Scaling Global Success: Enis Hulli on e2vc’s Mission in Emerging Europe

By , in advices from VC Turkey VC on . Tagged width:

Discover how e2vc is transforming Emerging Europe’s startup ecosystem, with insights from Partner Enis Hulli on nurturing global tech founders, scaling internationally, and creating unicorns across biotech, AI, and gaming sectors.

A New Paradigm in Venture Capital

In the competitive venture capital world, Istanbul-based e2vc (formerly 500 Emerging Europe) is rewriting the rulebook. With a laser-focused strategy on globally ambitious startups, the firm is transforming the startup landscape of Emerging Europe.

The Numbers Tell a Compelling Story

Since its establishment in 2016, e2vc has demonstrated remarkable prowess:

  • €10 million Fund I produced three unicorns
  • 28 portfolio companies
  • Over 4,000 employees across portfolio
  • €70 million Fund II launched in 2021

Enis Hulli, Partner at e2vc

Our thesis is about pushing founders to the US. Emerging Europe uniquely mirrors Israel’s model, with 26 countries all aspiring to export technology globally from day one.

Enis Hulli, e2vc Partner
Enis Hulli, e2vc Partner

Beyond Borders: A Global-First Approach

The compact markets of Emerging Europe have bred a unique breed of entrepreneurs. Constrained by local market limitations, these founders think globally from inception. This approach has yielded success across diverse sectors:

  • Biotech
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Gaming
  • Developer Tools

The Resilience Factor

Hulli highlights the “anti-fragility” of regional founders. Competing against well-funded rivals, these entrepreneurs have mastered the art of innovation with limited resources. This resilience has attracted an impressive $3 billion in follow-on funding from industry titans like Sequoia and Andreessen Horowitz.

Investing in Vision, Not Just Sectors

e2vc’s investment philosophy centers on visionary founders, particularly in underserved markets. Their $1 million pre-seed investments are strategic bets on potential, not just current performance.

A Strategic Network

While rooted in Emerging Europe, e2vc’s network spans:

  • San Francisco
  • New York
  • London

This global connectivity provides startups with crucial access to international investors, customers, and professional networks.

Market Dynamics and Opportunity

The current venture capital landscape offers a unique opportunity for Emerging European startups. Historically modest valuations combined with exceptional technical talent create a fertile ground for innovation.

Looking Ahead: The Next Wave of Global Champions

Emerging Europe’s ecosystem is characterized by:

  • Technical excellence
  • Global adaptability
  • Entrepreneurial resilience

e2vc remains committed to its mission: empowering startups to compete and excel on the world stage.

Enis Hulli’s Memorable Insight: “The region’s developers are like seasoned away-game champions—they excel anywhere.”

About e2vc: A venture capital firm dedicated to identifying and nurturing globally ambitious startups from Emerging Europe, with a proven track record of transforming local talent into international success stories.

If you liked this article, you can read another interview with Enis here (his insights into the challenges of breaking into venture capital at a young age), here (how scaling globally).