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Ece Kasap
ANDAR Electromechanical Systems, SDG Impact Accelerator, imece
Professional Background
Ece Kasap is a pioneering force in the entrepreneurship landscape of Turkey, recognized for her exceptional contributions in fostering the growth of startups and innovation in the region. With a rich professional history spanning over a decade, Ece founded the Viveka Incubation Center in 2010, marking a significant milestone as the first private incubation center in Turkey. Her entrepreneurial journey is characterized by a deep commitment to enhancing the success of emerging businesses and harnessing local talent, making her a prominent figure in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
In her capacity as a co-founder of Viveka, Ece has spearheaded the development and management of various incubation and accelerator programs tailored to meet the unique needs of local startups. Her expertise in startup mentoring has enabled early-stage businesses to refine their business models, achieve funding, and validate customer bases effectively. Beyond direct mentorship, she has expanded her impact by training new mentors for the ecosystem through the Mentors Network Turkey, an initiative she co-founded in 2015 to address mentorship gaps.
Ece also excels in creating specialized training programs for incubators, accelerators, universities, and corporate entities, including certification opportunities aimed at equipping stakeholders with essential entrepreneurial skills. Her expertise further extends into startup finance and commercialization, where she has provided invaluable advice on investment strategies, business model generation, and revenue enhancement, helping numerous startups navigate the complexities of launching and sustaining successful businesses.
Ece's project management skills play a crucial role in her ability to organize and manage resources effectively, ensuring that various initiatives are completed within defined scope, quality, time, and budgetary constraints. Her notable leadership positions in various organizations underscore her capability to drive entrepreneurial and technological advancements.
Education and Achievements
Ece Kasap's educational journey began at Yüce Fen Lisesi and continued at İstiklal Makzume Anadolu Lisesi, where she laid the foundation for her academic growth. Ece then pursued her Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration at Bilkent University, where she gained a solid grounding in business fundamentals. This was followed by a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the prestigious Middle East Technical University (Orta Doğu Teknik Üniversitesi), equipping her with advanced knowledge and skills in business strategy and operations.
Her dedication to education is evident in her ongoing role as a trainer and mentor, sharing her extensive knowledge with the next generation of entrepreneurs. Ece's approach goes beyond theoretical instruction, focusing on practical applications that enable her mentees and trainees to thrive in real-world settings.
Notable Positions and Contributions
Ece's extensive experience encompasses various leadership and advisory roles across several organizations:
- As the CEO Office Coordinator at ANDAR Electromechanical Systems, she provided vital support to the executive team, overseeing daily operations and facilitating strategic initiatives.
- Her previous role as Program Advisor at imece allowed her to engage with innovative projects that furthered social impact and entrepreneurial development.
- Ece served as a Co-Lead at the SDG Impact Accelerator, where she guided start-ups in implementing solutions aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
- Through her work as Executive In Residence at Enekom Energy Computing and Engineering, Ece played a significant role in fostering the advancement of technology in the energy sector.
- As Director of Entrepreneurship & Business Development at ODTÜ TEKNOKENT YÖNETİM A.Ş., she oversaw entrepreneurship initiatives that enabled startups to cultivate their ideas and secure funding for growth.
- Ece has also contributed her expertise to the World SME Forum as an Advisor on Technology & Entrepreneurship Projects, reinforcing her commitment to small and medium-sized enterprises.
- Prior to founding Viveka, Ece held pivotal roles such as Business Development Manager at GDY Piksel - Pixofun and Key Current Account & Business Development Manager at Karakaya Systems Ltd., where she cultivated client relationships and drove business expansion.
- Her early career included project management at the Institute of Nautical Archaeology, where she honed her organizational skills.
Ece Kasap continues to be an influential advocate for entrepreneurs, helping to shape the future of the startup landscape in Turkey and beyond.
