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500 Emerging Europe assists emerging European founders expand globally.
500 Emerging Europe operates as a venture capital fund dedicated to investing in and supporting early-stage technology companies across the Emerging Europe region. It provides strategic capital, typically offering initial investments ranging from €250,000 to €2 million, alongside comprehensive support services. The fund's approach emphasizes helping portfolio companies build defensible technology, offering access to recruitment assistance, mentorship, and critical network introductions to foster international expansion and growth.
The fund was established in the mid-2010s as a regional arm under the broader 500 Global network, with its operations currently led by General Partners Arın Özkula and Enis Hulli. Their founding insight centered on identifying and capitalizing on the significant pool of highly skilled human capital present in Emerging Europe. This focus enables the fund to leverage a talent arbitrage opportunity, transforming promising local startups into internationally competitive businesses.
500 Emerging Europe serves talented entrepreneurs and technology companies primarily located within the region, acting as a catalyst for their global ambitions. Its vision is to foster the growth of these businesses, enabling them to transcend local markets and emerge as influential global powerhouses. The fund aims to continuously bridge regional ecosystems with worldwide opportunities, ensuring its portfolio companies are well-positioned for long-term success on an international stage.
Key people at 500 Emerging Europe.
500 Emerging Europe is a venture capital firm dedicated to empowering founders from Eastern Europe, Turkey, and the Baltics to build globally competitive technology companies. Its mission centers on identifying and backing defensible, scalable startups with international ambitions, helping them expand beyond regional borders. The firm’s investment philosophy emphasizes early-stage bets on strong, globally minded entrepreneurs, leveraging both local talent and global market opportunities. Key sectors include software, SaaS, fintech, e-commerce, IoT, media, and consumer services. By acting as a bridge between Emerging Europe and Silicon Valley, 500 Emerging Europe has played a pivotal role in elevating the region’s startup ecosystem, enabling founders to access global networks, customers, and follow-on funding.
Founded in 2015 as 500 Istanbul, the firm was established to tap into the rich pool of technical talent in Turkey and neighboring markets. Led by General Partners Enis Hulli and Arın Özkula, the team quickly expanded its focus to encompass the broader Emerging Europe region. In 2016, it partnered with 500 Global to raise its first fund, and over time, it evolved into a distinct, regionally focused entity. In 2024, the firm rebranded as e2vc, signaling its independence and sharpened focus on global expansion for startups from the region. This evolution reflects its journey from a local accelerator to a top-performing VC with a global footprint.
500 Emerging Europe is riding the wave of global tech decentralization, where innovation is no longer confined to Silicon Valley. The timing is ideal: as Western markets face saturation and high valuations, Emerging Europe offers a fertile ground for high-impact startups with lower entry costs and resilient, resourceful founders. The firm’s strategy aligns with the growing trend of geo-arbitrage and technology transfer, leveraging regional strengths to build companies that compete on a global scale. By connecting local talent with global opportunities, 500 Emerging Europe is helping reshape the narrative around where the next generation of tech giants will emerge.
The future for 500 Emerging Europe—now e2vc—looks bright. With a proven model, a strong track record, and a deep understanding of both local and global dynamics, the firm is well-positioned to continue identifying and scaling the next wave of global startups from Emerging Europe. As the region gains more recognition and investment, e2vc’s influence will likely grow, further solidifying its role as a catalyst for cross-border innovation. The firm’s journey from 500 Istanbul to e2vc mirrors the broader shift in the tech world: the rise of global entrepreneurship, powered by regional talent and global ambition. Just as Silicon Valley once set the standard, Emerging Europe is now poised to become a new epicenter of tech disruption—with e2vc at the forefront.
Key people at 500 Emerging Europe.
