On July 8, 2025, a protocol was signed between EGİAD Angels Network and the Aegean Exporters’ Association (EİB) Young Exporters Council to jointly carry out initiatives aimed at promoting the concept of angel investing, raising awareness among potential investors, and strengthening entrepreneurship through exports. The protocol also aims to support exporters in developing innovative business models and gaining a competitive edge in global markets through early-stage investments.
At the signing ceremony, Arda Yılmaz, Chair of the Executive Board of EGİAD Angels, stated:
“Entrepreneurship and exports are two complementary and strategic pillars of our country’s economic development. With this protocol, we aim to connect our exporters with the world of angel investing and innovative entrepreneurship—not just supporting them in production and exports, but also in building an investment vision. As EGİAD Angels, we consider this collaboration highly valuable in our mission to spread an investment culture and help creative business ideas evolve into sustainable success stories.”
Zandar: “We support this project with 8,000 exporters”
Recalling the “Trade Bridge Protocol” signed between EİB and EGİAD in March, Erkan Zandar—Chairman of the Aegean Leather and Leather Products Exporters’ Association and Chair of the EİB Young Exporters Council—emphasized that this new agreement represents the second link in their cooperation chain.
“I'm here not only on behalf of the EİB Young Exporters Council but representing 8,000 exporters,” Zandar noted. “We will serve as a bridge between EGİAD and EGİAD Angel Investors Network’s projects and our 8,000 exporters. EİB GİK has experience working with TİM-TEB Girişim Evi and has been a jury member in startup and angel investor programs. We are supporting this project with the collective strength of our 8,000 exporters and aim to bring this experience to our entrepreneurs.”
Highlighting that Türkiye's annual exports have reached $267 billion, Zandar added:
“Our average export price is around $1.55 per unit. We believe we can increase this to $3 through partnerships like these. At EİB, we emphasize good governance and believe in supporting the youth. Within the Young Exporters Council, we organize annual training programs under the Leadership Academy. We’ve reached 160 members in EİB GİK and have become a role model among TİM and Exporters’ Associations in Türkiye. We are the largest young exporters organization in the country and are working to ensure our members take on more active roles in EİB’s executive boards in the future.”
Planned collaboration areas under the protocol include:
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Exclusive EGİAD Angels Network membership opportunities for exporters
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Education and awareness programs on angel investing, venture capital, and investment readiness
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Sector-specific mentorship support for entrepreneurs and investors
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Joint events, panels, and investor meetings
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Innovation-focused thematic pitch days and demo days
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Consulting services to enhance the export potential of startups
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Joint communication campaigns and promotion of success stories
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Policy recommendations and ecosystem development initiatives
Through this collaboration, EGİAD Angels and the EİB Young Exporters Council aim to foster a sustainable, export-oriented, and investment-backed entrepreneurial ecosystem.
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