Turkey is an important economic hub and has strong ties with Europe and the Middle East. Its large domestic market makes it an attractive investment base.
Due to the recent economic downturn and political tensions international investors tend to reduce their exposure. However, investment appetite seems to be picking up again.
Startups received $59,2 million from angels and venture capital funds. Top 3 funded startups were online marketing management platform Insider, online accounting services provider Foriba and online furniture store Vivense.
Trendyol, OpsGenie, and Gram Games made the biggest exits in 2018
Earlybird, Hummingbird, and 3TS have Turkey dedicated funds. Revo Capital, Bogazici Ventures and ACT Capital Partners are among the most active local venture capital firms. Aslanoba is the country’s first super angel with $60 million seed and early-stage investments in startups. Galata Business Angels also established the first angel network.
European Investment Fund, European Bank of Reconstruction and Development and International Finance Corporation have a strong presence in Turkey and invest in startups directly or indirectly.
Turkey’s most active private equity firms Turkven and Actera are both seeking to raise new funds of over $1 billion each.