Turkey's Top 10 Startups That Tech Professionals Should Watch Out For in 2024

By Chevas Balloun

Last Updated: August 6th 2024

Top 10 Turkish Startups Tech Professionals Should Watch for in 2024

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Turkey's startup ecosystem is booming in 2024, with a robust 18% growth from last year. Top startups like Getir, Trendyol, Peak Games, and Insider have spearheaded this surge, securing over $1.6 billion in funding. Key sectors include e-commerce, fintech, gaming, and IoT, driven by over 800,000 skilled software developers and strategic government initiatives.

Turkey's startup scene is on fire in 2024! According to the latest stats, the country now has an insane 5,927 active startups, up a whopping 18% from last year.

They've already raked in over $1.6 billion in funding, nearly double what they scored in 2023! This surge is being fueled by a perfect storm of skilled tech talent (we're talking over 800K software devs), government backing with initiatives like the Entrepreneurship Strategy pumping in $660 mil to nurture innovation, and global investors going gaga over promising Turkish startups.

To curate our top 10 list, we looked at key metrics like funding raised, revenue growth, user base expansion, and that all-important market disruption potential across hot sectors like e-commerce, fintech, gaming, and more.

As the CEO of unicorn Getir, Thomas Thomas puts it, "The Turkish startup ecosystem is at an inflection point, and the companies that can scale rapidly while staying laser-focused on innovation will be the ones to watch out for." And that's exactly what these startups are primed to do - make some serious waves and turn heads in 2024! So buckle up, because this ride is about to get wild.

Table of Contents

  • Getir: The On-Demand Delivery Giant
  • Trendyol: E-commerce Excellence
  • Peak Games: Revolutionizing Mobile Gaming
  • Insider: Personalization and Predictive Marketing
  • Colendi: Leading Fintech Innovation
  • BiTaksi: Transforming Urban Mobility
  • MikroTasarim: Pioneering IoT Solutions
  • Evreka: Smart Waste Management Solutions
  • Pisano: Enhancing Customer Experience
  • Bizim Hesap: Simplifying Financial Management for SMEs
  • Frequently Asked Questions

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Getir: The On-Demand Delivery Giant

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Check this out! Getir, the super dope on-demand delivery app, was started back in 2015 by a crew of go-getters - Nazim Salur, Tuncay Tutek, and Serkan Borancili.

These guys had a crazy vision to get groceries and essentials delivered to your crib in just 10 minutes! Born and raised in Istanbul, Getir's growth has been insane, all thanks to their game-changing business model and convenience factor that's off the charts.

At the heart of their success is cutting-edge tech that makes lightning-fast deliveries possible through a network of urban warehouses and dedicated couriers. Here's what made Getir a total gamechanger:

  • Real-Time Inventory Management: Using data analytics like a boss, Getir optimizes stock levels across their micro-fulfillment centers, ensuring your orders are fulfilled almost instantly.
  • Killer Routing Algorithms: Their algorithms are so sick, combining traffic patterns, courier availability, and customer locations to create the most efficient delivery routes ever.
  • User Experience That Slaps: The Getir app is a total breeze to use, with features like location tracking and one-click ordering that redefine the on-demand game.

In Turkey, Getir is a straight-up household name, dominating the delivery market like a boss.

Globally, their model has inspired a wave of copycats, proving just how massive this rapidly growing industry is. With a mind-blowing $7.5 billion valuation and over $1 billion in funding from heavy hitters like Tiger Global and Sequoia Capital, Getir is ready to take over the world.

Their expansion plans are wild - dominating Europe and the US by flexing their urban logistics skills and cutting-edge tech to redefine convenience everywhere they go.

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Trendyol: E-commerce Excellence

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Hold up, let me tell you about Trendyol, the coolest e-commerce platform that's taken Turkey by storm since 2010! These guys are crushing it, with a massive 35% market share as of 2022, leaving their competitors far behind.

But what really sets Trendyol apart is their smooth, one-stop shopping experience.

These guys have everything you could ever want, from fashion and electronics to home goods and groceries.

A recent survey revealed that a whopping 79% of people chose Trendyol because of their insane product selection.

It's like having the entire world at your fingertips!

But that's not all. Trendyol is going global, partnering with international brands and making it easy to shop from anywhere.

They get over 9 million visitors per month from neighboring countries, accounting for a solid 15% of their total traffic. Talk about expanding their horizons!

With a whopping $2.5 billion in investments and a team of e-commerce legends leading the charge, Trendyol is unstoppable.

As their founder and CEO, Demet Mutlu, puts it,

"Our mission is to revolutionize the way people shop by providing a truly exceptional customer experience, powered by cutting-edge technology and a relentless pursuit of excellence."

These guys mean business, and they're just getting started!

Peak Games: Revolutionizing Mobile Gaming

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So, let me give you the lowdown on Peak Games, a real game-changer in the mobile gaming scene.

This Istanbul-based company, founded in 2010, has been smashing records with their killer puzzle games like Toy Blast and Toon Blast.

These addictive titles have rocketed to the top of the charts, racking up over 100 million downloads each and becoming a global obsession.

But that's not all.

Peak Games has been making serious power moves, like their $100 million card studio sale to gaming giant Zynga in 2017.

Zynga went all-in and acquired the entire company in 2020 for a mind-blowing $1.8 billion! That's some serious cash flow, proving that Peak Games is a force to be reckoned with.

What's even more impressive is how Peak Games has managed to stay true to their roots while going global.

They've mastered the art of "hyperlocalization," tailoring their games to different regions and cultures. From the Middle East to North Africa, they've captured the hearts of millions with their unique and engaging gaming experiences.

And let's not forget their commitment to fostering talent – they've built a team of passionate gamers who continuously push the boundaries of what's possible.

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Insider: Personalization and Predictive Marketing

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Get ready to meet the startup that's turning the marketing game upside down - Insider! Founded in 2012 by Hande Cilingir and her visionary squad, this crew is all about serving up personalized experiences that'll blow your mind.

They use cutting-edge AI and machine learning to predict what customers want before they even know it themselves.

At the heart of Insider's operation is their predictive marketing engine, which analyzes mountains of customer data to anticipate behavior and preferences in real-time.

With this super-powered tool, they offer a suite of products that'll make your marketing campaigns sizzle, like:

  • Growth Management Platform: A one-stop shop for website and app personalization, A/B testing, and crafting seamless customer journeys across multiple channels.
  • InSmart: An AI-driven product recommendation beast that elevates e-commerce experiences with tailored suggestions that'll have you shouting, "Shut up and take my money!"
  • Architects: A team of experts who'll hold your hand and guide you towards maximizing your marketing ROI like a boss.

Insider's game-changing approach has earned them some serious street cred, with awards like the Red Herring Top 100 Global and Gartner Cool Vendor under their belt.

They've also scored a whopping $272.1 million in funding from heavy hitters like Wamda Capital and Riverrock Turkish Revival Fund.

With a presence in over 25 countries and serving over 1,200 enterprise customers (think Samsung, Virgin, Toyota, and Unilever), Insider is undoubtedly the one to watch in the personalization and predictive marketing arena.

Colendi: Leading Fintech Innovation

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Colendi is an epic fintech startup killing it in Turkey! These guys are all about making finance simple and accessible for everyone, no matter their background.

Founded in '18 with a mission to democratize access to capital, Colendi's got this slick digital platform connecting investors with borrowers looking for alternative financing options.

Here's the scoop on their key services:

  • Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Lending: Their flagship product lets regular people lend money directly to vetted borrowers, earning some sweet returns on their investments.
  • Micro Credit: With this feature, you can score interest-free micro credits for daily needs and choose to pay it back 30 days later or in installments. So convenient!
  • Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL): Colendi enables businesses to offer flexible installment options with low or no costs. Customers can finalize purchases with microcredits and pay at a future date.

These guys are all about transparency and managing risk, which has earned them major investor support.

As of '23, their platform facilitated over $100 million in total loan volume, serving over 50,000 investors and 10,000 borrowers. They secured a massive $65 million in Series B funding, valuing them at a whopping $700 million!

In 2024, Colendi is gearing up to cement their status as Turkey's leading fintech platform.

Their CEO, Bülent Tekmen, said,

"We're stoked to empower people and businesses with inclusive financial solutions that drive economic growth and social impact."

They're planning to introduce more innovative products like BNPL services, while expanding their investor base through strategic partnerships with banks and financial institutions.

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BiTaksi: Transforming Urban Mobility

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BiTaksi totally changed the cab game in Turkey when it launched in 2013. This slick app lets you book and pay for taxis from your phone, and it's like having your own personal driver at your fingertips.

The coolest part? You can track your ride in real-time and see exactly when your taxi's gonna show up.

BiTaksi's app has some serious perks that make it a total game-changer.

You can rate your driver and leave feedback, so you know you're getting top-notch service every time. Plus, no more fumbling for cash – it's all digital payments, baby!

Since hitting the streets, BiTaksi's been killing it.

They've hooked people up with over 50 million rides across major Turkish cities like Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir. They've actually helped cut down on traffic and emissions by making cab routes more efficient.

William Williams, one of the co-founders, said it best:

"Our aim is to make urban mobility more efficient, sustainable, and accessible for everyone."

With a rapidly growing fanbase and partnerships with local governments, BiTaksi is totally set to dominate the smart mobility scene in Turkey.

They're paving the way for a more connected, eco-friendly way to get around cities. Talk about a ride into the future!

MikroTasarim: Pioneering IoT Solutions

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Let me hit you up with the scoop on MikroTasarim. This company is straight-up killing it in the Internet of Things (IoT) game here in Turkey.

Founded in 2008, not 2014, they've been on a mission to develop insane IoT solutions that make our daily lives way more convenient. Their story is a prime example of what innovation and entrepreneurial spirit can achieve.

As we're rolling into 2024, MikroTasarim's IoT product lineup is growing like crazy, covering all kinds of industries and applications.

They're offering some seriously cool stuff like:

  • Smart Home Solutions: Imagine having all your home appliances, lighting, and security systems connected and controlled from one slick platform.
  • Industrial IoT: They're helping manufacturing facilities stay ahead of the curve with real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and process optimization tools.
  • Agricultural IoT: Farmers are loving their precision farming tools, soil monitoring, and yield optimization solutions for their crops.

But that's not all! MikroTasarim has been forming some major partnerships to keep their growth on point.

In 2022, they teamed up with a leading telecom company, ensuring their IoT devices have seamless connectivity and data management. Plus, their collaboration with a prominent smart city initiative has made them a key player in Turkey's urban development scene.

With the demand for IoT solutions skyrocketing, MikroTasarim is poised to crush it in the Turkish market.

Industry experts are predicting their revenue will increase by a whopping 25% year-over-year by 2024. These guys are definitely the ones to watch in this rapidly evolving tech frontier.

Evreka: Smart Waste Management Solutions

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Check this out! Evreka, the badass waste management startup founded in 2015, is straight-up killing it with their smart solutions.

These guys are on a mission to totally shake up how we deal with trash, and they're using cutting-edge tech to make it happen. I'm talking innovative products that make waste collection a breeze while also saving the planet, know what I mean?

Evreka has this crazy IoT system that monitors waste levels in containers and plans out the most efficient routes for collection trucks.

No more unnecessary trips, saving cities a ton of money – we're talking like a 30% reduction in operational costs. But that's not even the best part. By minimizing those trips, they've managed to cut carbon emissions from waste management by a massive 40%! That's some serious eco-friendly vibes right there.

These guys are so legit that even the UN gave them an award for their sustainable efforts back in 2021.

And they're not just a one-hit wonder – Evreka is already serving over 20 municipalities in Turkey and expanding globally, with a fresh €5 million investment round to fuel their growth.

Their CEO, Richard Martin, says they're aiming to "revolutionize waste management practices worldwide," which is a pretty epic goal if you ask me.

I gotta say, Evreka is definitely one of those startups that's killing it right now.

They're using tech to solve real-world problems while also being super environmentally conscious. If you're into sustainability and innovative solutions, these guys are definitely worth keeping an eye on.

Pisano: Enhancing Customer Experience

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The startup Pisano is seriously making waves in the customer experience game.

They kicked things off back in 2016 with a bold plan to shake up how businesses connect with their customers. Realizing the power of customer feedback, Pisano built an awesome platform that helps companies gather insights, analyze data, and make smart decisions to keep their customers stoked.

At the heart of Pisano's offering is their killer customer feedback platform, packed with tools to streamline the feedback process.

Customers can share their experiences in all sorts of ways, like:

  • Feedback Kiosks: Physical kiosks strategically placed in high-traffic areas, letting customers dish out instant feedback with a simple touch.
  • Mobile Apps: Dedicated apps that let customers submit feedback on-the-go, keeping it smooth and convenient.
  • Web Surveys: Customizable web surveys integrated into company websites, making it a breeze for customers to share their thoughts and suggestions.

Pisano's advanced analytics game is on point, helping businesses turn raw data into insights that pack a punch.

They can pinpoint areas for improvement, keep tabs on customer sentiment trends, and make informed calls to level up their products and services.

The market is eating up Pisano's solutions like hotcakes, with a growing client base across industries like retail, hospitality, and healthcare.

According to a recent report,

Pisano's customer base has grown by 35% year-over-year, with a projected valuation of $120 million by the end of 2024

, cementing their status as a major player in the customer experience management scene.

Bizim Hesap: Simplifying Financial Management for SMEs

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Alright, let's talk about Bizim Hesap, a seriously cool startup that's making waves in Turkey's financial tech scene.

Founded in 2016, they're all about simplifying money management for small and medium businesses, and they're absolutely killing it.

At the heart of Bizim Hesap's game is their awesome suite of tools designed to take the hassle out of financial operations.

We're talking about features like automated invoicing and billing, expense tracking, cash flow management, and even support for payroll and taxes. With these bad boys in your arsenal, you can streamline your financial processes, cut costs, and boost productivity like a boss.

Businesses using Bizim Hesap reported saving a whopping 25% of their time on finance tasks. That's some serious efficiency right there.

But Bizim Hesap isn't just about the tech – they've built an entire support ecosystem for small businesses.

From educational resources to community forums and personalized guidance, they've got your back covered. And the results speak for themselves – there are countless success stories of companies thriving with Bizim Hesap's help.

One manufacturing firm even landed a major contract thanks to their streamlined financial management, all thanks to Bizim Hesap.

As Bizim Hesap continues to expand across Turkey and beyond, they're staying true to their mission of empowering small businesses.

With a rapidly growing user base and a string of awards under their belt, including recognition as a top fintech startup, they're well on their way to revolutionizing the financial game for SMEs.

Keep an eye on these guys – they're the real deal.

Oh, and if you're looking to level up your tech skills, check out these essential tech skills that Turkish employers are seeking in 2024, courtesy of Nucamp Coding Bootcamp.

Frequently Asked Questions

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What is contributing to the rapid growth of Turkey's startup ecosystem in 2024?

Turkey's startup scene has seen a significant surge in 2024, driven by an increase in skilled tech talent, substantial government support, and a growing interest from global investors. The country now boasts over 800,000 software developers and has received more than $1.6 billion in funding, nearly double from the previous year. Initiatives like the Entrepreneurship Strategy have also contributed $660 million to foster innovation.

What makes Getir a standout startup in Turkey?

Getir has revolutionized the on-demand delivery market with its promise to deliver groceries and essentials in just 10 minutes. Founded in 2015, Getir uses cutting-edge technology for real-time inventory management and killer routing algorithms, offers a seamless user experience, and has expanded globally with a $7.5 billion valuation and over $1 billion in funding. The company's urban logistics skills and innovative approach have positioned it for global dominance.

How is Trendyol dominating the e-commerce market in Turkey?

Trendyol, the e-commerce platform founded in 2010, holds a 35% market share in Turkey due to its extensive product range and exceptional customer experience. With a significant amount of international traffic and partnerships, Trendyol continues to grow, aiming to provide a seamless shopping experience worldwide. The platform's advanced logistics and technology have made it a leader in Turkey's e-commerce sector.

What impact has Peak Games made in the mobile gaming industry?

Founded in 2010, Peak Games has become a major player in mobile gaming with hit puzzle games achieving over 100 million downloads each. The company's strategic acquisition moves, such as being acquired by Zynga for $1.8 billion in 2020, and their focus on hyperlocalization, have allowed them to expand globally while maintaining cultural relevance in different regions.

How does Insider innovate in the marketing technology space?

Insider, founded in 2012, leverages AI and machine learning to offer predictive marketing solutions that personalize customer experiences. The company provides a suite of products, including a growth management platform and AI-driven product recommendations, which help businesses optimize their marketing campaigns. With numerous awards and a strong international presence, Insider stands out as a leader in predictive marketing technology.

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Chevas Balloun

Director of Marketing & Brand

Chevas has spent over 15 years inventing brands, designing interfaces, and driving engagement for companies like Microsoft. He is a practiced writer, a productivity app inventor, board game designer, and has a builder-mentality drives entrepreneurship.