What is a startup?
A startup is a young company in an early stage of development, designed to grow rapidly and operate under conditions of extreme uncertainty in search of a scalable, repeatable business model. Startups differ from small businesses in their growth ambition, capital-raising strategy and tolerance for risk.
Successful startups typically achieve product-market-fit, scale through venture-capital financing or alternative capital, and aim for liquidity events (acquisition or IPO) within 5–10 years. Türkiye’s startup ecosystem, anchored by Istanbul and Ankara, has produced multiple unicorns including Trendyol, Hepsiburada, Getir and Insider.