500 Global has invested in 230+ companies across Europe since our founding year in 2010 through our flagship and regional funds. 8 years ago, as part of that commitment, 500 Global embarked on forming its 5th thematic fund - a strategy focused on investing in Turkish founders and diaspora. Similar to our earlier thematic funds and our continued approach to the new markets we pursue today, we shared a conviction with our GPs there, Enis Hulli and Rina Onur, that the talent in the region was immense and demonstrated the potential to build scalable technology solutions. Through the success of this practice, we then brought on Arin Özkula as a GP, and rebranded to 500 Emerging Europe which included expanding this investment strategy beyond Türkiye into additional Eastern/Central European countries.

500 Global has since doubled down on investing in founders; we expanded our presence on the continent through our 500 Eurasia strategy, and our team members continue to grow across Europe. Through this evolution of ours as a firm and their own journey as GPs, Enis & Arin now feel well positioned to execute a direct seed strategy for European founders looking to tackle the US market with initial checks averaging €1M.

So it is bittersweet to share today that Enis, Arin, and their team will be launching their next fund under a new independent brand outside of 500 Global. There’ll be no changes to the structure or management of the two funds we’ve done together - Enis and Arin will continue to support those funds with 500, and we’ll continue to support those founders and portfolio companies within the 500 network.

Our work in the region will continue through direct investing, investment accelerators and programs. We’ll continue to invest in entrepreneurs building global businesses, wherever they may be, recognizing that today’s operating environment requires a strong understanding of target markets vs. a one-size-fits all approach. As new economic and trade corridors emerge in our rapidly evolving global landscape, Central and Eastern Europe can be a crucial gateway connecting technology and trade between Asia, the Middle East, and Western Europe. We are observing increased inter-governmental engagement in these regions with those in other emerging markets where 500 Global already has a strong presence, which will facilitate further market access for our portfolio companies globally.

We remain committed to empower and invest in high performing entrepreneurs building global businesses, wherever they may be. Our US Flagship accelerator continues to be open to founders globally and our Eurasia accelerator is open to founders across 29 European countries.

Tebrikler to Enis Hulli and Arın Özkula!