The startup scene in Turkey

İzmir’s documented startup and innovation activity includes consumer mobile software and games: HubX says it began in İzmir in 2022, and Masomo’s acquisition release describes its focus as casual multiplayer sports games. (99045, 99060) HubX reported an initial $50 million Point72 investment and a $1.2 billion pre-money valuation on August 28, 2026; its announcement also included an option for a further $25 million, which should not be treated as received funding. (99046, 99047, 99048)

The city’s documented innovation infrastructure includes DEPARK, which identifies itself as Dokuz Eylül University’s technopark and advertises entrepreneurship, technology-transfer, and business-development support. (99065, 99067) BAMBU GO describes Step Up support for people developing an initial business idea and Speed Up support for teams with a product; its official page links a candidate referral form, but a dated cohort and acceptance were not verified. (99068, 99069, 99096) In the wider İzmir region, Teknopark İzmir says it was established on the IZTECH campus in 2002, began activities in 2004, and is located in Urla. (99073, 99074, 99075)

Teknopark İzmir describes Accelerate İzmir as serving ICT and clean-technology companies ready for domestic or international growth, with continued delivery involving Teknopark İzmir and İzmir Development Agency. (99078, 99079) İzmir Development Agency reported that fourteen fourth-cycle entrepreneurs presented at an Accelerate İzmir Demo Day in September 2025, a historical event rather than evidence of a current intake. (99081) EGİAD Melekleri says it invests in innovative technology ventures at seed and early stages without a sector restriction. (99083)

Company histories include Miniclip’s acquisition of Masomo, reported by PocketGamer.biz on February 8, 2019, and Rovio’s August 12, 2021 announcement of an agreement to acquire all Ruby Games shares. (99061, 99053) Rovio described Ruby Games as İzmir-based and said it made Hunter Assassin; its announcement established an acquisition agreement, not final closing. (99052, 99056, 99053) Masomo’s homepage gives 2015 as its founding year, while its acquisition release gives 2016, so the supplied evidence leaves that date unresolved. (99058, 99059)