In Turkey, the gaming industry has been flourishing, leading to the emergence of specialized venture capital firms like Laton Ventures. This new gaming-focused VC, led by Görkem Türk, has secured a $35 million fund with a focus on supporting startups in the pre-seed and seed stages and connecting the Turkish gaming ecosystem with the global market. The fund is based in the Netherlands.
Turkey, known for its growing mobile games market, boasts over 740 gaming startups, fueled by a tech-savvy young population. More than 48% of the 86 million citizens in Turkey are under 30, with over 92% of internet users actively engaging in gaming, surpassing the global average of 82%.
Between 2018 and 2022, Turkish gaming startups have raised over $1 billion in funding, showcasing the sector’s robust growth.
While the competition in the gaming investment space is strong, with around 25 VC funds supporting video game startups in Turkey, Laton stands out by offering operational advisory services to its portfolio companies. As noted by Türk, a former leader at Google with expertise in gaming and startups, Laton aims to bridge the local and international gaming ecosystems while providing strategic support in user acquisition, game design, and development.
Laton has already made investments in five companies in the past six months, spanning Turkey, Europe, and the U.S., leveraging its network of experienced industry advisers for guidance and mentorship.
Key LPs backing Laton Ventures include prominent figures from the gaming industry such as Mehmet Ecevit, Mert Gür, Mert Can Kurum, Fırat İleri, Nevzat Aydın, and Eric Kress, contributing to the fund’s expertise and industry connections.
