Intel Capital has opened its office in Turkey, which will be led by Baris Aksoy, Head of Intel Capital, Turkey & Middle East and North Africa regions.
Intel has been investing in the country since 2005 and last year invested in Nokta, Turkey’s third largest digital media company, and Grupanya, a daily deals company.
Marcin Hejka, Managing Director, Intel Capital Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa said: "The appointment of Baris to lead the office illustrates our objective of adding outstanding investors with strong leadership qualities to our regional investment team. We are proud to have Baris on board and look forward to investing in more startups in the region."
Baris Aksoy, head of Intel Capital, Turkey & MENA said: "I relish the opportunity to return to Turkey and lead Intel Capital’s presence. I believe there is tremendous value in having an on-the-ground presence to work closely with local entrepreneurs. The new Intel Capital office in Turkey will provide entrepreneurs in Turkey & MENA region greater access to capital as well as growth resources including our global network and technological expertise. I look forward to building on our already strong local track record to continue enabling sustained technology innovation and help grow successful companies across the region."
Aksoy was focused on global investments in the internet and media sectors before his appointment to the new role. Before joining Intel Capital he was an investor at University Venture Fund and was also an early employee of New York Stock Exchange-listed technology company Calix.
Separately Intel Capital invested $17m in Singapore-based ecommerce company Reebonz and Vietnam Communications Corporation, an internet infrastructure and services business based in Vietnam’s capital Hanoi, on May 31.
Arvind Sodhani, president of Intel Capital and executive vice-president for Intel, said: "Ubiquitous access to high speed broadband along with compelling online destinations for broadband users are critical to help us realize Intel’s vision of creating and extending computing technology to connect and enrich people’s lives. Reebonz and VC Corp are examples of companies that are successful in getting Southeast Asians online because they provide engaging experiences tailored towards the needs and cultural preferences of consumers in the region."
Gregory Bryant, vice-president and general manager, Intel Asia-Pacific, added: "Southeast Asia is one of the world’s fastest-growing markets for high technology, driven by robust economic growth and a rising middle class. As a result, we’re seeing strong demand for e-commerce and cloud-based services across the region and these investments will help to accelerate that trend."