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

Falcolabs: A Complete Flight Assistance & Management System

Kosova Startup Ecosystem is Growing: Uranik Begu Interview

Iran Startup Ecosystem (Part 2): Hamidreza Ahmadi Interview

Awakening Of Heroes: The First MOBA Game on Oculus Rift Platform

Docido: The Smartest Search Engine for Your Clouds

Digital Out Of Home Advertising: ZAP!

Twitter is Officially Testing 'Buy' Button

Crowd Analyzer: A New Way of Monitoring Social Media in Arabic

LocName: A Shortcut for Your Address

Intellistats: Smart Users for Smart Phones

Greenoscope: A Marketplace for Green Building Projects

Easy Guitar: A Smart Way of Learning to Play Guitar

Footballoid: Social Network for Football Professionals

Iran Startup Ecosystem: Mohsen Malayeri Interview

Exceed Your Motion Limits with Magision's Holographic Technology

Dave McClure’s 4 Tips for the Perfect Startup Pitch

Alldaywifi: Wifi in Your Pocket

BethClip: Data Exchange With Single Click

Jens Pippig from ProSiebenSat.1 Accelerator will be at Startup Istanbul

Revive Your Printed Books with Booke

Easy Way to Create Hotel App: HotelinPocket

The Best Hostels in Istanbul

Eventtus: Socialize Your Event

CeeVee: Tinder of the Job Market