Is Turkey a Good Place to Launch a Startup?

Where you start your company still matters – but sticking too closely to one location might limit what you’re able to build. In today’s startup landscape, geography shapes your path – but it doesn’t have to define your potential.

Turkey has emerged as a strong hub for entrepreneurship, offering access to funding, talent, and infrastructure. But with growing competition, rigid local programmes, and support often reserved for the most polished startups, relying solely on what’s nearby can slow you down – or hold you back.

In this article, we’ll explore what Turkey gets right – and where founders often run into friction. We’ll also show how EWOR offers an alternative: a global, remote-first platform that gives you access to funding, mentorship, and community – no matter where you’re based.

1. Access to Funding in Turkey

Funding is one of the most critical ingredients in building a successful startup – and Turkey offers a growing ecosystem of support. From venture capital firms to government grants and angel investors, founders in this region have several pathways to raise capital and gain early traction.

Turkey's early-stage startup funding scene is dynamic, supported by various players. Notable VC firms like Revo Capital, 212, and Collective Spark are active, alongside angel networks such as Galata Business Angels (GBA) and TRAngels. The government also plays a role through initiatives like the TÜBİTAK BiGG program, which provides pre-seed investments and R&D grants. Despite a surge in early-stage investments in recent years, including a record high in 2023 at $255 million, challenges persist. A significant hurdle is the seed-stage funding gap, with a notably lower percentage of Turkish startups reaching Series A compared to European counterparts. Additionally, some reports indicate a slowdown in overall deal volume in early 2024, influenced by global uncertainties and rising interest rates, although Q1 2025 saw an increase in deal volume compared to the previous year. Access to finance, particularly for capital-intensive deep tech startups, remains a challenge in a market that sometimes favors quicker revenue generation.

A More Flexible Path Forward

In the wake of these challenges, founders don’t have to rely solely on local funding options. EWOR offers a more flexible path – providing up to €500,000 in early-stage capital But EWOR is more than a cheque. Our capital comes bundled with personalised support, investor-ready storytelling, and access to a network of over 400 active European investors – many of whom regularly participate in our Grand Pitch events. On average, EWOR fellows who complete the programme and pitch go on to raise €2 million in follow-on funding – over 10x more than founders from comparable European initiatives.

2. Innovation and Startup Culture  

Turkey has become a centre of innovation, with numerous tech hubs, coworking spaces, and accelerators that foster creativity and new ideas. The local startup culture is vibrant, with a growing community of entrepreneurs working together to push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Turkey has a vibrant and rapidly evolving startup and innovation ecosystem, driven by a young population and increasing investment. Cities like Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir are significant hubs. There is a strong presence of coworking spaces and technoparks across the country, providing affordable environments and fostering a startup culture. Numerous tech events, conferences, and summits are held regularly, covering various sectors and offering networking opportunities. Entrepreneurial activity is resilient, with a notable rate of self-employment and a stable share of job creators. While early-stage entrepreneurial activity has been lower compared to some other developing countries, there's a higher number of established businesses. The ecosystem is increasingly supportive of early-stage founders, with a growing number of accelerators, incubators, and venture capital funds specifically targeting them, offering mentorship, funding, and operational support alongside more standardized programs. Government initiatives also play a role in supporting startups. Access to funding and scaling to international markets remain areas for improvement for early-stage companies.

For many entrepreneurs, the energy and resources available in Turkey can provide the ideal environment to test new ideas and gain early traction. The collaborative atmosphere allows founders to connect with fellow innovators and build networks that can help their startups grow.

While the local startup culture is vibrant, the support founders actually receive can be hit or miss. VCs might offer funding but little time. Angel investors often give advice, but it’s scattered and inconsistent. What’s more, many accelerators rely on a one-size-fits-all model that doesn’t reflect the needs of exceptional founders. In fast-moving, competitive ecosystems like Turkey, standing out is hard enough – getting the right kind of support shouldn’t be.

The Alternative to Cookie-Cutter Programmes

Finding a programme that truly adapts to your journey, not the other way around, is rare. However, EWOR offers the kind of depth and flexibility that many local programmes simply can’t match. Instead of following a fixed curriculum, our fellowships are modular and tailored – giving you the right support at the right time, based on where you are in your journey.

But the real strength of EWOR goes beyond structure. Fellows often describe the community as the most unexpected – and valuable – part of the experience. As some have put it: “The real magic lies in the community: the kind of conversations, insights, and connections that lead not only to breakthroughs – but to lasting friendships with some of the most fascinating people they’ve ever met”.

3. Talent and Workforce Availability

One of the greatest assets of launching a startup in Turkey is access to a skilled and diverse talent pool. With universities producing top-tier graduates in technology, business, and other fields, startups can tap into a wealth of expertise to help grow their teams.

Turkey has a growing and skilled talent pool for startups, supported by strong educational institutions like METU, ITU, and Boğaziçi University, which offer robust tech programs and foster entrepreneurship. These universities contribute significantly to the workforce, particularly in engineering and technology fields. Industry-specific skills are increasingly available, with a rising number of professionals in areas like software development, AI, cybersecurity, and data analytics. While some niche areas may have fewer experts, the overall tech talent pool is expanding rapidly. Local talent supports entrepreneurial growth through a proactive approach, a strong sense of community, and a focus on scaling startups. Government initiatives and technoparks further connect startups with skilled individuals and resources, contributing to a thriving ecosystem despite challenges like brain drain.

Like funding, competition for talent can be fierce, especially for highly specialised roles in fields like software development or AI. For startups looking to scale quickly, hiring the right people at the right time can be a challenge, leading some founders to look outside the region for remote talent solutions.

Get Global While Local

While hiring locally in Turkey can be competitive and slow, EWOR gives you instant access to a global network of exceptional talent. Built by founders for founders, the EWOR team has launched and exited companies worth over €12 billion – and they bring that experience directly into your venture. It's not just about funding or surface-level advice; it's akin to having a co-founder from day one. 

The team collaborates closely with you to refine your idea, challenge your thinking, and support you through real-world decisions – just like a hands-on partner would. Moreover, with EWOR’s exclusive co-founder pool, you can find the right person to build with, regardless of their location.

4. Infrastructure and Support Systems

Turkey boasts a strong infrastructure that supports the growth of new businesses. From modern office spaces to high-speed internet, entrepreneurs have access to everything they need to run their startups smoothly. Government policies may also provide tax breaks, legal support, and other incentives that make starting a business more attractive in this region.

Turkey offers a robust ecosystem for startups, featuring numerous incubators and accelerators like ITU Çekirdek and Startupbootcamp Istanbul that provide mentorship, networking, and funding access. The infrastructure includes technoparks offering tax breaks and infrastructure support. Government initiatives significantly bolster the ecosystem. TÜBİTAK's BİGG program supports technology-oriented ideas from inception to market with grants and investment. KOSGEB provides grants and training to SMEs and entrepreneurs across various stages and sectors. Programs like Turcorn 100 aim to foster unicorns, while the Türkiye Tech Visa attracts international talent. These resources collectively help startups launch, grow, and scale.

But what looks good on paper often proves more complicated in practice. Bureaucracy can be time-consuming and opaque, especially for first-time founders unfamiliar with local laws. Incorporation takes longer than expected. Accessing public funding often means navigating slow processes, strict requirements, or hard-to-reach advisors. And operational costs – from accounting to regulatory compliance – can quickly eat into early budgets. 

A System That Moves With You

With access to expert guidance, practical legal resources, and a network of experienced entrepreneurs who’ve built across a range of regulatory systems, EWOR is well positioned to help founders navigate the bureaucratic and legal complexities that often come with building in Turkey. Instead of wasting time figuring things out alone, you’ll have the tools and support to stay focused on what matters most – growing your venture.

And while we’re remote-first, our support is anything but distant. Through in-person gatherings like the EWOR House, city-based meetups, and our twice-yearly Grand Pitch event, you’ll still build meaningful relationships with investors, peers, and mentors. It’s a system that helps you focus on building – not just dealing with paperwork.

Can Turkey Be Considered the Best Place to Launch a Startup?

There’s no doubt that Turkey provides a vibrant environment for startups, with access to funding, innovation, talent, and infrastructure that can help entrepreneurs build successful businesses. For many, it’s a strong contender for the best place to launch a startup, thanks to its growing entrepreneurial ecosystem and support systems.

Entrepreneurs launching startups in Turkey face several challenges. Competition is intensifying as the ecosystem matures, with both local and international players vying for market share. While the cost of living can be relatively lower compared to major European cities, currency fluctuations can impact business costs, particularly for imported goods. Regulatory hurdles and bureaucracy remain significant obstacles, including complex and time-consuming processes for obtaining permits and licenses, navigating labor laws, and data protection regulations. Accessing funding can also be challenging, especially for early-stage startups.

However, it’s important to remember that the location of a startup is no longer the be-all and end-all. In today’s digital age, location-independent options like EWOR allow entrepreneurs to access world-class mentorship, funding, and resources from anywhere in the world. Whether you’re based in Turkey or elsewhere, EWOR’s remote programmes are designed to support founders no matter where they are located.

So, while Turkey offers significant advantages, it’s worth considering options like EWOR that enable you to launch and scale your startup with global support – whether you’re in the heart of a bustling startup hub or working from a quiet corner of the world.

Image credits: by Andreas Brücker on Unsplash