What is a ‘PayPal Mafia’-style network effect?
PayPal Mafia describes the group of PayPal founders and early employees who went on to found or fund a remarkable number of successful technology companies including Tesla, SpaceX, LinkedIn, YouTube, Yelp and Palantir. The term refers more generally to founder networks where alumni of one successful exit serially produce additional successes.
Investors track ‘mafia’ networks closely as a leading indicator of future deal flow. Türkiye’s startup ecosystem now has its own emerging mafias from Trendyol, Hepsiburada, Peak Games and Getir alumni founding new ventures with proven peer support.