Two weeks just flew by.
First things first: I’m excited to share that Kivanc Aydin has become a Partner on the 212 Regional Fund investment team. Kivanc joined us to build our operations in the USA and support our portfolio companies there. If you are following us on LinkedIn, you may have already seen the announcement. And if you’re not following us yet, I highly recommend it.
Like any other startup or business, 212 is driven forward by its team. Every single member of our core and extended team plays a critical role in helping us grow stronger and move to the next level. I feel incredibly fortunate to work with such exceptional people. Building a strong team isn’t just about capabilities — it’s about trust, alignment, and showing up every day with a shared purpose. The right team can turn challenges into momentum and ideas into lasting impact. In the coming weeks, we’ll be welcoming more new faces. Stay tuned.
Meet the Team
Say hello to Tanzila Sharifli from the Outreach & Marketing Team. Tanzila joined 212 in September 2023.
Q&A Spotlight:
If you could bring one guest to the 212 annual party, living or dead, who would it be and why?
I’ve always been amazed by how Hans Zimmer’s music resonates with everyone, allowing each listener to interpret the same sound through their own emotions, making it both personal and universal. Maybe he’d even compose something special just for our next dragon. 😊
What’s one technology or trend you think is dramatically underrated right now?
One technology I think is underrated right now is blockchain in disaster relief. By removing intermediaries like banks, blockchain allows aid to be sent directly to those in need, even without a bank account. It also enables smart contracts to automate processes, ensuring faster aid delivery, which can make a huge impact during emergencies.
Tanzila's Picks:
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received, and how has it helped you at 212?
One of the best pieces of advice I received was this: “You often look for a straight path, thinking it will keep you from making mistakes. But life doesn’t work that way. It’s more like a tree with branches that twist and turn or a broken path that leads you somewhere unexpected. And that’s the beauty of it."
As someone who once believed there was only one right path, his words helped me let go of that pressure and start accepting the grey because that’s often where the most meaningful parts of the journey begin.
What’s your favorite office tradition at 212, and Why?
One of my favorite things at 212, though not officially a tradition yet, is when we play question cards. It’s becoming something special because it lets us connect on a personal level, beyond our work personas, and get a glimpse into each other’s unique personalities. It’s a simple but meaningful way to bond.Last Week
Investment teams interacted with 52 companies.
I attended Super Ventures in Berlin.
Ali presented at London Tech Week in London
Selma attended Vivatech in Paris
This Week and Next
I will join Trio Mobil board meeting on Wednesday, June 18th.
Selma will attend TRAI Startup Day on Wednesday, June 18th.
Ozge and Zeynep will attend Baku ID on Thursday, June 19th, and Friday, June 20th.
Ali and Idil will attend Tech Tour Investor Summit 2025 in Athens on June 19th and 20th.
I will attend SOCRadar Annual Summit this weekend.
Some News
Gloves are finally off: Disney and Universal have filed suit against Midjourney for copyright infringement. Read more…
Meta is buying 49% of the data labeling firm Scale AI for approximately $15 billion in an effort to launch a new AI lab aimed at chasing "superintelligence." Read more…