Top 20 Startups in Turkey: Innovators Leading the Charge
Top 20 Startups in Turkey: Innovators Leading the Charge
Turkey’s startup ecosystem is vibrant and full of potential, with companies pioneering innovative solutions across various industries. From fintech to e-commerce, these top 20 startups are transforming Turkey’s business landscape. Here’s an in-depth look at some of Turkey’s most promising startups, including their industry, founders, year of foundation, and valuation.
1. Getir
Industry: Delivery & Logistics
Founders: Nazim Salur, Tuncay Tütek
Year of Foundation: 2015
Valuation: $7.5 billion
Getir is a rapid delivery service that promises groceries in minutes. Known for its convenience and speed, Getir has expanded beyond Turkey and is making a global impact.
2. Peak Games
Industry: Mobile Gaming
Founders: Sidar Şahin
Year of Foundation: 2010
Valuation: $1.8 billion
Peak Games is a mobile gaming company known for hit games like Toon Blast and Toy Blast. It was acquired by Zynga in 2020, marking one of the largest deals in the Turkish startup scene.
3. Trendyol
Industry: E-commerce
Founders: Demet Mutlu
Year of Foundation: 2010
Valuation: $16.5 billion
Trendyol is a leading e-commerce platform in Turkey, offering a wide range of products from fashion to electronics. It has become a household name in Turkish online shopping.
4. Insider
Industry: Marketing Tech
Founders: Hande Çilingir, Arda Kertmelioğlu
Year of Foundation: 2012
Valuation: $1.2 billion
Insider provides a customer experience platform that helps brands predict and personalize customer journeys. It’s known for its AI-driven technology and global client base.
5. Modanisa
Industry: Fashion E-commerce
Founders: Kerim Türe
Year of Foundation: 2011
Valuation: $150 million
Modanisa is a global e-commerce platform specializing in modest fashion. It caters to a growing market of fashion-conscious women who prefer modest clothing styles.
6. iyzico
Industry: Fintech
Founders: Barbaros Özbuğutu, Tahsin Isın
Year of Foundation: 2013
Valuation: $165 million
iyzico provides secure payment solutions for online businesses and marketplaces. It was acquired by PayU in 2019, enhancing its reach and capabilities.
7. BuldumBuldum
Industry: E-commerce
Founders: Güçlü Gökozan
Year of Foundation: 2012
Valuation: $30 million
BuldumBuldum is an online platform for personalized gifts and unique products. It has become a popular destination for shoppers looking for creative and custom items.
8. Kobaküs
Industry: Fintech
Founders: Erdem Yurdanur
Year of Foundation: 2018
Valuation: $12 million
Kobaküs offers a financial management platform for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It simplifies accounting, invoicing, and financial planning for businesses.
9. Vivense
Industry: Home & Furniture
Founders: Kemal Erol
Year of Foundation: 2013
Valuation: $400 million
Vivense is an online furniture and home decor platform. It offers a wide range of stylish and affordable products, along with a unique showroom experience.
10. Hadi
Industry: Mobile Gaming
Founders: İlker Çatak
Year of Foundation: 2018
Valuation: $25 million
Hadi is a live mobile trivia game that offers real-time contests and cash prizes. It has gained a large following in Turkey and is known for its engaging and interactive format.
11. Scotty
Industry: Transportation
Founders: Tarkan Anlar
Year of Foundation: 2017
Valuation: $50 million
Scotty provides motorcycle taxi and delivery services in urban areas. It offers a quick and efficient alternative to traditional transportation and delivery methods.
12. MedikalHub
Industry: HealthTech
Founders: Dr. Emre Aydın
Year of Foundation: 2017
Valuation: $20 million
MedikalHub is an online platform that connects patients with healthcare providers for consultations and medical services. It aims to make healthcare more accessible and convenient.
13. Bisu
Industry: HealthTech
Founders: Berkay Oğuz, Enes Aydın
Year of Foundation: 2016
Valuation: $18 million
Bisu offers smart hydration and health monitoring solutions. Its flagship product, a smart bottle, tracks water intake and provides personalized hydration recommendations.
14. Kolay İK
Industry: HR Tech
Founders: Ahmet Kayıhan, Alper Toper
Year of Foundation: 2014
Valuation: $30 million
Kolay İK provides human resources management solutions for businesses. Its platform helps companies streamline HR processes, including payroll, leave management, and performance tracking.
15. Paraşüt
Industry: Fintech
Founders: Sean Yu, Emre Aydın
Year of Foundation: 2013
Valuation: $45 million
Paraşüt offers cloud-based accounting and financial management software for SMEs. It simplifies bookkeeping, invoicing, and financial reporting for small businesses.
16. Mutlubiev
Industry: Home Services
Founders: Tom Jarman, Nilüfer Durak
Year of Foundation: 2014
Valuation: $10 million
Mutlubiev is an online platform that connects customers with professional cleaning services. It aims to provide reliable and high-quality home cleaning solutions.
17. Pisano
Industry: Customer Experience
Founders: Ozkan Demir, Özkan Demir
Year of Foundation: 2014
Valuation: $35 million
Pisano offers a customer experience management platform that helps businesses gather feedback and improve customer satisfaction. Its tools are used by companies to enhance their customer service.
18. Sinemia
Industry: Entertainment
Founders: Rıfat Oğuz
Year of Foundation: 2015
Valuation: $50 million
Sinemia is a subscription-based movie ticket service that offers discounted cinema tickets. It provides an affordable way for movie enthusiasts to enjoy films at various theaters.
19. OpsGenie
Industry: IT Services
Founders: Berkay Mollamustafaoğlu
Year of Foundation: 2012
Valuation: $295 million
OpsGenie provides incident management solutions for IT teams. It helps organizations respond to and resolve IT issues quickly and efficiently.
20. BluTV
Industry: Media & Entertainment
Founders: Aydın Doğan Yalçındağ
Year of Foundation: 2015
Valuation: $200 million
BluTV is a leading streaming platform offering a wide range of Turkish TV shows, movies, and original content. It has become a popular choice for entertainment in Turkey.
Conclusion
Turkey’s startup scene is thriving with these top 20 companies leading the charge in various industries. From rapid delivery and e-commerce to health tech and entertainment, these startups are not only transforming the local market but also making a mark on the global stage. Keep an eye on these innovators as they continue to drive progress and shape the future of Turkey’s entrepreneurial landscape!
