212 Updates #143 | Jun 2nd
Super Ventures | Breaks
I’m in Berlin this week, attending SuperVenture for the next three days. It’s my second time at the event after quite a while, and I’ll share my observations and thoughts in the following email. What I already know is that SuperVenture is becoming a major gathering, with many U.S. VCs flying in to raise capital from European and international LPs.
Having spent most of my career at global companies, I’ve always had to be mindful of different countries’ holiday calendars when planning work. But in the startup and VC world, it often feels like there’s no off switch. It is just constant movement and shifting momentum. This week and next are expected to be quiet in the MENA region, including Turkey, due to the Eid holidays. Yet in other parts of the world, things are still moving at full speed. For startups, there’s rarely such a thing as a full break; when one region slows down, another picks up.
Of course, operating non-stop eventually takes its toll. For me, taking short breaks or spending time with friends is key to recharging and staying focused. For others, it might be sports, hobbies, or travel. Whatever it is, finding those small resets is essential.
This week is a short one due to Eid. I’ll pause the weekly email and be back with an update on June 16.
Meet the Team
Say hello to Sercan Zulfikar from the Finance Team. Sercan joined 212 in November 2019.
Q&A Spotlight:
If you could bring one guest to the 212 annual party, living or dead, who would it be and why?
I would bring J.R.R. Tolkien — not only because I'm a huge fan of his work, but also because I'd love to hear his thoughts on how stories can inspire leadership, resilience, and collaboration — values that are essential in both fantasy worlds and the startup ecosystem.
What’s one technology or trend you think is dramatically underrated right now?
Privacy-enhancing technologies like homomorphic encryption and zero-knowledge proofs. As concerns around data privacy grow, I believe these technologies will play a key role in helping companies use data responsibly without compromising user trust — even if they don't get much spotlight right now.
Alternatively, Real-time accounting platforms — Automating financial reporting and audit processes could massively improve efficiency for both startups and investors, but adoption is still quite slow in the VC ecosystem.
Sercan's Picks:
If you could describe your job at 212 with a movie title, what would it be and why?
"Click" — because back-office work can sometimes feel repetitive, making us wish we could fast-forward through certain moments. But in the end, time flies without us even realizing it — a reminder to be present and appreciate the journey.
What’s your favorite office tradition at 212, and Why?
My favorite office tradition is the open communication culture — being able to speak my mind freely, even with GPs, without hesitation. It makes me feel truly heard and valued as part of the team. Of course, that doesn’t always mean they'll act on my brilliant suggestions, but at least they listen!Last Week
Investment teams interacted with 82 companies.
Selma, Zeynep, and I attended Inveo Ventures Bridgevent.
Ozge was a guest on the Global Kafalar Podcast.
This Week and Next
I will attend Super Ventures in Berlin from Monday, June 2nd to Wednesday, June 4th.
We have a short week, which is Eid al-Adha. Our office will be closed, and there are no events scheduled this week.
Some News
Mary Meeker is back: “The pace and scope of change related to the artificial intelligence technology evolution is indeed unprecedented, as supported by the data.” Read more…
Humain planning $10B VC fund to invest in US, European, and Asian startups. Read more…