Istanbul-based e2vc has separated from the 500 Global structure as a completely independent entity with a new identity.
The company, which was founded in 2016 under the name of 500 Istanbul as part of 500 Global, then changed its name to 500 Emerging Europe in 2021 with the second fund of 70 million euros, presenting a new vision specific to Europe and our region, this time renewing its identity and calling it e2vc. branded with
Although operating independently from day one, the 500 Global affiliate has become a fully independent entity under the name e2vc.
Continuing the vision of Emerging Europe with its new identity and prioritizing the growth of startups in the region in the global arena, the VC created a portfolio of 28 active companies with its first fund established in 2016. Of these 28 companies, three are currently in unicorn status. The second fund, built on the first fund and worth 70 million euros, was announced in 2021. Currently, all active investments of the company are made through this second fund.
The investment strategy of Istanbul-based e2vc is mainly based on investing $1 million in early-stage (idea and seed stage) projects. These investments, made at a time when startups need resources the most, differentiate e2vc from 500 Global, which focuses mainly on accelerator programs.
Enis Hulli, one of the founding partners of e2vc, who made a statement about the region's potential, said:
Emerging Europe is a unique region that produces global players instead of local successes."
Another founding partner, Arın Özkula, added:
"At e2vc, our mission is to take these extraordinary entrepreneurs global and show that their worldwide success stories are not limited to one geography."