Türk Telekom offers investments to new PILOT ventures
TT VENTURES, the venture capital arm of one of Türkiye’s leading telecommunications and technology companies, Türk Telekom, has launched the application process for the latest edition of its startup acceleration program.
The 12th edition of PILOT promises to offer vital support and resources to aspiring startups and innovators. The first application period, which started on Feb. 19, will run through March 17 before a second phase from March 18 to April 14.
Beyond financial incentives, Türk Telekom also provides avenues for networking, mentorship, and international exposure, aiming to catalyze the growth of promising startups in Türkiye and beyond.
Selected ventures admitted to the program, limited to 10 in number, stand to benefit significantly. Each successful participant will be eligible for financial aid of up to $30,000, in addition to cash support amounting to TL 100,000, provided by Türk Telekom Ventures.
Applications for the PILOT program are processed through the website www. turktelekomventures.com.tr.
Muhammed Özhan, the general manager of TT Ventures, emphasized the comprehensive support provided to startups. Alongside financial assistance, ventures receive collaboration opportunities with Türk Telekom, mentorship, networking avenues, access to investors, and shared working spaces.
“We proudly support the entrepreneurship ecosystem with Türk Telekom Ventures and our venture acceleration program PILOT for over 10 years. Through PILOT, we have provided approximately TL 32 million in cash support to 111 ventures to date. Among these, 59 ventures have received investments totaling over $35 million from both domestic and international investors, enabling them to develop their projects and ideas,” Özhan said.
Additionally, he also stressed the support provided through physical spaces for ventures to work, both in the central building in Tahtakale and in the TT Ventures Entrepreneurship Center located within the Atatürk Cultural Center, of which the company is the main supporter.
“We have reinforced our contributions in every aspect with our Türk Telekom Ventures office in San Francisco, aiming to open up our ventures to the world from there and to bring the success-filled atmosphere of Silicon Valley to Türkiye. This year, with a program specially designed at Stanford University, our graduate ventures received education and mentorship to enter global markets, grow their ventures, and access and present them directly to the VC network within Stanford’s ecosystem. Additionally, through a special meeting held at Netsia’s U.S. office, entrepreneurs had the chance to meet with local ventures from Türkiye and around the globe, engaging in idea exchange,” Özhan said.