Angel investors find support in Istanbul with 4 international agreements

Istanbul hosted more than 400 investors from 46 countries at the World Business Angels Investment Forum (WBAF2016), which took place in Istanbul on Feb. 22-23. On the first day of the forum, four important international collaboration agreements were signed in order to contribute to the international development of an angel investment system whose annual trade volume has so far reached $50 billion.

One of the agreements was signed by the European Business Angel Network (EBAN), Turkish Business Angel Association (TBAA), Borsa Istanbul Private Market and the Undersecretariat of the Treasury, through which global angel investors can be listed on the Private Market. Also, it made state contributions to their investments possible via accredited angel investors.

New entrepreneurs from 12 different countries came together with the presidents of four investor groups and continued their financing search at the Grand Tarabya Hotel. Attending the forum via teleconference, deputy prime minister in charge of the economy, Mehmet Şimşek, suggested investors focus on Turkey-oriented long-term targets and use the available business opportunities. "We will support the system with new regulations" Şimşek added. Starting with the opening speech by TBAA President Baybars Altuntaş, the forum was sponsored by the Borsa Istanbul stock exchange, Turkish Economy Bank (TEB), ITU Teknokent, Çalık Holding and Forbes I Para Conferences.

In addition, Turkish Exporters Assembly (TIM) President Mehmet Büyükekşi said they have started a new joint project with TEB to support entrepreneurs titled "Business Incubators for Entrepreneurs (Girişimevleri in Turkish)." "We will open business incubators in Trabzon, Konya, Mersin, Bursa, Edirne and Ankara this year. We will lead the way with the 'Brand Angels' model." Büyükekşi said.