A guide to Türkiye's startup ecosystem: who provides what?
The main actors in Türkiye's startup ecosystem: public support, technoparks, incubators and accelerators, angels, funds, corporates and communities.
By Editorial Team
Türkiye's startup ecosystem has grown fast in recent years: globally successful gaming, e-commerce and fintech companies, more funds and broader support programmes. For founders, reaching the right resource at the right time starts with knowing how the ecosystem works.
Public support
- TÜBİTAK: grants for R&D and innovation; the BiGG programme for early founders
- KOSGEB: entrepreneurship and SME support
- Development agencies: regional programmes
- Ministry of Industry and Technology: technopark and R&D centre legislation
- Export support: various programmes for entering foreign markets
See our grants and support guide.
Technoparks and universities
Technoparks offer offices, tax advantages and university links; technology transfer offices help with patents, grants and business development. See our technopark guide.
Incubators and accelerators
University, municipal, corporate and independent programmes provide early mentoring, training and investor access. See our incubator vs accelerator guide.
Investors
- Angels and networks: the main early-stage source; see our angel network guide
- Venture funds: local and international; see our VC guide
- Corporate investors: banks, telecoms, retail and industrial companies; see our CVC guide
- Crowdfunding platforms: SPK-licensed equity crowdfunding; see our crowdfunding guide
- Funds of funds and public investment vehicles: support the ecosystem by backing funds.
Corporates
Large companies become customers and partners through open innovation programmes, pilots and acquisitions. See our B2B sales guide.
Communities and media
Founder communities, events, hackathons and ecosystem media matter for knowledge sharing and networking. See our networking and hackathon guides.
Regional diversity
Istanbul is the hub, but Ankara, Izmir, Kocaeli, Bursa, Eskişehir, Antalya and other cities have strong technoparks, universities and communities. Browse startups by city on our Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir pages.
The role of Türkiye Startups
Türkiye Startups is a free, bilingual platform connecting startups with reviewed profiles to investors, mentors and ecosystem organisations. List your startup and follow investors and opportunities in one place.
Conclusion
The ecosystem has many resources; what matters is using the right one at the right stage. Define your stage, clarify your need and connect with the right actors.
This guide is for general information only and is not legal, financial or investment advice. Check official sources and consult professionals for current terms.
