CROCODILE MODEL

THE FACT that Sequoia Capital, one of the world’s largest venture capital funds, invested in Insider is a very positive development not only for Turkey but also for all enterprises in the region.

Hande Çilingir, one of the founding partners of Insider, talked about the importance of investing in innovative technologies.

“We must continue to be in- novative. We should grow fast as a startup and we will use this investment to do so. So far, we have reached 16 countries. We are now focusing on China and the U.S. So, our work is not easy. We go to every country with something we call the crocodile model,” Çilingir said. “Our friend who is responsible for growth goes to the country we are looking to get into, stays in cheap motels, sets up a team, and goes to a new country by making the first sales. We are six founding partners. I would recommend it to anyone. It is nice to share responsibility. Now we will go to China and the U.S. with a similar model.”

HEALTHY GROWTH

Ali Karabey, one of the 212 venture capital partners among Insider investors, pointed out the importance of healthy growth, recalling that they have invested in 12 enterprises.

“When making the investment, we look at the founding team of the enterprise, who invested before and whether it has a potential for rapid growth in the global market. You cannot always make the right decision,” Karabey said.

“For example, I did not see this potential in the first interview. However, Hasan Aslanoba acted first and made the investment. There are many enterprises that go down while trying to grow fast. For us it is very important for the enterprise to show healthy growth by protecting its own culture. Insider is the most successful venture in that regard.”