Technology & Startups in Türkiye: Why Istanbul Is Becoming Europe’s Next Tech Hub

Türkiye’s technology and startup ecosystem has matured rapidly. Istanbul — home to over 16 million people, a young and technically educated workforce, and a growing base of international venture capital — has established itself as one of EMEA’s significant technology hubs. For British businesses and investors, Türkiye’s tech sector represents both an opportunity and a case study in emerging market innovation.

The Startup Landscape

Türkiye has produced several high-profile technology successes. Getir, the on-demand grocery delivery company, achieved unicorn status and expanded operations to London, New York, and other European cities. Trendyol — majority-owned by Alibaba — has become the dominant e-commerce platform in Türkiye and expanded into neighbouring markets. Dream Games, a mobile gaming studio based in Istanbul, has attracted investment from some of the world’s leading venture capital firms.

Beyond these headline names, Istanbul’s startup ecosystem encompasses a growing number of early and growth-stage companies in fintech, health tech, SaaS, logistics, and gaming — many with international expansion ambitions.

The Talent Pool

Türkiye graduates approximately 120,000 engineering students annually, and the country’s young demographic profile — with a median age of around 33 — provides a large pool of digitally native talent. Software engineering, data science, and product design skills are well-developed, and international tech companies including Amazon, Google, and Microsoft have expanded their Istanbul-based engineering teams in recent years.

UK–Türkiye Tech Connections

Tech Nation, Innovate UK, and various UK trade bodies have increasingly facilitated connections between UK and Turkish technology companies. London and Istanbul are natural partners: both are financial capitals with strong fintech ecosystems, creative industries, and international connectivity. Several Turkish tech companies have established UK headquarters or have been acquired by British firms.

Investment and Infrastructure

Istanbul’s Teknopark ecosystem — a network of technology development zones offering tax incentives for R&D activities — has attracted hundreds of technology companies. The Turkish government’s 2023–2033 technology strategy includes ambitious targets for technology export revenue and startup formation. Venture capital investment in Turkish startups reached approximately $1.5 billion in 2024.