another attendee at no additional charge. See Section 3 below.

2. Sponsorship Packages

  • Sponsorship cancellations made more than 60 days before the event are eligible for a full refund minus a 10% administrative fee.
  • Cancellations made between 30 and 60 days before the event are eligible for a 50% refund.
  • Cancellations made fewer than 30 days before the event are not eligible for a refund.
  • Custom sponsorship deliverables that have already been produced (printed materials, branded items, etc.) are non-refundable.

3. Ticket Transfers

  • All ticket types are transferable to another person at no extra charge.
  • Transfer requests must be submitted at least 48 hours before the event.
  • To transfer a ticket, email tickets@startupistanbul.com with the original purchaser's name and the new attendee's details.

4. Event Cancellation or Postponement by Startup Istanbul

If Startup Istanbul cancels or postpones an event:

  • Cancellation: All ticket holders will receive a full refund within 30 business days.
  • Postponement: Tickets will automatically transfer to the new date. If you cannot attend the rescheduled event, you may request a full refund within 14 days of the postponement announcement.
  • Format Change (In-Person to Online): If an event is moved from in-person to a virtual format, ticket holders may request a full refund within 14 days of the announcement, or choose to attend the virtual event.

5. Force Majeure

In the event of circumstances beyond our reasonable control (including but not limited to natural disasters, pandemics, government restrictions, war, or civil unrest), Startup Istanbul may cancel or modify events. In such cases, we will make commercially reasonable efforts to provide alternative solutions, which may include rescheduling, virtual attendance options, or credit toward future events. Full refunds may not be available in force majeure situations, but we will work with attendees on a case-by-case basis.

6. How to Request a Refund

To request a refund, please follow these steps:

  1. Send an email to tickets@startupistanbul.com with the subject line "Refund Request"
  2. Include your full name, order/confirmation number, and the event name
  3. State the reason for your refund request
  4. Allow up to 14 business days for your request to be processed

Approved refunds will be returned to the original payment method. Processing times may vary depending on your bank or payment provider.

7. Chargebacks

We encourage all customers to contact us directly before initiating a chargeback with their bank or credit card company. Filing a chargeback without first contacting us may result in delays and additional fees. We are committed to resolving disputes fairly and promptly.

8. Changes to This Policy

We reserve the right to update this Refund Policy at any time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Last Updated" date. The policy in effect at the time of your purchase will apply to that transaction.

9. Contact

For refund inquiries or questions about this policy, please contact us: