Turkish Startups Shine at Europe’s Premier Web Summit

Eva Popov -

Türkiye’s Rising Star in the Tech World

Nestled within the bustling corridors of the Web Summit 2025 in Lisbon, Portugal, Türkiye is making waves with its flourishing tech and entrepreneurship ecosystem. Thanks to a cooperative effort between Türkiye’s Investment and Finance Office and the Industry and Technology Ministry, a vibrant pavilion has been set up, drawing the eyes of global investors and thought leaders from around the world.

A Showcase of Innovation

The pavilion is not just a display; it’s a testament to Türkiye’s remarkable transformation into a tech powerhouse. Seven promising Turkish startups are taking center stage, offering a glimpse into the future with their offerings in software, finance, fintech, travel, sustainability, clean energy, security, and fitness sectors. These innovative companies, including names like Apollo, Catchpad, and Craftgate, are set to not only dazzle but redefine expectations.

Investment Surge Propels Startups

As highlighted by Ahmet Burak Dağlıoğlu, head of Türkiye’s Investment and Finance Office, the country’s startups received a striking \(5.6 billion in investments between 2020 and 2025. This is a huge leap from the \)660 million during the previous decade. According to Hürriyet Daily News, this surge underscores Türkiye’s maturity in the entrepreneurial realm and aligns with its tech and innovation growth strategy spanning 2024 to 2028.

The Path to Becoming Turcorns

A significant narrative emerging from the summit involves Türkiye’s aspiration to foster ‘Turcorns’—Turkish unicorns. With an annual average investment hovering around $1 billion, the country’s young, tech-savvy population, proficient developer pool, and conducive environment for testing are set to expedite this evolution.

Strategic Global Engagements

Türkiye’s commitment to its tech growth is evident in its participation across major global tech events. The calendar includes high-profile assemblages like VivaTech, Slush, and GITEX Global. Especially noteworthy is the upcoming GITEX AI Türkiye event in Istanbul, planned for September 2026, which promises to cement Türkiye’s status as a hub of innovation.

This burgeoning ecosystem, brimming with potential and new horizons, clearly marks Türkiye not just as a participant but as an influential force in global tech circles.