Istanbul Slush'D: Brought Turkish Entrepreneurship to the Global Stage

Istanbul Slush'D Makes Turkey's Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Global

Started in Helsinki in 2008 by a few students on a voluntary basis, Slush is now one of the most influential entrepreneurship gatherings in Europe. The Istanbul Slush'D, held for the first time in Turkey, brought together over 1000 entrepreneurs, investors, and technology leaders in Istanbul, increasing the international visibility of Turkey's entrepreneurship ecosystem. The event was supported by 60 volunteer students and recent graduates, providing participants with career and networking opportunities.

The Heart of Entrepreneurship Beat in Istanbul for Two Days

The event, held at the Rixos Tersane on October 3-4, kicked off with opening speeches from prominent figures like Burak Dağlıoğlu. Leaders from global investment funds such as a16z, Aldea Ventures, Blossom Capital, and many others attended. This significant event was shaped around three main themes with the aim of making Turkey a rising power center: resilient founders, innovation, and collaborations.

The Focus of Global and Local Investors

Notable figures at the event included Lucanus Polagnoli, Founding Partner of Calm Storm, Melis Kahya Akar, General Manager of General Atlantic, and Feyza Haskaraman, Investor at Menlo Ventures. Additionally, investors like 212, HV Capital, and Endeavor made significant contributions. Throughout the event, over 400 investors matched with more than 650 entrepreneurs.

Vision to Create New Opportunities and Collaborations

Istanbul Slush’D Founder Şan Yalman emphasized the significance of the event for Turkey, stating that hosting global investors presents a great opportunity. Melisa Çağlar highlighted the aim of this initiative to represent Turkey on the international stage.

We believe this important gathering will create new business opportunities for both investors and entrepreneurs.