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.

Founder Central

Sunday International Column: Startups around the world #71

Awesome Growth Hacking Tools #41

Don’t "Fail" in Love with Your Product

Startup Turkey 2016: Special Interview with Elmira Bayrasli

Startup Turkey 2016: Special Interview with Peter Hopwood

Marketing Automation Tools That Will Make Your Life Easier #14

Startup Turkey 2016: Special Interview with Eamonn Carey

Startup Turkey 2016: Special Interview with Ross Kingsland

Startup Turkey 2016: Elmira Bayrasli on the Importance of the Question “Why?” in Entrepreneurship

Sunday International Column: Startups around the world #70

Awesome Growth Hacking Tools #40

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

Startup Turkey 2016: Special Interview with Murat Ozyegin

Startup Turkey 2016: Special Interview with Nevzat Aydin

Marketing Automation Tools That Can Make Your Life Easier #13

Special Interview with Cenk Soyak from AloTech

Special Interview with Hussam Hammo from Tamatem

The Most Popular Articles on Startupist for February, 2016

Last days for registration to Startup Turkey

Eamonn Carey: Advice and Insights for Entrepreneurs

Listen Your way to Success: 10 Ways to Have Better Conversations

Marketing Automation Tools That Can Make Your Life Easier #11

Ross Kingsland's Core Advice To Startups

An Interview With The author of Startup Rising, Christopher Schroeder