StartersHub XO

The firm sources the majority of its investment opportunities through the StartersHub accelerator program, which has graduated over 100 companies since 2013. This pipeline gives StartersHub XO early visibility into pre-vetted Turkish startups before they reach broader institutional investors. The accelerator acts as a proprietary filter, allowing the fund to observe teams and traction over months before committing capital.

Investment decisions are led by Managing Partner Ismail Metin and Founding Partner Burak Büyükdemir, both of whom built the original StartersHub accelerator before converting it into a dedicated venture fund. The firm operates with a lean team in Istanbul, concentrating decision-making authority in the founding partnership.

StartersHub XO concentrates on early-stage venture, specifically seed and start-up rounds, with a preference for pre-Series A companies. The firm's typical entry point follows the acceleration phase, allowing it to invest in companies that have achieved initial product-market fit and are preparing for regional expansion.

The primary investment geography is Turkey, where the firm's accelerator pipeline is concentrated. StartersHub XO also selectively pursues opportunities in Eastern Europe and the Middle East, reflecting the natural expansion paths of Turkish-founded startups seeking regional growth.

StartersHub XO operates as a direct-investment vehicle, taking equity positions in individual startups rather than allocating to external venture funds. The firm's model is built around proprietary sourcing from its accelerator network, making direct deals the core investment mechanism.