The Lonca Entrepreneurship Center, established by Kuveyt Türk to provide strategic support for technology focused startups, has successfully concluded its 11th Cohort acceleration program. The graduating startups came together with investors and members of the entrepreneurship ecosystem at the Demo Day event held on 9 April. The event featured startups developing solutions in a wide range of fields, including financial technologies, generative artificial intelligence, enterprise SaaS, ecommerce infrastructure, and insurance technologies. During the 11th Cohort, 12 startups operating in fintech, artificial intelligence, SaaS, sustainability technologies, generative artificial intelligence, data solutions, and sector specific digitalization successfully completed an intensive acceleration program lasting approximately six months. During Demo Day, the startups presented their products, growth strategies, and investment visions to industry professionals.
"One of the Most Strategic Investments in Our Country's Future"
Commenting on the event, Dr. Okan Acar, Executive Vice President responsible for Technology and Digital Banking at Kuveyt Türk, said: "In the 11th Cohort of Lonca, we achieved a remarkable diversity of startups, ranging from fintech and artificial intelligence to accessibility technologies. The startups that took the stage at Demo Day are not only developing innovative products but are also delivering solutions to the business world's real needs for efficiency and transformation. The fact that Kuveyt Türk has already initiated collaborations with six of the twelve startups graduating from this cohort clearly demonstrates the program's ability to create tangible value. To date, more than 35 startups that have graduated from the Lonca Entrepreneurship Center have collectively secured nearly USD 20 million in investment. As Kuveyt Türk, we regard the entrepreneurship ecosystem as one of the most strategic investments in our country's future, and we take great pride in supporting these startups throughout their investment and business partnership journeys."
From Demo Day to London Tech Week
At the heart of Lonca's new strategic vision is helping startups achieve lasting success in global markets. In line with this objective, the Lonca Global Program has introduced a new scaling model that takes graduating startups to the world's leading technology and investment events.
As part of this initiative, Lonca has completed the application process for London Tech Week, which will be held in London from 8 to 12 June 2026, and has begun preparations with the selected startups. At one of the world's most prestigious technology events, five Lonca startups will have the opportunity to meet global investors and corporate partners. As part of the program, participating startups will receive complimentary exhibition space, international mentoring, networking opportunities with investors, business development support, as well as various travel and accommodation incentives. Through these initiatives, Lonca positions itself not only as a platform that prepares startups for Demo Day but also as a growth partner that helps them succeed on the global technology stage.
Next Stop: Slush 2026
The second major milestone on Lonca's global agenda will be Slush 2026, one of Europe's leading entrepreneurship events. Preparations are already underway for the event, which will take place in Helsinki on 18 and 19 November 2026. Lonca aims to bring its high potential graduate startups to one of Europe's most influential investor focused platforms.
As part of Slush 2026, five startups are expected to meet global investors and leading technology companies. In this way, Lonca continues to evolve into a comprehensive platform that supports startups not only in growing within the domestic market but also in scaling successfully in international markets.
Applications Open for the 12th Cohort
Since 2017, Lonca has supported the growth journeys of 110 startups across 11 cohorts and has provided more than USD 500,000 in grant funding.
Rather than offering a standard curriculum for every startup, Lonca provides a flexible development environment tailored to the specific needs of each participant. This enables startups to receive one to one support based on their stage of development and business priorities. Throughout the program, participants receive consulting, training, and technical support designed to strengthen their business models and establish a solid foundation for sustainable growth.
Collaboration opportunities with Kuveyt Türk and its subsidiaries enable startups to test their products in real business environments and accelerate their commercial growth. Startups admitted to the program are also evaluated for proof of concept projects and potential business partnerships, allowing them to validate their solutions in real world use cases.
Applications for the 12th Cohort of the Lonca Entrepreneurship Center are open to technology startups with a market ready product, active sales, and clear growth ambitions. Applications can be submitted through www.loncagirisim.com
About Kuveyt Türk
Kuveyt Türk was established in 1989. Bringing its distinguished financial products and services together efficiently with savers and investors, Kuveyt Türk continues to maintain its leading position in the participation finance sector through its customer-centric approach, technology and innovation initiatives, and the steps it has taken toward digital transformation. As the first participation finance institution to introduce gold banking, Kuveyt Türk also executed the first sustainable sukuk issuance in both Türkiye and the world. Having been named Türkiye’s Best Employer for six consecutive years, Kuveyt Türk was also ranked Europe’s Best Employer in 2021. Today, Kuveyt Türk serves its customers through 451 branches across Türkiye and its digital channels. Under the umbrella of the Kuveyt Türk Financial Group, headquartered around Kuveyt Türk, are Neova Katılım Sigorta, Architecht, Kuveyt Türk Portföy, Kuveyt Türk Yatırım, Körfez GYO, Katılım Emeklilik, Sağlam Ödeme ve Elektronik Para Hizmetleri, KT Sağlam Gayrimenkul, and KT Bank AG in Germany. In addition to its operational activities, Kuveyt Türk has undertaken significant corporate social responsibility projects by embracing social values and preserving cultural heritage. In line with its philosophy of “Growing with Our Values,” the bank has carried out numerous restoration projects, supported humanitarian aid campaigns, and produced lasting works such as books and documentaries.