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INVEST101, officially known as the Development ODTÜ TEKNOKENT Venture Capital Investment Fund, is a venture capital fund based in Turkey. Established in 2022, it is a collaboration between the Türkiye Development Fund and ODTÜ/METU Teknokent. The fund is dedicated to supporting early-stage technology startups, particularly those with a strong technological foundation. Its establishment is rooted in the Turkish development and university-technopark ecosystem, making it a vital player for founders in Türkiye.
Currently, INVEST101 manages a fund size of approximately $12 million, focusing on investments in pre-seed, seed, Series A, and Series B stages. The fund is headquartered in Istanbul, with a significant presence in Ankara, reflecting its commitment to fostering innovation across the Turkish landscape. INVEST101 aims to help startups scale from Türkiye into larger regional or global markets, often collaborating with other venture capital firms to enhance their growth potential.
INVEST101 invests in early-stage companies across a diverse range of sectors, including AI, cybersecurity, fintech, robotics, biotech, energy, agtech, and IoT. The fund's investment strategy emphasizes technology-driven startups that demonstrate significant growth potential. Check sizes typically range from $250,000 to $1 million, allowing for flexible funding options tailored to the needs of emerging companies.
The fund's thesis centers on supporting new-generation technology startups, particularly those that are science- and engineering-led. INVEST101 seeks to leverage its connections within the Türkiye Development Fund and ODTÜ Teknokent networks to provide not only capital but also mentorship and co-investor support. This approach aims to help startups navigate their growth journey effectively, ensuring they have the resources and guidance necessary to succeed in competitive markets.
INVEST101 has a growing portfolio of innovative companies, including:
This diverse portfolio reflects INVEST101's commitment to backing technology-heavy startups that are positioned for growth in their respective sectors.
Elif Emirli Altug, PhD, CFA - CEO and board member of Türkiye Development Fund. She plays a crucial role in guiding INVEST101's investment strategy and has been involved in notable investments, including DefensX.
Serkan Alan Elden - Listed employee on LinkedIn, specific title and investment focus were not found in fetched sources. His role contributes to the operational aspects of the fund.
To pitch to INVEST101, founders should visit their website at invest101.vc. It is recommended to include a comprehensive business plan in the pitch deck, detailing the technology core and growth potential of the startup. Founders should expect a response time of approximately 2-4 weeks after submission. Warm introductions are preferred but not mandatory.
In 2023, INVEST101 announced its investment in DefensX, a zero-trust secure browser and security software company. This investment highlights the fund's commitment to supporting innovative technology startups.
In 2026, INVEST101 recognized Qubitrium as a portfolio company, indicating ongoing support for quantum communication and security technology. Additionally, investments in Cendra and Flowla were announced, showcasing the fund's active engagement in the technology sector.
What are INVEST101's investment criteria?
INVEST101 focuses on early-stage technology startups across various sectors, including AI, cybersecurity, fintech, robotics, biotech, energy, agtech, and IoT. The fund typically invests in pre-seed, seed, Series A, and Series B stages, with check sizes ranging from $250,000 to $1 million.
How can I pitch to INVEST101?
Founders interested in pitching to INVEST101 can submit their applications through the fund's website at invest101.vc. It is advisable to include a detailed business plan and highlight the technology core of the startup.
What makes INVEST101 different from other VCs?
INVEST101 is uniquely positioned within the Turkish development and university-technopark ecosystem, providing not only capital but also access to mentorship and extensive networks. This support is crucial for startups looking to scale from Türkiye into larger markets.
What is the geographic focus of INVEST101?
The fund primarily focuses on startups based in Türkiye, particularly those that have a strong connection to the Turkish ecosystem.
What kind of post-investment support does INVEST101 provide?
INVEST101 offers mentorship, access to networks, and co-investor support to help portfolio companies navigate their growth journey. This includes guidance on scaling operations and connecting with other investors.
What is the fund size of INVEST101?
INVEST101 manages a fund size of approximately $12 million, which is allocated to support early-stage technology startups in Türkiye.
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