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Bek Ventures is a venture capital firm founded over a decade ago, originally known as Earlybird Digital East Fund. The firm rebranded in November 2024 and now operates independently. Bek Ventures has established offices in New York, Istanbul, London, and Luxembourg, focusing on supporting early-stage founders, particularly those with roots in Central and Eastern Europe.
The firm emphasizes a disciplined approach to venture capital, aiming to assist exceptional teams in their journey from emerging startups to established companies. Bek Ventures has a strong track record, with realized returns of approximately $2.4 billion across its first two funds. The firm’s latest fund, Fund III, closed at $250 million in November 2024, being 3x oversubscribed.
Bek Ventures is known for its commitment to working closely with a limited number of founders, providing tailored support and fostering stronger decision-making. This approach allows the firm to maintain a high level of engagement with its portfolio companies, ensuring they receive the necessary resources for growth.
Bek Ventures invests in early-stage companies across a variety of sectors, including AI, fintech, healthcare, biotech, consumer, commerce, edtech, proptech, logistics, and energy. The firm operates primarily in North America and Europe, focusing on pre-seed, seed, and seed-plus investment stages. Bek Ventures employs a disciplined and concentrated investment strategy, working with a select group of founders to provide tailored support.
The firm seeks to back tech founders with roots in Central and Eastern Europe, facilitating their expansion into larger markets. Bek Ventures emphasizes a high-conviction investment model, ensuring that each investment aligns with its strategic focus. The firm typically engages in follow-on investments for over 90% of its portfolio companies, reinforcing its commitment to long-term partnerships.
Bek Ventures has backed several notable companies, showcasing its focus on early-stage tech ventures. Key portfolio companies include:
These companies reflect Bek Ventures' commitment to supporting exceptional teams and fostering innovation across various sectors. The firm’s investment in UiPath, in particular, is noted as one of the greatest VC investments in European history, highlighting its successful track record.
Cem Sertoglu - Managing Partner; known for his insights on venture capital and avoiding the temptation of AUM. He has been instrumental in the success of notable investments like UiPath.
Mehmet Atici - Managing Partner; brings extensive experience in early-stage investments and has a strong track record in supporting tech founders.
Baturay Kaya - Partner; focuses on identifying high-potential startups and providing strategic guidance.
Roland Manger - Partner; specializes in operational support for portfolio companies, helping them scale effectively.
Arda Kirkagac - Principal; involved in deal sourcing and due diligence, with a keen eye for emerging trends.
Ertunc Alioglu - CFO; manages financial operations and investor relations.
Selin Anil - Associate; supports the investment team in evaluating potential deals.
Burcu Ece Sagar - Executive Assistant; assists in administrative functions and team coordination.
Beyhan Kalafat - Executive Assistant & Event Coordinator; manages events and logistics for the firm.
Gunes Coskuntuncel Arda - Senior Finance Manager; oversees financial planning and analysis.
Selen Ozyardimci - Senior Finance Specialist; supports financial operations and reporting.
Kaan Polat - Investment Team; involved in sourcing and evaluating investment opportunities.
Yigit Kucuk - Investment Team; assists in due diligence and portfolio management.
Ezgi Karaman - Talent Advisor; provides support in talent acquisition and management for portfolio companies.
Kiana Sharifi - Talent Advisor; focuses on building strong teams within portfolio companies.
Nazli Deniz Altin - Talent Advisor; assists in identifying and recruiting top talent.
Sinem Korkmaz - Talent Advisor; supports talent development initiatives.
Zeynep Gungor - Talent Advisor; involved in talent management strategies.
George Fisher-Wilson - Head of Marketing; oversees marketing strategies and brand development.
Eleanor Warnock - Interim Head of Communications; manages communications and public relations.
Alen Cvisic - Marketing Advisor; provides strategic marketing insights.
Hristo Borisov - Advisor; offers expertise in fintech and operational scaling.
To pitch Bek Ventures, founders should use the online submission form available at this link. The pitch deck should include a clear overview of the business model, market opportunity, and team background. Bek Ventures prefers concise and focused presentations that highlight the startup's unique value proposition.
Response times can vary, but founders can expect to hear back within a few weeks. Warm introductions are encouraged, as they can facilitate a more favorable review process.
In November 2024, Bek Ventures successfully closed Fund III at $250 million, which was 3x oversubscribed. This fund focuses on early-stage tech companies and reflects the firm's commitment to maintaining a disciplined investment strategy.
Bek Ventures has also been recognized for its strong performance, being ranked as the #1 performing VC fund globally since 2010 according to HEC Paris / Dow Jones Venture Capital Performance Rankings. This accolade highlights the firm's successful track record and its focus on high-conviction investments.
What are Bek Ventures' investment criteria?
Bek Ventures focuses on early-stage tech companies, particularly those with founders from Central and Eastern Europe. The firm invests in sectors such as AI, fintech, healthcare, and more, with a preference for pre-seed, seed, and seed-plus stages.
How can I pitch to Bek Ventures?
Founders can submit their pitch through the Bek Ventures website at this link. It is advisable to include a clear business model, market analysis, and team background in the pitch deck.
What makes Bek Ventures different from other VC firms?
Bek Ventures emphasizes a disciplined and concentrated investment strategy, working closely with a limited number of founders. This approach allows for tailored support and a high level of engagement with portfolio companies.
What is the geographic scope of Bek Ventures?
The firm primarily invests in North America and Europe, focusing on tech founders with roots in Central and Eastern Europe.
What is the typical check size for investments?
While specific check sizes are not disclosed, Bek Ventures typically invests in the pre-seed to seed-plus stages, aligning with its focus on early-stage companies.
What kind of support do portfolio companies receive?
Bek Ventures provides tailored support, leveraging its extensive network to facilitate expansion into larger markets. The firm is committed to follow-on investments for over 90% of its portfolio companies, ensuring ongoing support.
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