Hackquarters

Hackquarters is a startup accelerator and venture capital firm based in Istanbul, Turkey, founded in 2015 by Kaan Akin and Yalcin Onur. Their mission is to support and nurture early-stage startups in the region by providing them with access to funding, mentorship, and resources.

Hackquarters has helped launch more than 200 startups and has raised over $50 million in funding for its portfolio companies. The company operates a number of different programs, including a startup accelerator, a corporate innovation program, and a pre-seed investment fund.

Hackquarters is a startup accelerator and venture capital firm based in Istanbul, Turkey. The company was founded in 2015 by Kaan Akn and Yalcin Onur, two experienced entrepreneurs who saw a need for a startup ecosystem in Turkey.

The company's mission is to support and nurture early-stage startups in the region by providing them with access to funding, mentorship, and resources. Hackquarters has become a key player in the Turkish startup scene, with a focus on sectors such as fintech, blockchain, and artificial intelligence.

Since its founding, Hackquarters has helped launch more than 200 startups and has raised over $50 million in funding for its portfolio companies. The company operates a number of different programs, including a startup accelerator, a corporate innovation program, and a pre-seed investment fund.

In addition to its work with startups, Hackquarters also hosts a variety of events and workshops designed to bring together entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts. These events provide a platform for networking, knowledge-sharing, and collaboration.

Hackquarters has been recognized for its contributions to the Turkish startup ecosystem, with accolades including being named the "Best Accelerator" at the 2019 Turkey Startup Awards. The company continues to play an important role in supporting and fostering innovation in Turkey and beyond.

In 2021, Hackquarters launched new accelerator programs in collaboration with industry partners. For example, in partnership with UniCredit Bank Austria, they launched the "Global Fintech Accelerator" program to support startups in the fintech space.

Hackquarters has also partnered with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to launch the "AWS Startup Garage" program in Turkey. The program provides startups with access to AWS resources, training, and mentorship to help them grow their businesses.

Hackquarters' portfolio companies continue to achieve success and recognition. For example, Invidyo, a computer vision startup that graduated from Hackquarters' accelerator program, was acquired by Intel in 2021. Hackquarters has expanded its corporate innovation programs, which help established companies collaborate with startups to develop new products and services. In 2020, they launched a program with Turkish Airlines to explore innovative solutions in the aviation industry.

Hackquarters invests in early-stage startups that are based in Turkey or have a significant presence in the Turkish market. The company's investment criteria include the following:

• Industry Focus: Hackquarters focuses on startups in the fintech, blockchain, and artificial intelligence sectors, although they also consider startups in other industries that show promise.
• Market Potential: Startups must have a viable business model and address a significant market opportunity. Hackquarters looks for companies that have the potential to disrupt established industries or create new markets.
• Team: The founding team is a critical factor in Hackquarters' investment decisions. The team should have a strong track record of entrepreneurship and relevant industry experience, as well as a clear vision for the future of their company.
• Traction: Startups should have achieved some level of traction, whether in terms of user acquisition, revenue growth, or other metrics that demonstrate progress towards their goals.
• Scalability: Hackquarters looks for startups that have the potential to scale rapidly and achieve significant market share.

• Empathy: Hackquarters believes in putting itself in the shoes of its clients and partners, understanding their needs and goals, and working collaboratively to find solutions that benefit everyone.
• Innovation: Hackquarters is committed to fostering innovation and helping startups bring new ideas and technologies to market. They believe that innovation is key to driving economic growth and improving people's lives.
• Diversity and Inclusion: Hackquarters values diversity in all its forms, including gender, ethnicity, and background. They believe that a diverse team and ecosystem leads to better outcomes and a more inclusive society.
• Transparency and Trust: Hackquarters believes in being transparent and building trust with its clients and partners. They aim to provide clear and honest feedback and information to help startups make informed decisions.
• Continuous Learning: Hackquarters believes in the importance of continuous learning and development, both for themselves and their clients. They are committed to staying up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies and sharing their knowledge with others.

Hackquarters' mission statement “is to empower startups and help them grow by providing access to funding, mentorship, and resources.” They aim to be a catalyst for innovation and entrepreneurship in Turkey and beyond, fostering a dynamic ecosystem where startups can thrive.

Hackquarters believes that startups have the power to drive economic growth, create jobs, and solve some of the world's biggest challenges. Their mission is to support early-stage startups by providing them with the tools and resources they need to succeed, including mentorship, networking opportunities, access to funding, and other resources.

Hackquarters has an impressive portfolio of startups that they have supported through their accelerator programs, corporate innovation programs, and pre-seed investment fund. Here are some notable examples:

• Fatura.io: A digital invoicing and payment platform that simplifies the invoicing process for businesses.
• Dream Games: A mobile game developer that creates high-quality games for global audiences.
• Xola Robotics: A company that creates autonomous robots for warehouse automation and logistics.
• Gamester: A mobile gaming platform that allows users to play and earn rewards for their gameplay.
• Stratejico: A digital marketing agency that provides marketing services for startups and small businesses.
• Tarfin: An agricultural finance platform that provides loans to farmers and agricultural businesses.
• Passolig: A digital ticketing and fan engagement platform for sports events.
• Doktorderki: A telemedicine platform that connects patients with doctors for online consultations.