Akbank

Akbank is one of Türkiye’s leading private banks and a major contributor to the country’s financial technology and innovation ecosystem. Headquartered in Istanbul, the bank has developed a comprehensive strategy to collaborate with startups and technology entrepreneurs as part of its digital transformation and open innovation agenda. Through partnerships with startups, technology communities, and venture investors, Akbank supports the development of innovative solutions in areas such as digital banking, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and advanced financial technologies.

A central pillar of Akbank’s startup engagement is Akbank LAB, the bank’s innovation center established to collaborate with entrepreneurs, developers, and technology startups. Through Akbank LAB, the bank runs acceleration programs, hackathons, and pilot projects that allow startups to test their solutions within the bank’s infrastructure and customer network. These programs provide mentorship, product validation opportunities, and direct collaboration with Akbank’s business units, enabling startups to scale their technologies in the financial sector.

Akbank also supports the ecosystem through Akbank Ventures, its corporate venture capital initiative investing in high-growth technology startups in Türkiye and internationally. The bank’s startup-focused initiatives help strengthen Istanbul’s fintech ecosystem by connecting entrepreneurs with corporate partners, investors, and global technology networks, positioning the city as a regional hub for financial innovation.