What is the Startup Ecosystem? Actors and How it Works

Startup ecosystem is the whole of individuals and institutions in the environment where new established technology companies are born, grown and funded: entrepreneurs, investors, universities, incubation centers, accelerators, technoparks, public support, large companies and communities. If these actors reach more easily than each other, it is easier to turn to a company.

"Introduction ecosystem" also means the same meaning. In this article we tell you how the ecosystem works, how it can enter it.

Why say "ekosystem"?

Lives in the ecosystem in nature depend on each other; one is influenced by minus others. The Startup world works like this. It can be a good idea of an entrepreneur, but the company does not grow if the teammate does not find the first customer, mentor or investment. The investor doesn’t work money if it doesn’t find the best company to invest in.

In short, a strong actor alone is not enough. In a strong ecosystem, people find each other, knowledge and experience, the person who came from a failed attempt starts more experienced in the next.

actors of the Startup ecosystem Home

Entrepreneurs and founder teams

The center of the ecosystem. People who build a company to solve a problem with technology. Most often are small teams that combine technical and commercial skills.

Investors

• Angel investors: People who invest in early-stage initiatives with their own accumulation. Most often they bring experience and connection to money.

• Venture capital (VC) funds: Companies that deposit funds to high initiatives.

• Mass funding: A large number of people are partnered with small amounts.

Universities and research institutions

Both talents are the source of ideas. Technology transfer offices help research turn into product and company. Many founders meet the university.

Hatching centers and accelerators

• Incubation center: The idea gives training and mentoring to initiatives in the first product stage. The time is generally flexible.

• Accelerator: The initiative in a certain period (most often a few months) passes through an intensive program; at the end it becomes a day (demo day) that is presented to investors. For some, the company receives a share.

Technoparks

Technology companies work together, most often associated with a university. Office area offers tax incentives based on common services and country.

Public and support programs

Hibe supports the most early stage especially with credit, tax incentive and educational programs.

Large companies

The customer of ventures can be a partner or purchaser. Some run their corporate venture capital funds or open innovation programs.

Communities, events and platforms

connective tissue of the ecosystem. Meetup’s, hackathons, conferences, online communities and networking platforms enable players to meet each other. The co-founder is often here to find out the softwareer’s startup or meet the investor’s new initiative.

Service providers and media

Legal, accounting, recruitment consultants and news sites following the ecosystem. They provide the expertise and visibility required by the enterprise.

How does an attempt run in the ecosystem?

The way each attempt is different, but most of them pass from similar stages:

1. Idea: A problem is noticed. The most needed thing at this stage is to talk to feedback and right people. Communities and events are available here.

2. Team and first product: The founder partners come together, the first version (MVP) is made. Incubation centers and support programs are activated.

3. First customers: The product is tried with real users. Pilot projects with large companies are important for the first users in the sector communities.

4. Investment: Angel investors and early stages are the first investment tour with funds; bigger tours come as they grow.

5. Growth: The team grows, the company opens to new markets. At this stage, recruitment and international connections stand out.

6. Output: Public supply or purchase. The constituents and first employees often build new initiatives or become an angel investor; the ecosystem feeds itself.

What strengthens a good startup ecosystem?

• Intense Links: Can Actors easily reach each other? The ecosystem is healthy if a founding is able to reach the mentor needed.

• Talent: Access to people who know software, product, design and sales.

• Early stage capital: Angel investors and funds that will give money to the venture at the idea stage.

• Experience Transfer: Sharing people who have successful or unsuccessful venture experience.

• Open community culture: Events and communities where the information is shared, where the new incoming can be easily expanded.

Startup ecosystem in Turkey Home

There are all parts of the ecosystem in Turkey. Featured actors:

• Technology Development Zones (singleparks): In connection with most universities, technology companies offer working areas and legal incentives.

• TÜBİTAK 1812 BiGG Investment: Investment-based entrepreneurship support program for technology-based initiatives. After the acceleration stage, there are pre-seed and seed investment stages. (Home)

• KOSGEB Entrepreneur Support Program: Business-building and business development support for newly established businesses. (Home)

• Angel investors: Individual participation investors from the Ministry of Treasury and Finance are made via accredited angel investor networks.

• Paya-based mass funding: A large number of people can be partnered with an attempt through platforms that Capital Market Board receives to the list. (SPK list)

• Venture capital funds.

• University incubation centers and special accelerators.

• Technology communities: Regular event communities in AI, software, data, blockchain and entrepreneurship.

It is necessary to look at the current page of the relevant institution before resorting to changing the terms and periods of the programs frequently.

How to join the ecosystem?

Entrepreneur:

• Join communities in the field, tell the idea of events and collect feedback.

• Follow the incubation and accelerator programs; miss the application periods.

• Write clearly what the partner or the first team is looking for.

If you are a software, designer or product manager:

• Participate in Startup events; early-stage companies often build their first teams from acquaintances.

• Hackathons is a good way to learn and meet with the founders.

Student:

• recognize the entrepreneurship club and technology transfer office of the university.

• Volunteer in community events; this is the fastest way to recognize the ecosystem from inside.

Corporate, investor or technoparksan:

• See where entrepreneurs can find you: events, communities, open application programs.

Place of Masqot in this ecosystem

Masqot network platform of technology ecosystem. Entrepreneurs, professionals, communities, startups and institutions in the same network; you can stay in connection with people who have joined the event. Startups and companies can open corporate profile and collaborate, publish community activities. Details: Startup ecosystem platform u.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the same thing as the venture ecosystem with the Startup ecosystem?

Yes. Two of them are newly established, telling people and institutions around growth-oriented companies. "Introduction ecosystem" is in Turkish equivalent.

Who is the most important vector of the Startup ecosystem?

There are entrepreneurs in the center, but not a single actor. Ecosystem is able to reach investors, talents, support institutions and communities that are strong.

What is the difference between the incubation center and the accelerator?

The incubation center gives more flexible time working area and mentoring. Accelerator is a certain-term, intensive program and usually ends with presentation to investors.

Is the startup ecosystem different with the technology ecosystem?

The technology ecosystem is wider: large-tech companies, developers, open-source communities and research institutions. Startup ecosystem is part of new companies. Detail: What is the technology ecosystem?

Is it necessary to establish a company to join the Startup ecosystem?

No. You are part of the ecosystem as a software, designer, student, investor or community organizer. Join the communities and events in the easiest way to start.